Showing posts with label HBCUs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label HBCUs. Show all posts

Tuesday, April 15, 2025

HBCU$™ Helps Historically Black Colleges Overcome Billions in Underfunding by Supporting Alumni & Student Entrepreneurs

HBCU$™, an alumni giving and wealth building network created to help offset decades of disparities in public funding for Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs) by supporting the entrepreneurs they produce, is officially launching on May 1, 2025.

Tennessee State University graduate Dorsey West created HBCU$™ after learning of a 2023 analysis by the U.S. Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Agriculture that found between 1987 and 2020, HBCU land-grant institutions received approximately $12.6 billion less in state funding than other land-grant institutions, and his alma mater had been underfunded by $2.1 billion during this period.

HBCU$™ promotes HBCU alumni & student owned businesses through their free online marketing platform and business owners donate a portion of any additional revenue generated back to the college of their choice.

"With unprecedented budget cuts happening at the national and state levels, HBCUs are going to need increased financial support from the private sector, as well as their alumni. I created HBCU$™ to maximize contributions from both sources," explains West.

"Consistently patronizing companies that contribute money back to Historically Black Colleges & Universities creates a self-sustaining cycle that can help close the funding gap for these institutions and provide long-term economic growth for businesses within the HBCU$™ network," West continues. "So, it's a win-win for the HBCUs and their entrepreneurs."

Consumers can join the HBCU$ email list now at https://hbcus.biz. to receive exclusive offers and early access to their membership site. HBCU alumni & student business owners can request to have their products and services promoted at no cost including video podcast interviews, member profiles and an online directory of participating companies by sending an email to promote@hbcus.biz.

About HBCU$™

HBCU$™ is an alumni giving and wealth building network created by Tennessee State University graduate Dorsey West, to provide consistent financial support to Historically Black Colleges & Universities and the entrepreneurs they produce. HBCU$™ promotes HBCU alumni & student owned businesses through their free online marketing platform, and these entrepreneurs donate a portion of any additional revenue generated back to the college of their choice. For more information, visit https://hbcus.biz.

Sunday, April 06, 2025

NBCA Hall of Fame Extends Nominations Deadline for 40th Annual Hall of Fame Induction and Legacy of Leaders Awards

The National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame Foundation, Inc. (NBCAHOF) is thrilled to announce the extended nomination deadline for the 40th Annual Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Legacy of Leaders Awards, taking place during Hall of Fame Week, September 21–28, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.

Due to overwhelming interest and the historic significance of this year's celebration, the new nomination deadline is April 15, 2025.

This milestone 40th anniversary honors four decades of excellence, leadership, and legacy across Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). We are calling on HBCU alumni, presidents, chancellors, alumni affairs directors, and alumni association leaders to submit nominations for two powerful opportunities to uplift those who continue to make an impact:

Hall of Fame Inductions

The Hall of Fame Inductions honor individuals affiliated with HBCUs or Predominately Black Institutions (PBIs) who have made outstanding cultural, educational, or economic contributions to the Black community. This prestigious recognition celebrates those who have paved the way, uplifted others, and demonstrated excellence in their fields.

View over 300 past inductees and see how they've shaped our legacy at www.nbcahof.org.

Legacy of Leaders

The Legacy of Leaders Awards recognize unsung heroes—alumni leaders, chapters, and national alumni associations—who have demonstrated unwavering commitment, vision, and integrity in service to their institutions and communities. Nominations should reflect impact, leadership, and legacy.

Help Us Spread the Word

Whether you're a proud alum, part of an alumni chapter, or simply passionate about uplifting our stories—now is the time to nominate and celebrate those who deserve to be seen and honored. This is more than a ceremony; it's a tribute to the changemakers who carry the spirit of HBCUs forward.

Nomination Deadline: April 15, 2025
Submit nominations and learn more at: www.nbcahof.org

Let's make the 40th year the most powerful one yet.
Honor the past. Celebrate the present. Inspire the future.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL BLACK COLLEGE ALUMNI HALL OF FAME FOUNDATION, INC.

The National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to recognizing and honoring outstanding individuals who have made significant contributions in their fields of expertise and have emerged from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Through scholarships, the Hall of Fame Inductee Awards Gala and community outreach programs, the foundation supports the educational aspirations and achievements of HBCU students while preserving and celebrating the rich legacy of these esteemed institutions. For more information about the National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame Foundation and its upcoming events and initiatives, please visit our website at www.nbcahof.org

NBCA Hall of Fame Foundation
info@nbcahof.org
Atlanta, GA
www.nbcahof.org
@nbcahof (Instagram | Facebook | Twitter)

Sunday, January 12, 2025

The HBCU Executive Leadership Institute at Clark Atlanta University Announces Record-Breaking Number of 2025 Community of Fellows

The Executive Leadership Institute at Clark Atlanta University (HBCU ELI) proudly announces the participation of 46 outstanding candidates for its 2025 Community of Fellows. This milestone celebrates individual achievements and underscores the critical importance of nurturing the next generation of executive leaders within Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Now in its fifth year, HBCU ELI is noted as one of the most prestigious executive leadership programs for HBCUs in the United States. To view a full list of the 2025 Community of Fellows, click here.

