Center for the Study of HBCUs

The Center congratulates ALL members of the graduating ! Indeed, "here they come...."

‘The best HBCU commencement address ever’? Clark Atlanta University associate professor, Daniel Black, delivered a 2024 graduation speech that has gone viral nationally and internationally — receiving tens of thousands more views than President Joe Biden's speech on YouTube.

***BLAC Summit 2024 Update***

We're excited to announce the full cast of speakers and presenters at our upcoming "Black Leadership Across Campuses" (BLAC) Virtual Summit 2024.

Registration is FREE and open to the public--REGISTER at https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_RRAGxDPRRwmQDdLKmsRZuQ

You don’t want to miss this event!

Our dynamic line-up of speakers includes:

Dietra Trent, White House HBCU Initiative (Morning Keynote)
Herman J. Felton Jr, President, Wiley University (Afternoon Keynote)
Elford Anthony Elford, Former President, Wilberforce University
Makola Abdullah, Ph.D., President, Virginia State University
M. Christopher Brown, Former President Alcorn State University and Kentucky State University; Thurgood Marshall College Fund
David Swinton, President Emeritus, Benedict College
Melva K. Wallace, President, Huston-Tillotson University
Trudie Kibbe Reed, 5th President of Bethune-Cookman University
Beverly Hogan, 13th President of Tougaloo College
Everett B. Ward, 11th President of St Augustine's University; 35th General President, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity
Larry Earvin, Chief of Staff, SACSCOC and President Emeritus, Huston-Tillotson University
Paulette Dillard, President, Shaw University
Roderick Smothers, 14th President of Philander Smith University and now Executive Director, Center for the Study of HBCUs
Terrell Strayhorn, PhD, Professor and Director of Research, Center for the Study of HBCUs
Pavani Reddy, EAB

Other speakers will include: Dr. Hakim J. Lucas, 13th President of Virginia Union University; Anthony B. Pinn, Distinguished Professor and Director, Rice University; and Jimmy Jenkins, Former President of Livingstone College

🌟 Exciting Announcement! 🌟

We're excited to host the Black Leadership Across Campuses (BLAC) Virtual Summit, proudly sponsored by the Center for the Study of HBCUs at Virginia Union University!

🗓️ Save the Date: March 28th | ⏰ Time: 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM ET

This groundbreaking summit will be convened by the esteemed Dr. Jimmy Jenkins and Dr. Everett Ward, Senior Fellows in the Center, who have partnered with our team to bring together thought leaders, educators, scholars, and students from across the nation.

It's more than a summit—it's a movement towards fostering leadership, excellence, and unity in our communities.

🔹 Engage with Visionary Leaders 🔹 Network with Peers from Across the Country 🔹 Empower Your Leadership Journey

Whether you're a student, educator, scholar, policymaker, community leader, or professional passionate about the advancement and success of Black leadership in academia, , and beyond, this Summit is for you.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to be part of the change.

📌 Register now FREE and secure your virtual seat! https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_RRAGxDPRRwmQDdLKmsRZuQ

Let's make history together. See you there!

cc: Rice University Center for Engaged Research and Collaborative Learning (CERCL)

"We build sense of belonging when we acknowledge differences, celebrate diversity, honor lived experiences, and promise to live, love, and lead equitably across things that divide us to create cultures of community, connectedness, and care." -TL Strayhorn, Rice University Summit

BREAKING: The Center proudly launches 🚀 its eNewsletter, .

Help us by sharing, tagging, and (re)posting.

Check it out: https://mailchi.mp/84e4adf7c029/hbcu-thrive-enewsletter-vol-1-issue-1?e=a72a16d70d

cc: Virginia Union University Virginia Union University National Alumni Association The HBCU Champion HBCU's United

SAVE-the-DATE: 02/23/23 at 1:00pm ET | We are proud to partner with the Black Men's Research Institute (BMRI) at Morehouse College to sponsor a "live" virtual panel titled, "Fostering the Success of Black Men at HBCUs in a New Normal." | REGISTER for free: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_mQ3kq1UbRgCJgYDwfvks-Q
Confirmed distinguished speakers include Drs. Robert Terry Palmer (Howard University), Krystal L. Williams (University of Georgia), Jelani Flowers (North Carolina A&T State University), among others. | cc: Walter M. Kimbrough and Terrell Lamont Strayhorn

Chick-fil-A has pledged $500K to Morris Brown College for a development program, preparing students for careers in and organizational leadership. See the article below for more details!

https://www.wnct.com/news/national/chick-fil-a-pledges-500k-to-hbcus-leadership-program/ | by: WCNT

Chick-fil-A pledges $500K to HBCU’s leadership program ATLANTA (AP) — Chick-fil-A is set to gift $500,000 to a leadership development program at a historically Black college in Atlanta, the school announced Monday. The program at Morris Brown College w…

The Center for the Study of HBCUs congratulates Spelman College and their students that recently competed in the Goldman Sachs Market Madness competition, in which the students won a $1 million grant for the institution!

https://theblackwallsttimes.com/2021/04/29/spelman-students-win-1-million-in-goldman-sachs-competition-for-hbcus/ | by: The Black Wall Street Times

Spelman students win $1 million in Goldman Sachs competition for HBCUs "The students who represented Spelman in the Goldman Sachs Market Madness competition demonstrated mastery of their concept, preparedness, tenacity and creativity," said Mary Schmidt Campbell, Ph.D., president of Spelman.

