Jackson State University’s The Division of University Communications is the recipient of four 2022 dotCOMM Awards, an international competition honoring excellence in web creativity and digital communication.
Jackson State University reports that the university’s The Division of University Communications is the recipient of four 2022 dotCOMM Awards, an international competition honoring excellence in web creativity and digital communication. The competition spotlights the role of creatives in the dynamic, constantly evolving web.
“Jackson State University is honored to be recognized amongst our international peers for our work in the web and digital communication landscape,” said Alonda Thomas, JSU associate vice president for marketing and communications. “These four winning campaigns are excellent examples of the teamwork our marketing, digital media, public relations, and creative services staff produce in support of the university’s strategic plan to foster an environment of student success.”
Winning a dotCOMM award signifies to employers, clients, prospects, and competitors that the winner’s web and digital work is among the best in the industry.
JSU received a Platinum Award, the competition’s top honor, for the 2021 JSU Day of Giving video in the event category; a Gold Award in the inspirational category for the “JSU Strong” video; a Gold Award in the event category for the “Virtual High School Day” video; and an honorable mention for “Play ‘The Show’” video in the entertainment category.
Spencer McClenty, director of communications and digital media at JSU says the global reach of the competition makes winning all that more significant, “This recognition is special to us because submissions for this competition come from all around the world – more than 130 countries.
“The fact that we won a Platinum award shows that we have one of the top digital communications teams in the industry.”
– Spencer McClenty, director of communications and digital media.
The dotCOMM Awards is administered and judged by the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals (AMCP), one of the largest, oldest, and most respected evaluators of creative work in the marketing and communication industry. Judges are senior-level, experienced professionals who look for talented high-performing companies and individuals within the industry.
“All four campaigns pushed us to think creatively outside the box to effectively reach our audiences during the COVID-19 pandemic, and it’s an honor for our institution to be recognized,” said Tangelia Kelly, Ph.D., director of marketing.
“Whether it was reminding our community we are still “JSU Strong” amid the pandemic’s uncertainty, helping attract and recruit high school students through virtual events traditionally held in person, or creating engaging ways to raise funds for the university through digital platforms, our team rose to the challenge. We truly appreciate our students, alumni, faculty, and staff who make our digital storytelling possible.”
Clark Atlanta University announced that their bachelor’s and master’s social work programs have been reaffirmed accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) Commission on Accreditation for another eight years, ending in June 2030.
On Thursday, Clark Atlanta Universityannounced that their bachelor’s and master’s social work programs have been reaffirmed accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) Commission on Accreditation for another eight years, ending in June 2030.
According to Dr. Jenny L. Jones, dean and professor of the Whitney M. Young Jr. School of Social Work, the reaffirmed accreditation shows the quality and excellence of the program.
“It is a vote of confidence in the caliber of the programs for our graduates and the public they serve,” she said. “It ensures excellence and is evident that our programs meet the highest level of practice in the field—which allows us to be competitive with other social work programs across the nation.”
The Whitney M. Young Jr. School of Social Work is the first accredited school of social work in Georgia and at an HBCU. The school celebrated its centennial anniversary in 2020 and is currently ranked #51 by the US News and World Report.
“Now more than ever, we need social workers to challenge injustices and work to alleviate human and social issues to effect positive change.”
– Dr. Jenny L. Jones, dean and professor of the Whitney M. Young Jr. School of Social Work
The social work program at Clark prepares students to address specific psychological, social, spiritual, and economic problems experienced by people of African descent from an Afrocentric perspective. The program also encompasses the intersectionality of race and other societal factors such as gender, ethnicity, social class, ability status, and sexual orientation.
“Racial, ethnic, and gender inequalities continue to be front and center in our society,” said Jones. “Families are being impacted in every possible way. Gun violence in our schools and communities, racial violence, and income inequality threaten our security. The continued development and enforcement of oppressive policies challenge the values upon which this profession is built.”
Bowie State is offering four new undergraduate programs designed to prepare students for positions in the expanding field of technology. Students can apply now to earn a bachelor’s degree in cyber operations engineering, data science, software engineering and philosophy, political science and economics (PPE).
The university strives to respond to industry and market demands.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in information and computer technology occupations are projected to grow dramatically between now and 2030. The university says that projections show that over 667,000 new positions will be created with an emphasis on cloud computing, collection, and storage of big data and information security, with an average wage of over $97,000.
