“Hot Girl” Megan Thee Stallion just dropped a collaboration with Popeyes and it does not disappoint! The Texas Southern University student will not only have her own sauce, but she will make history as leading the first partnership where Popeye’s ever has offered a house-made addition to its pre-existing chicken sandwich. Learn about her new Popeyes franchise ownership, merch and more in the full story from Carlie Kollath Wells at NOLA.com.
Credit: Popeyes
Popeyes announced it will partner with singer Megan Thee Stallion to promote a new hot sauce and sell merchandise.The commercial for the collab dropped Thursday and has a Western theme. The full “music style short form film” features Megan’s alter ego stealing her hottie sauce and chasing it from her hometown of Houston to Popeyes hometown of New Orleans, company officials said.
Rapper Megan Thee Stallion is now a Popeyes franchise owner, the two said Thursday while announcing a new collaboration.
They are launching a new sauce too — Megan Thee Hottie Sauce — along with co-branded merchandise.
Popeyes did not say where Megan’s franchise is or if it is open already.
The new sauce is made with honey, cider vinegar and Aleppo pepper, and “flaunts a sweet, yet bold flavor with a hint of spice, inspired by Megan’s sassy personality,” Popeyes said in a statement.
Credit: Popeyes
The “hottie” sauce will be available Oct. 19 as an option for the restaurant’s chicken sandwich and its new chicken nuggets, which were added to the menu earlier this year.
‘A lot in common’
It’s the first time Popeyes has released a variation on its popular chicken sandwich, officials said.
“We have a lot in common with Megan Thee Stallion — from our southern roots, to our shared love for flavor with a lot of spice, she embodies the proud, spirited, joyful and big-hearted personality we embrace with our food and heritage,” Bruno Cardinali, chief marketing officer for Popeyes, said in a statement.
Megan also has partnered with Popeyes for a product line, which includes bikinis, Popeyes chicken tenders plush dog toys, shirts, hats and tumblers.
The commercial for the collab dropped Thursday and has a Western theme. The full “music style short form film” features Megan’s alter ego stealing her hottie sauce and chasing it from her hometown of Houston to Popeyes hometown of New Orleans, company officials said.
The sauce will be available for a limited time, Popeyes said. Here’s the website for the collaboration.
The Bethune-Cookman University has been marveling the beautiful towering statue of the university’s founder Mary McLeod Bethune all week. Perched inside the building of the News-Journal Center in Daytona Beach, the statue will be on display until it is moved into its final home at the US Capitol. Learn how the statue will make history in the Daytona Beach News-Journal article by Eileen Zaffiro-Kean below.
Little Kameron Turner got a big history lesson Tuesday when he visited the News-Journal Center in Daytona Beach. The 3-year-old’s dad, Karsceal Turner, is a Bethune-Cookman graduate and he used the new statue of Mary McLeod Bethune on display at the News-Journal Center to teach the tyke about Bethune. (Nigel Cook/News-Journal)
For four years, local residents have followed the evolution of the idea to have a Mary McLeod Bethune sculpture representing Florida in the U.S. Capitol Building.
On Tuesday, they got their first chance to stand within a few feet of the new marble work of art that will be on display at the News-Journal Center in Daytona Beach until Dec. 12. They were not disappointed.
“I’m blown away,” said Karsceal Turner, a 2009 graduate of the school Bethune founded, Bethune-Cookman University. “To have Dr. Bethune represent us in Washington, D.C., is a great feeling. I’m proud to be a son of the legacy.”
After hearing about the twists and turns of the statue’s creation, including securing government approvals and raising $850,000, people were eager to see the sculpture in person. There was a line in front of the News-Journal Center before the doors opened shortly after 10 a.m., and a steady stream of visitors continued throughout the morning and into the afternoon.
Once they got in front of the statue, just about everybody had their phones out and started taking pictures and videos.
Early next year, the statue will be crated and trucked up to Washington, D.C., to take its place in the Capitol Building. Bethune will be the first Black person, male or female, to be honored in the Capitol’s state collection of statues.
Turner brought his 3-year-old son to the exhibit Tuesday to start teaching him about the woman who was born to former slaves and went on to become the only Black woman to help the U.S. delegation that created the United Nations charter.
Bethune also created the National Council of Negro Women, directed the Office of Minority Affairs in the National Youth Administration, and helped women gain the right to vote. She was an advisor to five U.S. presidents.
“She opened so many doors, and she’s still opening doors,” Turner said.
Little Kameron Turner wasn’t quite as impressed with the history lesson, or the 11-foot-tall statue that was sculpted in a 1,000-year-old artists’ colony on the Tuscan coast of Italy. After playfully running laps around his father, the tyke just wanted to know if he could ride the escalator in the News-Journal building.
Visitors pose with the statue of Mary McLeod Bethune at the News-Journal Center in Daytona Beach. Tuesday was the first chance for the public to get an up-close look at the impressive statue. (Credit: Nigel Cook/News-Journal)
‘It represents Florida quite well’
Most of the people who decided to check out the Bethune sculpture Tuesday were drinking in the history on display throughout the exhibit. The story of Bethune’s life and the creation of the statue are told throughout the News-Journal Center lobby on dozens of informational displays that include plenty of historic black and white photos.
A short film on Bethune plays in a small room off the lobby, and an audio recording of her speaking can be heard near the statue display.
“I went to Bethune-Cookman University, and this is the first time I’m hearing her voice,” said Caleb Mack Jr., who attended the school from 1980 to 1984.
Bethune’s high-pitched voice with a determined tone is not what many people say they expected to hear. Mack sat under the speaker at the exhibit so he could record the audio on his phone.
“She sounds like Eleanor Roosevelt,” he said, referring to the former First Lady who became a good friend of Bethune. “It’s an eloquent voice; very intelligent. … She needed to talk that way to be accepted.”
Mack was also impressed with the statue, which he said is “excellent” and “a testament to her life.”
“I think it represents Florida quite well so the world can see its glory,” he said.
Like others seeing the three-ton statue for the first time, Mack was captured by its eyes looking down toward visitors.
“It’s like it stares back at you,” he said.
‘An honor to be in the presence’
There was a mix of people coming to see the statue Tuesday: Black and white, young and old. Some had also come from out of town to see the work of art, including Dorothy and Herman Hart of Miami.
The Harts figured a trip to Daytona Beach was easier than a trip to Washington, D.C. They were glad they made the effort.
“It’s an honor to be in the presence of this beautiful marble statue,” Dorothy Hart said. “We took a lot of pictures.”
She said she knows several people who attended Bethune-Cookman University, so she learned about Bethune through them.
“She has given so much,” Dorothy Hart said.
