The Journal of Blacks in Higher Education

Rico Munn Named Chancellor of the Colorado State University System

"The institutions of the CSU System have an extraordinary legacy of serving Colorado — a legacy I am honored and excited to help carry forward," said Rico Munn, who will begin his role as system chancellor in 2027.

Michele Murray Appointed President of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities

The Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities is a national organization that supports Jesuit higher education institutions in the United States, Belize, and Canada. Dr. Murray, who currently serves as senior vice president for student development and mission at the College of the Holy Cross, is slated to become the association's next president on June 2.

In Memoriam: Norman C. Francis, 1931-2026

Norman C. Francis served as president of historically Black Xavier University of Louisiana for nearly five decades. When he retired in 2015, he was the longest-tenured university president in the United States.

Eric Wilcots to Lead the University of Wisconsin-Madison

A faculty member since 1995, Dr. Wilcots currently serves as dean of the University of Wisconsin-Madison's College of Letters & Science. He is slated to become the institution's interim president on May 17.

Research & Studies

Research Projects More Than $100 Billion Shortfall in Pell Grant Reserves Over the Next Decade

A new analysis from the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget has found the Pell Grant program is projected to be $5 billion in the red at the end of 2026. If congressional action is not taken to fix the program's structural shortfall, the Pell program faces a projected $104 billion to $157 billion cumulative deficit over the next decade.

The Median Household Income for Black Families Rose in Most U.S. States Since the Late 2000s

After adjusting for inflation, the median household income for Black households has increased in 38 states and the District of Columbia since 2009. Only one state (Nevada) experienced a decline in Black households' median income, while 11 states and Puerto Rico had no significant change.

Yale Study Finds Racial Disparities in Cardiovascular Deaths From Air Pollution

“These disparities reflect decades of structural and environmental inequities,” said senior author Kai Chen, associate professor of environmental health sciences at the Yale School of Public Health. “Communities of color are more likely to live near highways, industrial facilities, and other pollution sources, resulting in disproportionately higher exposure to air pollution.”

College-Educated Black Women Experienced the Largest Employment Losses in 2025

In 2025, Black women with a bachelor's degree as their highest level of education experienced a 3.5 percent drop in their employment rate, largely due to sweeping federal layoffs and buyouts over the past year.

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Quote of the Week

“I think the question of, ‘Is [Donald Trump] a racist?’ should be posed to him, but frankly, I think his actions probably give the answer before he even has a chance to answer it himself.”

Wes Moore,
governor of Maryland, in an interview with CBS News, 2-15-26

Statistic of the Week

$60,764
Median income of Black households in Washington, D.C. during the 2020-24 period
$170,201
Median income of White households in Washington, D.C. during the 2020-24 period

Source: U.S. Census Bureau (see JBHE post)

JBHE Archives

All Recent Posts

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.

Columbia University Launches the Obama Presidency Oral History Archive

Produced by Columbia University's Incite Institute, the newly publicized Obama Presidency Oral History archive features hundreds of interviews with officials, activists, artists, organizers, and everyday people, providing insights into their experiences during President Obama's time in office.

Holistic Support for Black Student Athletes in the Shadows of March Madness

As March Madness will consume our attention, institutions must focus beyond the tournament. The true measure of success is thriving Black student athletes excelling on the court, in the classroom and graduating, which leaves a legacy beyond the final buzzer.

Online Articles That May Be of Interest to JBHE Readers

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

In Memoriam: Michael Keith Herndon, 1964-2026

A two-time graduate of historically Black Howard University, Dr. Herndon served as director of summer and winter sessions at Virginia Tech from 2008 until his passing.

Thirty-One Universities End Partnership With The Ph.D. Project

Last year, the DOE initiated an investigation into 45 higher education institutions for partnering with The Ph.D. Project, a nonprofit supporting students from underrepresented racial backgrounds pursue doctoral degrees, claiming those partnerships discriminate on the basis of race. Thirty-one of those universities have now agreed to end their collaboration with The Ph.D. Project.

The State of New York Launches New African American Heritage Grant Program

“At a time when crucial elements of public history are under assault from Washington, New York State is stepping up to the stories of all of our residents," said New York Governor Kathy Hochul. "This new grant program will help expand the ways we teach, preserve, and celebrate Black history in New York."

In Memoriam: Asmarom Legesse, 1931-2026

Dr. Legesse taught anthropology and Black studies at Swarthmore College for over two decades. Throughout his career, he conducted extensive research in Eritrea and advocated for the campaign against South Africa's apartheid system.

