Tagged: Virginia State University

Virginia State University Launches New Graduate Program in Special Education Leadership

“As schools work to meet the diverse needs of students with disabilities, strong leadership is more important than ever,” said Willis Walter, dean of the College of Education. “Through this program, Virginia State University is preparing the next generation of special education leaders who will strengthen schools, support educators, and improve educational outcomes for students and their families.”

In Memoriam: Robert Mason, 1960-2026

Mason was a graduate of two historically Black universities: Virginia State University and Clark Atlanta University. He is known for founding the Common Black College Application, a online platform that enables students to apply to 67 HBCUs for only $20.

Virginia State University Report Examines the Economic State of Black American Men and Boys

A new report from Virginia State University's Wes Bellamy analyzes the current economic conditions facing Black men and boys in the United States, including insights regarding K-12 education, postsecondary education, employment, income, and wealth disparities.

Three Black Scholars Selected to Lead Education Schools at Universities

Tomiko Brown-Nagin is dean of the Stanford Graduate School of Education, Gerrelyn Patterson is dean of the College of Education at Virginia State University, and Julie A. Washington is dean of the School of Education at the University of California, Irvine.

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.

New Roles for Three Black Scholars in Higher Education

Andre E. Johnson was named director of graduate studies in the department of communication and film at the University of Memphis. Taylor Whitehead of Virginia State University was elected president of the HBCU Band & Orchestra Directors' Consortium and Paul Joseph López Oro was promoted to associate professor of Africana studies at Bryn Mawr College in Pennsylvania.

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.

Fifteen HBCUs Launch New Initiative to Advance Research Capacity

Fifteen historically Black colleges and universities have formed the Association of HBCU Research Institutions. The coalition aims to expand research capacity at HBCUs and increase the number of HBCUs achieving R1 Carnegie Classification.

Marika Peterson Named Dean of Libraries at Virginia State University

Peterson, a two-time graduate of Virginia State University, returns to her alma mater after nearly two decades with Southside Virginia Community College, where she most recently served as the college-wide librarian.

Five HBCUs to Participate in New Initiative to Advance Workforce Outcomes for Students

Bowie State University, Claflin University, Norfolk State University, North Carolina A&T State University, and Virginia State University are participating in a new initiative from the Lumina Foundation to enhance student workforce outcomes and strengthen the value of the HBCUs' bachelor's degree programs.

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.

Petition Calls for the Reinstatement of Six Fired Faculty Members at Virginia State University

In December, six faculty members - all tenured or tenure-track - were informed their research projects at the Virginia State University Agricultural Research Station were being sunset and their employment was ending immediately. Now, the professors, with support from the American Association of University Professors, are calling for their reinstatement.

Crystal Burns Is the Inaugural Executive Director of the Tri County HBCU Alliance

The Tri County HBCU Alliance serves students, families, and alumni of historically Black colleges and universities in Chester, Lancester, and York Counties of South Carolina. An alumna and former member of the board of visitors at Virginia State University, Crystal Burns is the alliance's inaugural strategic leader.

Legislators Seek to Restore Hampton University’s Land-Grant Status

Hampton University was stripped of its land-grant status in 1920, after federal lawmakers claimed only one HBCU per state could have such status. Now, a new bill from Virginia state lawmakers seeks to restore Hampton as a land-grant institution.

Virginia State University Extends Contract for President Makola Abdullah

“I am deeply honored to continue serving this great institution and its incredible students,” said Dr. Abdullah. “Virginia State University’s mission is powerful — to transform lives and communities through education, opportunity, and excellence.”

Southern Company Foundation to Fund Endowed Professorships in Sustainability at Four HBCUs

Hampton University, Morehouse College, Tennessee State University, and Virginia State University have each received $500,000 matching grants from the Southern Company Foundation to establish endowed professorships in sustainability-related fields. The grants are the latest additions to the foundation's ongoing pledge to invest $50 million to HBCUs in the utility company's service area.

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.

Another Four HBCUs Receive Historic Donations From MacKenzie Scott

Howard University, Virginia State University, Clark Atlanta University, and Spelman College are the latest HBCUs to receive major gifts from billionaire philanthropist MacKenzie Scott. In just the past month, she has made record-breaking donations to eight HBCUs and the UNCF, building on the hundreds of millions of dollars in funding she bestowed to HBCUs in 2020.

In Memoriam: Leon Edwin Bailey, 1936-2025

An undergraduate alumnus of historically Black Hampton University, Dr. Bailey taught theatre and served as associate provost and vice president for academic affairs at the University of Connecticut.

Lora Bailey Appointed Provost of the University of the Virgin Islands

With over 25 years of experience, Dr. Bailey most recently served as director for research development at historically Black Virginia State University. A scholar of early childhood education, she has held academic and leadership roles with numerous universities across the United States.

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