The fellows are proven executive leaders and change agents who will participate in a series of virtual and residency seminars providing knowledge and hands-on skills. The program focuses on 13 core competencies resulting in a certificate and optional micro-credentials that prepare future presidents to lead the nation's HBCUs.

HBCU ELI offers a transformative learning experience that empowers participants to address the complex challenges facing HBCUs today. Through academic excellence, practical experience, and mentorship, graduates emerge as visionary leaders who are prepared to drive positive change and advance the legacy of HBCUs.

"HBCU ELI is dedicated not only to the current leaders of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) but also to those who aspire to leadership roles within these institutions in the future. A comprehensive preparation across various disciplines is imperative for achieving success," stated President George T. French, Jr., Ph.D., Clark Atlanta University. "By investing in the next generation through our Community of Fellows program, we effectively respond to this imperative—drawing upon the wealth of knowledge, experiences, and insights contributed by alumni, as well as other distinguished HBCU leaders and stakeholders."

The success of HBCU ELI is made possible through the generous support of grants from leading organizations such as the Chan Zuckerberg Institute, ECMC, the W. K. Kellogg Foundation, the Rich Foundation, and the Truist Foundation, among others. These partnerships reflect a shared commitment to investing in the future success of HBCUs nationwide.

"As we celebrate the remarkable 5th anniversary of the Executive Leadership Institute at CAU, I commend the visionary leadership and steadfast commitment that has propelled this program to the forefront of HBCU excellence. The Class of 2025 Fellows embody the future of HBCU leadership, and I extend my heartfelt congratulations to each of them for stepping into this transformative journey," said Dr. Phyllis Worthy Dawkins, Executive Director, HBCU ELI and 18th President of Bennett College. "Programs like HBCU ELI are indispensable in equipping our next generation of leaders with the tools, wisdom, and resilience to uphold the proud legacies of our institutions while navigating the complex challenges of higher education today. Here's to continued innovation, collaboration, and impact as we advance the mission of HBCUs nationwide."

2025 HBCU ELI Community of Fellows program speakers include:

  • Dr. Phyllis Worthy Dawkins, HBCU ELI Executive Director, 18th President Bennett College

  • Dr. Cheryl Davenport Dozier, HBCU ELI Program Coordinator, President Emerita, Savannah State University

  • Dr. George T. French, President, Clark Atlanta University

  • Dr. Johnny Parham, retired Executive Director, Thurgood Marshall College Fund

  • Dr. Samuel D. Jolley, Jr., Former President, Morris Brown College

  • Dr. Vann Newkirk, President, Wilberforce University

  • Dr. Juliette Bell, President Emerita, University of Maryland Eastern Shore

  • Dr. David Wilson, President, Morgan State University

  • Dr. Marguerite Stoglin, Senior Vice President, Philanthropic Strategist, Bank of America Private Bank

  • Dr. Robert Franklin, President Emeritus, Morehouse College and;

  • Dr. Adena W. Loston, President, St. Phillip's College, among others

To view the full list of HBCU ELI speakers and coaches, click here.

Saturday, September 14, 2024

U.S. Department of State Honors 19 Colleges and Universities as Fulbright HBCU Institutional Leaders

The U.S. Department of State recognizes 19 Historically Blacks Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) as Fulbright HBCU Institutional Leaders for their notable engagement with the Fulbright Program during the 2023-2024 academic year. The Fulbright HBCU Institutional Leaders initiative celebrates Fulbright's partnership with HBCUs and encourages administrators, faculty and students to participate in the Fulbright Program. It also highlights HBCUs as a destination for international students and scholars.

The 19 HBCU Institutional Leaders are:

  • Alcorn State University (Mississippi)
  • Bennett College (North Carolina)
  • Fayetteville State University (North Carolina)
  • Florida A&M University (Florida)
  • Howard University (District of Columbia)
  • Huston-Tillotson University (Texas)
  • Jackson State University (Mississippi)
  • Jarvis Christian University (Texas)
  • LeMoyne-Owen College (Tennessee)
  • Lincoln University (Pennsylvania)
  • Mississippi Valley State University (Mississippi)
  • Morgan State University (Maryland)
  • North Carolina A&T State University (North Carolina)
  • North Carolina Central University (North Carolina)
  • Prairie View A&M University (Texas)
  • Spelman College (Georgia)
  • Tennessee State University (Tennessee)
  • Virginia State University (Virginia)
  • Xavier University of Louisiana (Louisiana)

The announcement of the 2024 Fulbright HBCU Institutional Leaders was made on September 10, 2024 in advance of the 2024 Annual National HBCU Week Conference hosted by the White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity through Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken congratulated each Fulbright HBCU Institutional Leader, saying this designation "is a testament to your institution's dedication to promoting global engagement and international understanding."

