Last week (Thursday, April 11) American Baptist College President Dr. Forrest E. Harris announced that the U.S Department of Education has approved the University’s recognition as a Historically Black College and University.
ABC joins this historic list after a concentrated appeal that started in June 2012 and was later presented to Secretary Arne Duncan.
(A school must be established before 1964, be accredited by an entity recognized by the US Department of Education and serve African-American students to be considered a historically black college, according to Higher Education Act of 1965.)
In a presidential proclamation observing 2011 HBCU Week, President Obama remarked:
HBCUs continue a proud tradition as vibrant centers of intellectual inquiry and engines of scientific discovery and innovation. New waves of students, faculty, and alumni are building on their rich legacies and helping America achieve our goal of once again leading the world in having the highest proportion of college graduates by 2020.
The private historically black college is now the 106th HBCU in the nation.
About American Baptist University:
Founded in 1924 by black and white Baptists, American Baptist provides educational opportunities for gifted students who have limited academic experiences and resources but unlimited potential for leadership in society.