Jaron Williams, a 2014 graduate of Bethune-Cookman University, said he was feeling Bethune’s presence as he gazed at the towering white marble statue.
“It’s a very lifelike resemblance,” Williams said. “It’s truly a gift as a former student of Bethune-Cookman. This is one of those monumental moments to see your founder back in the city where it started.”
He hopes the statue “brings more of an appreciation for cultural diversity.”
“I recommend people come and learn about the history of the school and Mary McLeod Bethune,” Williams said.
Pamela Douglas was enjoying every minute of seeing the new statue.
“It’s mesmerizing to me,” said Douglas, whose son attended Bethune-Cookman University. “It’s wonderful. It’s lovely. Very inspirational. I couldn’t wait to come. For something that will be in the U.S. Capitol, to have it first in Daytona Beach, I really appreciate that.”
View the statue
WHAT: Public viewing of the Mary McLeod Bethune statue
WHERE: News-Journal Center, 221 N. Beach St., Daytona Beach
WHEN: 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. daily through Dec. 12. Those who want to view the statue will need a free ticket for one of six daily time slots. Tickets are available at mmbstatue.org. Viewings will be held seven days a week.
Florida A&M University graduate Will Packer is getting the flowers he deserves from his alma mater! The FAMU alum will not only get his name on a performing arts building, but he will also headline the exciting upcoming Homecoming festivities. Get the full story from Andrew Skerritt at FAMU Forward below.
Will Packer (Credit: Ben Rollins)
Florida A&M University (FAMU) alumnus movie mogul Will Packer will kick-off the Friday, October 29 Homecoming 2021 festivities with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Performing Arts Amphitheater that will be named in his honor.
Events include broadcasts of ESPN’s First Take with Stephen A. Smith and Kevin Hart’s Laugh Out Loudradio show Straight From The Hart on SiriusXM, and the recognition of major donors to the University.
“We are excited to have alumnus Will Packer celebrate Homecoming with us this year,” said FAMU President Larry Robinson, Ph.D. “Will has set an example for others to follow and has given back to FAMU in so many ways. His name on the Performance Arts Amphitheater for the world to see is a fitting tribute to his generosity and commitment to his alma mater.”
Packer, who earned an engineering degree at FAMU, started working on his first movie “Chocolate City” with fellow Rattler Rob Hardy while still on campus. The founder and CEO of Will Packer Productions film production company and Will Packer Media, a television, digital and branded content company, Packer wants his donation to motivate others to step forward to invest in students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
“HBCU giving has never been more essential than it is today. I’m honored to give back to the institution that has given so much to me and others over the years,” said Packer, who announced the event in a video released Tuesday. “I hope this accomplishment serves as an inspiration for future generations of FAMUans who will know the success I achieved has its foundations in the same halls, classrooms and dorms where they reside.”
Since he began creating movies, Packer has produced or executive produced a wide range of movies, including such films as “The Photograph,” “Little,” “What Men Want,” “Night School,” “Breaking In,” “Girls Trip,” “Ride Along 2,” “Straight Outta Compton,” “No Good Deed,” “Think Like a Man Too,” “Ride Along,” “Think Like a Man,” and “Takers.”
His television credits include “That Girl Lay Lay,” “Blackballed,” “Ambitions,” “Bigger,” “Being Mary Jane,” “Uncle Buck” and the remake of “Roots,” for which he received an Emmy nomination. Packer has been picked to produce the 94th Oscars next March.
The 8:15 a.m. ribbon-cutting ceremony begins a full day of activities for FAMFEST, which is part of FAMU Homecoming 2021- An Epic Return.
At 10 a.m., Stephen A. Smith and host Molly Qerim Rose will begin broadcasting First Take live from the Amphitheater stage – their first on-site show since January 2020. The two-hour event will run concurrently with the Homecoming Convocation at the Al Lawson Jr. Multipurpose Center and Teaching Gymnasium, which begins at 10:10 a.m. and features comedian/actor Roy Wood Jr. as the keynote speaker.
Smith, an HBCU grad, is delighted to be part of the festivities.
“Ever since I met Will Packer years ago, there was never any doubt that two things were of the utmost importance to him: FAMU and HBCU’s overall,” said Smith. “Will’s commitment to excellence doesn’t halt at just himself. He’s always been motivated to inspire and lead, especially when it comes to the wonderful folks attending FAMU. This unveiling of the amphitheater is just the latest example of how devoted Will Packer is to FAMU and how committed he is to be that shining example who genuinely cares. I’m honored that he asked me to make sure First Take is a part of its sensational event. And even more so to call him my friend.”
Following First Take, Kevin Hart’sLOLradio show Straight from the Hart, featuringKevin Hart & The Plastic Cup Boyz, will tape in front of a live audiencefrom the Amphitheater stage, to air the following Tuesday, November 2, on SiriusXM.
From 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., FAMFEST continues to feature live entertainment and donor presentations.
Shawnta Friday-Stroud, Ph.D., vice president for University Advancement and FAMU Foundation executive director, and her staff have been in conversation with Packer for years. He made the donation anonymously in 2019 in anticipation of a 2020 homecoming unveiling, which was derailed by the pandemic. She said this gift is just a reflection of. his passion for his alma mater.
“Will Packer has an unrivalled passion for FAMU. His gift toward naming the Performing Arts Amphitheater is a demonstration of his love for his alma mater and his desire to lead by example in giving back to the institution that means so much to him,” Friday-Stroud said. “We are so thankful to Will for his generosity.”
The Performing Arts Amphitheater concept was developed by the Student Government Association in response to dramatic increase in the activities of student clubs and organizations over the past few years. The Amphitheater is located on “The Set,” which is the heartbeat of the FAMU student experience.
Howard University just received a record-breaking donation from two alumni to support students with financial barriers! Get the full story on why donors Eddie C. Brown and Sylvia Brown value their alma mater so much in the Howard official release below.
Eddie Brown and Sylvia Brown on Howard’s campus (Credit: Howard University)
GIFT FROM ESTEEMED ALUMNI COUPLE MARKS THE LARGEST ALUMNI DONATION IN HOWARD HISTORY
Howard University is pleased to announce a $5 million gift from Eddie C. Brown (B.S.E.E. ’61) and C. Sylvia Brown (B.S. ’62) to support the Graduation Retention Access to Continued Excellence (GRACE) Grant for students facing financial barriers. Eddie Brown is the founder, chairman and CEO of Brown Capital Management, a Baltimore-based asset management firm that is the second oldest African-American-owned investment management firm in the world. This gift marks the largest alumni gift to Howard University in the school’s history.
