Kamron Fields Transfers To HBCU, Texas Southern University

Posted by HBCU Editors
Posted on

More HBCU transfers to HBCUs for the win! University of Texas reliever Kamron Fields announced via Twitter that he will be transferring to HBCU (Historically Black Colleges & Universities), Texas Southern University. Although Fields will have one more year of eligibility, his presence will be noted on and off the field. Fields graduated in the spring with a degree in corporate communications and will be pursuing his masters at Texas Southern while playing baseball, according to ESPN.

“First and foremost, I’d like to thank everyone who has been a part of my journey over the last three years at the University of Texas,” Fields wrote. “I will always be grateful for my time as a Longhorn. I’ve made relationships that will last a lifetime and memories that I’ll never forget.

“When I came to campus, my only real goals were to get my degree and put myself in a position to succeed in professional baseball. But now, with racism, injustice, and inequality continuing to plague our society, I have found a new purpose.

“It’s time. It’s time for me to stand for my beliefs and represent something bigger than myself.

Kamron Fields

Heres some of his latest stats from Texas:

AS A JUNIOR (2020)
Made four relief appearances during shortened season, compiling a 5.40 ERA in five innings pitched…struck out five batters and walked two in five innings…tossed a scoreless inning against Cal State Fullerton in final appearance of the season…pitched two hitless innings with two strikeouts against Missouri on March 1…first appearance on the mound of the season was at Rice on Feb. 16.

AS A SOPHOMORE (2019)
A two-way player, as an outfielder and right-handed pitcher…made 20 relief appearances on the mound and played in 11 games offensively, with four starts…finished with a 4.26 ERA in 25.1 innings pitched…struck out 36 batters to only 16 walks…batted .143 with three runs scored and had two sacrifice bunts…pitched a scoreless inning of relief with two strikeouts against Incarnate Word on May 14…picked up his third save of the season in an 8-6 win at Baylor…during the win against Texas Tech on March 15 pitched three hitless innings and struck out five to record the save…first save of the season came against LSU on March 1…came on in relief and pitched three hitless innings with three strikeouts against Purdue on Feb. 24… first hit of the season was on Feb. 17, in a start in left field at Louisiana…first appearance on the mound this season was at Louisiana on Feb. 15.

Lincoln University SGA Petitions For President, Says “We Will Not Return”

Posted by Brittany Ireland
Posted on

The students of Lincoln University of Pennsylvania have spoken. The student government association (SGA) is standing in solidarity with the schools 14th president, Dr. Brenda A. Allen who served for three years before her contract ended on June 30, 2020.

The Philadelphia Inquirer reports, “After more than three hours of private deliberation, the Lincoln University board of trustees on Friday voted narrowly against retaining president Brenda A. Allen, despite a campaign that drew much support from faculty, alumni, and students to keep her…No explanation was given for the board’s decision, which was made in executive session while more than 250 people waited during a Zoom meeting Friday night. Upon returning from the private session, board president Theresa Braswell said the vote had been 52% against negotiating a new contract with Allen, and 48% in favor. A board secretary had said earlier in the meeting that 21 of 23 trustees were present.”

The SGA’s response includes the following post made to Instagram. The students also launched a new petition that ends by saying, “If Brenda A. Allen does not have her contract reconsidered, we will NOT be returning back to Lincoln and each signature on this petition will reflect that!” Another petition that began 2 months ago from “The Lincoln University Community,” currently has more than 14,500 signatures lobbying for Allen’s contract renewal. Accomplishments Lincoln University experienced under Allen’s leadership are highlighted, such as improved retention rates, alumni giving increasing by 34% and the number of donors almost doubling.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CCjcRPhhCwX/?igshid=mqwg57khykna

“Lincoln has gone through many different presidents in the last 20 years that have stripped us of some of our cherished traditions. The revolving door is not conducive to establishing a consistent  structure for Lincolnites, both current and former  students. It is vital that a University President be given the appropriate time to make sure their vision is being implemented so that the school can achieve its academic goals. This is not the time to gamble with the progress that has already been achieved through Dr. Allen’s hard work. In addition, the pandemic has done a lot of damage to our current students’ college experience. It is imperative to have Dr. Allen at the helm of leadership in order to keep our students positive about the future of their education and to keep the confidence of the students, faculty and Alumni during this trying time, says the petition.

