Morgan State University Moves Ahead With Plans For Advanced New Science Complex

Posted by HBCU Editors
Posted on

Morgan State University just brought on a historic black firm to help complete its budding plan for a new science complex. Learn more in the MSU release below.

Maryland Board of Public Works Approves Agreement with Moody Nolan to Begin Design Services

Following contract approval by the Maryland Board of Public Works during the board’s first meeting of the new fiscal year, Morgan State University (MSU) today announced its official selection of the nation’s largest African-American-owned architecture firm — Moody Nolan, Inc. — to lead the creative vision for a new, innovative, state-of-the-art science complex. The agreement, valued at approximately $20.1 million, allows the firm to provide complete professional design services for all design phases of the project. The design of the new facility is expected to be completed in spring 2024.

“Make no mistake about it, there is a monumental transformation taking place on and near the campus of Morgan State University. The growth that we’re experiencing has come to be known as Morgan Momentum, and to sustain that growth we’ll need modern facilities that are equipped to address the work of the future and the future of work,” said University President David K. Wilson. “To bring to life the vision for a high-tech science facility capable of housing some of our top research projects and STEM instruction, we sought to partner with an equally innovative design firm with experience in the HBCU space and a national reputation for creative architecture. And we believe we have that in the selection of Moody Nolan.”

Over the past 40 years, Moody Nolan has been a leader in facility design and the development of Historically Black College and University (HBCU) campuses across the country, working on projects at 30 HBCUs. Among the firm’s most recent work is service as the interior architect for Morgan’s new Thurgood Marshall Hall, which is slated to open this August. As a part of its process, the firm’s design professionals take time to get to know and understand each HBCU’s mission and rich history, incorporating those key learnings into the design of a leading-edge facility for the future.

“For our firm, this represents a unique design opportunity. The designated location of the new science complex will serve as a gateway to the campus and a beacon to the surrounding Baltimore community,” said Curt Moody, chairman of the board and design partner for Moody Nolan. “We will make the new science complex a place that will endure as a threshold and a catalyst for ushering in a new era of research and innovation for Morgan State students and faculty.” 

The proposed science complex at Morgan represents yet another example of the University’s commitment to joining the higher echelon of Carnegie-classified universities by attaining an R1 (“very high research”) classification. Constructing a new science research facility replete with modern classrooms and laboratories is a significant step toward achieving this goal. The completion of a new science facility aligns with the University’s longstanding expansion of its research and will ensure Morgan students are adequately prepared, having access to top-level expertise, amenities, technology and programs.

“It is vital that the new science complex not only serve as a place for rigorous exploration and innovation but given MSU’s standing as one of our nation’s signature HBCUs, we will do our part from a design standpoint to ensure that it reflects the diverse culture of its student and faculty community,” said Renauld Deandre Mitchell, partner and managing design executive for Moody Nolan.

In addition to being an African-American-owned firm, Moody Nolan has committed to achieving minority business enterprise (MBE) goals of 63.47% for demolition design and 47.75% for the new building design. Combined, this will represent approximately $10.6 million in MBE dollars.

Previously, the University had announced its plans to construct a new science complex to house Morgan’s Biology and Chemistry Departments as well as the dean’s office of the School of Computer, Mathematical and Natural Sciences. Morgan’s existing science complex, which comprises four buildings — Carnegie, Calloway, Spencer and Key Halls — has aged and is in need of repairs. In addition, because of growth in the science disciplines, there is insufficient space in the current science complex to appropriately serve the Biology and Chemistry Departments.

The new facility will be erected on campus at the site of the current Washington Service Center, which is scheduled to be demolished. Construction cost for the new, 246,435-gross-square-foot science center is approximately $150 million, with work set to begin in summer 2024 and projected completion in summer 2027. MSU’s Office of Design & Construction Management will manage the project.

Luke Lawal Jr. Reflects On Winning Shine-A-Light Award At 2022 BET Awards

Posted by Vanessa Roberson
Posted on
Photo Credit: Michael Buckner/Variety

During the 2022 BET Awards, the HBCU Buzz founder and entrepreneur was honored with the “Shine A Light Award,” which was presented by Walmart. The coveted award was established by BET in 2001 to celebrate Black and minority trailblazers in entertainment, sports, culture and more. He has since opened up about receiving the honor.

“Everyday I’m living proof of our ancestors wildest dreams,” said Lawal Jr. on LinkedIn. “1% of it was my plan and 99% was grace. Who knew; #GodDid. Thank you BET for a dream come true and awarding me the 2022 Shine A Light award.”

As a graduate of Bowie State University, Luke Lawal Jr. has made it his life’s mission to advocate for HBCUs and their communities. It was a rewarding, full-circle moment to have entertainer Terrence J. introduce Lawal on the BET Awards stage. As a graduate of renowned HBCU North Carolina A&T State University, Terrence J. has worked with HBCU Buzz on several projects. Most recently, he served as a moderator in a conversation about COVID-19 vaccinations featuring Kelly Rowland and multiple HBCU leaders. Racking up over 3 million views, the unscripted conversation became the most-viewed video on the HBCU Buzz Youtube page. 

“Give it up for him,” Terrence J. told the clapping crowd at the awards show. “Luke is a passionate entrepreneur specifically amongst young professionals, and founded HBCU Buzz while he was still an undergrad!”

Lawal first recognized the need for a company like HBCU Buzz while sitting in his college dorm room. Each HBCU can feel like a world within its own, and he wanted to change that. Through the creation of HBCU Buzz, Lawal has worked tirelessly to keep members of the HBCU community connected to opportunities, current events, and each other. Among other things, HBCU Buzz helps students and alumni to stay updated on what’s happening with other campuses. They have also been able to unite and make their own connections. For example, HBCU Buzz will often have roundtable discussions with a special guest and hand-selected HBCU students of similar majors. Previous roundtables have featured notable talent like  Jamie Foxx, Michael B. Jordan, Keke Palmer, Black Panther and Coming II America costume designer Ruth E. Carter, and more. 

Lawal has also made efforts to uplift HBCU leaders. For one, he created an annual list called the HBCU Buzz Top 30 Under 30 to highlight HBCU game changers. Featuring a mix of both familiar and unfamiliar faces, the honorees span industries like entertainment, education, medicine, sports, and more. He also created a unique series where he interviews HBCU presidents to share their one-of-a-kind experiences and insights. Through the “President’s Corner,” he has interviewed HBCU presidents such as Florida A&M University president Dr. Larry Robinson,  and even the president of his alma mater, Bowie State University’s Dr. Aminta Breaux. 

