The Journal of Blacks in Higher Education

Nefertiti Walker to Lead the University of Massachusetts Boston

Dr. Walker, a professor of sport management, currently serves as senior vice president for academic affairs, student affairs, and equity at UMass Amherst. She is slated to assume new responsibilities as interim chancellor of UMass Boston on February 1.

The Higher Education of the Nation’s Four Newly Elected Black Governors

Breaking News
Currently, recently reelected Maryland Governor Wes Moore is the only sitting Black governor in the country. In January, four more Black Americans will assume gubernatorial seats: Keisha Lance Bottoms in Georgia, David Crowley in Wisconsin, Byron Donalds in Florida, and Aaron Ford in Nevada.

Calvin Ball Named Interim President of Baltimore City Community College

Breaking News
Eight years ago, Dr. Ball became the first African American to serve as executive of Howard County in Maryland. He has stepped down from that role to become interim president of Baltimore City Community College.

Tonjanita Johnson Appointed President of the Universities of Wisconsin

Breaking News
Since 2019, Dr. Johnson has been senior vice chancellor for academic and student affairs at the University of Alabama System. She will begin her new role in January, overseeing Wisconsin's 13 public universities.

Research & Studies

A Genetic Variant Unique to Black People May Increase Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease

Research & Studies
A particular genetic variant unique to people of African descent is linked to stiffer, less flexible blood vessels, which may increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease, according to new research led by scientists at the Aging & Brain Health Alliance at Rutgers University.

Federal Reserve Board Report Shows Huge Racial Income and Wealth Gaps

Racial Gap
According to the Survey of Consumer Finances, the median Black family income was only 51.8 percent of the median non-Hispanic White family income in 2025. Non-Hispanic White family wealth was nearly 10 times the median Black family wealth.

Racial Differences in the Age of Doctoral Degree Recipients in the United States

Degree Attainments
More than 23 percent of all Black Americsns who earned doctorates in 2025 were over the age of 45. For White Americans earning doctorates in 2025, only 8.7 percent were over the age of 45.

Study Examines How African Americans View Caregiving Responsibilities for Older Adults

Research & Studies
A new study led by Nekehia Quashie, assistant professor of public health at the University of Rhode Island, examines how different African American age groups feel about the responsibility of supporting older adults.

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Quote of the Week

“Fully funding education will be a priority.”

Keisha Lance Bottoms,
governor-elect of Georgia, who will be the first Black woman to serve as a governor in the United States
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Features

Features

Lest We Forget: The Unsung and Profound Philanthropy of Julius Rosenwald and the Rosenwald Fund

Features

Now Is the Time to Invest in HBCU Research Commercialization

Features

HBCU Enrollments Are Surging

Features

The HBCU Rush

Features

How the Divine Nine Can Help Undergraduate Black Men at Predominantly White Institutions

Features

Commencement Tradition vs Cultural Celebration: Are There Limits to the Integration?

Statistic of the Week

32.9%
Percentage of Black American women over the age of 25 in 2025 that had obtained at least a bachelor’s degree
26.6%
Percentage of Black American men over the age of 25 in 2025 that had obtained at least a bachelor’s degree

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

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JBHE Archives

All Recent Posts

Appointments & Awards

Six Black Administrators Selected for New Roles in Higher Education

Taking on administrative roles are Jamarco Clark at Wichita State University in Kansas, Marques Dantzler at Alcorn State University in Mississippi, Antionette Marbray at Rollins College in Florida, Tashni-Ann Dubroy at the United Negro College Fund, William J. Young at Alabama A&M University, and Chadwick Wilson at Middle Georgia State University.
Books

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.
Articles

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.
Grants and Gifts

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.
Appointments & Awards

Two African Students Elected President of Graduate Student Groups at American Universities

Nichesius Godwin has been elected president of the LEAP Graduate Student Network at the University of Georgia, where he is pursuing a Ph.D. in education. Vanessa Macamo has been elected president of the Graduate and Professional Student Council at the University of Arizona, where she is pursuing a Ph.D. in special education.
In Memoriam

In Memoriam: Erroll B. Davis Jr., 1944-2026

Following a successful corporate career, Davis served as chancellor of the University System of Georgia, where he oversaw the state's 35 colleges and universities.
African-American History

University to Construct Memorial for Human Remains That Were Found in an Abandoned Well

During the 1994 construction of a medical building at Virginia Commonwealth University, nineteenth-century human remains were discovered in an abandoned well. The remains of the individuals, primarily of African descent, were likely discarded after medical students and faculty dissected and practiced procedures on unlawfully obtained cadavers.
Racism

Emory University Expels Law School Student for Racist Threats

The Emory University School of Law has expelled a student for writing social media posts and emails containing racial slurs and threats toward African Americans, women, and transgender people. The student had been banned from campus since January, but was not officially dismissed until April.
Graduate Schools