According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, trustee and ’83 alumna Rosalie Hornbuckle shared, “If you are acting to remove the president, under Lincoln bylaws and the Sunshine Act, you cannot hold a vote in an executive session…That vote must be held in public session. You can go into executive session to discuss issues privately, but then you have to come out and have a roll call vote.”

When questioned, the board’s vice chair Dimitrius M. Hutcherson, stated “We thank Dr. Allen for her service, and I can’t get into anything else.” A press release from the university on July 11 stated, “the Board of Trustees will name an interim president within the next few days.”

Meet Michael A. Woodward, Jr., Author And Co-Founder of Inspire The Masses

Posted by Vanessa Roberson
Posted on

Michael is quite the HBCU success story. Today, he keeps busy as the founder for Inspired Apparel. This Florida A&M University alumni has also made incredible strides in education as an author, changing the way young students see themselves and their future.

Michael A. Woodward, Jr. grew up with a passion for school and a drive to succeed. When we asked if there was anyone who he felt passed the torch during his upbringing in Miami, he credited his father for molding his early drive for success.  “Thankfully, my father was a consistent figure in my life who constantly reminded me of all the “special” things that made me a dynamic young black man growing up in a low-income community. 

Michael often drew the strength he needed to excel in school from his father’s assertion that he was special. After high school, he chose to go to FAMU just like his father. He excelled in academic programs, became a campus leader at FAMU, and even joined the Beta Nu chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated. 

After graduating and moving to Las Vegas to join Teach for America, he realized that others weren’t always so lucky. The program was created to stand for equality in education for scholars nationwide. It was there that as a Black male educator he found himself serving as a father figure to his students. He relished in it and used the experiences to learn some lessons himself. Personally, even Michael grew up with mostly white women as his educators. This context also caused him to flash back to the impact of seeing his first Black male teacher, “Mr. Smith,” and the connections created from seeing a great educator that looked like him. He saw the lack of diversity in the books his students were using, and it bothered him.

The experiences Michael had led him to write his first book, King Monte: Are You My P.E. Teacher?” Monte is a determined and talented little boy with chronicles like conquering self-doubt and finding the right role models. Passionate on ending educational inequity, Michael saw this first book as accomplishing many things. For one, the King Monte character was a creative way for his students to see themselves both in terms of race and social life. He also wanted them to relate to the struggles they experience through a voice they could recognize and relate to.

Becoming an author was a part of a larger mission for change. He connected with fellow FAMU alumni Trey Causley, to create Inspire The Masses, LLC. The company has been made to impact their communities in several areas. For their peers, they do well selling custom apparel that pays tribute to their alma mater. They’ve taken a portion of those profits to create a scholarship for students majoring in education. That has supported the goal for more Black male educators by assisting them with teaching certification fees. This is also the third year of Inspire the Masses’ partnership with “Manhood On The Go,” which is run by his close friend Iman Sandifer. That pairing has given thousands to ease the financial burden for scholars at FAMU.

Michael uses Inspire the Masses to self-publish his books. He found a fire within himself to keep going after King Monte and published three more short storybooks: “There’s Something About Mommy,” “Forever A Scholar,” and “Father, Father.” His newest book, “The Talk: Conversations Between A Black Father and His Son,” helps kids understand events in today’s society, from racism and protesting to police brutality. He is also working on his 6th book, “Through The Window” which will be released two weeks after on Friday, July 10th, 2020.

HBCUs are full of bright ideas, but often the balance can be difficult. We asked about how he handles his multiple passions and home life. “The road to becoming a storyteller and author has been interesting. I’ve had to balance having a full-time job, being a Ph.D. student, running a small business and proudly serving as the father of three incredible boys.” Wherever he thinks of more ideas, he’s been known to immediately jot down the notes in his phone. He ultimately says he learned that organization is key, and that you can’t do everything. 

We asked Michael what he believed his biggest accomplishment was, and you might want to grab a tissue. “…if I had to choose, it would be the impact I have on children. To see them get excited as they flip through the pages of any one of my books, puts the biggest smile on my face. I never saw people of color, portrayed in children’s literature. Being a part of a movement to change the narrative on how children see themselves, to me is priceless.”

To learn more about Michael, his books, and Inspire the Masses please check out the links below:
Instagram and FB: @kingmontereads
Personal Instagram: @miatlantavegas
Email: kingmontereads@gmail.com 
www.inspiredapparel.shop
www.michaelwoodwardjr.com
You can also purchase his books on Amazon here.