Lawal perhaps would have never been as successful as he is today without his decision to attend a Historically Black College or University (HBCU). As the child of two HBCU graduates, he grew up with a fascination for the institutions that were such important parts of his parents’ identities. Growing up in Washington, D.C., his mother attended Howard University and graduated Summa Cum Laude, while his father attended Bowie State University. Lawal has often shared that choosing to attend his father’s alma mater changed his life. Like his father, he became a proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. as well.  “Luke we’re so proud of you, plus he’s the Bruhz so throw the hooks up,” said Terrence J. as his frat brother proudly held his award. 

As a man who is never where you left him last, Luke continues to find new ways to advocate for HBCUs. Most recently, Lawal decided to take a leap into the metaverse. “He is also the creator of a new cryptocurrency that services HBCUs called HBCU Coin,” shared Terrence J. “The primary focus [of the coin] is to allow students to gain knowledge about the crypto industry, and have the opportunity to create relationships with stakeholders beyond graduation. Thank you for using your knowledge, influence, and your skills to teach us about the future of financial literacy, said the actor. “We at BET and Walmart will continue to sign a light on you for doing big things.”

Grambling State Fires Volleyball Coach Who Cut Entire Team After Internal Investigation

Posted by HBCU Editors
Posted on

When now former Grambling State University volleyball coach Chelsey Lucas decided to cut her entire team of volleyball student-athletes, it caused an uproar. Today the university has released a decision on how to move forward amid the pain and confusion that caused. Learn more in the story from Mia Berry at ESPN below.

Former Grambling State University Head Volleyball Coach Chelsey Lucas (Credit: ARKLATEX)

Grambling State on Tuesday fired volleyball coach Chelsey Lucas, a decision that came three months after her controversial move to cut the team’s scholarship players.

“The decision was made due to the determination of an internal investigation within the volleyball program,” the school said in a statement. “Any additional comments will be held until the conclusion of the investigation.”

Dr. Trayvean Scott, Grambling State’s vice president for intercollegiate athletics, said in the statement that student-athletes who received scholarships for the upcoming season will keep them and remain on the team. Walk-ons in previous seasons also will keep their roster spots.

The success of student-athletes and their ability to matriculate at Grambling State University is the top priority,” Scott said.

Added Grambling State president Rick Gallot: “It is the responsibility of this institution to make sure that student-athletes are afforded opportunities in a manner compliant with all regulatory organizations. That applies to athletics as much as it does to academics.”

A national search for a new coach will begin this week.

Lucas, a former libero on Grambling’s volleyball team and the 2006 SWAC Defensive Player of the Year, was hired by the school on Feb. 14, after a three-year stint as head coach at Arkansas-Pine Bluff. She replaced Demetria Keys-Johnson, who stepped down in December.

Less than two months into her new role, Lucas informed all 12 returning scholarship players she would not be renewing their scholarships for the fall 2022 season, leaving many players stunned. In a statement released April 7 through Grambling’s athletic department, Lucas said, “I met with my team, each student-athlete, individually to discuss my plans moving forward with the Grambling State University volleyball program. My decision was to not bring back some of the current student-athletes on the team. While student-athletes are granted athletic scholarships, a scholarship is not guaranteed and not binding, per NCAA rules and regulations.”

Scott initially offered his support of Lucas’ decision, saying at the time: “Just as the transfer portal empowers student-athletes, our coaches are also empowered to make the decisions they deem necessary to advance their programs.”

A month later, the university announced an independent review of allegations involving the program, which according to Tuesday’s statement is ongoing.

Rapper Ja Rule Pledges Portion of NFT Proceeds to HBCUs

Posted by HBCU Editors
Posted on

Rapper Ja Rule is the latest entertainer that has pledged to donated funds to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) around the country. At the start of the 4th of July holiday weekend, he decided to share a unique way that he plans to donate money to the HBCUs, involving NFTs, non-fungible tokens. HBCUs such as Jackson State University Hampton University, Spelman College, and Morehouse College are among the schools set to be on the receiving end of his big plan. JSU football coach Deion Sanders has been among the first to respond to the impressive plan, sending his thanks. The Learn more about the New York-based rapper and entrepreneur’s plans in the story from Khari Thompson at the Mississippi Clarion Ledger.

Photo Credit: Scott Dudelson

Rapper Ja Rule has pledged a portion of the proceeds from an upcoming NFT collection to select HBCU’s including Jackson State University according to his Instagram page.

“Be a part of something beautiful. July 14th get on the Blacklist now … 1000 1 of 1s part of the proceeds going to support HBCU’s Hampton, Morgan, Spelman, Morehouse, and Jackson St,” wrote Ja Rule.

Jackson State coach Deion Sanders, who liked and shared the post on his Instagram page, said that all of the contributions earmarked for JSU will go toJSU’s football program.

“I wanna thank my brother Ja Rule for hitting me up and including our program in his heart along with several other HBCUs,” Sanders wrote.” My brother, I’ve always admired and respected u from afar but this is a true blessing for our team. All his proceeds allocated to us will go directly to the Jackson State football program because we certainly have needs. God bless u my brother!!!”

It’s the second big donation to JSU football from a rapper this week. Diddy announced a $1 million pledge at the BET Awards on Sunday. 

Darrell K. Williams Takes the Helm as President of Hampton University 

Posted by HBCU Editors
Posted on

Hampton University‘s new president and alumnus Darrell K. Williams is finally taking his seat in the new role. Learn more in the Hampton release below.

Williams to focus on providing supportive environment, academic excellence to students 

Ret. U.S. Army Gen. Darrell K. Williams took office at Hampton University on July 1st, 39 years after graduating from the historically Black university with a bachelor’s degree.  

Williams, a three-star general, business leader and educator with nonprofit development experience, said his focus will be creating an unparalleled higher education experience for students that includes excellent academics, support for strong physical, emotional, and mental health, and access to cutting-edge technology, research opportunities and innovative studies. 

President Darrell K. Williams

With the continuing support of its exceptional faculty, staff, and alumni, Williams sees a bold, bright future for Hampton University.  

“I love Hampton and the opportunities provided to me here. The university’s values and standard of excellence will not change,”  Williams said. “As the new president, my priority will be providing our students with a robust experience that is second to none and prepares them for life after graduation.”

Board of Trustees Chairman Wesley Coleman said the board is excited about Hampton’s future under Williams’ leadership. Williams was selected to lead Hampton by the board of trustees on March 30. 

“The university community is energized President Williams has arrived,” Coleman said. “We have a great leader who has the full backing of the board, and we are looking forward to working with him.” 

President Williams and first lady Myra Richardson Williams met while attending Hampton, married in 1987 and are the first president and first lady to both hold Hampton degrees. 

While a student, the president was Mister Freshman 1979, a three-year Reserve Officer Training (ROTC) scholarship cadet, a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and senior class president. Myra Williams was a four-year member of the Hampton concert choir and a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. 