“We are extremely grateful to Eddie and Sylvia for making this historic gift to Howard University,” said Howard University President Dr.Wayne A. I. Frederick. “The GRACE Grant has helped to eliminate financial barriers to education for Howard students, and I am thrilled that the Browns were inspired to commit such a generous gift to this important fund. My hope is that students will be inspired by their story and generosity and that others in our alumni community will consider the many ways they, too, can impact current and future generations of Howard students.”
The Browns met on Howard University’s campus in 1957. Eddie came to Howard from Allentown, Pennsylvania at just 16 years old as a student in the College of Engineering, and Sylvia came to Howard from King William, Virginia as a student in what was then the College of Liberal Arts. While equally committed to education, the couple recall two very different stories as it pertains to their opportunities to pursue a college education. Whereas Sylvia came from a family of educators and always knew she had the support to pursue higher education, Eddie’s journey to Howard was made possible because of a caring teacher and anonymous “angel” donor.
“I moved to Allentown, Pennsylvania when I was 15,” said Eddie. “We had a community organizer that would look out for the young Black children in the community. He came to me and my mother one day and said, ‘I was contacted by a woman who wants to help a young African-American student go to college.’ And it was my 10th grade English teacher, actually, who was a graduate of Howard [who] said, ‘You should go to Howard University.’”
At the time, Eddie was one of only seven Black students in his class at Allentown High School. Just three of the seven students were in college preparatory classes, and the other two students had the financial means to go to college. Because he came from a low-income family, Eddie was chosen to receive a scholarship that covered his tuition, room and board, and textbooks during his time at Howard.
This story and their mutual love for Howard is what inspired the couple to contribute the historic gift in support of the GRACE Grant. This gift represents what Sylvia says is not giving back, but “paying it forward.”
“We were very fortunate to be able to go to Howard,” she said. “I had student loans, and I know how hard that is. Being from a family of four, my parents did the best they could, but that was never enough to pay for all the fees. And that’s been our mantra, to give to others and help them at least be able to get an undergraduate degree so they have a good foundation.”
The GRACE Grant was established by President Frederick to help remove any financial barriers for students and encourage on-time graduation for students who successfully completed their freshman year. This need-based program, created in 2014, provides a 100 percent match for students who receive the maximum Federal Pell Grant and provides additional funding for those with an expected family contribution (EFC) of $0.
The impact of the GRACE Grant is clear. Since its inception, GRACE recipients saw an average 17 percent increase in retention and an average four-year graduation rate of 78 percent, a 32 percent increase compared to students in the same financial category who did not receive GRACE funds.
“I remember a minister of ours said something that we never forgot,” said Eddie. “That those who are blessed should be a blessing to someone, especially those less fortunate. We always remember that. I was blessed to receive my college education debt free, and I think it’s important to offer those less fortunate the opportunity to do so as well.”
“Our only hope is that students who benefit from our contribution do their best,” said Sylvia.
The Department for Computer Science at Tuskegee University has received nearly $1 million to expand its outreach efforts to high school students! Get the full story from the Tuskegee release below.
Tuskegee University’s computer science department has been awarded a $999,995 grant to train local high school students in information technology and cyber security. Over the next four years, the grant sponsored by the National Science Foundation, Developing and Testing Innovations (DTI) program will provide 40 high school rising sophomores and juniors and ten teachers in the Alabama Black Belt region with technology and cybersecurity experience through the development of mobile-enabled applications.
Professor Dr. Jay Bhuyan is the principal investigator. Drs. Kai Koong, Fan Wu, Cassandra Thomas, and Li Jiang are co-principal investigators on the collaborative project within the Department of Computer Science.
“Cybersecurity is the current trend in computer science. This field applies to inter-disciplinary students. While this field is most current, it lacks diversity,” Bhuyan said. “Our project is aimed at generating interest in minority high-school students to pursue this field. Currently, Tuskegee University offers several courses in cybersecurity through an undergraduate degree and a graduate degree in cybersecurity.”
While job growth in STEM fields, specifically in information technology and cybersecurity, has consistently increased, diversity in these workforce fields has not grown at a comparable pace. Under the grant, the proposed project will provide, in a group setting, hands-on training in basic IT concepts through a one-month training program (four-week summer academy) hosted at Tuskegee University, followed by one-semester in-school training on a project of their choice.
“There is a need to engage minority students in these areas early in their careers,” explained Bhuyan. “The program will offer far-reaching technological experiences through the exciting explorations of secured mobile application development under a Project-Based Learning (PBL) framework,” Bhuyan added.
Participating students will learn to develop mobile applications using MIT APP Inventor, which focuses on developing logical thinking skills, rather than the details of learning a traditional programming language, in a fun-filled way. Students will also learn how their application interacts securely with the Internet.
“The project’s strategy and design will be used to advance the efforts of increasing minority high school students’ motivations and capacities to pursue STEM careers,” noted Bhuyan.
The project’s work integrates hands-on training in basic information and information technology security concepts. Furthermore, the grant will be used to examine the students’ knowledge, interest, and attitudes towards STEM-related careers. The project co-funded by the Innovative Technology Experiences for Students and Teachers (ITEST) program, supports projects that build understandings of practices, program elements, contexts, and processes contributing to increasing students’ knowledge and interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and information and communication technology (ICT) careers. This project is also jointly co-funded by the Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR).
Washtenaw Community College is located in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Credit: JD Scott Photography)
Comprehensive pathway guarantees admission, opens in-state tuition, provides ongoing student support throughout transfer process
Announced ahead of National Transfer Student Week (Oct. 18-22), today’s news marks the first comprehensive agreement – with benefits such as guaranteed admission and access to in-state tuition – between a Michigan two-year school and a Historically Black College & University (HBCU).
The Washtenaw Community College HBCU Pathway program creates opportunities for student success and transfer equity by providing a clear, direct, affordable and supportive pathway for community college students to attend HBCUs.
In addition to guaranteeing admission to JSU, MVSU and SUNO for WCC students who successfully complete requirements, the partnership opens access to in-state tuition and scholarships and waives application fees. The new initiative also provides student support and mentoring from staff, faculty and HBCU alumni, arranges college tours at HBCUs, and hosts community-building activities, monthly career workshops and a student leadership summit.
Transfer agreements with other HBCUs will soon be announced.
Representatives from JSU, MVSU and SUNO will discuss the partnership and transfer information during a panel session hosted by WCC next week during National Transfer Student Week. Current and prospective WCC students and families, as well as members of the community, are invited to register to attend the virtual session from 6-7:30 p.m. (EST) Wednesday, Oct. 20.
“Creating a pipeline for student success is essential to our mission, and it starts with access, nurturing students with big dreams and helping them realize the opportunities to further their education. Our new HBCU pathway is designed to support students from high school through community college and then through completion of their bachelor’s degree,” said WCC President Dr. Rose B. Bellanca. “We are excited to announce our first HBCU partnerships with Jackson State, Mississippi Valley State and Southern University in New Orleans.”