“Our goal is to bring more value to our academic portfolio so that potential students think of Bowie State as a university that provides high-quality computer science, technology, and engineering degree programs along with its established reputation in liberal arts education,” said Dr. Carl Goodman, provost and vice president for academic affairs at Bowie State University.
“We’re committed to ensuring our students are prepared for the new jobs that are becoming available daily in the fast-growing STEM sectors of our economy.”
– Dr. Carl Goodman, provost and vice president for academic affairs at Bowie State University
Students can also enroll in online degree programs to earn their bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees this fall. The online undergraduate degree programs include computer science, computer technology, and criminal justice. A graduate student can earn a master’s degree online in computer science, culturally responsive teacher leadership, management information systems, reading education, and a doctorate degree in educational leadership.
“We recognize that students now, more than ever before due to COVID, need to have options on how they earn their degrees,” said Dr. Goodman. “The online degree programs are primarily designed to attract working professionals to Bowie State and provide them the opportunity to begin or continue their education from anywhere in the nation and around the globe. These are only the initial online degree programs with more scheduled to be available next year,” he said.
I stand here today knowing that my Howard University education prepared me to play Jackie Robinson, Thurgood Marshall, and T’Challa.”
Credit: Rick Rowell via Getty
A Howard University alumnus has been selected by The Walt Disney Company for a very prestigious honor at its upcoming D23 Expo presented by Visa. Chadwick Boseman will be one of fourteen Disney Legends honored for their lasting contributions to DIsney’s iconic legacy. Most known for his celebrated role as the Black Panther, Boseman will be honored posthumously after passing away from colon cancer in August 2020. However, thanks to this award he will formally go down in history as one of the company’s most influential figures of all times.
The D23 Expo has served as Disney’s largest and most comprehensive fan experience in the world since 2009. The sold-out Expo takes place September 9, 10, and 11 and is packed with events at the Anaheim Convention Center near Disneyland. Attendees can expect to enjoy conversations and special celebrity appearances tied to Disney’s parks and brands (Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic).
Disney’s influence stretches over nearly 100 years, and this year’s D23 Expo will be centered around a Disney100 campaign. The “D” in D23 stands for Disney, while the “23” acknowledges when founder Walt Disney established the company in 1923. “For nearly a century, Disney has been entertaining and inspiring people around the world,” said Bob Chapek, CEO of The Walt Disney Company. “I can’t wait to give fans a first look at what we have in store for our hundredth anniversary, and how we’re using this occasion to celebrate all the fans and families who have welcomed Disney into their lives.”
Chadwick Boseman (L) and Dr. Wayne A. I. Frederick (R) | Source: Seattle Medium
The D23 Expo will begin with a bang, featuring an opening ceremony that puts the 35th Anniversary of the Disney Legends Awards front and center. The ceremony will be live streamed, and will include special guests and surprises. For one, fans can appreciate special musical performances from cast members of Disney Broadway productions like Aladdin and The Lion King. In addition to Boseman, the Disney Legend honorees will include familiar faces like Anthony Anderson, a recent fellow graduate of Howard University. Anderson’s black-ish co-star Tracee Ellis Ross will also be honored, as well as Rob’t Coltrin, Patrick Dempsey, Robert Price “Bob” Foster, Jonathan Groff, Don Hahn, Josh Gad, Doris Hardoon, Idina Menzel, Chris Montan, and Ellen Pompeo. Emmy® Award winner and key broadcast journalist winner Tamron Hall will host the award ceremony.
According to the Walt Disney Archives, each Disney Legend embodies three special elements, each of which have representations on their award: “The Spiral—stands for imagination, the power of an idea. The Hand—holds the gifts of skill, discipline and craftsmanship. The Wand and the Star—represent magic: the spark that is ignited when imagination and skill combine to create a new dream.” Throughout his life, Chadwick Boseman demonstrated that he always had the essence that Disney Legends are made of.
During his 42 years on earth, Boseman built the career of a lifetime. He first got started with small roles in Law & Order, All My Children, CSI: NY, and ER. By 2008 he booked his first recurring role on Lincoln Heights, then on Persons Unknown. Yet his first big break came in 2013 when he played the role of Jackie Robinson in 42. His success in that role led him to a secure blockbuster biopic – playing James Brown in the hit film Get On Up.