President Darrell K. Williams and
First Lady Myra Richardson Williams

Williams comes to Hampton from Fortune 250 technology company Leidos, where he served as the global  organization’s United Kingdom vice president and managing director of the U.K. Ministry of Defence Logistics Commodities and Services Transformation (LCST) programme, providing global logistical support to U.K. military forces. 

Williams retired from the U.S. Army in 2020 after 37 years of service. His last leadership position was as the first Black and 19th director of the Department of Defense’s Defense Logistics Agency (DLA). He oversaw a global workforce of over 26,000 civilian and military professionals. 

From 2015 to 2017, Williams led the Army Combined Arms Support Command and the Fort Lee, Virginia, military installation. There, he was responsible for Army Logistics University and the Professional Military Education and the training of thousands of Army logistics junior officer, warrant officer and non-commissioned officer students. Additionally, he led the installation’s strategic engagement with the Richmond, Petersburg, Hopewell, and Colonial Heights communities, and he assured the welfare and safety of the over 25,000 students, staff and faculty, families, and support organizations. 

Early in his career he served as a leadership and logistics instructor at Fort Lee and was named as an Army instructor of the year, one of his many awards. 

Williams, a native of West Palm Beach, Florida, holds three graduate school degrees: a master’s in business administration from Pennsylvania State University; a master’s in military art and science from the Army Combined and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas; and a master’s in national security strategy (distinguished graduate) from the National War College, Fort McNair, Washington, D.C.

Talladega College Names Michael Grant As New Vice President and Athletic Director

Posted by HBCU Editors
Posted on

Talladega College has selected a new key leader to direct the HBCU in athletics and more. Learn more in the release from Talladega College below.

Talladega College President Dr. Gregory J. Vincent announces the selection of Michael Grant as the college’s new vice president and athletic director. Grant, who comes to Talladega College with over 35 years of intercollegiate experience, began his new role Friday, July 1. 

Talladega College benefitted from a highly competitive applicant pool. However, Michael’s unique blend of experiences, commitment to student-athlete development academically and athletically, and his inherent desire to take Talladega College athletics to the next level resonated with the college’s interview panel of key stakeholders and college president. 

“I am excited to welcome Coach Michael Grant to the Talladega College family,” says Dr. Gregory J. Vincent, president of Talladega College. “We have found a passionate leader with a breadth of experience that understands the college’s mission and is committed to ensuring our scholar-athletes are successful on and off the field, court, and track. I look forward to Michael directing the future of our program. We will build upon our traditions, explore innovative ideas to remain competitive, recruit top scholar-athletes, and serve the Talladega College family and community by boosting campus and community pride and engaging in meaningful civic engagement activities.”  

In his new role as Vice President and Athletic Director, Grant will serve as the cornerstone of the athletic department. He will oversee all operational activities while enhancing our championship culture where credible leadership, commitment, accountability, clear communication, trust, and putting Talladega College’s scholar-athletes first are a mainstay.   

“My family and I are excited about the future of Talladega College athletics and are honored to become a member of the Talladega College family,” says Michael Grant, new vice president and athletic director for Talladega College. “I want to thank President Vincent for the opportunity to lead this department. His passion for competition and contending at the highest levels, both on and off the field, are evident. I look forward to working alongside President Vincent and the Talladega College supporters to build championship-level teams we all will be proud of.”

Ahead of accepting the position at Talladega College, Grant served as the Associate Director of Athletics at Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia. Before present, Michael honed his skills as a record-producing basketball coach and athletic administrator at Coppin State, Stillman College, Southern University, and Central State University. In addition, Grant’s basketball acumen helped him coach and develop his younger brother Gary Grant. In 1988, Gary was a basketball standout at the University of Michigan. He was named the Big TenPlayer of the Year and was the 14th overall pick in the NBA draft. In addition to his coaching and administrative duties, Michael continues to play an active and essential role in intercollegiate sports by serving as a member of the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC), the NCAA Division II Regional Advisory Committee, and the NAIA National Championship Tournament Committee. Michael’s commitment to student development in the classroom and playing field is rooted in his experience as a former student-athlete a Malone University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree. Coach Grant will impart wisdom from a player, coach, and administrator perspective, which will help our student-athletes succeed. 

Joining Michael on his new journey is his wife of 35 years, Mrs. Charmane Grant. Together Michael and Charmane raised three successful children, Chris Grant (Commissioner Southland Conference), Raynesha Grant (Morehouse School of Medicine), and Lauren Grant (Sr. Consultant Deloitte Company). 

Grant succeeds former athletic director and women’s head basketball for Talladega College Kevin Herod, who now serves as the Head Women’s Basketball Coach at Langston University. 

JSU’s Margaret Walker Center Receives $650,000 Grant

Posted by HBCU Editors
Posted on

Today Jackson State University announced it received a sizable grant for its Margaret Walker Center, which the university describes as an “archive and museum dedicated to the preservation, interpretation, and dissemination of African American history and culture.” Learn more in the JSU release below.

The Margaret Walker Center is housed inside Ayer Hall at Jackson State University. (Photo Credit: by Charles A. Smith/JSU)

Jackson State University’s Margaret Walker Center has been awarded a $650,000 grant from the Mellon Foundation to help expand its capacity, enterprise and programming and that of the COFO Civil Rights Education Center.

Hudson

“This significant investment in the Margaret Walker Center reveals that JSU and the Mellon Foundation share a common ground, and that is enhancing the lives of students and those in the surrounding communities by helping to provide opportunities and experiences that foster learning and stimulate intellectual thought,” said Jackson State President Thomas K. Hudson, J.D. “We appreciate the foundation’s ongoing support of the great work being done at our institution.”

The MWC landed a $450,000 grant from the Foundation in 2019, which was the springboard for the Center’s capacity building. This latest award will further bolster activities started three years ago, including the extension of the MWC Mellon Oral Historian position, filled by Alissa Rae Funderburk; the hiring of a MWC Mellon Visiting Scholar; graduate assistantships; and proceeds for the 50th anniversary convening of the Phillis Wheatley Poetry Festival in November 2023.

Luckett

“We are so excited that the Mellon Foundation has renewed its support of the Margaret Walker Center for another three years through its Higher Learning program. This funding has already been transformational for our work and promises an even brighter future for the Center and Jackson State,” said Robert Luckett, Ph.D., director of the Margaret Walker Center and professor of history.

