Daily Archives: Dec 10, 2025

The Journal of Blacks in Higher Education regularly publishes a list of new books that may be of interest to our readers. The books included are on a wide variety of subjects and present many different points of view.

To comply with the Trump Administration's demands to end DEI-related programs in higher education, the University of Alabama has eliminated Nineteen Fifty-Six, a student-run magazine covering Black student life and culture. The university has also suspended Alice Magazine, another student-run publication regarding fashion and wellness with an emphasis on women.

“By combining Spelman’s legacy of academic excellence with GFA’s industry expertise, we’re helping prepare the next generation of Black women storytellers, creators, and leaders to make their mark on the entertainment industry,” said Mark Lee, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs at Spelman College.

In the 2023-24 academic year, there were 112,552 scholars from foreign nations teaching at colleges and universities in the United States. This was a 10 percent increase from the previous year.

“I am inspired by the [MGH Institute for Health Professions'] mission to educate health professionals and researchers who will drive innovation in the delivery of equitable and interprofessional care,” said Dr. Jones. “This mission aligns deeply with my own purpose, which is to bring together people, ideas, and systems for the greater good, because the greater good is stronger than any individual part.

Overall, 61.1 percent of college students who began their postsecondary education in fall 2019 graduated within six years. However, for Black students, just 44.0 percent completed their degree by 2025 - the lowest completion rate among all major racial groups.

Dr. Allen-Handy, professor of urban education at Drexel University, is slated to become dean of Hofstra University's School of Education on January 1. She is a leading scholar on the social foundations and social contexts of education.

According to a new survey from Pew Research Center, some 95 percent of all Black adults - regardless of their religious affiliation - believe in a God or universal spirit, with nearly three-quarters believing so with absolute certainty. In contrast, just over half of Hispanic and White adults and a third of Asian adults express the same conviction.

Roscoe Jones, Jr., the first Black dean of the Drake University Law School, has been tapped to serve as co-chair of the national board of the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. He has also been appointed to the Association of American Law Schools Deans Steering Committee.

“If anyone ever doubts the difference one person can make, look no further than MacKenzie Scott and how her generosity will resonate across generations,” says Dr. Monique Guillory, President of Dillard University, which received a $19 million gift from Scott. Xavier University of Louisiana received a $38 million donation.

Among many other accomplishments, Dr. Wyatt is known for being the first person of color to become a licensed psychologist in the state of California, the first Black woman to be named full professor at UCLA's medical school, and the first person of color to receive training as a sexologist.

In partnership with Project Kitty Hawk, a nonprofit affiliate of the University of North Carolina System, North Carolina A&T State University has developed two online bachelor's degree programs designed for adult learners. Students in these programs participate in eight week “mini-mesters,” providing them with an accelerated pathway to a college degree.

The appointments are Christine Lovely at the University of California, Los Angeles, Reginald Ruffin at Tuskegee University in Alabama, Keith Hayes at Virginia Tech, and Laquetta Jones Bigelow at North Carolina A&T State University.

The newly launched FAMU Change app connects users directly with the Florida A&M University Foundation by rounding up everyday purchases to the nearest dollar and donating the spare change to FAMU initiatives.

Dr. Moore is a professor and founding chair of the department of rehabilitation and disability studies at Langston University in Oklahoma. He was recently honored by the National Rehabilitation Association for his research contributions that have improved services to people with disabilities.

Each week, JBHE will provide links to online articles that may be of interest to our readers. Here are this week’s selections.

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

The Journal of Blacks in Higher Education regularly publishes a list of new books that may be of interest to our readers. The books included are on a wide variety of subjects and present many different points of view.

“The office will help ensure that Rutgers remains an institution that unequivocally rejects discrimination in all its forms and provides those who experience misconduct with meaningful support and clear pathways to resolution,” says President William F. Tate IV.

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.