"The U.S. Department of State and the Fulbright Program are committed to reflecting the full diversity of the United States," said Scott Weinhold, Senior Bureau Official for the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs at the U.S. Department of State. He emphasized that HBCU engagement with the Fulbright Program "builds meaningful relationships between communities and people around the world." 

Howard University president Dr. Ben Vinson III shared, "Our Fulbrighters return to the Howard community with fresh insights, a deepened cultural understanding, and a broadened worldview, laying the foundation for their personal and professional growth. Their work has an enduring and positive impact on communities and institutions, at home and abroad."

As the U.S. government's flagship international academic exchange program, the Fulbright Program implements a wide range of initiatives to ensure that its participants reflect the diversity of U.S. society and societies abroad. In addition to its partnerships with HBCUs, the Fulbright Program works with Diversity Abroad, the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU), the National Clearinghouse on Disability and Exchange, UNCF, and the White House Initiative on HBCUs, among others.

Learn more about the Fulbright Program at https://fulbrightprogram.org

Sunday, July 28, 2024

Lane College Names Dr. Donald W. Comer New Interim President

The Lane College Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Donald W. Comer as Interim President, effective August 1, 2024. Dr. Comer, a native of Jackson, Tennessee, has impressive educational credentials, a stellar corporate career, a community service background, and a deep commitment to student success, which will be a driving force in the future of Lane College.

Dr. Comer brings a wealth of experience to Lane College, particularly through his long-standing association with FedEx Corporation. Over his 35-year tenure with FedEx, Dr. Comer has consistently demonstrated his leadership and management skills in various business disciplines including data analytics, marketing, finance, strategic planning, and project management.

“The Board and I are confident that we have selected a dynamic new leader for the next level of growth of our beloved Lane College,” said Bishop Marvin Frank Thomas, chair of the Lane College Board of Trustees.

Dr. Comer’s commitment to student success is unwavering. He has been a tireless advocate, advisor, and mentor for students, dedicating significant personal time to serving on the boards of two historic black colleges and the National Black MBA Association.

“I am honored to serve as Interim President and have a lifelong passion for the critical mission of Lane College,” said Comer who recently retired after a 35-year career as a senior executive with FedEx. “Working with the dedicated faculty, staff, alumni, and community, we will work to enhance educational opportunities and support student success, while staying true to Lane College’s mission and values.”

Dr. Comer has a PhD in Urban Higher Education, a Master of Business Administration, and a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. He was Vice President, Decision Science & Analytics and Operations Analysis at FedEx.

HBCU Jackson State University receives National Academy of Inventors' Founders Award

 Jackson State University (JSU) proudly announces its historic recognition as the recipient of the prestigious Founders Award from the National Academy of Inventors (NAI). This achievement makes JSU the first Historically Black College and University (HBCU) and the first institution in Mississippi to be honored.

The Founder's Award is presented to institutions significantly contributing to NAI's success by enhancing its reach, promoting access and diversity, and demonstrating a commitment to innovation and invention.

"This award is a testament to the impactful research and innovation of our faculty, staff, and students. Being the first HBCU and the first institution in Mississippi to receive this honor highlights JSU's leadership in invention and ingenuity," said President Dr. Marcus L. Thompson. "This recognition further underscores our dedication to academic excellence, economic development, and societal progress. It is a significant milestone not just for JSU, but for all Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and the state of Mississippi."

Jackson State's journey with NAI began as a charter member in February 2011. The university's dedication to innovation has been consistently recognized, with multiple faculty members inducted as NAI fellows. Dr. Ernest Izevbigie was the first, inducted in 2012 during the inaugural conference in Tampa, Florida.

At that time, Izevbigie had earned two patents, including one for a Nigerian herbal shrub formula he created called Veronica amygdalina, or bitter leaf. His research led to the formation of the JSU-initiated company EdoBotanics, which sells dietary supplements to boost the immune system and help with the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation. The government of Nigeria gave the company its approval to manufacture and sell the dietary capsules in the country.

"JSU's membership in the National Academy of Inventors has been pivotal in fostering innovation and research translation among JSU faculty, empowering them to transform ideas into solutions for societal impact. We are excited to have received the Founders Award and will continue to engage with NAI and similar organizations to promote the inventions of our faculty," said Dr. Almesha Campbell, Assistant Vice President of JSU's Division of Research and Economic Development.

Dr. Kamal Ali, a professor of electrical and computer engineering, was inducted in 2017 for making vital contributions to the invention of Hardware in the Loop Simulator for autopilots.