Yesterday, President Joe Biden unveiled his American Families Plan, which will make a historic impact on HBCUs, MSIs, and minorities in general. See below for more details on how this initiative can open new doors for those presiding in underrepresented communities! #
https://uncf.org/news/president-proposes-historic-investment-in-american-families-includes-the-hbcu-family | by: UNCF

President Proposes Historic Investment in American Families, Includes the HBCU Family | UNCF In addition to $45 billion for HBCUs and MSIs in the infrastructure package from last month, Pres. Biden now proposes an additional $46 billion for those institutions in new Family Plan Today, President Biden unveils his American Families Plan, a companion piece to his infrastructure American Jobs P...

Morris Brown College recently became an official candidate to regain accreditation through the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS), after nearly 20 years without the certification. Dr. Kevin E. James, President of Morris Brown College, believes this can lead the school towards new opportunities. See the article below to learn why he is eager to take the school into a new direction!

https://thegrio.com/2021/04/20/dr-kevin-james-morris-brown-college-interview/ | by: TheGrio

Dr. Kevin James is eager to lead Morris Brown College into a new era - TheGrio In an interview with theGrio the college president shared what the institution's reaccreditation means for all HBCUs.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation has recently launched the HBCU Cultural Stewardship Initiative, a $1 million program that will help leaders preserve their campuses and traditions. Check it out below!

https://landscapearchitecturemagazine.org/tag/hbcu-cultural-heritage-stewardship-initiative/ | by: Landscape Architecture Magazine

HBCU Cultural Heritage Stewardship Initiative – Landscape Architecture Magazine Posts about HBCU Cultural Heritage Stewardship Initiative written by LAM Staff

Happy Earth Day!

Fort Valley State University has remained committed to providing opportunities for minorities and women to pursue STEM education for over 34 years. See how they accomplished this below with their dual-degree program!

https://blackpressusa.com/a-georgia-hbcu-remains-committed-to-providing-a-pipeline-of-stem-degree-students/ | by: Black Press USA - NNPA

A Georgia HBCU Remains Committed to Providing a Pipeline of STEM Degree Students BlackPressUSA NNPA Newswire -- Launched 34 years ago by Dr. Isaac J. Crumbly, CDEP offers minorities and women the opportunity to pursue dual degrees in STEM disciplines.

Everyone within the U.S. is on the edge of their seats right now as we await the verdict of the George Floyd Trial. This last year has been very traumatizing for everyone, especially those that are a part of minority communities as numerous events have taken place such as:

- 150% increase in AAPI hate crimes
- Increase rates in hate crimes, police brutality, and racial profiling incidents among African Americans
- Rise in domestic terrorism fueled by racially motivated causes and/or White Supremacy

As we await the results of this trial, we ask that everyone take a moment to reflect on the conflicting events that have taken place in America recently. We should reflect and learn from prior mistakes to move this country towards a brighter future.

Racism continues to be a major issue in America, which only results in either some form of verbal and/or physical abuse or, in many cases, innocent lives being lost. This country CAN do better in protecting its citizens. However, that can only happen if everyone comes together to address this issue instead of being divided amongst themselves.

Ask yourself, what are you doing to fight anti-racism or promote equity and inclusion in your community?

Florida A&M University alumna, Kim Godwin, has been selected to become the next President of ABC News, making her the first Black female to ever assume this role!

https://hbcubuzz.com/2021/04/famu-alumna-kim-godwin-becomes-president-of-abc-news-first-black-woman-in-the-role/ | by: HBCU Buzz

FAMU Alumna Kim Godwin Becomes President of ABC News, First Black Woman In The Role | HBCU Buzz There is a new face heading the leadership at ABC News, and she's an HBCU graduate! Read the story from Jeremy Barr at the Washington Post below to learn

Clark Atlanta University has launched an Executive Leadership Institute for the next generation of HBCU Presidents. This first of its kind program "will help preserve and strengthen HBCUs as a hub for education, opportunity and uplift in the Black community".

https://www.blackprwire.com/press-releases/clark-atlanta-university-launches-executive-leadership-institute-for-next-generation-of-hbcu-presidents | by: Black PR Wire Corporate Page

(BPRW) Clark Atlanta University Launches Executive Leadership Institute for Next Generation of HBCU Presidents | Black PR Wire, Inc. (Black PR Wire) ATLANTA — Today, Clark Atlanta University and higher education stakeholders announced the launch of the HBCU Executive Leadership Institute (ELI) at CAU. The groundbreaking initiative will serve as an incubator fo...

