HBCUs

Although HBCUs represent 9 percent of all four-year bachelor-degree-granting institutions in the 21 states and U.S. territories where they are located, these colleges and universities awarded 28 percent of all STEM bachelor's degrees earned by Black students in the 2022–2023 academic year.

The deans are Gregory D. Goins at North Carolina A&T State University's College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Michael L. Jones at Hampton University's School of Nursing, Chance M. Glenn Sr. at Wilberforce University's College of Engineering, Britaney S. Lott at Voorhees University's School of Business & Entrepreneurship, and Cheryl A. Thaxton at Winston-Salem State University's School of Health Sciences.

Simmons College of Kentucky has established seven new master's degree programs offered in an accelerated, flexible format. Four degrees (ministry, business administration, organizational leadership, and medical science) are currently available, while the remaining three (clinical counseling, education, and teaching) are coming soon.

At North Carolina Central University, Tryan L. McMickens is a new associate dean in the School of Education. Katrina Smith and Nakia Davis are taking on associate dean roles in the School of Law.

Undergraduate students at Bowie State University can now major in artificial intelligence. The HBCU's new bachelor's degree program aims to prepare students to develop, evaluate, and implement intelligent technologies while addressing the societal and ethical implications of AI.

As the first HBCU to join Siembra Mobile's College Connect network, Claflin University can now connect with parents and students from Siembra's partnering school districts via a free mobile app. Participating students can learn about Claflin's admissions, scholarships, events, and other academic opportunities as early as ninth grade.

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.

Starting in the Fall 2027 semester, up to 10 high school junior students from local counties will begin online courses for Bethune-Cookman University's nursing curriculum. After their high school graduation, they will be able to earn a bachelor's degree in nursing in only three years.

“Workforce readiness is a key priority for the university” said Albany State University President Robert O. Scott. “By offering high-quality programs in critical fields, we are equipping our students with the knowledge and skills needed to lead, innovate, and make meaningful contributions in their communities and professions.”

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.

“As schools work to meet the diverse needs of students with disabilities, strong leadership is more important than ever,” said Willis Walter, dean of the College of Education. “Through this program, Virginia State University is preparing the next generation of special education leaders who will strengthen schools, support educators, and improve educational outcomes for students and their families.”

A new report from Virginia State University's Wes Bellamy analyzes the current economic conditions facing Black men and boys in the United States, including insights regarding K-12 education, postsecondary education, employment, income, and wealth disparities.

A new list from Forbes magazine ranks Howard University as the top private HBCU in terms of how successful its students are after graduating. North Carolina A&T State University is listed as the top public HBCU for graduate success.

Launching with its inaugural cohort in Fall 2026, Bowie State University's new Ph.D. program in nursing education is the first degree of its kind offered at a higher education institution in the state of Maryland.

“By creating clear and supportive pathways from Lawson State to Talladega College, we are empowering students to continue their academic journeys with confidence and purpose. Together, we are building opportunities that prepare graduates to lead and serve in an increasingly global society,” said Talladega College President Willie L. Todd, Jr.

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.

“Students got an advantage because of who they knew and who they were connected to, not because of the merit or the need they exhibited to the university to receive aid,” said North Carolina State Auditor David Boliek.

Frederick Evans, who has served as provost of South Carolina State University for nearly five years, recently announced his abrupt resignation. Louis Whitesides, vice president for public service and agriculture, will serve as interim provost.

Dr. Johnson comes to his new role at Edward Waters University with extensive experience in higher education leadership, including service as president of Tuskegee University in Alabama from 2014 to 2017.

The new deans are Jillian Jackson at Shaw University in North Carolina, Ronald Wabomnor at North Carolina A&T State University, Kevin Reese at Morris College in South Carolina, and Charles E. Stallworth at Talladega College in Alabama.