CIAA Suspends NCAA Competition For Fall 2020

Posted by HBCU Buzz Team
Posted on

In a release from today, the CIAA has confirmed cancellation of all NCAA Competition for Fall 2020.

CHARLOTTE – After thorough analysis the Board of Directors for the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA), in conjunction with its Athletic Directors Association (ADA), has voted that NCAA sport competition sponsored by the conference will not occur during the fall of 2020 due to ongoing safety concerns associated with COVID-19.

The decision is informed by the reality that several CIAA member schools are located in states experiencing dramatic increases in new COVID-19 cases. This recent rise in cases has led to a pause in phased reopening plans in many of these states, resulting in uncertainty as to whether students will return to campus this fall at several CIAA member institutions.

“This was a difficult decision but remains consistent with our long-standing priority of always acting in the best interest of our student-athletes, coaches, and support staff,” said CIAA Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams. “While there will be no athletic competition in the fall, we will continue to support opportunities that enhance the experiences of our student-athletes, member institutions, and partners.”

At the recommendation of the CIAA ADA, with approval from the Board of Directors, the conference will explore the possibility of a modified schedule of competition for football and volleyball as well as men’s and women’s cross country during the spring of 2021.

Additionally, CIAA membership has unanimously agreed to honor athletic scholarships for their fall sports student-athletes.

“The main priority of the Board and conference is the safety and well-being of our students and staff,” states Virginia State University President & CIAA Board Chair Makola Abdullah. “Although this decision is not ideal, it does afford all of us an opportunity to continue working through best practices to ensure our communities as a whole are in the best possible position moving forward.”

If a move to the spring is adopted, revised game and practice schedules will be established along with the process of determining conference champions for these respective sports. A time frame on this decision has yet to be determined.

“The safety, health, and well-being of our student-athletes, coaches and staff are non-negotiable. Decisions of this magnitude are made with those factors as number one priority while looking to address current issues that have an adverse impact on all of us,” said Clyde Doughty, Bowie State VP of Intercollegiate Athletics & Recreation and President of CIAA Athletic Directors Association. “These are unprecedented times and our conference continues to work together to identify the best solutions that address the concerns impacting our ability to participate and exist.”

Decisions concerning winter and spring sports will be discussed as efforts to flatten the curve of new COVID-19 cases progress.

Lastly, the CIAA and the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) have prepared a joint statement regarding this matter.

“The CIAA and SIAC both appreciates and understands the significant impact that today’s announcements with regard to the status of 2020 Fall sports. Both the CIAA and SIAC enjoy athletic related events, traditions, and rivalries that date back over one-hundred years.  However, in light of the increased health and safety risks confronting much of the country, today the CIAA and SIAC affirm that the welfare of our student-athletes is sacrosanct and must preempt all other considerations when evaluating any return to competition efforts.”

For the latest information on the CIAA, visit theciaa.com. You can also like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram. 

About the CIAA
Founded in 1912, the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) is the first and longest running, African American athletic conference in the U.S. and one of the most recognized conferences in Division II. The CIAA conducts 14 championships attended by more than 150,000 fans from around the country. In 2020, the conference celebrated the special 75th anniversary of its Championship Basketball Tournament – an event that has become a must-see in the African American community. The Basketball Tournament has been honored as a Champion of Economic Impact in Sports Tourism by Sports Destination Management, the leading publication with the largest circulation of sports event planners and tournament directors in the sports tourism market, for both 2018 and 2019. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, the CIAA is governed by the Presidents and Chancellors of its 12 member-institutions: Bowie State University, Claflin University, Elizabeth City State University, Fayetteville State University, Johnson C. Smith University, Lincoln University of Pennsylvania, Livingstone College, Saint Augustine’s University, Shaw University, Virginia State University, Virginia Union University, and Winston-Salem State University. Chowan University is an associate member in football and women’s bowling.  For more information on the CIAA, visit theciaa.com, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Instagram.

Sneakerheads Are Taking the Culture Back By Storm With The New Sneaker Census Platform

Posted by Vanessa Roberson
Posted on

We are proud to announce that a HBCU Buzz Top 30 Under 30 honoree has created yet another initiative to uplift underserved communities. The Prairie View A&M University Alum works tirelessly to allocate resources to those who are often swept under the rug, and this time he has his eyes set on sneakerheads.