In 2019, Dr. Danuta Leszczynska was inducted after earning a 2018 medical patent on technology to eliminate inflammation and infection in patients whose artificial implants become brittle and start chipping. The inventions of these faculty members have significantly impacted quality of life, economic development and societal welfare.

Dr. Felix Okojie further elevated JSU's role in NAI by serving on the Board of Directors from 2013-2014, reinforcing the university's commitment to the organization.

Campbell, who accepted the award on behalf of the university, has been engaged with NAI since 2011 and was inducted as an honorary member in 2022. JSU Innovation Program Manager Latane Brackett also received the designation in 2023 for his significant contributions to the innovation ecosystem.

As one of the NAI's Charter Member Institutions, Jackson State University has been an unwavering champion of the academy, playing an integral role in supporting its mission since the NAI's inception.

Friday, July 05, 2024

Dr. Walter M. Kimbrough Named Interim President of Talladega College

The Talladega College Board of Trustees has announced the appointment of Dr. Walter M. Kimbrough as the interim president of the institution, effective immediately. Dr. Kimbrough brings a wealth of experience, a distinguished academic background, and a proven track record of leadership in higher education to his new role. The transformational leader has committed to serving at least one year to help the college establish stability on all fronts.

Dr. Kimbrough, widely respected for his dynamic leadership and innovative approach to education, holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia, a master’s degree from Miami University in Ohio, and a Ph.D. from Georgia State University. He has served in various influential roles in the higher education space, including president of Dillard University and Philander Smith College (now University), where he was instrumental in enhancing academic programs, increasing enrollment, and strengthening community partnerships.

Rica Lewis-Payton, ’81, chairwoman of the Talladega College Board of Trustees, expressed her gratitude to Dr. Edward L. Hill Jr., who served as the acting interim president following the recent resignation of Dr. Gregory J. Vincent, the 21st president of the College.

“We extend our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Hill for his dedication and stewardship during this transitional period for Talladega College. His leadership has been invaluable in maintaining the continuity and integrity of our institution,” Lewis-Payton said.

Chairwoman Lewis-Payton is enthusiastic to welcome Kimbrough to the 157-year-old institution, noting the significance of his appointment.

“We are thrilled to have Dr. Kimbrough join Talladega College as our interim president. His extensive experience and visionary leadership are exactly what we need to navigate this period of transition and lay the groundwork for a prosperous future. Dr. Kimbrough’s commitment to serving for the next year will be pivotal in establishing stability and fostering growth across all areas of our college,” Lewis-Payton said.


Dr. Kimbrough is married to attorney Adria Nobles Kimbrough, a 1997 graduate of Talladega College. They are proud parents of two children, Lydia Nicole and Benjamin Barack. Their connection to the college community underscores their commitment to the institution’s success.


As Talladega College embarks on this new chapter, the campus community eagerly anticipates Dr. Kimbrough’s positive impact, which will further the College’s mission of academic excellence and community engagement.

Wednesday, June 26, 2024

James Martin II Named Chancellor of North Carolina A&T State University

James Martin II, an accomplished civil engineer who has led engineering and STEM initiatives at three large public research universities, was elected chancellor of North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University today by the University of North Carolina Board of Governors.

UNC System President Peter Hans recommended Martin, vice chancellor of STEM Innovation and Research at the University of Pittsburgh, following a national search that drew a highly competitive field, including three finalists endorsed by the North Carolina A&T Board of Trustees.

Martin’s appointment will begin Aug. 15. He succeeds Harold Martin Sr., who will retire after 15 years as chancellor.

James Martin, who served four years as the U.S. Steel Dean of Engineering in Pittsburgh’s Swanson School of Engineering, has decades of experience as an engineering professor, institute director, dean and leader of science initiatives at major public universities, including Clemson University and Virginia Tech.

During his career, he has promoted academic innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration and improved organizational culture. He will now lead the nation’s largest historically Black university on a trajectory to become a top-tier research institution, termed “Research 1” by the Carnegie Classification that categorizes universities by their levels of research activity.

“James Martin is the right leader to engineer North Carolina A&T’s continuing rise,” Hans said. “He believes in what he calls ‘impatient optimism,’ a productive sense of possibility in what can be achieved when people think across disciplines, feel a sense of shared purpose, and commit to an ambitious vision. It’s exactly the kind of mindset that will help affirm the university’s status as one of the nation’s best research institutions and engines of social mobility.”

“North Carolina A&T is a recognized national leader in harnessing technology and access to learning to unlock human potential,” Martin said. “That’s one of many reasons why it’s so exciting to have been chosen to lead the university at a moment when America is in particular need of the very things that North Carolina A&T does best. Our students, faculty, staff and alumni are on an incredible ascent, having accomplished so much in recent years. I look forward to joining them on that journey and ensuring that we continue to build on A&T’s exceptional momentum as we set ambitious new sights for the months and years ahead.”