The Foundation’s generosity has aided the MWC with producing an array of projects and collaborations, including the development and digitization of oral history collections, giving future generations access to information about distinct communities and cultures. The MWC has been able to forge new partnerships with groups such as the LGBTQ Fund of Mississippi and the Invisible Histories Project, expand the Gibbs-Green 50th Commemoration Oral History Collection, and establish the Visiting Scholar and Graduate Assistant program. Soon, the COFO Center will boast its own oral history booth for recording interviews.

Funderburk, who oversees close to 1,000 interviews and the digitization of the Center’s research collection, said she was excited and humbled to hear news of this latest grant.

Funderburk

“Not only because it confirmed that I would be able to stay on at JSU as the Oral Historian for the Margaret Walker Center, but also because the news gave me a great sense of excitement for what we would be able to do in the next three years towards preserving Black history and stories,” said Funderburk, who holds a bachelor’s in anthropology and a master’s in oral history from Columbia University.

“As an oral historian, my goal has always been to highlight the roles that Black people have played in American history in a way that brings those stories to life. But the thing I enjoy most about the work I do at the MWC is being able to educate others on the power of deep listening by guiding them in doing oral history themselves,” she said.

Funderburk adds that the grant will allow her to collect and preserve Black oral histories and teach students both here and around the country how to conduct them in their communities.

An HBCU Alumna Traded In Her Law School Dreams To Be A Trailblazer In Aviation

Posted by HBCU Editors
Posted on

Howard University alumna Sierra Grimes wanted to be the next Thurgood Marshall before ditching law for a career in aviation. Now she’s helping shape the future of flight. Learn more in the story from Maia Anderson at Business Insider.

While most kids grow up idolizing pop stars and movie stars, as a child growing up in a small town in southern Virginia, Sierra Grimes looked up to Thurgood Marshall. 

“I was just like, ‘Oh, my goodness, this man is the holy grail. And guess what? This third grade girl, I’m going to be him. I’m gonna be the first Black female Supreme Court justice,'” Grimes told Insider. “So, I thought I was Ketanji Brown before there was a Ketanji Brown.”

She followed in Marshall’s footsteps, attending Howard University in Washington, DC, in 2006 to study political science. But during a college internship with Congresswoman Jo Ann Davis, she realized she didn’t want to go to law school. A call with a recruiting agency in 2012 led her to an interview with the National Business Aviation Association, at a time when she wasn’t sure what “business aviation” meant (the term generally means the use of an airplane for business purposes, such as moving equipment or getting to a meeting).

“The night before, I’m looking up ‘What the heck is business aviation?’ because when I think aviation at that time, all I knew was getting on a commercial flight to go on vacation with family,” Grimes said. 

Despite her lack of aviation expertise, Grimes landed a job as a registration assistant for NBAA, the leading trade group representing roughly 11,000 companies that rely on aviation to make their businesses run. After climbing the ranks, she was named senior manager of government affairs for NBAA in March 2021. 

“I’m one of those people that truly stumbled into aviation, and have caught the bug and loved it and plan to stay as long as I can,” Grimes told Insider. 

Fostering the future of business aviation 

The NBAA was founded in 1947 with the mission to foster growth of business aviation. As senior manager of government affairs, Grimes handles policy work, looking to help pass legislation to enhance the business aviation industry. 

In 2014, just two years into her tenure at NBAA, Grimes helped found its Young Professionals in Business Aviation, or YoPro, program, which helps to recruit and retain the next generation of professionals coming into business aviation. The program started off with networking and providing young people with professional development opportunities, and now includes an advocacy leg meant to foster the importance of advocating for NBAA’s mission on the Hill. 

“I’ve been able to be seen as a thought leader for the next generation and for workforce development, and for diversity, equity, and inclusion, not only in the sense of being a young, Black female working in an industry that’s male dominated, but also just coming from different backgrounds and not having the traditional aviation background,” Grimes said. 

Ushering in change for aviation 

Grimes’ favorite part of the job is getting involved with innovation taking place in aviation, such as advanced air mobility, she told Insider. NBAA is helping to get legislation passed and working with regulators to make sure everything is in place for the nascent industry.

Though she’s certainly faced obstacles in her career, she said she doesn’t tend to look at them that way.

“I’m really big on perspective. And so an obstacle to me doesn’t really mean defeat or failure,” she said. “I don’t really see a lot of things as an obstacle.” 

Aviation is ‘begging and pleading’ for diversity 

Looking to the future, Grimes said she plans to focus on honing her skills as a government affairs professional. 

“I think that switching over to the government affairs side has opened up a new pathway with so much room for growth,” she said. 

For young people looking to carve out their own path in aviation, Grimes said now is the time.

“Whenever I’m talking to young people nowadays, specifically people of a diverse background, I tell them that this is the time to get into this industry. I would say that right now, this industry is literally begging and pleading for diversity,” Grimes said. 

Her biggest piece of advice for landing a job in aviation: persistence. 

“You don’t have to have the background, per se, in it. But, just go after it,” Grimes said. “Be persistent. Have a goal and go after it.”

Incoming HBCU Students Among Honorees of Kevin Durant’s Foundation

Posted by Vanessa Roberson
Posted on

Students heading to Bowie State University, Howard University, and other other schools were recently honored by NBA star Kevin Durant’s foundation. Learn more in the story by Shawn Grant at The Source below.

On Monday, June 27, NBA star Kevin Durant and his mother Wanda Durant were on hand to celebrate 51 Prince George’s County high school seniors who will be attending college this fall were honored at The Durant Center. 

The Durant Center, located in the center of Kevin Durant’s hometown of Suitland, Maryland, was established by the educational equity charity College Track in 2018 in collaboration with the Kevin Durant Charity Foundation, Prince George’s County, and Prince George’s County Public Schools.

Although Prince George’s County kids are extremely talented, they do not have the opportunities to benefit the local economy with their knowledge and abilities. Currently, just 40% of citizens have a bachelor’s degree, while 87 percent have a high school diploma. 230 scholars are being prepared through College Track at the Durant Center to acquire a bachelor’s degree for the first time in their families and create a future of their choosing. The extensive academic, financial, and social-emotional programming offered by College Track—delivered over ten years, from ninth grade through college graduation—systematically dismantles obstacles to completing college and directs students to make the most of their bachelor’s degree in pursuit of a life of opportunity, control, and choice.

“Meaningful accomplishments take time,” said Kevin Durant. “I’m proud of our scholars who dug deep over the past four years, through some really challenging times, to graduate from high school and now to pursue their college dreams. I can’t wait to see what they’ll accomplish next. We’ll be at their side as they work towards their next goals.”

“The inaugural event was phenomenal to watch, and it was inspiring for us to continue to do the work that is so needed in our communities,” said Wanda Durant. “The work that my son has chosen will change the trajectory of the lives of the students and their families for generations to come. I am honored and privileged to be a part of this partnership with College Track.”