2019 honoree Jarren Small is kicking off this summer with a dope initiative that will lend a voice to the sneakerheads of America. Over the years, African American consumers have poured millions of dollars into the sneaker industry, while reaping almost none of the economic benefits.  As a result, they are shut out of the business decisions while simultaneously being robbed of their culture for profits. 

Small’s company Sneaker Census will finally give this overlooked group a voice. Through the “One World One Sole” initiative, the sneaker community will finally have a localized data collection platform. The goal of the platform is to go straight to the urban sneaker community to ultimately collect vital information and lead campaigns that will ultimately benefit those same communities and their cities. 

https://youtu.be/skcns27z4IM

The long-awaited kickoff will be on Friday July 10, 2020 in Houston, Texas. Smalls was sure to make sure the communities in his home state are heard. Anyone who considers themselves a sneaker connoisseur should fill out the questions on the Sneaker Census this Friday. After Houston, the Sneaker Census will hit other spots in Texas like Austin, Dallas, and San Antonio. From there, they’ll make their way to the sneaker mecca of Chicago.

The Sneaker Census is very detailed and covers all the topics that a true sneakerhead would love to talk about. It asks about their favorite sneaker brands, and how they wear and even clean their shoes. It also touches on demographics, since in the US sneaker culture varies heavily by the area. For example in the South you might see more Jordans and Air Force 1s. But on the west coast in LA you may find more Yeezys, Nike Dunks, and even Pumas. The Census also asks sneakerheads what they are looking for from the sneaker companies themselves.  That’s a key question considering the impact this information will have on future sneaker campaigns. 

The Sneaker Census was carefully crafted to truly make waves long-term. The company is founded and led by African American men and women executives in the tech and sneaker industries. This talented group has both the experience and ability to make the silenced voices of sneakerheads be heard at the top of the food chain.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CBmJ-o2pHxU/?igshid=9y006n256el

With Jarren serving the Sneaker Census as a founder, we know that he will see the mission through. We initially highlighted him for his noble work within his non-profit, Legends Do Live (LDL). Based in Houston, LDL supports youth ages 13-25. As a three-part program, his initiative has a focus on community restoration, encouraging youth academic success, and investing in the needs of impoverished schools. It’s great to see he has continued to direct resources to the Houston community and beyond. 

Here at HBCU Buzz we support the Sneaker Census and are excited to see what campaigns are created as a result!

To learn more about the Sneaker Census, visit https://www.sneakercensus.com/.

Follow the squad on their journey on Instagram @sneakercensus.

Passing Of Howard University Professor Emeritus Arthur Sanderson Paul

Posted by HBCU Buzz Team
Posted on

Howard University published a letter today informing the Howard University community of the passing of Professor Arthur Paul. Paul, a professor in the Department of Computer Science worked at Howard for over 38 years.

Heres the full announcement from the Univeristy:

Dear Howard University Community,

I regret to inform you of the recent  passing  of Professor Arthur Sanderson Paul, professor emeritus in the Department of Computer Science. Dr. Paul served at Howard University for over 38 years as a faculty member in the College of Engineering, Architecture, and Computer Science. After graduating from Presentation Brothers College in St. George’s, Grenada, Arthur Paul attended Howard University where he majored in Mechanical Engineering.  

As an undergraduate student, Dr. Paul was active in the Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society, and the Caribbean Student Association. He always desired to do something different with his Mechanical Engineering education and began working with Dr. Don Coleman, then an Assistant Professor in Electrical Engineering, as a student assistant to help in the development of a new program in urban engineering. In 1971, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering, and in 1972, Professor Paul was the first student to be awarded a graduate scholarship from the School of Engineering at Howard University for a new interdisciplinary graduate program in Urban Systems Engineering. After completing the Master of Science degree in Urban Systems Engineering in 1974, he was awarded a fellowship to a newly established PhD program in Systems Engineering at the University of Virginia.  While pursuing his Ph.D., Dr. Paul consulted for the US Army Corps of Engineers, as well as, served in a part time capacity on the faculty at Howard University in the Mechanical Engineering and Urban Systems Engineering Departments within the School of Engineering, and the Department of Information Systems within the School of Business.  

