Tagged: University of Michigan

Study Finds Older Black Adults Spend Fewer Years Married and More Time Living Alone

“These disparities are important because later-life living situations shape people’s social and financial security, and policies intended to support older Americans are often structured around traditional assumptions about marriage that most closely fit the experiences of White Americans,” said senior author Emma Zang of Yale University.

Seven Black Scholars Elected to the National Academy of Education

The National Academy of Education has elected 19 distinguished education scholars and leaders to its membership. Of the 19 new members of the National Academy of Education, it appears that seven are African Americans.

In Memoriam: Gerald Deas, 1931-2026

Dr. Deas earned his medical degree from the State University of New York Downstate Health Sciences University, where he was one of three African Americans in his graduating class. He later spent several decades teaching preventative medicine at the university.

In Memoriam: Stella Lucile Pecot Robinson, 1922-2025

Throughout her lifetime, Dr. Robinson taught at eight nursing schools across five states, including two HBCUs: Alcorn State University in Mississippi and Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science in California.

Airea Matthews Named Provost of Bryn Mawr College in Pennsylvania

Professor Matthews has taught creative writing and poetry at Bryn Mawr College since 2017. As a poet and educator, she centers her work on the intersections of language, economics, race, and social policy.

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.
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Rico Munn Named Chancellor of the Colorado State University System

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"The institutions of the CSU System have an extraordinary legacy of serving Colorado — a legacy I am honored and excited to help carry forward," said Rico Munn, who will begin his role as system chancellor in 2027.

Michele Murray Appointed President of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities

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The Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities is a national organization that supports Jesuit higher education institutions in the United States, Belize, and Canada. Dr. Murray, who currently serves as senior vice president for student development and mission at the College of the Holy Cross, is slated to become the association's next president on June 2.

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