The National Science Foundation has awarded five Historically Black Colleges and Universities a transformative $3 million grant to bolster research capacity. The funding supports the HBCU Ujima Collective, an initiative spearheaded by Miles College. The collaborative project will include Howard University, Morgan State University, Tennessee State University, and Winston-Salem State University.
The HBCU Ujima Collective’s primary goal is to develop robust research infrastructures that enhance the competencies of student researchers, faculty, and emerging grant professionals. Funding from the NSF grant will be allocated to student stipends, scholarships, faculty development programs, and consortium activities designed to promote collaboration and innovation.
“This project is a collaborative success story,” said Miles College President Bobbie Knight. “By working with these accomplished Co-PIs, we’re elevating Miles College and the entire HBCU community. Miles College, an emerging research institution, is proud to partner with prestigious institutions, including HBCUs, approaching the coveted R1 status.”
Leading The Project
Dr. Jarralynne Agee, senior vice president of strategic initiatives at Miles College, is the project’s principal investigator. “It is an honor to work with each of the co-principal investigators on this project, who all bring significant expertise and previous NSF recognition, which strengthens our ability to make a lasting impact on research and innovation,” Agee stated.
Joining Dr. Agee are a team of co-principal investigators: Dr. Kimberley Freeman, professor of educational psychology at Howard University; Dr. Damon Bryant, assistant professor of psychology at Morgan State University; Dr. Catherine Armwood-Gordon, associate dean of research and graduate studies at Tennessee State University; and Dr. Rashunda Stitt, associate professor of psychology at Winston-Salem State University.
Enhancing Research At HBCUs
The grant falls under the NSF’s Advancing Research Capacity at HBCUs through Exploration and Innovation initiative, which seeks to enhance HBCUs’ research capabilities. This includes providing access to advanced facilities, resources, and essential training.
NSF Director Sethuraman Panchanathan highlighted the significance of this initiative. “The NSF ARC-HBCU Ideas Lab is an excellent opportunity to foster collaboration among HBCUs,” said Panchanathan. “By connecting talent from different institutions, we can build a more integrated and impactful research network that addresses the most pressing needs of these colleges.”
This grant, funded through the Historically Black Colleges and Universities—Excellence in Research program, is designed to address specific research capacity challenges faced by HBCUs. The program responds to recommendations outlined in the Senate Commerce and Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee Report.
The grant’s performance period commenced in mid-September as part of its implementation. One of its key initiatives will be launching a series of masterclasses, beginning with a grant-writing workshop scheduled for November. The workshop will equip HBCU faculty, students, and staff with essential skills to secure funding and expand their research capabilities.
Open registration for Term 2 of the Fall 2024 semester is currently available, and prospective students can learn more here.