2022 0627 college track elmanstudio 5578 1

The 51 scholars from the Durant Center are transferring to a variety of universities, including American University, Bowie State University, Howard University, Northwestern University, Sewanee: The University of the South, Towson University, Tulane University, University of Maryland, and others.

2022 0627 college track elmanstudio 2606

Alabama State University Secures $250K Deal To Diversify Real Estate Industry

Posted by HBCU Editors
Posted on

Alabama State University just secured a new agreement to revitalize the real estate industry! Learn more in the ASU story by Hazel Scott below.

Alabama State University received a major financial donation as well as a new partnership on Wednesday, June 29.

To help bridge the diversity gap in the real estate industry, Alabama State University, a public historically black university, has partnered with The Alabama Association of Realtors (AAR) to promote educational and career opportunities for ASU students to become diverse leaders in the real estate industry.

The AAR committed $250,000 (over a five-year period at $50,000 per year) to Alabama State University during a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signing ceremony with President Quinton T. Ross, Jr.

“It’s a Great Time to be a Hornet! We are extremely excited about this partnership … they have…created this mutually beneficial partnership to provide our scholars with the tools that they need, not only to become realtors and great home owners, but also to give them the opportunity to touch and feel the industry of real estate,” said ASU President Quinton T. Ross, Jr. “This partnership will make a tremendous impact on our scholars, which falls right into our values, impacting not only the lives of our students but our community as well. It will further help close this major wealth gap (in home ownership) throughout the country.”  

The CEO of the Alabama Association of Realtors, Jeremy Walker, called the partnership visionary.

“This partnership is the very first of its kind throughout the country with a direct relationship with a realtor organization and an HBCU. I’m very proud of that. We hope that this will be a leading endeavor that will become inspirational across the country on what can be done and what is possible…Exposing and empowering students at Alabama State at the ground level… and watching them grow and matriculate into future careers is very exciting,” Walker said.

The partnership involves several components: internship opportunities in real estate, banking, lending and building spaces, and others; and a home ownership education outreach initiative.

Dr. Tanjula Petty, assistant provost for Student Success and Special Initiatives in ASU’s Office of Academic Affairs, said part of the agreement is also about developing micro-credentials, a small subset of courses with a specific emphasis on learning outcomes in skills sets employers want individuals to have.

“These micro-credentials will help prepare students for entry into the workforce in a specific area. It could be in lending, appraisals, doing home inspections, selling and marketing, the purchasing and financing side of homes and much more. Alabama State will work to develop those micro-credentials and offer them to our students and to members of our community,” said Petty. “We hope to close the diversity gap in the real estate industry.” 

Less than 6 percent of all real estate professionals are black, compared to 76 percent who are white, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau. The National Association of Real Estate Brokers explains that a shortage of black real estate agents may be a contributing factor to another issue: a widening gap in black home ownership. The National Association of Realtors estimates that only 42 percent of the black population in the U.S. owns a home, compared with 64 percent of the general population.

“June is National Home Ownership Month. We want to….promote, empower and educate our students and members of our community about…the many benefits of home ownership. Home ownership leads to the opportunity to develop wealth,” Petty emphasized. “There is a wide gap in black home ownership. ASU will work to provide exciting opportunities for members of its student community to increase their awareness about the benefits of home ownership.” 

Delbert B. Madison, President Pro Tempore of the ASU Board of Trustees, and Trustee Tiffany B. McCord agreed that the partnership is about opportunities to put ASU students in a position to become more successful.

“I look forward to the dynamic partnership…Dr. Ross has a vision for this University that will take us to places that we have never been before. This (partnership) is one of those visions…Other HBCUs are not here, and they will have to catch up to the work Dr. Ross, Dr. Pettis and Dr.  Petty are doing here,” said McCord.

ASU Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. Carl Pettis, said the partnership is another pathway to invest in our students.

“This partnership gives us an excellent opportunity to extend the academic footprint for O’ Mother Dear and the students that we serve…Not only will this affect our traditional students, but with this being done through micro-credentials, it also has the potential to affect nontraditional students as well.  President Ross has pushed continuously the notion of CommUniversity and Alabama State University will continue to be an integral part of its community,” Pettis added.

N.C. A&T Names Chief Human Resource Officer

Posted by HBCU Editors
Posted on

North Carolina A&T State University has officially named its Chief Human Resource Officer, and she’s no stranger to the HBCU. Learn more in the N.C. A&T release below.

Veronica L. Sills, Ed.D., has been named North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University’s associate vice chancellor for human resources/chief human resources officer, effective July 1.

Sills had been serving in the role in an interim capacity since November 2021. She manages a staff of 33 fulltime human resource professionals and specialists, including four direct reports and four operational managers, overseeing human resources issues for a university that has more than 2,800 permanent and temporary faculty, staff and student personnel. Human Resources will report to the Division of Business and Finance.

Sills will continue to serve as a member of the Chancellor’s Cabinet, collaborating with the university’s senior executive leadership team on strategies related to human capital management and leadership development.

“Our university’s growth and development means that we are constantly recruiting and hiring across academic and administrative areas and managing an ever-expanding workforce,” said Vice Chancellor for Business and Finance Robert Pompey. “We are delighted for Dr. Sills to join us as a permanent member of our leadership team, and looking forward to her continued service to our university.”

Sills previously worked at N.C. A&T from January 2016 to September 2017 as Title IX coordinator. She re-joined A&T four years later as assistant vice chancellor of human resources.

Following eight years in private sector and state agency positions, Sills transitioned into higher education in 2012, when she accepted a position as assistant director of Elon University’s Office of Housing and Residence Life. She later worked as a residence coordinator/Title IX investigator in the Office of Housing and Residence Life at UNC Wilmington; a training consultant in the Sexual Assault Training and Prevention Program at East Central University in Oklahoma; and an Equal Employment Opportunity consultant and investigator and then talent solutions manager in Human Resources at the University of North Carolina-Greensboro.

Sills received her B.S. in criminal justice with a minor in women and gender studies from The College of New Jersey, M.A. in criminal justice and MPA from Rutgers University, M.S. in higher education administration and organizational management from Drexel University, and Ed.D. in educational leadership (higher education) from UNC Wilmington.

She holds numerous human resources credentials, including mediator certification by the State of North Carolina and certification by the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) and HR Certification Institute. Her doctoral internship was conducted at Maynooth University in Dublin, where she developed a women’s professional mentorship program and created strategies to support the university’s equality strategy and diversity programs.

Sills is a member of SHRM, College and University for Human Resource Professionals, and the Human Resource Management Association of Greensboro, where she serves a co-chair of its college relations committee. She has been an adjunct professor of educational leadership at UNC Wilmington since August 2020 and a certified instructor of Equal Employment Opportunity and Diversity Fundamental in the North Carolina Office of State Human Resources since May 2018.