Perhaps the most defining role of his career though, was his dual role of T’Challa and The Black Panther. As a key member of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), he first appeared in Captain America: Civil War. However when Black Panther came out, it truly made history. The film became the first superhero movie nominated for an Oscar in Best Picture, won three Oscars total, and has since reached beyond $10 billion at the global box office since its release. He went on to play the role several more times, including in Avengers: Infinity War in 2018 and Avengers: Endgame in 2019.
However before he became the iconic Black Panther, Boseman chose to develop his talents at Howard University. The South Carolina native graduated from the Washington, D.C. HBCU with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in directing. As he accomplished feat after feat as an actor, writer and director post-graduation, he gained international recognition. However, he never forgot his roots. In 2018 returned to his alma mater as a commencement speaker and shared words that will last a lifetime. “I stand here today knowing that my Howard University education prepared me to play Jackie Robinson, Thurgood Marshall, and T’Challa,” he said. He also shared how the personal standards he developed at the HBCU taught him to hold his head high and stand in integrity. “Sometimes you need to get knocked down before you can really figure out what your fight is and how you need to fight it,” Bosemen told the students. “Sometimes you need to feel the pain and the sting of defeat to activate the real passion and purpose that God predestined inside of you.” During his visit, the icon received an honorary degree, a Doctor of Humane Letters.
A year after his passing, Boseman was honored by Howard University tremendously. In 2021 the HBCU unveiled the Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts, as a nod both to him and his field of study. To sweeten the deal in a way that even benefited Howard students, iconic actress Phylicia Rashad was signed on as Dean. “Chad was a very proud Bison — both Howard and Ms. Rashad played integral roles in his journey as an artist,” said his widow Simone Ledward Boseman. “The re-establishment of the College of Fine Arts brings this part of his story full-circle and ensures that his legacy will continue to inspire young storytellers for years to come.”
Over his lifetime, Boseman has won accolades from the Golden Globe Awards, People’s Choice Awards, BET Awards, Hollywood Black Film Festival, African-American Film Critics Association, Critics’ Choice Movie Awards, and Screen Actors Guild Awards. According to CinemaBlend, he posthumously received honors such as Best Actor in a Motion Picture Drama at the 78th Golden Globe Awards; NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actor and Outstanding Ensemble for Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom; an NAACP Outstanding Supporting Actor award for Spike Lee’s Da 5 Bloods, and even Outstanding Actor from the Black Reel Awards. He even received an Emmy nomination for his work in the Disney+ animated series What If…?, which was his last time playing T’Challa and the Black Panther.
Throughout it all, Boseman has made a lasting impact. “Boseman reminds us that the quality of life is not measured in time, but rather it is measured in how well we live it and what we prioritized,” said outgoing Howard University President Dr. Wayne A. I. Frederick. “He prioritized his wife, his family, his friends, his craft, and loving others. The characters he portrayed will be celebrated but his greatest gift to us was himself.”
Although the D23 Expo is already sold out, many of the events, including the Disney Legends Awards, will be livestreamed on D23Expo.com.
An upcoming horror movie shows what bad things can happen when you don’t follow your gut. Presented by 20th Century Studios and New Regency, Barbarian tells the story of a woman named Tess who arrives on a rainy night to a home rental that she had booked a month prior. When a man answers the door and reluctantly shares that it must have been overbooked, she goes against her better judgment and decides to stay the night. Tess does her best to protect herself from the man, but he isn’t the only one-or thing- to be afraid of.
Tess does her best to protect herself from the man, but he isn’t all she has to be afraid of.
Barbarian stars Georgina Campbell as Tess, Bill Skarsgård as Keith, Justin Long as AJ, and Matthew Patrick Davis as The Mother. It should be noted that there are a few horror heavy-hitters supporting the project. With his chilling portrayal of Steven King’s Pennywise the Clown, Skargård is a well-known horror figure behind the film adaptations of It and It: Chapter Two. Skarsgård is even among the executive producers for this film. Additionally, Barbarian producer Stephen Roy not only produced both of those Stephen King adaptations, but served as an executive producer on cult classics The Grudge and The Ring as well. Other producers on the film include J.D. Lifshitz, Raphael Margules, and Armon Milchan. Barbarian is written and directed by Zach Cregger.