Research Projects More Than $100 Billion Shortfall in Pell Grant Reserves Over the Next Decade

A new analysis from the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget has found the Pell Grant program is projected to be $5 billion in the red at the end of 2026. If congressional action is not taken to fix the program's structural shortfall, the Pell program faces a projected $104 billion to $157 billion cumulative deficit over the next decade.

Rico Munn Named Chancellor of the Colorado State University System

"The institutions of the CSU System have an extraordinary legacy of serving Colorado — a legacy I am honored and excited to help carry forward," said Rico Munn, who will begin his role as system chancellor in 2027.

The Median Household Income for Black Families Rose in Most U.S. States Since the Late 2000s

After adjusting for inflation, the median household income for Black households has increased in 38 states and the District of Columbia since 2009. Only one state (Nevada) experienced a decline in Black households' median income, while 11 states and Puerto Rico had no significant change.

Michele Murray Appointed President of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities

The Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities is a national organization that supports Jesuit higher education institutions in the United States, Belize, and Canada. Dr. Murray, who currently serves as senior vice president for student development and mission at the College of the Holy Cross, is slated to become the association's next president on June 2.

Yale Study Finds Racial Disparities in Cardiovascular Deaths From Air Pollution

“These disparities reflect decades of structural and environmental inequities,” said senior author Kai Chen, associate professor of environmental health sciences at the Yale School of Public Health. “Communities of color are more likely to live near highways, industrial facilities, and other pollution sources, resulting in disproportionately higher exposure to air pollution.”

Voorhees University President Ronnie Hopkins Receives Five-Year Contract Extension

“Leading Voorhees University is both an honor and a calling,” said Dr. Hopkins. “I am deeply grateful to the board of trustees for their continued trust and partnership. Together, we will continue building on this momentum — expanding opportunity, strengthening outcomes, and advancing Voorhees to the next level of excellence.”

New Faculty Appointments for Three Black Scholars

John Thabiti Willis of Grinnell College in Iowa and Erica Edwards of Yale University have been selected for endowed faculty positions at their institutions. Chipo Dendere was promoted to associate professor with tenure at Wellesley College in Massachusetts.

Tuskegee University to Launch Online Global Campus

Launching in the fall 2027 semester, the Tuskegee University Global Campus will offer undergraduate and graduate degrees in an online platform designed to support non-traditional learners and students facing financial barriers.

Clemson’s Brandi Nicole Hinnant-Crawford Receives National Book Award in Educator Preparation

The American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education has honored Dr. Hinnant-Crawford for the second edition of her book Improvement Science in Education: A Primer

Kentucky State University Approved to Offer New Graduate Degree in Sports Analytics

“This new program is built to balance academic foundations with practical application,” said Patrese A. Nesbitt, assistant professor of exercise science. “Students will learn to turn complex information into clear insights that support better decisions — whether they’re working in athletics, education, or another sector where data is shaping strategy and outcomes.”

In Memoriam: Norman C. Francis, 1931-2026

Norman C. Francis served as president of historically Black Xavier University of Louisiana for nearly five decades. When he retired in 2015, he was the longest-tenured university president in the United States.

Four African Americans Selected for Administrative Positions at HBCUs

The appointments are Linell J. Jefferson III at North Carolina Central University, Raymon Hicks at Savannah State University in Georgia, Todd Greene at Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta, Jarrod Benjamin at Albany State University in Georgia.

Online Articles That May Be of Interest to JBHE Readers

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

Recent Books of Interest to African American Scholars

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.

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.

In Memoriam: Ione Vargus, 1930-2025

In 1978, Dr. Vargus was named dean of Temple University's School of Social Administration, making her the university's first African American and first woman to serve as an academic dean. She was an expert on family reunions, particularly the importance of such events in African American culture.

University of Texas at Austin to Combine Its Race and Gender Studies Programs

“UT is reversing roughly 50 years of intellectual progress and innovation,” said Julie Minich, professor of Mexican American and Latino Studies and of English. “If the goal is to make sure UT is no longer a global leader in higher education this is a great move.”

All Recent Posts

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.

Columbia University Launches the Obama Presidency Oral History Archive

Produced by Columbia University's Incite Institute, the newly publicized Obama Presidency Oral History archive features hundreds of interviews with officials, activists, artists, organizers, and everyday people, providing insights into their experiences during President Obama's time in office.

Holistic Support for Black Student Athletes in the Shadows of March Madness

As March Madness will consume our attention, institutions must focus beyond the tournament. The true measure of success is thriving Black student athletes excelling on the court, in the classroom and graduating, which leaves a legacy beyond the final buzzer.