The three HBCUs are rich in history with an extensive offering of undergraduate and graduate programs, including those in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
“Our new partnership with Washtenaw Community College will ensure that deserving students have a solid pathway to continue their education in a caring, encouraging environment that will enhance their skills in their chosen fields of interest,” said JSU President Thomas K. Hudson, J.D. “I look forward to watching these students matriculate to obtain their bachelor’s degrees and beyond.”
Located in Jackson, Miss., JSU was originally founded in 1877 as a seminary and today has grown into a comprehensive urban research university offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including at the doctorate level.
“We here at MVSU are so excited to join in partnership with Washtenaw Community College. Having a pathway for students to transfer seamlessly between our institutions shows our mutual commitment to student success and further supports the importance of higher education achievement. We look forward to starting and building on this tremendous opportunity,” said MVSU President Dr. Jerryl Briggs.
Located in Itta Bena, Miss., MVSU held its first classes in 1950, originally to train rural and elementary teachers and to provide vocational education, and now offers comprehensive undergraduate and graduate programs in education, the arts and sciences, and professional studies.
“We are excited to partner with Washtenaw Community College and also pleased to be one of the three HBCUs to create opportunities for student success,” said Dr. James H. Ammons, Jr., SUNO Executive Vice President-Chancellor. “This is also a great way for Southern University at New Orleans to expand its footprint in the Michigan region. Students will have an impeccable transfer experience from WCC to SUNO to enroll in our undergraduate degree programs and also matriculate to our graduate programs.”
Located in New Orleans, SUNO was founded as a branch unit of Southern University and Agricultural & Mechanical College in Baton Rouge in 1956 and offers undergraduate and graduate programs in the arts and sciences, business and public administration, education and human development, and social work.
One of the benefits of the new HBCU transfer pipeline is that it offers an attractive return on investment for college students and families. With a $2,280 average annual full-time in-district tuition, WCC already provides an affordable start to a college education.
“This is the perfect opportunity for me. Having the close-knit community and support services that both WCC and HBCUs offer for biology majors like myself is very important. I’m excited because I know HBCUs provide such a phenomenal impact on STEM students,” said WCC’s Alexia Easley, of Ypsilanti, Mich., who graduated from Ann Arbor’s Pioneer High School in 2020.
DeVaughn Swanson knows the value of great opportunities an HBCU education provides. The former WCC student transferred to Morehouse College in Atlanta in 2008. He graduated from Morehouse in 2012 and is now a Detroit attorney and Ypsilanti pastor.
“WCC prepared me for Morehouse College by offering rigorous courses and practical student leadership opportunities. I think this partnership is a dynamic idea and further proves that WCC is committed to ensuring the future success of all WCC students. This partnership gives students interested in HBCUs something to look forward to and work toward. A person who has been educated at WCC and an HBCU is destined to make a positive impact on the world,” Swanson said.
WCC’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion led development of the alliance to provide additional pathways to success for the college’s diverse student population and is planning high school outreach events to highlight the new HBCU agreements as well as programming and support for WCC students planning to transfer to an HBCU Partner.
Lewis College of Business may be making a comeback thanks to a determined Black shoe designer! Get the full story from Kim Kozlowski and Hayley Harding at The Detroit News.
Jennifer Gilbert, wife of Dan Gilbert, hugs Dr. D’Wayne Edwards, founder of PENSOLE Design Academy after the annoncement of the PENSOLE Lewis College of Business in Detroit on Tuesday. (Credit: Max Ortiz, The Detroit News)
A Portland footwear designer said Tuesday he will reopen Michigan’s only historically black college and university next year in Detroit with a design focus.
D’Wayne Edwards, the founder of the PENSOLE Design Academy in Portland, Oregon, is behind the draft proposal for state authorization to recognize the former Lewis College of Business as Michigan’s only HBCU.
If approved by the state, it would give Detroit — one of the largest Black cities in the United States, according to 2020 Census data — what Edwards called the “first design-focused HBCU.”
Lewis College of Business closed in 2013. The reopened school wouldbe known as the PENSOLE Lewis College of Business and Design. It would be the nation’s only HBCU to reopened after closing, Edwards said.
The school would exist as a joint venture with the College for Creative Studies, CCS President Don Tuski said. If approved, PENSOLE will operate under the College for Creative Studies’ accreditation.
By focusing on design, Edwards said, the college would offer a different education than what’s found at other HBCUs.
“This is a need we have,” he said to dozens of people gathered on the original site of the Lewis College of Business. “We’re going to do this together.”
PENSOLE Lewis College would not grant degrees like a typical college. Instead, Edwards said, it would work more like a certification program where the school works with brands to sculpt courses in design to meet their needs. If students were interested in getting a degree as well, they’d be able to “stack” classes at the College for Creative Studies to earn a diploma, Edwards said.
The PENSOLE college would be “majority tuition-free,” he said. Brands would pay for students’ tuition and housing, Edwards said, and in return, get a pipeline of talented students ready for work. He said he specifically works with brands to make sure every student has a job or internship when they complete their program. Current program sponsors in Portland include brands like Nike, Asics, Adidas, New Balance and other shoe and clothing brands.
Until a permanent location can be developed, the PENSOLE Lewis College would be housed at the College for Creative Studies’ A. Alfred Taubman Center for Design Education on Milwaukee Avenue in Detroit. Specific courses will be announced later in the fall. Enrollment for the new school is expected to start in December, and classes are scheduled to start in March.
Tuski said he felt the joint venture with PENSOLE would make the College for Creative Studies “more accessible.”
“One of the most important things about art and designers is the need to hold people accountable, hold corporations accountable and make sure that diversity and equity are part of our process,” he said. “We’re excited to start doing more of that.
Among the new HBCU’s founding supporters are Target, through the retailer’s diversity and inclusion work, and Dan and Jennifer Gilbert via The Gilbert Family Foundation. The Gilbert Family Foundation has committed $500 million to projects in Detroit to help improve economic opportunity for those living in the city.
“The Pensole Lewis College of Business and Design is an institution that will cultivate a diverse pipeline of talent ready for jobs of the future while creating equitable access to opportunities for our city’s residents,” Jennifer Gilbert said Tuesday.
The amount of the Gilbert Foundation’s monetary support wasn’t disclosed.
Detroit Deputy Mayor Conrad Mallett said Tuesday he was excited to see the school open in “one of the most important Black neighborhoods in the country.”
“We are going to continue to have population opportunities that the city needs, the education opportunities that will make us continue to be great,” Mallett said.