Barbarian capitalizes on the apprehension that some travelers experience when choosing between Airbnb rentals and traditional hotels. Although there is often no contact between hotel guests and hotel staff prior to reservations, many guests find comfort in the reputation of the hotel, as well as the presence of other hotel guests. Airbnb was created as a more intimate way to experience an area, but since its launch the company has encountered unanticipated problems with reservations. For example, many renters, like a few in Texas, have discovered hidden cameras in their rentals. Some renters may find that their rental doesn’t have the view they expected. Then of course, there’s the small chance that like Tess, someone else is unexpectedly home.
Barbarian will premiere in theaters nationwide on September 9, 2022
On Wednesday, President Joe Biden announced that he will forgive $10,000 in federal student debt for qualifying borrowers and will also cancel up to $20,000 for recipients of Pell Grants.
On Wednesday, President Joe Biden announced that he will forgive $10,000 in federal student debt for qualifying borrowers and will also cancel up to $20,000 for recipients of Pell Grants.
Those who qualify for the relief include Americans who make less than $125,000 per year or $250,000 for married couples or heads of households. According to the Education Department, the relief is also capped at the amount of a borrower’s outstanding eligible debt.
The President will also extend the payment freeze one final time until the end of the year.
(DoD News photo by EJ Hersom)
Biden’s decision fulfills his campaign pledge and delivers financial relief to tens of millions of Americans.
“In keeping with my campaign promise, my Administration is announcing a plan to give working and middle class families breathing room as they prepare to resume federal student loan payments in January 2023,” Biden said in a tweet on Wednesday.
U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona said in a statement, “Today, we’re delivering targeted relief that will help ensure borrowers are not placed in a worse position financially because of the pandemic, and restore trust in a system that should be creating opportunity, not a debt trap.”
Around 9 million borrowers could have their balances entirely cleared by Biden’s plan, according to higher education expert Mark Kantrowitz.
CNBC reports that Biden’s decision to move ahead with $10,000 in student debt cancellation for borrowers who earn under $125,000 will cost the federal government around $244 billion, Kantrowitz estimated. The $20,000 in relief for Pell Grant recipients may add around another $120 billion to the government’s costs.
NPR says according to a senior administration official, about 43 million borrowers will benefit, and 20 million will have their debt completely canceled.
The Education Department will announce further details on how borrowers can claim this relief in the weeks ahead.
President Biden will speak at 2:15 p.m. ET to formally announce the plan.
North Carolina A&T has announced a coaching change as Men’s Basketball Head Coach Will Jones will no longer be a part of the program.
Jones has been with the Aggies for two-and-a half seasons, originally taking over the program on an interim basis before taking a permanent position before the 2020-21 season. He leaves with a 37-35 record and a 24-15 mark against conference opponents.
Assistant coach Phillip Shumpert will be taking over for Jones interim basis while the school conducts a national search to fill the head coaching vacancy following the 2022-23 season.
“We appreciate all that coach Jones accomplished for the North Carolina A&T men’s basketball program and wish him well in his future endeavors,” said Earl Hilton, NCAT Director of Intercollegiate Athletics. “We will rally around coach Shumpert as he prepares our young men for our first season in the CAA (Colonial Athletic Association).”
The university says that they cannot provide further comments on the move due to university policy. However, HBCU Gameday reports that a source said Jones had recently been suspended, but he was expected to get at least one more year before Thursday’s news.
Benedict College is now the first South Carolina HBCU to offer an accredited environmental engineering program.
The Environmental Engineering Program at Benedict College received its initial accreditation from the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), the national organization that accredits undergraduate programs in engineering, engineering technology, and computer science.
Clemson University is the only other institution in South Carolina with an accredited Environmental Engineering program. Now Benedict makes history as the first HBCU with an accredited program of its kind. Since the program debuted in 2012, it has more than doubled its enrollment, showing the growing demand for the major.
“ABET accreditation is the recognized seal of approval that validates that our environmental engineering program meets the highest standards and positions our graduates to pursue careers as licensed engineers and representing the BEST of BC!” said Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis, President, and CEO of Benedict College.
The university says that the 2022 graduating class had a 100% hiring rate. The environmental engineering program prepares students for careers in water and wastewater treatment, solid waste management, remediation in polluted sites, and air quality engineering.
“I commend our talented and hard-working faculty who have demonstrated commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and service,” said Dr. Janeen P. Witty, Vice President for Academic Affairs at Benedict College.
“ABET accreditation is a game-changing for Benedict’s Environmental Engineering program, in terms of recruiting and the opportunities available to our students after they graduate.”
