1. Xavier University of Louisiana gets huge grant

Xavier University of Louisiana says it can now triple the number of its graduating African American students who later goes on to achieve their Ph.D.s in the life sciences because of a $19.6 million grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) that supports the development of underrepresented backgrounds in STEM education. The award is part of a $240 million investment from the NIH, and could also increase the number of African Americans with Ph.D.s nationally by 10 percent according to the University’s website.

In a press release, Xavier President Dr. Norman Francis said the University is the primary undergraduate source of African American Ph.D.s in the life sciences in the country.

2. Central State will hold “economic impact” briefing on land-grant status

Central State University is now only the second land-grant institution in the state of Ohio after what some calls a change of a generations-long injustice. The Black college located in Wilberforce is planning to hold a Breakfast Briefing on the “economic impact” of its land-grant status at the Dayton Arena Chamber of Commerce on Nov. 14.

3. Toni Morrison’s Papers not going to Howard?

Toni Morrison, who originally taught at Howard University before spending more than 25 years teaching at Princeton University, decided to house her papers at the latter over her Alma mater. “…I think 100 years from now people will look back and realize that this is one more symptom of the deep cultural malaise we have in this country,”  said Dr. Carr of Howard University.

4. Spelman aims for 50 percent

Because of the significant progress Spelman College has made to achieve a ‘greener community’ Chevrolet is teaming up to build upon the College’s mission to achieve climate neutrality, Spelman officials tells HBCU Buzz. Spelman recently hosted a presentation with Chevrolet on Oct. 22 for Campus Sustainability Day.

The historically black college or university (HBCU) began measuring its baseline greenhouse emissions in 2009 and wants to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions 50 percent by 2031.

5. Al Sharpton is fighting for legendary TSU basketball team

The Reverend Al Sharpton is fighting for…sports? There’s a good case here. Sharpton is friends with Tennessee State University alumnus Dr. Richard “Dick” Barnett, a member of all three of TSU’s 1957- 1959 Men’s Championship Basketball Team. They were the first HBCU to win a national championship, and the first to three-peat in collegiate history.

Now Sharpton is paying it back by joining with TSU President Glenda Glover, state and local officials, community leaders and stakeholders to get the team inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

Bonus: My interview on Fuze The Mc about working with Lil Wayne and Nicki Minaj, being verified on social media and Howard University.

Campus NewsTop 5 HBCU Homecomings 2014