Study Shows Racial Diversity in Business and Law Schools Leads to Higher Salaries for Graduates

“Our results indicate that policies promoting racial diversity boost salaries for the entire cohort of students,” said co-author Peter Golder, professor of marketing at Dartmouth College. “The key implication of our study is pretty clear, namely that efforts to reduce racial diversity by outlawing affirmative action and dropping DEI initiatives will make us all poorer.”
Breaking News

Lisa Thompson Named President of Union Theological Seminary

Dr. Thompson's appointment marks a return to Union Theological Seminary, where she previously taught for three years. Most recently, she was the Cornelius Vanderbilt Chair of Black Homiletics & Liturgics at Vanderbilt University in Nashville.
Racial Gap

Study Finds AI Models Are Less Likely to Give Constructive Criticism to Black Students

A team of scholars at Stanford University asked four AI chatbots to provide feedback on essays by middle school students of different races. Essays by Black students were given more praise, while White students' essays received more constructive criticism to improve their writing skills.
Breaking News

Nicole Reaves Appointed President of Schenectady County Community College in New York

Dr. Reaves has been serving as executive vice president and chief programs officer at Wake Technical Community College in Raleigh, North Carolina. On July 15, she is slated to become the first woman president of Schenectady County Community College within the State University of New York System.
Racial Gap

Racism and Socioeconomic Distress May Alter Pregnancy Biology in Black Women

Scientists at the University of Cambridge have found three key physiological processes linked to pregnancy complications that are more prevalent in Black women than White women. Notably, these processes cannot be explained by genetic differences, suggesting these outcomes are likely driven by socio-environmental stressors.
Breaking News

The New Dean of the School of Education at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Before his appointment as interim dean in January 2025, Dr. Chitiyo, a professor of special education, served five years as chair of the university's department of specialized education services.
HBCUs

Fifteen HBCUs Launch New Initiative to Advance Research Capacity

Fifteen historically Black colleges and universities have formed the Association of HBCU Research Institutions. The coalition aims to expand research capacity at HBCUs and increase the number of HBCUs achieving R1 Carnegie Classification.
Appointments & Awards

New Appointments for Four Black Scholars in Academia

The Black scholars named to new posts are Ozzie Abaye at Virginia Tech, Suban Nor Cooley of Michigan State University, A. Bolu Ajiboye at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, and Dustin Bessette at Mt. Hood Community College in Oregon.
HBCUs

State Auditors Uncover Alledged Financial Misconduct at North Carolina A&T State University

An investigation conducted by the North Carolina Office of the State Auditor found North Carolina A&T State University distributed more than $5 million in student aid without evidence of merit or need-based criteria.
HBCUs

South Carolina State University Embroiled in Controversy Over Commencement Speaker

South Carolina Lt. Governor Pamela Evette was slated to speak at SCSU's commencement. However, after students spoke out against her views and policies, the HBCU rescinded her invitation citing safety concerns. A group of conservative legislators are now calling to defund the university.
Appointments & Awards

Two Black Professors Honored for Their Distinguished Service to Architecture Education

Carla Jackson Bell of Tuskegee University in Alabama and David Hughes of Kent State University in Ohio have each received an Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture Distinguished Professor Award in honor of their contributions to architecture education.
HBCUs

Texas Southern University Launches New Aviation Facility in Houston

Housed at the Houston Spaceport, Texas Southern University's new 20,000-square-foot hanger features 12 aircraft, as well as classroom and office space to support coursework tied to the HBCU's developing aerospace engineering program.
Appointments & Awards

New Positions for Three Black Administrators at Universities

Sheena Cobrand was named interim general counsel at North Carolina A&T State University. Grant Winrow was named vice president of institutional advancement at Wilberforce University in Ohio and Kofi Ofori was appointed chief financial officer at Towson University in Maryland.
Articles

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.
Books

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.
Grants and Gifts

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.
Breaking News

Saint Augustine’s University Files Class 11 Bankruptcy Amidst Accreditation Turmoil

Following several years of financial and accreditation turmoil, Saint Augustine's University's board of trustees has filed for bankruptcy and decided to not continue litigation related to its accreditation status.
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In Memoriam

In Memoriam: William H. Whitaker Jr., 1967-2026

Dr. Whitaker's career in higher education spanned more than three decades. A former administrator at several HBCUs, he was serving as dean of the Dr. Emily England Clyburn Honors College at South Carolina State University at the time of his passing.
Racial Gap

Ranking U.S. States on Racial Equality in Education

According to a new WalletHub analysis of all 50 states' education systems, Wyoming has the overall most racial equality in education, followed by West Virginia and New Mexico, In contrast, racial equality in education is the lowest in Wisconsin, Connecticut, and New Jersey.
Breaking News