DoorDash Appoints Pinky Cole As New Chief Restaurant Advisor

Posted by HBCU Editors
Posted on

Clark Atlanta University alumna Pinky Cole is dedicated to providing her customers an irreplaceable experience in her Slutty Vegan restaurants. In order to look out for restauranteurs as well, she has taken on a new role giving them a voice in the food delivery business. Learn more in the release below.

During one of the most turbulent times in restaurant history, DoorDash unveiled its commitment to appoint a Chief Restaurant Advisor – an industry-first role designed to better connect the perspectives of restaurant operators to decision-makers within the company. After an incredible year of partnering with inaugural Chief Restaurant Advisor Chef Stephanie Izard, DoorDash is proud to continue the program into its sophomore year, iterating upon the position’s foundation to better bridge gaps in relationships with restaurant partners.

To continue bringing restaurant partners and new perspectives into the fold for honest discussions, DoorDash is honored to announce that Pinky Cole, Founder of Atlanta-based vegan hamburger chain Slutty Vegan, has today begun her year-long role as Chief Restaurant Advisor. Serving in an integrated advisory role and as a “Voice of the Industry,” Pinky will infuse the local operator perspective into key conversations at DoorDash.

“Pinky’s ambitious entrepreneurial mindset for expanding her restaurant empire, coupled with her love for connecting with the communities she operates within through the Pinky Cole Foundation, makes her an ideal operator to assume the role of Chief Restaurant Advisor,” said Tom Pickett, Chief Revenue Officer at DoorDash. “We’re confident that Pinky’s experience scaling Slutty Vegan from a ghost kitchen to a food truck to multiple brick and mortar locations will bring an invaluable perspective to our company – especially as we continue to see the resilient nature and entrepreneurial spirit of the industry.”

New this year, DoorDash is evolving the role to include a “Speed Dial” where select DoorDash leaders will be able to discuss hot button industry topics that matter to its restaurant partners in real-time with Pinky. Beyond this crucial development, Pinky will regularly liaise with both internal and external teams, including DoorDash leaders, employees, and local restaurateurs. These interactions include hosting industry roundtables, attending strategy meetings, and providing feedback on products and services that have yet to be rolled out broadly to restaurant partners. 

“Before beginning Slutty Vegan, I worked as a Dasher in Los Angeles – so serving as Chief Restaurant Advisor is a full-circle moment for me,” said Pinky Cole, Owner and Founder of Slutty Vegan. “Putting the pandemic aside, the restaurant industry is unpredictable. I’m excited to get to work with DoorDash to ensure restaurants will have appropriate resources to succeed regardless of the hand that’s dealt. Being a restaurateur is by far one of the most difficult jobs I’ve ever had. But through experience I have learned to maneuver through this industry in a way that allows me to connect with the customer to identify what they like and what they don’t like. I am thrilled to be able to use this expertise to support the DoorDash team in decision making that will ultimately help this organization better connect with the people.” 

Before passing the torch to Pinky, Chef Stephanie Izard shared some insight stemming from her advising on a variety of short-term and long-term merchant initiatives. This specifically included how to better support all US-based restaurant partners with the Merchant Experience Partner Program and sharing insights to shape curriculum development for entrepreneurs participating in the Accelerator for Local Goods. 

“Congrats to Pinky Cole and good luck as the Chief Restaurant Advisor at DoorDash – it was so fun,” said Chef Stephanie Izard, Owner of Girl & The Goat. “Excited for you to dive into this role!”

If you’re still hungry for more, visit Slutty Vegan in Atlanta and beyond.

DSU Alumna Among Miss Juneteenth Delaware Winners Reflecting On Value of The Crown

Posted by HBCU Editors
Posted on

A Delaware State University alumna is among the Miss Juneteenth Delaware winners that are sharing how much the crown has meant for the community for over 20 years. Learn more in the story by Anitra Johnson at the Delaware News Journal.

Trinity Evans was named Miss Delaware Juneteenth 2022 during a ceremony Sunday night in Wilmington. (Photo Credit: Saquan Stimpson/Special to The Delaware News Journal)

For over 20 years, the Delaware Juneteenth Association has been running the Miss Juneteenth Pageant in Delaware.

From the first Miss Juneteenth’s crowning in 1998 to Sunday night’s announcement of Miss Juneteenth Delaware 2022, those same lessons about self-esteem and connection are still being taught.

Conceived by Bernie Wilkins, the local group organized the group’s pageant as a way to teach Black girls about African American history, to instill pride in who they are, and as a way to feel embraced by their family and their community.

The aims of their efforts appear to have been realized for many participants, past and present. 

“I don’t think I would be the person I am without the Juneteenth pageant,” said Naeemah Murray, Miss Juneteenth 2012.

Ten years ago, Murray said she was 14 years old and did not know how to fully express herself. While working with the adults in the program, Murray said she received encouragement that helped her discover her love for dance and enabled her to tap into creativity she never knew she had.

Naeemah Murray (Photo Credit: Delaware Juneteenth Association)

She also said she feels that the program helped her develop a sense of self that she didn’t get through former education.

Murray, a graduate of Delaware State University, a historically Black university, said she took an African American history class in college, but it wasn’t explained the way her Delaware Juneteenth Association instructor presented it. 

“It’s not like textbooks or anything like that,” Murray said, adding that the workshops helped her learn about her history on a “different level.”

Coming home with the crown

This year, 11 contestants, also known as Queens, competed in three categories: Juniors, ages 8 to 11; Showcase, ages 12 to 14; and Seniors, ages 15 to 18 who vie for the title of Miss Juneteenth.

On Sunday, Trinity Evans of Wilmington was crowned Miss Juneteenth Delaware 2022. On a platform advocating art for children who are suffering from depression and drug abuse, the 16-year-old will travel to Galveston, Texas, in October to compete for the national title.

Juneteenth started in Galveston, Texas when slaves there learned on June 19, 1865, that they were free from bondage under Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation.

Sandy Clark, the Delaware Juneteenth Pageant director, has been managing the pageant since its inception – even before there was a national Juneteenth pageant that began three years ago. 

She said that the contest was once statewide but has since whittled down to just the New Castle County area. She and the other organizers hope that this event also grows along with the knowledge of the history of Black Americans.

Sydney Brown, a senior competitor from Wilmington, said she decided to participate in the pageant to challenge herself. In doing so, she said that she found that she really enjoyed the experience because it allowed her to develop herself and have fun with her friends.

“The thing that I like most about this whole process is that I can express myself through my topic and I love to dance,” Brown said. “I also love the contestants here.”

