Milestones

Four More HBCUs Receive Major Investments from MacKenzie Scott

In less than two months, MacKenzie Scott has donated over $600 million in direct support of historically Black colleges and universities. The latest HBCUs to receive investments from the billionaire philanthropist are Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Voorhees University, Winston-Salem State University, and Norfolk 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.

MacKenzie Scott Donates Another Major Round of Funding to HBCUs

Over the past week, billionaire philanthropist MacKenzie Scott has donated $38 million to Alabama State University, $42 million to Alcorn State University, and $38 million to the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. These gifts mark the largest single donations ever received by each institution.

Dartmouth to Construct First Campus Building Named for a Black Alum

“Dartmouth wasn’t made in my image, but it is possible to remake it to include my image. There has been a continual making and remaking of who Dartmouth is for and who belongs here,” said alumna and television mogul Shonda Rhimes, who has donated $15 million to construct the Shonda Rhimes Hall - the first Dartmouth building named for a woman or a Black alum.

Morgan State University is the First HBCU to Receive Accreditation From the International Dyslexia Association

Achieving this milestone means Morgan State's bachelor's degree in elementary education meets the International Dyslexia Association's standards for effectively preparing teachers to support structured literacy, prevent reading failure, and provide effective interventions for students with dyslexia and other reading-related challenges.

Huston-Tillotson University Receives $150 Million Gift From the Moody Foundation

“We hope this gift, focused on the students, can become a catalyst, a spark, the beginning of something transformative for students, this city, and the future of Huston-Tillotson,” said Ross Moody. “We believe in the vision of Huston-Tillotson and the extraordinary leadership of [President Melva Wallace] and the board.”

Simmons College of Kentucky Smashes Record for Freshman Enrollment

For the fall 2025 semester, 210 freshman students are set to begin their undergraduate education at Simmons College. This will be largest freshman class in the HBCU's history.

Jason Moore is Paul Quinn College’s First Fulbright Scholar

“Being named Paul Quinn’s first Fulbright Scholar is an incredible honor that reflects not just a personal milestone but the power and promise of a supportive Paul Quinn community,” said Dr. Moore, who will spend the upcoming academic year teaching business development and entrepreneurship to students at Bethlehem Moravian College in Jamaica.

Morgan State University Surpasses $100 Million in Research Commitments for the First Time

“As we continue on our path toward R1, we are not just growing in volume but also in impact,” said Willie E. May, vice president for research and economic development at Morgan State University. “The strength of our research portfolio lies in its diversity and societal relevance."

Edward Waters University Receives Record-Breaking Student Applications for Upcoming Semester

For the upcoming fall 2025 semester, Edward Waters University in Florida has received nearly 11,500 student applications - the most ever received in the HBCU's history. Compared to last year, the university experienced a 6.2 percent in total student applications and a 153 percent increase in graduate applications.

Winston-Salem State University Sends Record Number of Students to Graduate School in Mathematics

“This is a big deal for our department and a point of pride for our faculty,” said Felicia Simpson, department chair and professor of mathematics. “We are changing students’ perception of mathematics.”

Teresa Merriweather Orok Is the First Black Woman Leader of the University Economic Development Association

With over 35 years of professional experience, Dr. Orok currently serves as the inaugural director of the Center for Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Economic Development at Alabama A&M University.

Sherry Turner Appointed as the First Black President of Hartford International University in Connecticut

“I treasure this opportunity to provide leadership to solidify HIU’s position as the nation’s leading resource for inter-religious education, research, and peace studies,” said Dr. Turner. “I look forward to collaborating with our trustees, administrators, faculty, staff, and students to create a shared vision and roadmap for doing so.”

The New Congress is the Most Racially and Ethnically Diverse in U.S. History

More than a quarter of the 119th U.S. Congress is non-White. There are currently 66 Black voting members across the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate, an increase from the 60 Black Americans who served in the 118th Congress.

Xavier University of Louisiana Is the First HBCU to Offer a Varsity-Level Rowing Team

"Launching this team of athletes onto the competitive national stage is not just about rowing — it's about building a community, inspiring our students, and creating opportunities for growth both on and off the water," said the program's founders.

American Born and Educated Scholar Is the First Black Woman Professor at University in the U.K.

A psychology faculty member with City St. George's, University of London for over a decade, Jessica Jones Nielsen has been named the institution's first-ever Black woman full professor. She has served as the university's assistant vice president for equality, diversity, and inclusion since 2021.

Kimo Ah Yun Named First Black President of Marquette University

“My top priority is ensuring we continue to provide a transformational education for our students so that our graduates are problem-solvers and agents of change,” said Dr. Ah Yun, the first Black president of Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Forbes Magazine Names Howard University the Top HBCU in the Country

This year, Forbes magazine listed Howard University as the top HBCU and 273rd best higher education institution in the United States. Spelman College, Morehouse College, Florida A&M University, North Carolina A&T State University, and Hampton University were also listed among the country's top 500 colleges and universities.

Howard University Receives Record-Breaking 36,000 Applicants for Class of 2028

The class of 2028 applicant pool at Howard University increased by 4,000 applications compared to last year's class of 2027. This year, the university's acceptance rate was roughly 31 percent, down five percentage points from last year.

The First Black Deaf Woman to Earn a Ph.D. in Biochemistry

A native of Sierra Leone in Africa, Dr. Sankoh became deaf at the age of three. She was sent to live with a family friend in the United States at the age of 12. She struggled in school until she was able to master American sign language. She recently earned s Ph.D. in biochemistry from the University of Tennessee.
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