Morgan Stanley and Spelman College have announced the Inaugural Class of the HBCU Scholars Program, a program dedicated to providing 60 students across 3 HBCUs full-ride scholarships to diminish financial barriers in higher education.

https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210414005611/en/Morgan-Stanley-and-Spelman-College-Announce-Inaugural-Class-of-HBCU-Scholars-Program | by: Business Wire

Morgan Stanley and Spelman College Announce Inaugural Class of HBCU Scholars Program Morgan Stanley and Spelman College today announced its first cohort of students selected to participate in the inaugural HBCU Scholars Program, an int

Keysight is hosting a innovation challenge exclusively for HBCU undergraduate and graduate students. This challenge will showcase the talents of students attending HBCUs, in a field that heavily lacks diversity, that are "unafraid to break barriers and face new challenges to create new technology that changes the world."

https://hbcubuzz.com/2021/04/keysight-announces-exclusive-hbcu-innovations-challenge/ | by: HBCU Buzz

Keysight Announces Exclusive HBCU Innovations Challenge | HBCU Buzz The Keysight Innovation Challenge 2021 is exclusively for undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in an HBCU. Keysight is seeking innovators unafraid

The Center for the Study of HBCUs congratulates President of Morehouse College, David Thomas, on winning the Harvard Business School McKinsey Award for the article "Getting Serious About Diversity: Enough Already with the Business Case".
Check out the official announcement below:

https://www.hbs.edu/news/releases/Pages/HBR-McKinsey-2021.aspx | by: Harvard Business School

“Getting Serious About Diversity” wins 62nd Annual HBR McKinsey Award - News - Harvard Business School BOSTON, MA — “Getting Serious About Diversity: Enough Already with the Business Case” has won the 2020 HBR McKinsey Award, which honors the best Harvard Business Review article of the year.

Cheyney University of Pennsylvania alumna, Renee Harris, has turned her love of science and technology into a STEM-focused pre-school. Check it out below!

https://cheyney.edu/news/cheyney-alumna-turns-love-of-stem-into-advocacy-for-education/ | by: Cheyney University of Pennsylvania

Cheyney Alumna Turns Love Of STEM Into Advocacy For Education - Cheyney University of Pennsylvania Cheyney University alumna Renee Harris turned her love of science and technology into a STEM-focused pre-school. The STEM Prep Academy (SPA), located in Philadelphia’s Fishtown section, is Harris’ effort to instill a love of the sciences in pre-school children and influence the education perform...

McDonald's in partnership w/ Thurgood Marshall College Fund is awarding $500,000 in scholarships to students for the upcoming 2021-22 academic year. Check out below for more details:
https://lnkd.in/ew9yEyW | by: Yonkers Times

McDonald's Awarding $500,000 in Scholarships to HBCU | Yonkers Times In Partnership with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, May 10 Deadline to Apply For the second consecutive year, McDonald’s USA, through its Black & Positively Golden Scholarship Program, is awarding half a million dollars to incoming and current HBCU students. Through this initiative, in partner...

The Center for the Study of HBCUs congratulates Hampton University- Official alumna, Treasurer Tishaura O. Jones, on becoming the first black woman to serve as mayor for the city of St. Louis, Missouri!

https://hbcubuzz.com/2021/04/hampton-alumna-tishaura-jones-first-black-woman-mayor-in-st-louis/ | by: HBCU Buzz

Hampton Alumna Tishaura Jones First Black Woman Mayor In St. Louis | HBCU Buzz Another glass ceiling for HBCU (Historically black colleges and universities) graduates and Hampton University has been shattered in the public office.

Sodexo has created a new $10 million scholarship program in collaboration with UNCF. This program will assist their workers in obtaining their bachelors degree from HBCUs, and can also assist their dependents as well!

https://hbcubuzz.com/2021/04/sodexo-creates-10-million-scholarship-program-for-hbcu-students/ | by: HBCU Buzz

Sodexo Creates $10 Million Scholarship Program For HBCU Students | HBCU Buzz While education is key to being able to climb up the corporate ladder, there are thousands of hard workers who aren’t able to afford both school and the

UiPath, a leading enterprise automation software company, announced its partnership with several HBCUs to help train students on Robotic Process Automation.

cc: Clark Atlanta University, Grambling State University, Jackson State University, Stillman College, Texas Southern University, TUSKEGEE UNIVERSITY

https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210406005122/en/UiPath-Partners-with-Seven-Historically-Black-Colleges-and-Universities-to-Provide-Automation-Education | by: Business Wire

UiPath Partners with Seven Historically Black Colleges and Universities to Provide Automation Education UiPath has partnered with seven Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to help train students on Robotic Process Automation (RPA).

BREAKING: The U.S. Department of Education recently discharged over $1.6 Billion of HBCU Capital Finance Debt. This action provides relief to 45 HBCUs (13 public and 32 private institutions) which can be utilized to focus their resources on supporting students, faculty and staff during the pandemic and beyond. Check it out!

https://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/department-education-discharges-over-16-billion-hbcu-capital-finance-debt

www.ed.gov