The Christiana High School student said chose her platform of mental illness awareness in the Black and African-American community while sitting at the dinner table with her mother. Brown said that in choosing her platform, she considered what issues were affecting people negatively and how could she address them in her community. 

For boys and men, too

Brenda Timmon-Gunter, the pageant emcee and organizer of the Juneteenth Festival, said that a driving motivation and bigger intention of their efforts is to get the families involved in activities that they can do together. That means men and boys, too. 

They have found that rather than a pageant, they need a different approach when it comes to holding the interest of boys.

“We found that the boys don’t like to go through [ceremonial] processes,” said Sandy Clark, the Delaware Juneteenth Pageant Director. “They just want to go and show their talent and just, you know, get the [scholarship] money and leave.”

So next up is the Juneteenth Male Talent Showcase, slated for Wednesday at Christina Cultural Arts Center.

To expand its outreach, Delaware Juneteenth Association is partnering with New Castle County to develop a fraternity program for boys. They are approaching organizations and individual men to help lead the boys. 

“We’re definitely recruiting males,” Timmon-Gunter said. She explained that while it is important to have women and mothers involved in children’s lives, “we need the brothers to start stepping up because boys need to have some role models.”

Former Star NCCU Receiver Among Two New Morgan State Football Hires

Posted by HBCU Editors
Posted on

The leadership team behind the Morgan State University Bears football team just got a little bigger. Learn more in the MSU release below.

Morgan State head coach Damon Wilson made some strides in filling out his coaching staff for the upcoming 2022 football season.

Former NFL receiver Moses Ware, who was North Carolina Central’s offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, was named as the Bears wide receivers coach and pass game coordinator, while former Shepherd University assistant coach Ramal Faunteroy has been named defensive line coach. 

“Coach Ware has a number of years of experience as a college football coach,” said Wilson. “I’m excited to have Coach Ware join the staff as he has the ability to develop talent and recruit. He has had success as both a coordinator as well as a wide receiver coach.  He will spend the necessary time to ensure that our student athletes are successful on and off the field.”

“Coach Faunteroy has over 15 years of college coaching experience at different levels,” added Wilson. “He is a proven winner and a coach that really understands recruiting and retaining student athletes.  I look forward to seeing our defensive line development.”

Wilson still has remaining positions to fill on both sides of the ball.

Here’s a quick look at the new assistant coaches:

Name: Moses Ware

Title: Wide Receivers/Pass Game Coordinator

Coaching Experience: Moses Ware, one of the top receivers in North Carolina Central University history, returned to his alma mater as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach in January 2019.

Ware spent the prior eight seasons (2011-18) at Bowie State University, including the last five campaigns as offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach and three years as tight ends coach. In the past four seasons, the Bulldogs advanced to the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) championship game (2018, 2016, 2015) and the NCAA Division II playoffs (2018, 2017, 2015) three times, winning the CIAA championship and a first-round NCAA playoff game in 2018. Under Ware’s leadership, Bowie State topped the CIAA in passing offense and first downs for four consecutive seasons from 2015-18. In 2017, the Bulldogs ranked No. 1 in the NCAA Division II in scoring (54.5 points per game) and total offense (566.3 total yards per game).

Prior to Bowie State, Ware was head coach at his alma mater, F.W. Ballou High School. During his five-year tenure (2006-10), the Knights posted a 37-17 record and captured the first D.C. Interscholastic Athletic Association championship in school history in 2006. He was selected as the 2010 Washington, D.C. Pigskin Coach of the Year.

Ware started his coaching career as a wide receivers coach at NCCU, and worked three seasons (2003-05) as offensive coordinator at Calvin Coolidge Senior High School.

As a player, Ware ended his NCCU career (1991-94) as the fourth-leading receiver in school history with 132 catches for 1,822 yards and 15 touchdowns. He signed as an undrafted free agent with the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers and spent two seasons with the Minnesota Vikings.

Ware earned his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from NCCU.

— 

Name: Ramal Faunteroy

Title: Defensive Line

Coaching Experience: Ramal Faunteroy served nine seasons at Shepherd University as defensive line and strength and conditioning coach. He also served as the Recruiting Coordinator.

In 2021, a pair of Rams gained All-Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) East honors under Faunteroy. Juwan Addison earned first team honors, while Ricky Robinson gained second team honors as the Rams posted a 13-2 overall mark as Super Region One Champions before falling to eventual national champion Ferris State in the semifinal round.

Faunteroy spent three seasons as defensive line coach at Fairmont State University from 2018-20.

In 2019, Faunteroy helped the Falcons rank 18th in the country in tackles for loss (8.4) and 53rd in the country and fourth in the Mountain East Conference (MEC) in sacks per game at 2.40 per outing. The Fairmont State defense also ranked fifth in the country against the run, allowing just 77.7 rushing yards per game, and allowed the eighth fewest first down in NCAA Division II (159). Two members of his defensive line earned All-MEC honors, including defensive end D.J. Adediwura as a first-team selection, and Glenwood Williams as a second-team selection.

In 2018, Faunteroy helped the Falcons to a 9-2 overall record (8-2 MEC) and helped defensive end Josh Ballard and defensive tackle Glenwood Williams earn All-MEC honors as members of the Falcons’ defensive front. Ballard was a second team All-MEC selection, while Williams earned MEC honorable mention. The Falcons ranked 44th in the country against the run (131.1), were 36th in the country in red zone defense (.714), and 17th in the country in turnovers forced (25). The Falcons also averaged 1.55 sacks per game during 2018.

Before arriving at Fairmont State, Faunteroy had a one-year stint as Defensive Line Coach/Run Game Defensive Coordinator at Seton Hill University.

Prior to spending the 2017 season at SHU, he spent the 2016 campaign at NCAA Division I Furman University. At Furman, Faunteroy helped the Paladins rank fourth in the league in scoring defense (27.1) and total defense (373) during the season. His defensive line accounted for eight of the team’s 12 sacks, 20.5 of their 49 tackles for loss, and 194 total tackles.

Faunteroy was a longtime assistant at Shepherd from 2009-2015.

During his coaching tenure at Shepherd, Faunteroy helped the Rams top NCAA Division II in rushing defense four of his last five years, and in 2015 played a key role in Shepherd’s 13-1, national runner-up campaign. His top player in 2015, defensive end Shaneil Jenkins, was named Mountain East Conference Defensive Player of the Year and All-American. Jenkins was also a finalist for the Cliff Harris Award – which is given annually to the top Division II defensive player.

Another former standout under Faunteroy, All-America defensive end Howard Jones, who racked up a school-record 35 sacks at Shepherd, played in the NFL for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Pittsburgh Steelers 

While at Shepherd, Faunteroy coached 19 all-conference selections, eight all-region picks, seven All-Americans and two league defensive players of the year. The Rams won six conference titles during Faunteroy’s seven-year tenure.