Edwards described the Lewis college historically as “a critical source of economic impact for the city’s Black community.” He said General Motors Co., Ford Motor Co. and Michigan Bell hired their first Black office employees from the college.
Edwards’ experience prompts school
Edwards wanted to be a footwear designer as a teenager, he said, but there wasn’t the kind of program that would allow him to pursue that in his hometown of Inglewood, California. He got into the industry by working his way up at LA Gear before moving on to other companiesincluding Nike, where he served as design director and famously became of several people to design an Air Jordan.
He got his start as a teacher first by being a mentor to others who wanted to follow in his footsteps. When he retired from designing in 2010, Edward then opened the PENSOLE campus in Portland, where several shoe brands are located or have offices. By his estimates, the school has more than 500 alumni working for major brands, and approximately 95% of the student body comes from a “diverse or multicultural background.”
Having a program like the one he is building in Detroit would have made a big difference not only for Edwards himself, he said, but also many of his friends and people he grew up with.
“As a Black male in the ’80s growing up in Inglewood, the probability of me being dead or in jail was higher than me getting a corporate job,” he said. A program like the one at PENSOLE could have “saved a lot of people. My hope is, it’s gonna save a lot of people still to this day.”
The PENSOLE Lewis College would serve aspiring Black creatives, designers, engineers and business leaders.
Officials of the new school didn’t say how many students they expected to attend the new program. Edwards said his goal was not to hit any specific enrollment target but instead to focus on “the quality of students.”
“I want to make sure we have the right students,” he said. “So if that number is 100 or if the number is 1,000, we want to make sure we have it right. The volume is not really important. What our industry doesn’t need is more designers, our industry needs better ones.”
Dan Gilbert attends the announcement of the PENSOLE Lewis College of Business and Design in Detroit on Tuesday. (Credit: Max Ortiz, The Detroit News)
How college started
The Lewis College of Business was founded in Indianapolis in 1928 by Violet T. Lewis, who opened a campus in Detroit in 1939 and eventually closed the Indiana school to focus on the Michigan one. Lewis, who was also one of the two founders of Gamma Phi Delta Sorority Inc., graduated from the secretarial program at Wilberforce University in Ohio, which led to a job at Selma University in Alabama.
There, she taught classes on stenography in the university’s business department. She eventually moved to Indianapolis to be closer to family, but she wanted to create a place where students, particularly Black women, could get a high quality business education.
The school started as a nine-month stenographic school. Under Lewis’ leadership, it became an accredited junior college and served as a pipeline for students to find jobs working for auto companies. The school was designated as an HBCU in 1987.
There are about 100 HBCUs across the nation, said Robert Palmer, a Howard University professor and chair of the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies.
HBCUs began serving African American students primarily in the South when higher education institutions denied access to Black students, Palmer said. Today, the federal government defines an HBCU as an institution founded prior to 1964 to provide educational access to African Americans.
“They were created out of a system of segregation,” said Palmer, whose research examines access, equity, retention, persistence, of students of color, particularly among HBCUs.
HBCUs make up 3% of all institutions in higher education, but Palmer said they “are more relevant today than ever.”
“They disproportionately produce the nation’s judges, teachers, doctors,” Palmer said.
In addition, more colleges and universities are becoming more racially and ethnically diverse, but often students of color have to adapt to the White culture, leave parts of themselves behind and even after that face racism, he said.
HBCUs create culture and curriculum that is relevant to African American students, he said. The faculty and staff look like the student population, and serve as mentors and role models, Palmer said.
“On campus of HBCU, it’s the whole village — from peers to faculty to administrators — that are working collectively to support and maximize the potential of students,” Palmer said. “When you feel like you belong, you are much more engaged with other students, attend class, spend time on campus and that translates into retention and higher graduation rates.”
Luminaries who have attended HBCUs include Vice President Kamala Harris, who graduated from Howard University in Washington, D.C.; Rev. Jesse Jackson, who graduated from North Carolina A&T State University; film director Spike Lee, who graduated from Morehouse College in Georgia; and former Detroit resident and Motown singer Gladys Knight, who graduated from Shaw University in North Carolina.
College organizers didn’t provide names of Lewis college alumni. But one alumna was Cassandra Woods, a longtime state staff director for former U.S. Sen. Carl Levin who died in 2013.
It is expected that state lawmakers later this month will introduce legislation to recognize PENSOLE Lewis College of Business and Design as the state’s only HBCU. If it gets state authorization, the school can get federal approval and seek HBCU recertification from the U.S. Department of Education. If approved, the school would be eligible for specific federal funding.
From what to wear, where to eat, and what to pack, Xfinity has you covered. Game Day is here and it’s time to rally.
Those who have experienced an HBCU homecoming understand the assignment. College students, alumni, and family of an Historically Black College and University gather and partake in the excitement of celebrating the heritage and culture of the school. It’s a time of joy, honoring traditions, and for some, reflecting on the good ol’ days. Homecoming weekends are spent eating well, laughing plenty, and enjoying the sights; and there is plenty to see, do, and EAT! (Spoiler alert: Sleep is not on the syllabus.)
Ain’t no party like an HBCU party! No matter if you’re young, seasoned, alumni or a visitor, there is fun to be had all weekend for everyone involved!
The Bethune-Cookman Marching Band (Credit: The Daytona Beach News-Journal)
Rest Up!
As we just mentioned, you’ll want to get plenty of rest in the days prior because there is little to no sleep taking place during Homecoming Week. From the early morning parade, concerts, and late night parties to hanging out at the local waffle house parking lot for hours on end, you won’t want to miss a beat.
Game Up!
This is not a drill. Pro tip: If you don’t have a crew living on or near campus already, book your hotel early! Prices can get steep and they sell out months before the big weekend – the closer your hotel, the more sleep you can get in between parties! Speaking of that crew, you’ll want to make sure you travel with fellow HBCU-lovers; people who share your interests and can bring the comedic flavor and go-with-the-flow attitude you need to make the weekend even better.
Step Up!
One cannot adequately do the HBCU experience justice without the mentioning of Greek life – The Divine Nine. Considering the hows and whys of the inception, mission, and purpose of Greek organizations, you can’t help but be in awe! If there’s a homecoming step show, put it on your must-do list. You’ll surely catch members strolling at the parade or the tailgate. It’s Black magic and excellence at its finest! The culture alone that Black Greek organizations bring to HBCUs is nothing short of amazing, especially when you consider graduate chapters’ legacy and impact on the Black community.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CU8iJ-iAuRB/
Band Up!
The Homecoming Game itself is a sight to see, especially if the band is on point! Yes, the football team will be exciting to watch with the abundance of talent on the field, but it’s the band and dancers that get the crowd hype. The high-energy showmanship with arrangements of the classics and latest music accompanied by intricate routines from the majorettes and dance team, are the heartbeat of the game.