Rhonda McEwen Appointed President of the University of Victoria

Dr. McEwen comes to her new appointment following four years as president and vice chancellor of Victoria University in the University of Toronto. Earlier, she served in several leadership roles at the University of Toronto Mississauga. She received some of her education in the United States.
Research & Studies

Report Outlines the Recent Gains and Persistent Disparities in Higher Education for Black Californians

“Higher education remains one of California’s most powerful equity levers for expanding economic opportunity, earning potential, and upward mobility,” the report authors write. “However, the full promise of higher education can only be achieved when Black students are equipped with the resources, support, and institutional commitment to thrive.”
Breaking News

Ian Martin to Lead the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine

Dr. Martin comes to his new role form the Medicine College of Wisconsin, where he has been serving as system chair of the department of emergency medicine and interim associate dean for faculty affairs and leadership development.
Enrollments

New Census Statistics Show Black Enrollments at All Levels of Education

African Americans made up a larger percentage of school students at every level of education compared to the Black percentage of the U.S. population. Black Americans made up a larger percentage of students enrolled in higher education than they did in elementary or secondary education.
Breaking News

Mitchell Walker Named Dean of the Georgia Tech College of Engineering

Dr. Walker is a known for his advanced propulsion research, specifically his experimental and theoretical studies of plasma propulsion concepts for spacecraft. He has been serving as the William R.T. Oaks Jr. School Chair in Georgia Tech's Daniel Guggenheim School of Aerospace Engineering.
HBCUs

North Carolina A&T State University to Launch a Ph.D. Program in Bioengineering

North Carolina A&T State University's forthcoming Ph.D. in bioengineering is slated to be the first stand-alone doctoral degree of its kind at a historically Black university.
Appointments & Awards

Three Black Scholars Selected for New Faculty Positions

Quanice G. Floyd has been tasked with developing an online arts administration degree at the University of Cincinnati. Boukary Sawadogo is chair of the department of media and communication arts at the City College of New York and Richard D. Benson II is the inaugural director of the Detroit Center for Black Studies at Wayne State University.
HBCUs

Winston-Salem State University to Offer Two New Degrees in Public Health

New undergraduate and graduate degrees in public health are set to launch at Winston-Salem State University. Pending final accreditation approval, the new master of public health degree will be the first of its kind offered at an HBCU in North Carolina.
Appointments & Awards

Boston University’s Louis Chude-Sokei Awarded for Distinguished Scholarship in Africana Studies

Dr. Chude-Sokei, an endowed professor at Boston University, is the 2026 recipient of the Teshome H. Gabriel Award from the the University of California, San Diego's Association for Advanced Research in Africana Studies.
HBCUs

Savannah State University Creates Free On-Campus Grocery Store for Students

A new mini market on the Savannah State University campus aims to address food insecurity among its students by offering free grocery items year-round. The store will also provide volunteering opportunities for students seeking hands-on learning experience in operations.
Appointments & Awards

New Administrative Roles for Seven African Americans in Higher Education

Here is this week’s roundup of African Americans who have been appointed to new administrative positions at colleges and universities throughout the United States. If you have news for our appointments section, please email the information to contact@jbhe.com.
Articles

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.
Breaking News

Ayanna Howard Appointed the Twelfth President of Spelman College in Atlanta

Dr. Howard joins Spelman from Ohio State University, where she has been serving as dean of the College of Engineering. She is a nationally recognized expert in robotics, artificial intelligence, and human-centered technology.
Racism

NAACP Calls on Black Athletes and Fans to Boycott Public Universities in States Attacking Black Voting Rights

The NAACP has launched a new national campaign that calls on African Americans to withhold their athletic and financial support of public universities in Tennessee, Louisiana, Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, and Georgia — states that have moved to limit, weaken, or erase Black voting representation.
In Memoriam

In Memoriam: Kimberly Baylor Bivins

Bivins taught construction science at Tuskegee University in Alabama for 10 years. During her tenure, she had stints as chair of the Faculty Senate and as interim chair of the construction science department.
Books

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.
HBCUs

Fisk and Harvard Universities’ Glee Clubs Perform Together for the First Time

The Harvard Glee Club and the Fisk Jubilee Singers are two of the oldest collegiate choirs in the United States. This spring, the two groups joined together for the first time to participate in collaborative workshops and perform a joint concert in Nashville.
In Memoriam

In Memoriam: David Henderson, 1942-2026

Henderson was a co-founder of New York City's Black Arts Movement in the 1960s. An acclaimed poet and writer, Henderson taught English, African American, and poetry workshops at colleges and universities in New York and California.
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Instructional Professor (Open Rank) in the Chicago Center for Writing

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Assistant Professor Biology

Faculty

Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering

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Founding Dean, Ingram College of Engineering

Administrative

PT Theatre Arts (Musical Theatre Productions/Music Director) Instructor

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Executive Vice Chancellor

Administrative

Assistant Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering

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President

Administrative