As dean at Pittsburgh, he oversaw an engineering program with 2,900 undergraduates, 850 graduate students and 200 faculty. There he raised research dollars by 50 percent, built strategic partnerships with industry and government, and increased diversity, enrollment and graduation rates. Previously, he chaired the civil engineering department at Clemson University and was the founding executive director of Clemson’s Risk Engineering and Systems Analytics Institute (RESA).

A scholar in disaster risk engineering and earthquake science, he has conducted research around the world in earthquake zones, leading to stronger building codes in the United States. He has provided international engineering consulting for nearly 100 firms and government agencies.

He began his career as a faculty member in civil and environmental engineering at Virginia Tech, where he later led an engineering fellowship program for underrepresented students and founded the university’s Disaster Risk Management Institute. He earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering at The Citadel and a master’s and doctorate in civil engineering from Virginia Tech. He was born in Union, South Carolina to a family with deep roots across the Carolinas.

His numerous national, state and university awards for research, teaching, scholarship and service include the American Society of Civil Engineer’s Norman Medal, the highest honor for published work in his field. He was also inducted into the Virginia Tech Department of Civil Engineering's Academy of Distinguished Alumni in 2015.

“Dr. Martin is an exceptional leader with a strong vision for where we can take our university in the coming years,” said A&T Board of Trustees Chair Kimberly Bullock Gatling. “North Carolina A&T has enjoyed enormous success in recent years, and I have no doubt that Dr. Martin will continue the university’s strong ascent and increase our national presence as a doctoral, research land-grant HBCU.”

“We were fortunate in this national search to draw a very competitive field of applicants and nominees from across the country. It was gratifying to see a certain standard of quality in leadership throughout the field,” said Search Advisory Committee Chair Hilda Pinnix-Ragland, former chair of the A&T Board of Trustees. “From the beginning, Dr. Martin emerged as a leading candidate in his background, preparation and the vision he articulated for A&T. He will be an outstanding leader for our university.”

“North Carolina A&T has been extremely fortunate to have Dr. Harold Martin as chancellor for these last 15 years, and now the university has another fantastic leader in Dr. James Martin,” said UNC Board of Governors Chair Randy Ramsey. “He comes to A&T with decades of leadership experience and a track record of building and innovating. I join the Aggie community in congratulating him on his important new role.”

Friday, June 07, 2024

Howard University Rescinds Honorary Degree Issued to Sean Combs

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A Howard University spokesperson released the statement below on behalf of the Howard University Board of Trustees regarding honorary degree recipient Sean Combs, following the conclusion of a regularly scheduled meeting of the Board on June 7, 2024. 

The Howard University Board of Trustees voted unanimously today to accept the return by Mr. Sean Combs of the honorary degree conferred upon him in 2014. This acceptance revokes all honors and privileges associated with the degree. Accordingly, the Board has directed that his name be removed from all documents listing honorary degree recipients of Howard University. 

Mr. Combs’ behavior as captured in a recently released video is so fundamentally incompatible with Howard University’s core values and beliefs that he is deemed no longer worthy to hold the institution’s highest honor. 

The University is unwavering in its opposition to all acts of interpersonal violence. 

The Board has also directed the University administration to immediately take the following actions: terminate a 2016 gift agreement with Mr. Combs, disband the scholarship program in his name, return his $1 million contribution, and terminate a 2023 pledge agreement with the Sean Combs Foundation.  

No payments toward the $1 million pledge have been due or made by the Sean Combs Foundation as of this date, therefore no funds are due to be returned under the 2023 pledge agreement.” 

# # # 

Wednesday, May 22, 2024

UNCF President and CEO Dr. Michael L. Lomax Receives Honorary Doctorate from Morehouse College

UNCF (United Negro College Fund) proudly announces that Dr. Michael L. Lomax, president and CEO, has been awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from his alma mater, Morehouse College. The degree is bestowed to those who have made outstanding contributions to society through humanitarian and philanthropic efforts.

Dr. Lomax was honored on May 19, 2024, during Morehouse's live-streamed 140th commencement ceremony, which featured President Joseph R. Biden as the commencement speaker. This recognition celebrates Dr. Lomax’s dedicated leadership and impactful contributions to promoting higher education in the African American community. The ceremony highlighted Dr. Lomax’s diligent advocacy for historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), which helped these institutions reach their highest fundraising goals.

“We are immensely proud of Dr. Lomax and his unwavering commitment to educational excellence,” said UNCF Board of Directors Chair Milton H. Jones, Jr. “This honorary doctorate from Morehouse College is a testament to his visionary leadership and tireless advocacy for students of color.”

