(HBCU Buzz) – A Republican from North Carolina, Thom Tillis, recently reiterated his support for historically black colleges and universities, or HBCUs, citing that the state is home to the most black colleges where he has made it his duty to be an advocate for them since he was elected to Congress. Tillis stated that he fights to ensure that these institutions receive the proper support they need to continue their standard of excellence during a bipartisan panel held at the 2020 HBCU Fly-In hosted by U.S. Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) on Feb. 27. The conference gave HBCU leaders the opportunity to continue to talk about ways to empower the black youth.

In addition, the event created an open dialogue between presidents and chancellors around bettering black colleges and minority-serving institutions (MSIs), The Ripon Advance reports. “Our work last year to permanently reauthorize annual funding for HBCUs and help students pursue their academic and professional goals was a huge step,” Sen. Tillis said. “I will continue to prioritize HBCUs and produce outcomes to ensure institutions can continue to provide quality education, increase the pipeline of qualified talent, and create more innovative and inclusive industries in the 21st century, especially in STEM-related fields.”