– Dr. Jessica Furrer, Program Head and ABET Coordinator.
“Earning a bachelor’s degree from an accredited program will allow our students to take the Fundamentals of Engineering exam immediately after graduation and ultimately pursue professional licensure, which is critical for design engineers in this field. Employers look for students to have an ABET- accredited degree because it gives them confidence that they are well-prepared for a career in environmental engineering” said Furrer.
Ross University School of Medicine (RUSM) and Bethune-Cookman University have partnered to launch a program that will expand educational access for aspiring medical students.
Minority Bethune-Cookman students and alumni who meet RUSM’s program requirements will be eligible for direct admission and scholarships to RUSM to pursue a medical degree.
The scholarship is available to Bethune-Cookman pre-health medical students and alumni, up to five years after graduation, and will cover tuition and housing for the first semester, and the flight to attend the first semester. RUSM will also cover the travel and housing costs of recipients who visit the campus in Barbados prior to the start of the program to experience a day in the life of a RUSM student.
RUSM is working to diversify the healthcare workforce and advance health equity by training students who represent the communities they serve.
Business Wire reports that the U.S. could see an estimated shortage of up to 139,000 physicians by 2033. RUSM is preparing a workforce to fill that shortage by achieving strong residency placements with a 95% first-time eligible residency attainment rate for 2021-22 graduates and expected graduates. In 2022, 73 Black and 43 Latinx RUSM graduates secured residency positions.
“RUSM is committed to advancing representation in medicine and preparing future physicians who will contribute to a just and effective healthcare system for those in the communities they serve,” said Heidi Chumley, M.D., M.B.A, dean of RUSM. “This partnership with B-CU supports our shared goal of expanding educational access and opportunity, to ensure a pathway for potential doctors from diverse backgrounds to pursue their passion.”
Representation matters; diversifying the profession increases health equity and improves patient outcomes and the physician workforce is far from reflecting the patient community it serves.”
– Heidi Chumley, RUSM Dean
According to Business Wire, in 2021-2022, U.S. medical school matriculants were 11.3% Black or African American, not yet mirroring the total U.S. population at 14.2%. RUSM’s student population is diverse with 16% Black or African American and has been able to outpace U.S. medical schools in graduating more Black physicians than any U.S. medical school.
Dr. Lawrence M. Drive, Bethune-Cookman interim president reflects on the history and legacy of the university, “A century ago, Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune founded a hospital and created the only training school for African American nurses on the east coast. Today, we are reimagining her legacy for the 21st century by creating new opportunities in medicine for our students and alumni.”
“This is the first of many new partnerships and programs to give our students access to more high-skill, high-paying careers. With direct admission and scholarships at RUSM, our students have new ways to build their competencies and use their gifts, talents, and experiences to selflessly change the world for the better” said Drive.
Dr. Christopher Davis, associate professor of biology and chemistry at Bethune-Cookman University spoke highly of the RUSM faculty, “While on the campus in Barbados, I was able to interact with faculty who blew me away with the level of passion, excitement, and commitment they have toward their students,” said Dr. Christopher Davis, associate professor of biology and chemistry at Bethune-Cookman University.
“Their facilities and classrooms are innovative, engaging, and interactive. RUSM students are provided with an exceptional environment to learn and immerse themselves in medicine, and the faculty are invested in their students to help them on a path to success after graduation” said Davis.
JCSU reveals a new on-campus health center operated by Atrium Health, free to students without increasing the cost of tuition.
City Metro reports that the university entered a multi-year agreement with Atrium where the health care company committed $3 million in support of JCSU as part of a $250 million Mayor’s Racial Equity Initiative. Roughly half of Atrium’s commitment to the university will go to the staff and support the health center.
Atrium Health Logo (PRNewsfoto/Atrium Health,Navicent Health)
The JCSU Health Center will offer services including:
testing for common illnesses
chronic condition management and monitoring
wellness exams and athletic physicals
routine lab work
sexual health
vaccinations
The center also will provide a limited on-site pharmacy and over-the-counter medications as well as electronic medical records and referrals to off-site care if needed.
JCSU faculty and staff will also have limited access to the center.
Atrium continued its support to JCSU by committing $1.5 million from a newly created Bishop George E. Battle Jr. Scholarship Fund to go toward scholarships and pipeline programs for students who are pursuing careers in health care.
