This will be HBCU-UP’s first Broadening Participation Research Center to conduct research on the impact of HBCU leadership to advance diversity in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM)
The project involves four higher education partners, including the lead institution, University of the Virgin Islands, the Fielding Graduate University, North Carolina A&T State University, and the Association of American Colleges and Universities.
“As an institution with a long history of leadership in STEM disciplines, North Carolina A&T State University is truly excited about the timely creation of this new center for STEM leadership,” said Chancellor Harold L. Martin Sr. in a statement.
“As we and so many of our peer institutions scale up to meet the growing national demand for highly educated, well-prepared graduates in STEM professions, the work of this center will provide meaningful support for these efforts.”
With the NSF grant, the Center will examine how leadership at historically black colleges and universities has played a role in broadening the participation of African Americans in the STEM fields.
“The future of the U.S. and world economy turns on the work that is occurring in various STEM fields, and HBCUs play a critical role in attracting, developing and inspiring future leaders in this field,” said Dr. David Hall, president of the University of the Virgin Islands.
The Center for the Advancement of STEM Leadership‘s administrative offices will be housed in Washington, DC on Capitol Hill and headed by the center’s executive director Orlando Taylor, who is also Fielding’s vice president for strategic initiatives and research.