Online Articles That May Be of Interest to JBHE Readers

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

In Memoriam: Michael Keith Herndon, 1964-2026

A two-time graduate of historically Black Howard University, Dr. Herndon served as director of summer and winter sessions at Virginia Tech from 2008 until his passing.

Thirty-One Universities End Partnership With The Ph.D. Project

Last year, the DOE initiated an investigation into 45 higher education institutions for partnering with The Ph.D. Project, a nonprofit supporting students from underrepresented racial backgrounds pursue doctoral degrees, claiming those partnerships discriminate on the basis of race. Thirty-one of those universities have now agreed to end their collaboration with The Ph.D. Project.

The State of New York Launches New African American Heritage Grant Program

“At a time when crucial elements of public history are under assault from Washington, New York State is stepping up to the stories of all of our residents," said New York Governor Kathy Hochul. "This new grant program will help expand the ways we teach, preserve, and celebrate Black history in New York."

In Memoriam: Asmarom Legesse, 1931-2026

Dr. Legesse taught anthropology and Black studies at Swarthmore College for over two decades. Throughout his career, he conducted extensive research in Eritrea and advocated for the campaign against South Africa's apartheid system.

Research Projects More Than $100 Billion Shortfall in Pell Grant Reserves Over the Next Decade

A new analysis from the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget has found the Pell Grant program is projected to be $5 billion in the red at the end of 2026. If congressional action is not taken to fix the program's structural shortfall, the Pell program faces a projected $104 billion to $157 billion cumulative deficit over the next decade.

Rico Munn Named Chancellor of the Colorado State University System

"The institutions of the CSU System have an extraordinary legacy of serving Colorado — a legacy I am honored and excited to help carry forward," said Rico Munn, who will begin his role as system chancellor in 2027.

The Median Household Income for Black Families Rose in Most U.S. States Since the Late 2000s

After adjusting for inflation, the median household income for Black households has increased in 38 states and the District of Columbia since 2009. Only one state (Nevada) experienced a decline in Black households' median income, while 11 states and Puerto Rico had no significant change.

Michele Murray Appointed President of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities

The Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities is a national organization that supports Jesuit higher education institutions in the United States, Belize, and Canada. Dr. Murray, who currently serves as senior vice president for student development and mission at the College of the Holy Cross, is slated to become the association's next president on June 2.

Yale Study Finds Racial Disparities in Cardiovascular Deaths From Air Pollution

“These disparities reflect decades of structural and environmental inequities,” said senior author Kai Chen, associate professor of environmental health sciences at the Yale School of Public Health. “Communities of color are more likely to live near highways, industrial facilities, and other pollution sources, resulting in disproportionately higher exposure to air pollution.”

Voorhees University President Ronnie Hopkins Receives Five-Year Contract Extension

“Leading Voorhees University is both an honor and a calling,” said Dr. Hopkins. “I am deeply grateful to the board of trustees for their continued trust and partnership. Together, we will continue building on this momentum — expanding opportunity, strengthening outcomes, and advancing Voorhees to the next level of excellence.”

New Faculty Appointments for Three Black Scholars

John Thabiti Willis of Grinnell College in Iowa and Erica Edwards of Yale University have been selected for endowed faculty positions at their institutions. Chipo Dendere was promoted to associate professor with tenure at Wellesley College in Massachusetts.

Tuskegee University to Launch Online Global Campus

Launching in the fall 2027 semester, the Tuskegee University Global Campus will offer undergraduate and graduate degrees in an online platform designed to support non-traditional learners and students facing financial barriers.

Clemson’s Brandi Nicole Hinnant-Crawford Receives National Book Award in Educator Preparation

The American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education has honored Dr. Hinnant-Crawford for the second edition of her book Improvement Science in Education: A Primer

Kentucky State University Approved to Offer New Graduate Degree in Sports Analytics

“This new program is built to balance academic foundations with practical application,” said Patrese A. Nesbitt, assistant professor of exercise science. “Students will learn to turn complex information into clear insights that support better decisions — whether they’re working in athletics, education, or another sector where data is shaping strategy and outcomes.”

In Memoriam: Norman C. Francis, 1931-2026

Norman C. Francis served as president of historically Black Xavier University of Louisiana for nearly five decades. When he retired in 2015, he was the longest-tenured university president in the United States.

Four African Americans Selected for Administrative Positions at HBCUs

The appointments are Linell J. Jefferson III at North Carolina Central University, Raymon Hicks at Savannah State University in Georgia, Todd Greene at Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta, Jarrod Benjamin at Albany State University in Georgia.