Faunteroy was among thirty NCAA football coaches selected to attend the 2015 NFL and NCAA Coaches Academy and participated in the Steelers’ training camp through the Bill Walsh Minority Coaching Fellowship.

Faunteroy was a four-year player for the Rams at defensive end. He was a member of two WVIAC championship teams. He posted a 88 tackles, 20 tackles-for-loss, 7 sacks, 8 pass breakups, 3 fumble recoveries, 2 forced fumbles, and 2 safeties in his junior and senior seasons. Faunteroy held strength and conditioning records for the defensive ends bench press and power clean. 

He later played with the Manchester Wolves of the Arena 2 Football League (A2FL). He started 23 regular season games and three playoff games for the Wolves before an injury cut his career short.

Prior to coming to Shepherd, Faunteroy coached one year at Hedgesville High School.    

Faunteroy is a 2011 Shepherd graduate. He and his wife, Tiffany, have four children, D’Andre, Devyn, Ronté, and Rondell.

The 2022 edition of Morgan State’s Football program will begin when they travel to face Georgia Southern on Saturday, September 3. The Bears home-opener will be on Saturday, September 17 when they host Sacred Heart at Hughes Stadium. 

The Bears will take on Norfolk State for Homecoming on Saturday, October 8 to open Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference action. 

Megan Thee Stallion Shares Embarrassment For Texas Amid Roe v. Wade Ruling

Posted by HBCU Editors
Posted on

Texas Southern University alumna Megan Thee Stallion has shared her disappointment at the recent repealing of Roe. v. Wade. Learn more in the story by Priscilla Aguirre at MySanAntonio.com.

Megan Thee Stallion performs at the Other stage during day four of Glastonbury Festival at Worthy Farm, Pilton on June 25, 2022 in Glastonbury, England. (Photo Credit: Joseph Okpako/WireImage)

Texas native Megan Thee Stallion isn’t proud of her home state for its recent stance on abortion laws. She gave Texas a piece of her mind during her set at the Glastonbury Festival on Saturday, June 25. 

“Now, y’all know it wouldn’t be me if I didn’t take a second to call out these stupid a** men,” Megan said. “I mean, God damn. What else you want? Texas really embarrassing me right now, y’all know that’s my home state.”

The rapper’s comments come after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, which made abortion a constitutional right. In Texas, the state legislature passed a trigger law that would make abortion a felony 30 days after the Supreme Court made its decision. Many independent abortion providers have already temporality ceased abortion services in Texas out of fear of prosecution. 

https://twitter.com/TingsViral/status/1541111401736962048?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1541111401736962048%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mysanantonio.com%2Fentertainment%2Farticle%2FMegan-Thee-Stallion-Texas-abortion-laws-17267968.php

During her set, Megan gave the thumbs down, which led the crowd to “boo” the restrictive legislation. She then said, “And I want to have it on the record that the mother-f*ucking hot girls and the hot boys do not support this bull that y’all campaigning for.”

Megan then led the crowd to chant “my body, my mother-f*ucking choice.”

She wasn’t the only artist to call out the Supreme Court during the festival. Olivia Rodrigo also used her Glastonbury set to speak out against the recent SCOTUS decision earlier on Saturday.

“I’m devastated and terrified,” Rodrigo, 19, said before performing. “So many women and so many girls are going to die because of this. I wanted to dedicate this next song to the five members of the Supreme Court who have showed us that at the end of the day, they truly don’t give a sh*t about freedom.”

The artist then sang “F*ck You” by Lily Allen.

Kentucky State University Selects Dr. Ronald A. Johnson As New Interim President

Posted by HBCU Editors
Posted on

Kentucky State University has selected a former HBCU leader as its new interim president! Learn more in the KSU announcement below.

Photo Credit: Phil Skinner

The Kentucky State University Board of Regents has named a new interim president. Dr. Ronald A. Johnson will serve the university in the interim position and will begin his appointment on July 1, 2022. 

Johnson is the former president of Clark Atlanta University (CAU), where he led the development and implementation of transformational academic, financial, competitive positioning, organizational, and operating strategies that resulted in significant improvements in enrollment, first-time undergraduate student retention, six-year graduation rates, and key financial performance indicators. He is an innovator in curriculum development and led curricular and pedagogical reform at CAU including the introduction of micro credentials, technology enhanced learning, and market driven academic programs and program innovation. He led the successful development of a new strategic plan for CAU and the reaffirmation of its Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges accreditation.

The Board voted on the interim president at a special-called meeting Monday, June 27. Additional information regarding his appointment will be forthcoming.  

“Dr. Johnson has a distinguished record in higher education administration especially at HBCUS,” shared Kentucky State University Board of Regents Chair Dr. Gerald Patton. “We, the Board of Regents are elated at his appointment and look forward to working with him as he provides institutional leadership at Kentucky State University at this critical time.” 

Learn More Than Dr. Ronald A. Johnson 

Dr. Ronald A. Johnson earned a B.A. in economics and an MBA in finance from Adelphi University;  he holds a M.A. and Ph.D. in economics from Stanford University. He is a higher education advisor and executive who has led change successfully at both public and private universities. He has expertise in developing pathways that amplify academic, research, and fundraising success, strengthening operating effectiveness and impact, and cultivating catalytic partnerships.

Johnson is the former president of Clark Atlanta University (CAU), where he led the development and implementation of transformational academic, financial, competitive positioning, organizational, and operating strategies that resulted in significant improvements in enrollment, first-time undergraduate student retention, six-year graduation rates, and key financial performance indicators. He is an innovator in curriculum development and led curricular and pedagogical reform at CAU including the introduction of micro credentials, technology enhanced learning, and market driven academic programs and program innovation. He led the successful development of a new strategic plan for CAU and the reaffirmation of its Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges accreditation.

Johnson is a presidential counsel in the Registry Advisory Service Board Governance and Leadership Practice. He is a co-founder, advisory member, and chair of the Development Committee of the HBCU Executive Leadership Institute at CAU. He is a former member of the President’s Advisory Board of the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities and former chairman of the Consumer Advisory Board of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau of the United States.

Johnson is steeped in the world of investment management, finance, and economic and financial market policy analysis.  He is the former president and chief investment officer at Smith Graham & Company where he managed $3 billion in fixed income portfolios for institutional investors.  Prior to Smith Graham, Johnson was the director of global fixed income research and senior portfolio manager for Franklin Templeton, where he managed more than $3 billion in global fixed income assets and served as a member of the Global Strategy team. He has held economist positions at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, the International Monetary Fund, and the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.