Tagged: University of Michigan

In Memoriam: Linda D. Scott

Dr. Scott was the first Black woman dean of the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Nursing. Originally set to retire in June 2026, she moved up her retirement date for health reasons, ultimately passing less than a week after stepping down from her role.

Southern University President Dismissed After Two Years of Service

Dennis Shields, president of the Southern University System and chancellor of Southern University and A&M College, has been dismissed from his post. He will join the HBCU's law school faculty after a sabbatical.

In Memoriam: Willis Charles Patterson, 1930-2025

For more than three decades, Dr. Patterson taught voice at the University of Michigan, where he was the first African American professor of music. Earlier in his career, he taught voice at two HBCUs: Southern University and Virginia State University.

Black Families Are Disproportionately Denied From Victim Compensation Claims

In 1984, the Victims of Crime Act established victim compensation programs to support victims and families of violent crime. Although Black families are more likely to file victim compensation claims, they are less likely to have their claims approved than White families.

In Memoriam: Harold Johnson, 1926-2025

Johnson was the first African American to be appointed to a deanship at the University of Michigan. He led the university's School of Social Work for 12 years.

In Memoriam: Paulette C. Walker, 1948-2025

Following a career as a K-12 teacher and counselor, Dr. Walker spent 21 years on the faculty at the University of South Florida's College of Education. Her scholarship centered on improving administration and supervision in urban public schools.

In Memoriam: James Abbington, 1960-2025

A leading scholar of church sacred music, Dr. Abbington was slated to join Duke Divinity School this fall as the inaugural Joseph B. Bethea Professor of the Practice of Sacred Music and Black Church Studies.

Brown University’s Katherine Tate Honored for Distinguished Career in Racial Politics Research

Katherine Tate, professor of political science at Brown University, is a leading scholar on African American politics, race and gender in political science, American public opinion, government, and urban politics.

Higher Education Gifts or Grants of Interest to African Americans

Here is this week’s news of grants or gifts to historically Black colleges and universities or for programs of particular interest to African Americans in higher education.

University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Nursing Dean Announces Retirement

“When I accepted my appointment, I recognized the UW–Madison School of Nursing as an innovative environment where significant impact on health could be made,” said Dr. Scott, who will conclude her 10-year tenure as dean in June 2026.

Alford Young to Lead the American Sociological Association

Alford Young, an endowed professor at the University of Michigan, is set to begin a one-year term as president-elect of the American Sociological Association in September, followed by a term as president in 2026. As a scholar, he explores the social experiences of African Americans - both within and outside of academia.

In Memoriam: Frank Benjamin Wilderson, Jr., 1931-2025

Dr. Wilderson was the first Black professor hired into a tenure-track position at the University of Minnesota. An educational psychologist, he played a key role in the development of the university's African American studies program.

Jason Geary Is the New Provost of Rutgers University

“I’m honored to lead ongoing efforts to reach new heights of research and student success in New Brunswick,” said Dr. Geary. “I’ve spent my career building connections to maximize impact on campus and in the community, and I’m eager to continue this work as provost in service to all faculty, staff and students.”

Framing Contemporary Social Inequities as “Civil Rights” Issues Decreases Public Suport

When modern social justice issues are framed as attacks on civil rights, Americans of all backgrounds are less likely to support government action. The authors theorize this language evokes memories of the civil rights movement, prompting unfavorable comparisons that may undermine the severity of contemporary problems.

In Memoriam: Kathy Dunn Jackson, 1940-2025

For more than three decades, Dr. Jackson taught English at Alabama State University. During her long tenure, she served as director of the interdisciplinary honors program and chair of the department of humanities.

F. DuBois Bowman Named President of Morehouse College in Atlanta

"Returning to Morehouse as its thirteenth president is the honor of a lifetime," said Dr. Bowman. "This institution shaped who I am — instilling a commitment to excellence, justice, and impact. I am excited to partner with faculty, staff, students, alumni, and supporters to build on our legacy and write the next chapter of Morehouse's transformative story."

Michigan Study Highlights the Importance of Social Support Networks for Unmarried African Americans

Dr. Robert Taylor, professor of social work at the University of Michigan, has recently published a study regarding the patterns of friendships and support networks for African Americans. Unmarried Black adults are more likely to have stronger friend networks than those who are married.

Study Finds Some Viewers Dismiss Brilliant Black Characters on TV or in Films as Unrealistic

People who hold strong racial biases against Black men and women's intelligence are more likely to dismiss a genius Black TV or movie character as unrealistic, even when the character is based on a real-life individual.

Three Black Scholars With Academic Ties Receive Whiting Writers’ Awards

Since 1985, the Whiting Foundation has supported creative writing through the Whiting Writers’ Awards. Three of this year's winners are Black scholars with current academic affiliations at American institutions of higher education.

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