Post Up!
Last, but certainly not least, is the tailgate experience. Alumni groups, organizations like fraternities and sororities, and residents of the town pay a fee to rent a space and put up a large tent or set up their trailer for entertainment purposes. Once settled in, the culinary adventures begin. The scent of charcoal and fried foods carry you down a musical path of tunes as DJs do their thing. This can very well be an all day affair if you find a tent to post under. No exaggeration, it’s like a reunion of thousands of cousins. Your entertainment options are endless so be sure to take it all in so you can enjoy every minute!
Hang Up!
*Due to the recent surges of COVID-19 cases, select HBCU homecoming sanctioned events have been rescheduled or are TBD. If this is impacting your school or if you just feel more comfortable staying home— you can still have the best time. Get dressed up, host a virtual watch party, or invite your quarantine crew over for a day filled with what homecoming is really all about: football, family and food. Remember, playing it safe has its perks too!
The stunning loss of the Winston-Salem State University Rams’ during a recent football game has lead to a sudden change in staff. Get the full story on who’s up and who’s out from John Dell at Journal Now.
Winston-Salem State, coming off a 73-7 blowout loss to Chowan, has made a significant change in its coaching staff.
Offensive coordinator Lawrence Kershaw resigned on Tuesday morning and Kam Smith, a former quarterback for the Rams, has been elevated to offensive coordinator.
On Tuesday afternoon Robert Massey, the interim head coach of the Rams, said there were changes made regarding the offense heading into Saturday’s game at Johnson C. Smith but he didn’t reveal what those changes were.
Kershaw said in a text on Tuesday night he didn’t want to comment on his resignation.
The Rams are averaging just 10 points through four games to rank 11th in the CIAA out of 12 schools. They have scored just four touchdowns as quarterbacks Dominique Graves and Cameron Lewis have combined to throw five interceptions. Lewis has the only touchdown pass this season for the Rams, who are also struggling with their running game. Lewis is also the team’s leading rusher with 160 yards.
Kershaw has been the offensive coordinator the past two seasons and before that was the offensive line coach in 2018. Before coming to WSSU he was the head coach for Fayetteville State for three seasons. Before his time at Fayetteville State he was the offensive coordinator and offensive line coach for five seasons at Florida A&M.
Taking over the offense will be Smith, who is the all-time passing leader in WSSU history. Smith is in his first season as quarterbacks coach with the Rams. He helped the Rams reach the 2012 Division II national championship game and was part of the best team in school history that went 14-1 that year.
University of the District of Columbia student Osman Milla has been bestowed a great honor by the Washington, D.C. mayor’s office for his tireless work against homelessness. Learn more about story from Caroline Patrickis at ABC 7 News below.
Osman Milla won Mayor Muriel Bowser’s award for Excellence in Humanities in September 2021. (Osman Milla)
Growing up in a small Honduras village, Osman Milla says food was hard to come by.
“Back in my country, I struggled so much,” Milla explained. “Basically having nothing to eat was an everyday thing.”
But, it wasn’t just food that was scarce. Milla says they were without electricity, running water, public transportation and very little education.
“That situation and experience that I had taught me how to help people,” Milla said.
It was those humble beginnings that brought Milla to pour his heart into helping others facing tough times.
The Washington, D.C. immigrant and student at the University of District of Columbia is now being honored by the mayor’s office for his charity in the district.
When he made it to the nation’s capital 14 years ago to make a better life, he was able to connect with people who are also struggling.
“I work for six years in a local DC restaurant and while I was working there I had the opportunity to make small versions of food,” Milla said. “While I was in college, I was giving the food away to the homeless who were in the streets.”
Milla’s charitable efforts were not only felt here locally, but he sent help to Honduras after devastating hurricanes.
He sent 20 extra-large boxes of donations and bought 100 mattresses to help the community members in Honduras affected by the hurricane. Milla Raised over $10,000 for seven nonprofits in Honduras that helped families in need.
Osman Milla has been helping others in need for years and it’s something he was inspired to do early in his life. Milla prepared meals from the restaurant and distributed the meals to the homeless in the D.C. area. (Osman Milla)
Finally, this fall, he was nominated for a humanities award in DC.
“Then everything that I have been doing, the community has been watching me volunteering,” Milla said.
In September, he received the mayor’s award for his work in the community.
“Never in my life!” Milla said.
He’s studying hospitality and tourism at UDC now and continues to help his country and residents around the district.
The studies of several students at Denmark Technical College will be supported through a beneficial program including internships and mentorship thanks to a new partnership! Get the full story in the release from T&D news below.
Twenty-one Denmark Tech students participated in the kickoff session for an internship program by the college and Commvault.
Twenty-one Denmark Technical College students participated in the kickoff session for an eight-week internship boot camp last week, meeting virtually with Commvault executives and Denmark Tech leadership for an orientation into the program.
“We are thrilled that our students have been offered this groundbreaking opportunity through Commvault. Participation in the internship bootcamp will give students the skills they need the pave the path to their future success in the business and IT world,” said Dr. Willie L. Todd Jr., president and CEO of Denmark Technical College.
“At Commvault, we are committed to making an impact, not just with our software, but by empowering the next generation of leaders, which is why we’re so excited to partner with Denmark Technical College to offer mentoring and internship opportunities for students who want to innovate and lead the next generation with us. Together, we will make an impact,” added Martha Delehanty, chief people officer at Commvault.
The internship boot camp, which has both a business and a computer programming track, will match students with mentors who are leaders in their fields, offer opportunities to grow their skill sets to become industry ready and prepare individuals to be successful in internships. Participation in the program will make students uniquely qualified for Commvault’s paid summer internship program which can lead to permanent, full-time employment with the corporation.
With a large, global company like ours, we have a lot of potential to make a difference in people’s lives. We care about people and the world we live in and celebrate diversity. This partnership with Denmark Technical College has the power to make a huge impact, not only in the lives of the students, but on the industry as a whole,” said Sierra Sorrentino, diversity and inclusion project manager at Commvault.
“This is the first time a major corporation has worked with us to design and deliver an internship boot camp specifically for Denmark Tech students. The boot camp is not providing a ‘hand-out’ to our students; Commvault provides a ‘hand-up’ so that all students have a fair chance no matter their economic and social disadvantages. The team at Commvault has been a wonderful partner to work with towards the goal of increasing diversity in the tech industry and we are excited about the future of this relationship,” added Dr. A. Clifton Myles, vice president for administration and innovation at Denmark Technical College.