Atrium President and CEO Eugene A Woods said in a statement that “health, education, and access to opportunity are the essential building blocks of a bright future for our community.”
The summer before starting college can seem fun at first, hanging out with all your high school friends before you all go your separate ways, and getting ready to embark on a new journey at your new school. But after a while, it feels like you’re just counting the days until you can get out of your mother’s house and your small town and finally be on your own. We know the feeling and so does every other college student right about now. The good news is that move-in day is in full effect on college campuses across the nation right now. Also check out the Five Ways To Survive Your Freshman Year.
That’s right, after a long summer of anticipation, college students are finally gearing up to head to campus. We know you’re ready to turn up and be outside but before you take on welcome week and all the back-to-school parties you first have to get through move-in day. Let’s be honest, whether you’re a first-time freshman or a returning student, move day is always hectic. From broken down elevators to moving carts with missing wheels, to having to unpack your entire life for the next semester, it can be a stressful day. While that’s kind of unavoidable at least make sure you’re packing the essentials. Here are five must-haves for college move-in day.
Mattress Pad
Those college twin XL beds are notoriously uncomfortable so save your back some trouble and buy a mattress pad. A comfy mattress pad makes all the difference when you’re waking up for those early morning classes or when you’re recovering from all those late nights, trust me. Up your mattress game a bit further with a mattress protector for extra protection from you and whatever else happened on your bed last year.
Rolling Laundry Basket
Doing laundry in college is an all-day thing. Setting timers on your phone, going back and forth from your room to the laundry room, trying to make sure no one takes your clothes out of the machine – it’s a lot. At least make the journey smoother by getting yourself a rolling laundry basket. Whether your dorm’s laundry room is down the hall or in the basement, dragging around a heavy laundry bag is not fun, so go for a rolling laundry basket instead. It may take up some space in your room but it’s totally worth it.
Over-the-Door Shoe Organizer and Space Saving Hangers
Whether or not you believe HBCU campuses are like a fashion show, wanting extra closet space is one thing I think we all can agree on. You’re gonna need professional clothes, casual clothes, and of course going out clothes, so make space for them with space-saving hangers and an over-the-door shoe organizer. These two game-changing dorm essentials will help you maximize your space and make room for an outfit for every occasion.
Mini Fridge and Microwave
Being a hungry college student is no joke, especially when the cafe is closed and you don’t have any money for Uber eats. If your dorm allows appliances like a mini fridge and microwave you should definitely consider getting one or sharing with your roommate. Some schools’ dining halls close earlier than others and if you miss out on dinner or don’t have a kitchen in your dorm, frozen dinners and ramen will be your best friend. Make sure you get a fridge with a freezer and load up on snacks and water.
Underbed Storage Bins
Here’s another storage saver if you’re planning on bringing everything from your room at home to your college dorm. Storage bins come in handy for any extra clothes, school supplies, or anything else you might need room for. Just try not to overdo it or else the storage bins will end up taking up too much space in your room, which is the opposite of what you want. Store them under your bed or find room in your closet and you’re good to go.
These are just the basic dorm essentials, what you bring with you to college depends on what your school allows, the type of dorm you’re staying in, and your personal preferences. Just remember to follow dorm rules so you don’t get fined, bring your shower shoes because you’re gonna need them and decorate your room to make it feel like home (just don’t forget the command strips). Adjusting to living in a dorm can be challenging at first, but with the right essentials, your dorm can become a peaceful place where your favorite college memories are formed!
According to HBCU GameDay, former NFL head coach Mike Zimmer will be joining Deion Sanders at Jackson State as an analyst for the football team.
Zimmer was fired by the Minnesota Vikings in January, finishing his eight-season tenure with a record of 72-56. He’s also served as an assistant with the Atlanta Falcons and spent more than a decade serving as defensive coordinator at Washington State. He is now taking his decades of coaching experience to Jackson State University to work under Coach Deion “Prime Time” Sanders.
NFL legend and JSU head coach Deion Sanders introduced Zimmer to the team on Tuesday, then teased the new addition on Twitter shortly after:
RUMOR HAS IT – FORMER NFL HEAD COACH MIKE ZIMMER MIGHT BE JOING JACKSON STATE https://t.co/MuEPSSOzud
Zimmer and Sanders have remained close friends since Zimmer coached Sanders when he was with the Dallas Cowboys in the 1990s.
