Monthly Archives: August 2014
Recent Books That May Be 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. Here are the latest selections.
University of Colorado Professor Wins PEN Open Book Award
Professor Ruth Ellen Kocher was honored for her collection of poems, domina Un/blued (Tupelo Press, 2013). She will receive the award, and a $5,000 cash prize, at a ceremony in New York City on September 29.
Victor R. McCrary Jr. Named a Fellow of the American Chemical Society
Dr. McCrary is vice president for research and economic development at Morgan State University. He is being honored for his research at AT&T Bell Laboratories, the National Institute of Standards, and the Applied Physics Laboratory at Johns Hopkins University.
Higher Education Grants of Interest to African Americans
Here is this week’s news of grants to historically Black colleges and universities or for programs of particular interest to African Americans in higher education.
The New Director of Ohio State’s Center for Higher Education Enterprise
Terrell L. Strayhorn is professor of higher education in the College of Education and Human Ecology at Ohio State University. Earlier this year he was promoted to full professor, the youngest at Ohio State.
University of Kentucky Scholar Named Rhetorician of the Year
Adam J. Banks, professor in the department of writing, rhetoric, and digital studies in the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Kentucky, was named the 2014 Rhetorician of the Year by the The Young Rhetoricians Conference.
African Literature Association Supports Boycott of Israeli Academic Institutions
The African Literature Association approved a resolution at its annual meeting in Johannesburg, South Africa, that called for the academic boycott of Israeli institutions of higher learning.
Florida A&M University Establishes the Sustainability Institute
The institute's mission is to enhance the university’s academic and research programs on sustainability issues; improve the efficiencies and environmental stewardship of campus operations; and perform outreach and engagement initiatives.
In Memoriam: Edward Vaughn
Edward Vaughn was a professor of education at Alcorn State University in Mississippi. Before coming to Alcorn State in 2004, Professor Vaughn was director of institutional research at Lane College in Jackson, Tennessee.
University of Texas Affirmative Action Case Is Not Done Yet
Last month, a panel of the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the affirmative action policies on the University of Texas. But the plaintiff was quick to respond and has now filed an appeal for the entire Fifth Circuit bench to hear the case.
Academic Study Finds a Large Racial Gap in the Transition Out of Homeownership
Researchers at Rice University in Houston and Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, found that since the 1990s, African American homebuyers were 45 percent more likely than Whites to transition out of homeownership.
A New Assessment of Graduation Success Rates at HBCUs
The study finds that when all variables are factored in Black and Hispanic students who enroll at minority-serving institutions are just as likely to graduate from college as Black and Hispanic students who attend other colleges and universities.
Minority Students at Public Charter Schools Less Likely to Engage in Risky Behaviors
The study examined a group of nearly 1,000 students, about half of them who were admitted by lottery to public charter schools and half who were not. The ones admitted to the charter schools were significantly less likely to engage in risky behaviors.
Turmoil in Montgomery: Power Struggle at Alabama State University
The university's president has come under fire for a number of different reasons and the governor has dismissed two board members for alleged conflicts of interest and for trying to usurp the president's powers.
Black Physician Leading the First Phase III Clinical Trial for a Preeclampsia Drug
Alan Tita is a professor in the department of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Alabama Birmingham. He is a lead investigator for the clinical trial for a drug that may reduce infant and maternal mortality rates.
Tuskegee University to Participate in Space Vehicle Design Project
Tuskegee students and faculty will have the opportunity to work on the development of the Dream Chaser Orbital Transportation System of Sierra Nevada Corporation's Space Systems division.
In Memoriam: Michelle Parthenia Winn-Pigford, 1966-2014
Michelle Winn was an associate professor of nephrology at the Duke University Medical Center. Throughout her career, Dr. Winn was a strong advocate for advancing the careers of women and underrepresented minorities in medicine and science.
Two Black Scholars in New Teaching Roles
Marc Lamont Hill was appointed Distinguished Professor of American American studies at Morehouse College and Adriel A. Hilton was appointed assistant professor of college student personnel and director of the College Student Personnel program at Western Carolina University.
Jackson State University to Establish a School of Journalism
Eric D. Stringfellow, an award-winning journalist, will serve as interim director of the new school. He has been serving as executive director for university communications and will continue in that role.
Five African Americans in New Administrative Roles in Higher Education
The appointees are Damon L. Williams Jr. at Emory University, Tiffany C. Graham at the University of South Dakota, Timothy E. Sams at Morehouse College, Keith McIntosh at Ithaca College, and Kermit Crawford at the University of Southern California.