Commvault, a multinational data protection and management software company headquartered in Tinton Falls, New Jersey, was introduced to Denmark Tech by the South Carolina Counsel for Minority Affairs, in a search to partner with an HBCU in their efforts as part of a nationwide movement to increase diversity and inclusion in the IT field. Denmark Tech was chosen from dozens of HBCUs to pilot the program.
“Dr. Myles has been so important in bringing this together and has been such an asset. His energy and excitement for the project made Denmark Tech an easy choice to pilot the program,” said Sorrentino.
Many students were interested in participating in the revolutionary program. Denmark Tech faculty and administration had the difficult task of narrowing down the field to 21 students to participate, including computer technology major Keithan Thompson.
“I’m excited to soak up everything I can over the next eight weeks and to see if I have what it takes to move forward with Commvault. This is the kind of experience that can help me figure out how to carve out my place in the world and I want to take advantage of everything the boot camp has to offer,” said Thompson.
Denmark Tech students participating in the boot camp include:
Bluefield State has named Paul Davis as head women’s basketball coach. A native of Clio, South Carolina, Davis comes to Bluefield State from Livingstone College where he was an assistant coach for the women’s basketball team.
Davis is a 2012 graduate of Winston-Salem State University (WSSU). He also received a Master’s degree and a Project Management certificate in 2021 from Western Carolina University.
He began his coaching career with the WSSU men’s basketball team. He spent two seasons there before moving on to Queens University in Charlotte, NC.
In his one season at Queens, he helped the Royals win their conference championship, as well as the regional championship, advancing to the NCAA Division II Elite Eight Finals.
Davis was an all-state prep player at Marlboro County High School in Bennettsville, South Carolina.
At WSSU Davis was noted for his defense. He finished as the school’s seventh all-time rebounder and was named the CIAA Defensive Player of the Year and to its All-Conference First Team in 2012.
Credit: Bluefield State College Athletics
After graduation, Davis played professionally for six years in Lithuania, Australia, Thailand, Chile, Saudi Arabia, Columbia, Tunisia and Lebanon.
A huge thank you to Athletics Director, Derrick Price, Associate AD Bailey, and President Capehart. I am so excited and blessed to be here at Bluefield State College and working with some amazing people. My goal is to make sure this program reflects a family atmosphere in all that we do. I care deeply about all of these players and their success on and off the court, said head coach Paul Davis.
In introducing Coach Davis, Director of Athletics Derrick Price said, “Bluefield State College is truly blessed with the addition of Paul Davis. He will bring a new look to our women’s team. His combined playing and coaching experience will help our women on and off the court. Welcome to the family, Coach Davis!”
I’m going to push them to achieve their highest goals as well as love them and respect them throughout the process. We have a lot of work to do and a lot of goals but we can only get there by taking advantage of each practice, each weight room session, each film session etc. Controlling what we can control and getting a little bit better each day, said coach Davis.
Bluefield State would like to officially welcome head women’s basketball coach, Paul Davis and is looking forward to a dynamic first season. With the support of the athletics department and campus community, we know Davis will make positive contributions to Bluefield State.
Delaware State University students will have over 1,000 business pieces to choose from for interviews and more thanks to a generous donation! Learn all about it in the DSU release below!
(L-r) Del State’s Dr. Stacy Downing , Chief Administrator DSU Downtown, VP Strategic Initiatives; Danielle K. Craig, Assistant Director, Experiential Learning & Data Analysis, & TMCF Campus Coordinator; Dr. Vita Pickrum, VP Division of Institutional Advancement; Arianna Johnson, DSU Graduate Student; Juliana Paul, TMCF Scholar; Bisola Bello, TMCF Scholar; Jewell Phillips, Miss DSU & TMCF Scholar; Peythia Stubbs, COACH; Jairamie King, Director, Brand Engagement & Digital Platforms, TMCF; Terry L. Bankston, Director Office of Career Services.
Del State students dress in the donated professional attire pose with Coach Foundaton’s Peythia Stubbs.
Delaware State University students have received some support in the development of their professional representation as the Coach Foundation has donated about 1,000 piece of business-ready attire to the institution.
The Coach Foundation – which supports global philanthropic initiatives that are community focused – has partnered with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund and other organizations to launch “The Coach Closet,” a source of professional attire to support students in their higher education journey and career readiness.’
The Coach Closet is part of The Coach Foundation’s “Dream it Real” initiative, which is designed to help break cycles of inequality by empowering the next generation to reach their full potential through higher education.
(L-r) Del State’s Dr. Stacy Downing , Chief Administrator DSU Downtown, VP Strategic Initiatives; Danielle K. Craig, Assistant Director, Experiential Learning & Data Analysis, & TMCF Campus Coordinator; Dr. Vita Pickrum, VP Division of Institutional Advancement; Arianna Johnson, DSU Graduate Student; Juliana Paul, TMCF Scholar; Bisola Bello, TMCF Scholar; Jewell Phillips, Miss DSU & TMCF Scholar; Peythia Stubbs, COACH; Jairamie King, Director, Brand Engagement & Digital Platforms, TMCF; Terry L. Bankston, Director Office of Career Services.
“Professional business attire for interviews, workshops, receptions, and meet & greet events coupled with self-confidence, awareness and focus on set goals is a formula for career success,” said Terry Bankston, Director of the University’s Office of Career Services. “We are proud to partner with Thurgood Marshall College Fund and Coach Foundation and be chosen as one of six HBCUs to receive 1,000 pieces of new Coach clothing to supply DSU students with professional attire and enable them to dress for success.”
Students interested in accessing this professional attire resource should contact the Office of Career Services at (302) 857-6120 or go to Suite 333 in the MLK Jr. Student Center.
Bethune-Cookman University is hopeful after its new dean has finally been chosen! Get the full story from the B-CU official release and discover how he hopes to change B-CU for the better below!
Bethune-Cookman University has appointed Lawrence M. Drake II, Ph.D. as the new Dean of the College of Business & Entrepreneurship.
Bethune-Cookman University’s business students will be challenged to elevate to the highest levels of achievement under Dr. Drake’s guidance. His presence on campus will inspire our students to be forward thinking and innovative as they embrace new skills and technologies that are critical for today’s leaders,” says Interim President Dr. Hiram Powell.
As the first in his family to attend college, Dr. Drake matriculated to Fisk University, ultimately receiving a B.A. from Georgia State University in 1977. He earned an MBA from Rockhurst University in 1999, where he was an Executive Fellow. In 2013, he was awarded an M.A. in Psychology from APA-accredited Fielding Graduate University and received his Ph.D. with an emphasis in media psychology in 2015. He holds a certification from the prestigious International Coaching Federation and is a member of Forbes Magazine’s Coaches Council.