Zimmer said he would love to help Sanders and HBCUs when speaking about the position with Thee Pregame Show. “He’s asked me about it a few times. The pay’s not good,” Zimmer said jokingly. “But I do love Deion and I’d do anything for him.”
Zimmer spoke highly of Sanders coaching saying with some donations to the football program “there would be no stopping him.”
“He can open up so many doors for these young men but I’m extremely impressed with the way he’s teaching them about life and not just football. And taking care of them, and talking to them about the real things that go on in the world and not the fluff stuff.”
– Mike Zimmer on Deion Sanders coaching at JSU
Zimmer admitted that he didn’t know much about HBCUs before Sanders but is now paying closer attention to them. He acknowledges other NFL greats like Hue Jackson, who is currently coaching at Grambling State, and Eddie George, who is the head coach at Tennesee State University.
I just think it’s great and the more notoriety that they get, the better it is. Zimmer said. I think it’s outstanding, not just for black people but also white people, white students to understanding all about the history of what has gone on at all these great institutions.”
The Center for African Studies at Howard has been awarded National Resource Center (NRC) and Foreign Language and Area Studies (FLAS) grants from the United States Department of Education to support Africa-focused education.
Yesterday Howard announced that The Center for African Studies has been awarded National Resource Center (NRC) and Foreign Language and Area Studies (FLAS) grants from the United States Department of Education to support Africa-focused education.
“We are delighted to continue to serve as a National Resource Center for African Studies,” said Krista Johnson, director of the Center for African Studies. “The increased allotment is a testament to Howard’s leadership in African studies, scholarship, language and outreach programs. We are uniquely positioned to expand our programming and impact, with an average of 700 student registrations in African languages per year, and an additional 1,000 student registrations in African studies courses.”
The university says that the center will receive nearly $3 million for the 2022-2026 grant cycle to support Africa-focused programming, education and outreach, as well as African language instruction.
The Center for African Studies at Howard is an expansive Title VI National Resource Center that supports and enhances Africa-related teaching. This includes African languages like Amharic, Arabic, Somali, Swahili, Wolof, Yoruba and Zulu, in the Department of World Languages and Cultures.
The center works to expand Howard’s legacy as a leader for America and the global community in relation to the study of Africa.
The NRC and FLAS grants promote a greater understanding of countries and regions across the globe through foreign language and areas studies training and research. With Title VI funding, the center will expand the number of students with advanced fluency in African languages, increase Africa-related interdisciplinary programming, research, and curriculum development, and broaden outreach to K-12 schools, HBCUs, and community colleges.
The new program will create job opportunities for minorities in the USDA allowing them to pursue careers in the U.S. foreign service.
The university says that the fellowship will provide funding and support for selected students to receive master’s degrees in agribusiness or agricultural economics at the accredited U.S. university of their choice. Fellows will participate in domestic and overseas internships with FAS and will be offered extensive mentoring and professional development opportunities.
“FAS is proud to launch this program in partnership with Howard University, one of the nation’s premier historically Black colleges and universities, to provide a path for outstanding minority students to become foreign service officers and support our mission of promoting trade and food security around the world,” Whitley said.
“Howard University has a proven track record of developing students from all backgrounds into diplomatic representatives and global leaders. The promise of this collaboration will strengthen USDA’s commitment to ensuring its foreign service team reflects the diversity of our country.”
The program will help ensure that FAS foreign service officers will reflect the diversity that is the strength of the United States.
“Howard University is honored to partner with the Foreign Agricultural Service in establishing this new fellowship program. The University has been a strong proponent of increasing the representation in policymaking and implementation since its founding more than 150 years ago,” Dr. Frederick said.
Dr. Frederick expresses his excitement for the program. “With 20 years of experience administering foreign service fellowships with other U.S. government agencies, we are eager to begin a successful partnership that will provide new opportunities for individuals and allow our government to benefit from the unique perspectives, backgrounds and skill sets that come from embracing diversity, equity, inclusion and access.”
Howard is currently in the process of recruiting the fellows for the program.
Morehouse Alum Dr. Dominique Merriweather has become the youngest principal in the Atlanta Public Schools System and the first African-American leader at Sutton Middle School.
Morehouse Man Dr. Dominique Merriweather has become the youngest principal in the Atlanta Public Schools System and the first African-American leader at Sutton Middle School.