Upon receiving his honorary degree, Dr. Lomax Dr. Lomax thanked the university for shaping his journey and underscored his commitment to expanding educational opportunities for underprivileged students. He emphasized the importance of giving back to the community and the role of education in transforming lives.


“This was a special personal moment for me, and I am eternally grateful to my alma mater Morehouse College. But more importantly, it was an opportunity for all of us at UNCF to amplify our HBCUs as Morehouse welcomed President Biden to the campus as their commencement speaker and awarded him an honorary degree,” said Dr. Lomax.  

“This was an event that attracted global attention, and it came at a time when US and global colleges and universities have been demonstrating and protesting the war in Gaza and Israel.  At this challenging and heartbreaking time in history, the world cannot easily find common ground.  The combatants cannot find peace, and so many innocent civilians are victims of brutality and violence,” Dr. Lomax said.

“Morehouse did not solve the problem, but they provided an opportunity for the president to address the war and speak directly to students who are going out into a dangerous world and will have to solve the problems that older generations have failed to address.  I cannot tell you how impressed I was by the Morehouse students who expressed their views thoughtfully and powerfully.  They also let the president speak and make the case for the United States' position and approach,” noted Dr. Lomax.

During Morehouse's Baccalaureate services on Saturday, May 18, Dr. Lomax's official portrait was unveiled. This portrait will hang in Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Chapel—the world’s most prominent religious memorial honoring the Morehouse alumnus. The picture, displayed in the Morehouse International Hall of Honor, features more than 200 original oil portraits of distinguished leaders in the global, civil, and human rights nonviolent movement.

Since 2004, Dr. Lomax has steered UNCF to become the nation's largest private provider of scholarships and educational support for African American students. Under his leadership, UNCF has raised over $5 billion, providing financial assistance to more than 500,000 students and supporting 37 HBCUs.

Dr. Lomax congratulated the first graduating class of Lomax Scholars who earned need-based scholarships of up to $10,000 for exemplary academic performance at HBCUs.

Dr. Lomax's career spans decades and is marked by notable achievements in academia and public service. Before joining UNCF, he served as president of Dillard University in New Orleans and held positions at Emory University, Spelman College, and Morehouse College. Additionally, Dr. Lomax remains a driving force in various civic and educational organizations, including the National Alliance of Public Charter Schools and the KIPP Foundation.

Friday, May 17, 2024

Statement from Vice President Kamala Harris on the Biden-⁠Harris Administration’s Historic Investments in HBCUs

As a proud graduate of Howard University, I know firsthand that our HBCUs are centers of academic excellence. For generations, these anchors of our communities have played a pivotal role in building and contributing to America’s leadership at home and abroad. Today, graduates from our Nation’s more than 100 HBCUs are in every room where important decisions are made – leading in our schools, hospitals, courtrooms, boardrooms, and at the highest levels of government. And as we look forward, we know that our HBCUs will continue to prepare young leaders to build a better, more just future for our country and the world.

That is why President Biden and I have delivered an unprecedented $16 billion to our Nation’s HBCUs. This historic investment is transformative – from helping to fund cutting-edge research and making long-overdue renovations, to providing mental health resources and ensuring students have access to every opportunity to thrive. We have also delivered the largest increase to Pell Grants in a decade as we work to make higher education more affordable. I have witnessed the direct impact of these record investments while meeting with thousands of HBCU students as Vice President, including during my Fight for Our Freedoms college tour last fall.

President Biden and I remain committed to using every lever available to support HBCUs and the students and communities they serve. We know that when we invest in the success of our HBCUs, we are investing in the strength of our Nation – today and for generations to come.

Biden-⁠Harris Administration Announces Record Over $16 Billion in Support for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)

The Biden-Harris Administration announced a new record in Federal funding and investments in Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) totaling more than $16 billion from Fiscal Years (FY) 2021 through current available data for FY 2024. This new reported total is up from the previously announced over $7 billion, and captures significant additional actions already undertaken.  The total of more than $16 billion includes over $11.4 billion between FY2021 and FY2023 through Federal grants, contracting awards, and debt relief for HBCUs; over $4 billion between FY2021 and FY2023 for HBCU-enrolled students through federal financial aid and educational benefits for veterans; and, so far in FY 2024, over $900 million has been secured for Department of Education programs strengthening HBCUs as institutions. President Biden and Vice President Harris are committed to ensuring whole-of-government investment efforts in HBCUs continue at full momentum through the rest of FY 2024.
 
These historic funding levels – the most by any administration – demonstrate President Biden and Vice President Harris’s ongoing commitment to HBCUs, which serve as an engine for upward economic mobility in our country. The Administration is also focused on work to ensure HBCUs have the resources to provide a high-quality postsecondary education.