Dr. Drake’s vision is to inspire new business professionals to transform the world economy to benefit the under-resourced. “There’s an opportunity for the College of Business & Entrepreneurship to attract new students to our campus. I want us to be at the forefront of 21st century skill development – whether it’s the Internet of Things, cybersecurity, data analytics, or design thinking, we want our students prepared and equipped to lead at the next level,” he says.
His scholarship focuses on the effects of human behavior at the intersection of cognitive science, applied psychology, media innovation, and immersive learning. His publications, papers and presentations include the National Academy of Medicine’s “Stories About Black Men and Their Consequences,” (February 2018), “The Effects of Domestic Violence Ideology, Media Narratives and Images on Male Victimization” (Fielding Graduate University, 2012), and “Watching Black Panther with Racially Diverse Youth: Relationships between Film Viewing, Ethnicity, Ethnic Identity, Empowerment, and Wellbeing” (Review of Communication, 2020). His book “Color Him Father” (2019), which explores the myths about Black fatherhood, has received critical acclaim. Dr. Drake has also presented at numerous scientific sessions, including the American Psychological Association (APA) annual meetings, where he once led a panel on the topic “Two Kinds of Presence: A Comparative Analysis of Face-to-Face and Technology–Based Mediated Communication Methods and The Executive Coaching Experience.”
With over 40 years of leadership experience within several corporations and nonprofit entities, Dr. Drake has served as a founder or co-founder of three private enterprise firms. He also enjoyed an impressive 21-year career with The Coca-Cola Company where he held several key positions, including Division President & CEO of its Nigeria and Equatorial Africa Division. This role included global operations, political stewardship, and partnership management with his franchise ownership partners across Africa, Europe, Latin America, and the U.S.
With a sustained commitment to learning access, coaching and mentoring, Dr. Drake continues to support the National Black MBA Association, UNCF, National Alumnae Associations of Georgia State University, Rockhurst University, and Fisk University. He is Life Member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc and a former trustee of Judson University and Jarvis Christian College.
About Bethune-Cookman University Founded in 1904 by Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, Bethune-Cookman University (B-CU) today sustains her legacy of faith, scholarship, and service through its relationship with the United Methodist Church and its commitment to academic excellence and civic engagement. B-CU offers 36 undergraduate and 8 graduate degrees on its main campus. Located in Daytona Beach, B-CU is one of three private, historically black colleges in the state of Florida. The institution boasts a diverse and international faculty and student body of nearly 3,000. For more information, visit www.cookman.edu.
Alabama State University‘s connection to its community will be strengthened thanks to a recent federal grant that will benefit local students! Get the full story from Mike Cason at AL.com below.
Alabama State University President Quinton Ross announces that the university has received a $24.7 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education to help low-income K-12 students in Montgomery.
Alabama State University has been awarded a $24.7 million federal grant to help low-income students in the Montgomery Public School system prepare for and succeed in college.
ASU President Quinton Ross announced the grant today along with ASU Provost Carl Pettis and Montgomery Public Schools (MPS) Superintendent Ann Roy Moore.
“This grant will allow us to do what we do day in and day out, which is to provide opportunity to young people to pursue higher education here at Alabama State University, and to pursue higher education throughout the state of Alabama,” Ross said. “So we’re excited and I’m just so thankful for all of those that worked so hard on this grant.”
Pettis said the program will begin this year working with the approximately 4,500 sixth-grade and seventh-grade students in the 10 MPS middle schools. The program, called “Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs” (GEAR UP), is projected to provide academic help to about 26,000 students over seven years of operation through 2028.
Pettis, vice president for academic affairs at ASU, said the U.S. Department of Education awarded 27 GEAR UP grants out of 156 applications.
“So this was quite competitive,” Pettis said. “Through this, we will focus on student outreach, which is something that certainly is not new to Alabama State University. Everyone is very familiar with the efforts of the university down through the years. And that is something that we hope to continue through this effort.
“We will focus on sixth and seventh grade students and follow them through their matriculation to their first year of college. We will be able to expose them to various things, hard skills as well as soft skills, but with the goal of them matriculating and becoming better academically and scholastically.”
MPS Superintendent Moore said she saw the program as beneficial to the Montgomery community as well as the school system. She said MPS had previously been involved in a GEAR UP program with UAB.
“We want to express our thanks because we are always trying to increase our graduation rate, we are trying to increase the number of students who go to college,” Moore said. “We’re trying to increase those who are ready for careers outside of college. This gives them an opportunity to be exposed to the different avenues of accomplishing those goals.”
ASU will collaborate on GEAR UP with Auburn University, Tuskegee University, Wallace Community College-Selma, Coastal Alabama Community College, Southern Union State Community College, Boys and Girls Club of the River Region, and the YMCA of Greater Montgomery.
“Helping students succeed is what education is all about and GEAR UP at ASU has the potential of impacting the lives and educational opportunities for thousands of area students over the next seven years,” Ross said.
Hampton University has released the name of its new interim dean for its School of Nursing! Learn more about it in the official release below!
Hampton University is pleased to announce that Dr. Arlene J. Montgomery, RN is the new Interim Dean of the School of Nursing.
“We are very excited to announce the appointment of Dr. Arlene J. Montgomery, as Interim Dean of the School of Nursing. Dr. Montgomery’s extensive experience in the healthcare field will maintain the high quality of professional nursing education currently provided to our students. Under her leadership the School of Nursing will continue to be the premier producer of nurses,” said Hampton University President, Dr. William R. Harvey.
Dr. Montgomery is no stranger to the Hampton University School of Nursing or the position of Dean.
“Serving as interim dean and dean on three different occasions, I have been a part of many changes in the University and the School of Nursing,” said Dr. Montgomery. “During the early days of the School of Nursing, its core focus was quality education, community services outreach, and scholarship (grants, research, and publications). I envision continuing this focus with the infusion of seamless programs such as BS-PhD and BS-DNP, a community health clinic with telehealth capabilities, and the globalization of nursing education.”
Dr. Montgomery is a graduate of Hampton Institute (University), where she received the Bachelor of Science degree in nursing in 1979. She received the Master of Science degree in nursing with concentrations in education and administration from Hampton University in 1984. Later, she received the Doctor of Philosophy degree in urban studies with concentrations in education and health administration from Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia, and a diploma in strategy and policy from the Naval War College, Newport, Rhode Island.
Dr. Montgomery is a Colonel (Retired) in the United States Army Reserve Nurse Corps where her last assignment was Chief Nurse of a Field Hospital. At Hampton University, she has held the positions of chairperson of the Departments of Undergraduate and Graduate Nursing Education, assistant dean for academic affairs, director of the nursing administration track, administrator of the Nursing Center and Health Mobile, Endowed Professor of Nursing, and past dean of the School of Nursing.