According to Fox 5 News, Merriweather graduated from Morehouse College in 2014 and originally wanted to be a corporate attorney but changed his mind after he began reading to and mentoring inner city students a few years ago.
“One day, I went to go read to elementary school kids in the Atlanta University Center area and I fell in love with the students,” said Merriweather.
Nine years ago Dr. Merriweather began his career as a special education teacher. Today he has risen through the ranks to become the youngest principal in the entire district at 30 years old.
‘When you put your head in it, and never stop learning, and always are open to feedback and being better, the opportunities are there”
Dr. Dominique Merriweather
Merriweather is principal to 1,500-plus students at Sutton Middle School. Two of these students had nothing but nice things to say about their new principal.
“He’s really nice and fair and if we have a problem, he helps us to improve that,” eighth-grader Avery Wicker told Fox 5 News.
“He is a really nice guy, always there for you,” said eighth-grader RJ Scott.
Dr. Merriweather says age is just a number.
“Age does not equate to ability or capacity. If you are driven and open to learning and if you truly want to be the best at what you are doing, it can happen.”
Although Dr. Merriweather is unsure if being a superintendent is in his future, he said he will continue to put his best foot forward and be the best principal for now.
Saint Augustine’s University has been awarded a grant for $1.6M to assist emerging doctoral students in their involvement in research and other scholarly activities.
Yesterday, Saint Augustine’s University (SAU) announced that the university has recently been named the recipient of the Ronald E. McNair Post-baccalaureate Achievement Program by The U.S. Department of Education. Beginning in October 2022, the university will receive over $250,000 for the next five years for a total of approximately $1.6M to assist emerging doctoral students in their involvement in research and other scholarly activities.
Working in conjunction with SAU’s TRIO Center of Excellence, the McNair grant program will provide support, resources, and advocacy for low-income and first-generation students working towards their bachelor’s degree with the intention of obtaining their master’s and doctorate degrees. According to the university, the goal is to increase the number of minority students attaining Ph.D. degrees.
“The SAU McNair Scholars Project will have the ability to open unimaginable opportunities for traditionally underrepresented low-income and first-generation college students to break barriers and apply, enter, and be successful in graduate school or beyond. The Project will be ongoing in its commitment to support students during their undergraduate experience by involving them in research opportunities and devoted mentoring. Participants in the SAU McNair Scholars Project will develop the knowledge and proficiencies to become relevant to the scholarly aims of top graduate programs,” said Antonio Stephens, Director of SAU’s TRIO Center of Excellence.
Seated left to right: Mr. Antonio Stephens, Director of SAU’s TRIO Center of Excellence, and Ms. Ashley Smith, Educational Advisor, greet prospective students at SAU’s 2022 Spring Open House. Photo courtesy of Saint Augustine’s University. CREDIT: SAINT AUGUSTINE’S UNIVERSITY
According to Stephens, “With the addition of the McNair Scholars Project, SAU now can assist qualified students within their specific target area with free academic, cultural, and social services from the sixth grade to those entering graduate school through our TRIO Center of Excellence.”
The McNair grant program and TRIO Center will serve 25 SAU students annually who meet the eligibility requirements of the U.S. Department of Education.
All eligible students will receive the necessary resources to complete their degrees. These resources include: research opportunities or other scholarly activities for impactful doctoral preparation, summer internships, seminars, tutoring, academic counseling, financial assistance, graduate enrollment assistance, financial and economic literacy, and mentoring. To ensure that the students are successful, SAU’s TRIO staff will track their progress and will help with any problems they may encounter.
Dr. Leslie Rodriguez-McClellon, Senior Vice President of Student Experience at SAU believes that this program is especially important and beneficial for minority students.
“SAU is proud and honored to receive the McNair TRIO program. This program will allow SAU to increase the number of underrepresented students, particularly students of color, seeking graduate-level education. The McNair program will provide students opportunities far beyond their undergraduate program experience. I want to thank Mr. Stephens and his team for their diligence in obtaining this grant,” said Rodriguez-McClellon.
The McNair Scholars/TRIO project at SAU will be the university’s first program of its kind. The university says despite being in the early stages of the program it will also provide a model for the institution.
“The SAU TRIO Center of Excellence has a rich history of impacting first-generation college students,” said SAU President Dr. Christine Johnson McPhail. “This award reflects Mr. Stephens’ leadership and his team’s service to our scholars.”