For more than 180 years, HBCUs have been advancing intergenerational economic mobility for Black families and communities, developing vital academic research, and making our Nation more prosperous and equitable. Despite representing only 3% of colleges and universities, HBCUs play an outsized role to support the economic mobility of African Americans, producing 40 percent of all Black engineers, 50 percent of all Black teachers, 70 percent of all Black doctors and dentists, 80 percent of all Black judges, and the first woman and Black Vice President of the United States. Overall, HBCUs greatly contribute to the economic success of America, providing college access to twice as many Pell Grant-eligible (low-income) students as non-HBCU institutions. Additionally, social mobility research by the United Negro College Fund finds that HBCUs support nearly five times more students than Ivy League and other top-ranked institutions in facilitating movement from the bottom 40% in U.S. household income to the top 60%.
 
CEA report published today further underscores that HBCUs are engines for upward mobility and additionally discusses new research showing that HBCU enrollment has considerable positive effects on bachelor’s degree completion and household income later in life. The report details how these successes have occurred in the context of historic underfunding of HBCUs. It also discusses a recent resurgence in applications to, and enrollment in, HBCUs which highlight the high value that students have placed on these institutions in recent years.

Since Day One, the Biden-Harris Administration has committed to advancing racial equity, economic opportunity, and educational excellence, including by reestablishing the White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity through Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Between FY 2021 – FY 2023 the Biden-Harris Administration has taken historic actions to support HBCUs:
 
Invested over $11.4 billion in HBCUs, which includes:

  • Nearly $4 billion for HBCUs through the American Rescue Plan and other COVID relief legislation. These grants funded through the Department of Education and other agencies have helped HBCUs support students’ ability to meet basic needs; support campus operations, staffing, teaching, and educational programs; and keep campuses and the surrounding communities on the path to an equitable recovery;
  • $2.6 billion from the Department of Education to build institutional capacity at HBCUs. These efforts support the growth and sustainability of HBCU degree programs; increase and enhance human, technological, and physical infrastructure for research; strengthen positioning to secure direct partnership opportunities; and create sustainable fund development;
  • Over $1.6 billion to HBCUs through Federal grants, cooperative agreements, and other competitive funding opportunities that drive the advancement of academic and training programs, community-based initiatives, and research innovation across national priorities such as medicine and public health, climate science, agriculture, emerging technologies, and defense;
     
  • Almost $950 million to support HBCUs in growing research capacity and related infrastructure to better compete for Federal research and development dollars;
  • Nearly $719 million in grant funding to expand STEM academic capacity and educational programs; and in other high-wage, high-demand fields such as computer science, nursing, and allied health;
  • Over $150 million in Federal contracting opportunities awarded to HBCUs, including for research and expansion of STEM education programs at the Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Transportation, Department of Energy, and U.S. Agency for International Development;
  • $1.6 billion in capital finance debt relief for 45 public and private HBCUs. Discharging these debts has enabled these institutions to focus resources on supporting students, faculty, and staff while recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic; and
  • Over $2.4 million in Project SERV funds to support HBCUs affected by more than a dozen bomb threats in 2022. These grants have helped restore safe learning environments and invest in student mental health and well-being for students.

In addition to the over $11 billion provided to HBCUs, the Biden-Harris Administration has provided over $4 billion to support the success of HBCU-enrolled students through:  
                                                                                               

  • $2.8 billion in need-based grants and other Federal programs, including Pell Grants, Federal Work-Study and Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, to assist HBCU students in affording a postsecondary education; and
  • Nearly $1.3 billion to support Veterans attending HBCUs through the GI bill and other college, graduate school, and training programs delivered through the Department of Veterans Affairs.

While more must be done to ensure equity for HBCUs and their students, the Biden-Harris Administration is delivering landmark first-of-its-kind results:

  • The Department of Defense U.S. Air Force established the first-ever HBCU-led University Affiliated Research Center (UARC). Led by Howard University with seven other HBCUs and funded at $90 million over five years, efforts will focus on advancing the deployment of autonomous technologies for Air Force missions. Participating schools include Jackson State University, Tuskegee University, Hampton University, Bowie State University, Norfolk State University, Delaware State University, Florida Memorial University, and Tougaloo College.
     
  • The Department of Commerce established the first-ever Connecting-Minority-Communities program delivering funding for 43 HBCUs to purchase broadband internet, purchase equipment, and hire IT personnel to tackle the digital divide impacting HBCUs. Several HBCUs also recently launched an HBCU CHIPS Network in collaboration with Georgia Institute of Technology to increase the coordination of the resources at the colleges and universities and jointly contribute to workforce development needs of the semiconductor industry. Chips are critical in powering our consumer electronics, automobiles, data centers, critical infrastructure, and virtually all military systems.
     
  • The Department of Commerce National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration will provide $4.2 million in grant funding to HBCUs, through the EPP/MSI Cooperative Science Center program.
     
  • The Department of Agriculture announced a $262.5 million investment to support 33 projects across U.S. institutions of higher education designed to train the next generation of diverse agricultural professionals. Through the USDA NextGen program, the projects are led by 1890 land-grant institutions (historically Black land-grant universities), 1994 land-grant institutions (Tribal Colleges and Universities, Alaska Native-Serving Institutions and Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions, Hispanic-Serving Institutions), and institutions of higher education located in the Insular Areas. This historic investment will provide training and support to more than 20,000 future food and agricultural leaders through 33 projects executed by more than 60 institutions across 24 states and Insular Areas.
     
  • The Department of Energy announced the inaugural $7.75 million Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Clean Energy Education Prize, a competition that will support HBCUs in developing programming to strengthen the participation of K-12 and community college students in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields. The competition, which has announced its first 10 winning HBCU teams, is supporting the creation of clean energy community networks to inspire the next generation of students to work in STEM fields related to clean energy.
     
  • The Department of Education provided nearly $25 million to HBCUs under the Research and Development Infrastructure program to transform their research infrastructure, including strengthening research productivity, faculty expertise, physical infrastructure, and partnerships leading to increases in external funding.
     
  • The Department of Transportation announced Prairie View A&M University in Texas as the first-ever HBCU to lead a University Transportation Center. Prairie View A&M and 11 other HBCUs were among 34 schools to receive a portion of a $435 million grant for development of interoperable technology systems, which allow equipment, software, and applications to work together, communicate, and exchange data.
     
  • The National Aeronautics and Space Administration is pioneering efforts to close opportunity gaps in STEM, including nearly $12 million for eight HBCUs to support programs in artificial intelligence and machine learning and create a more diverse pipeline of talent for careers in data-intensive space-based Earth science.
     
  • The White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity through HBCUs established the Executive HBCU Space Lab, a new collaboration between HBCUs, the Federal government, and industry partners to increase HBCU engagement in space-related federal contracting. The Executive HBCU Space Lab is a solutions-oriented initiative that will release resources including SpaceTechConnect, a free platform to highlight space-related capabilities at HBCUs.
     
  • The Department of Health and Human Services National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences established HBCU-Connect, a new initiative with HBCUs to inspire the development of environmental health science leaders from diverse backgrounds. HBCU-Connect is a multifaceted effort to strengthen ties between the institute and faculty and students at academic institutions that are often underrepresented in the sciences.
     
  • The Department of Health and Human Services Health Resources and Services Administration’s Maternal and Child Health Bureau launched the Maternal Health Research Collaborative for MSIs, providing roughly $30M in research support to seven HBCUs over five years. The funding will build capacity of HBCUs to conduct Black maternal health research to fully understand and address the root causes of disparities in maternal mortality, severe maternal morbidity, and maternal health outcomes; and to find community-based solutions to address these disparities and advance health equity.
     
  • The Department of Health and Human Services National Institutes of Health funding to HBCUs totaled $147.5 million to support research, training, research capacity building, and outreach efforts. NIH funding included endowment awards to strengthen the research infrastructure of the HBCU award recipients to conduct minority health and health disparities research. Other NIH funding has assisted several HBCUs in contributing towards building a diverse scientific workforce, including mentorship and student training programs and career development opportunities for faculty.
     
  • The National Science Foundation launched Advancing Research Capacity at HBCUs through Exploration and Innovation (ARC-HBCU) to support participation in an intensive, facilitated workshop that brings together HBCU faculty, staff, research administrators and academic leadership focused on exploration of innovative and promising approaches for addressing the research capacity needs of HBCUs.
     
  • The National Science Foundation, as part of Growing Research Access for Nationally Transformative Equity and Diversity (GRANTED) initiative, awarded an Atlanta-based HBCU consortium a $14 million competitive grant to establish a hub that promotes equity in the national research ecosystem and serves as a model for other HBCUs and emerging research institutions. The consortium includes Spelman College, Morehouse College, Morehouse School of Medicine, and Clark Atlanta University.
     
  • The National Science and Technology Council’s Committee on STEM, in support of the CHIPS and Science Act, established an Interagency Working Group (IWG) on HBCU, TCU, and MSI STEM Achievement. The Council provides a coordinated federal approach to carry out sustained outreach activities to increase clarity, transparency, and accountability for federal research agency investments in STEM education and research at HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs, including such institutions in rural areas.
     
  • The Department of Housing and Urban Development announced awards totaling $5.5 million for HBCUs to conduct housing and community development research to support the production of affordable housing, support homeownership, advance use of renewable energy, and address infrastructure inequity affecting underserved communities.
     
  • The Department of Justice has increased both the number of HBCUs applying for grants and its HBCU approval rate. Over the past five years, DOJ’s grant awards to HBCUs have increased 83% (from $900,000 in FY18 to $5.2 million to HBCUs in FY23).