In 1981, Dr. Arthur Paul began a tenure-track appointment as an assistant professor in Urban Systems Engineering at Howard University. Dr. Paul was a catalyst in the development of the Systems and Computer Science program, the first accredited Computer Science program at an HBCU in the nation. During his 38 years at Howard University, Dr. Paul rose through the ranks to achieve the status of full professor with tenure in the Department of Systems and Computer Science. He also served as Interim Associate Provost for Research, during a time when the university was reorganizing the complex process of managing external grants and contracts, while maintaining compliance. Dr. Paul was also a co-founder of the Analysis Group, Inc., a Washington, DC based consulting firm that would receive prestigious national awards such as: Small Business Prime Contractor of the Year, and Minority Business Enterprise of the Year in 1986 and 1987. 

Dr. Paul was an active member of the International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE), the Sigma Xi Honorary Research Society, and the Grenada Cultural and Social Association.

From all who knew him, Dr. Arthur Sanderson Paul was a brilliant individual, a humble personality, a good man, and a great friend.  The university will plan on celebrating Dr. Pauls’ life as a community when it is safe and appropriate.  Please keep the Paul Family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. 

Excellence in Truth and Service,

Anthony K. Wutoh, Ph.D., R.Ph.

Provost and Chief Academic Officer

Hampton University Student Bruce Wilson Named ‘2020 HBCU Competitiveness Scholar’

Posted by HBCU Buzz Team
Posted on

WASHINGTON, D.C. – (July 8, 2020) – Hampton University student Bruce Wilson has been named a 2020 HBCU Competitiveness Scholar, the highest student recognition given through the U.S. Department of Education and the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Wilson is a rising senior, political science major, economics minor from Chicago, IL and was recently elected to serve as the Student Representative on the Hampton University Board of Trustees.

“Hampton University takes pride in honoring those who excel and achieve above and beyond what is expected of them. It is our hope that Mr. Bruce Wilson will use this recognition as proof that hard work and dedication truly pays off,” said Hampton University President, Dr. William R. Harvey.

Scholars are chosen based on their academic achievements, campus and civic involvement and entrepreneurial ethos or “go-getter” spirits. Comprised of undergraduate, graduate, professional students, and international students from various academic backgrounds, the 2020 scholars were selected from among several highly distinguished HBCU students. In addition, each recognized scholar was nominated and endorsed by their institution president, which itself is a prestigious acknowledgement. Wilson was one of 44 students selected from 33 HBCUs.

“Being recognized as a 2020 White House HBCU Competitiveness Scholar by the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities through the U.S. Department of Education is a dignified distinction and one that I hope will inspire future Hamptonians and HBCU students across the nation to pursue academic excellence, leadership, and a heart for public service,” Bruce said. “In light of the current unprecedented and tumultuous times, the need for well-endowed HBCUs is more apparent than ever. I plan to use the privileges allotted by this recognition to represent Hampton University, bring exposure to the intellectual curiosity that exists on HBCU campuses, and to further expand the capacity and competitiveness of myself and HBCUs.”

Wilson is also a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.; Gloucester Institute Emerging Leader; a Scholar with The Institute for Responsible Citizenship; and the Greer Dawson Student Leadership Training Program. He is planning to spend the summer interning with the Economic Policy Institute, writing and researching on the racial wealth gap and economic inequality.

“I am simply thrilled to recognize the 2020 HBCU Competitiveness Scholars,” said Johnathan Holifield, Executive Director of the Initiative. “These students are fine examples of the talent and boundless vitality found at America’s HBCUs. This recognition heightens expectations for scholars to continue making meaningful contributions to our nation. I am confident they will deliver.”

Selected students will serve for one academic school year representing the 2020-2021 cohort of Competitiveness Scholars. During this unique academic school year, the Initiative will work closely with federal and non-federal partners to develop a robust calendar of virtual events for the scholars that will explore, exchange ideas and share best practices around leadership, professional development, career pathways, government resources and much more.

Competitiveness Scholars typically assemble during the Annual National HBCU Week Conference. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, scholars will not be able to convene in Washington, D.C. for the National Recognition Program in the Fall. Instead, plans are underway for an online recognition and virtual campaign to ensure the scholars receive their acknowledgement during 2020 Virtual HBCU Week Conference. During this virtual event, they will participate in workshops designed to strengthen their leadership and will be encouraged to seek out ongoing personal and professional development in the areas of innovation and entrepreneurship.

For more information on this recognition, please visit the Competitiveness Scholars Program webpage.

Governor McMaster Allocates $2.4 Million To 8 SC HBCUs

Posted by HBCU Buzz Team
Posted on

South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster announced today that he is allocating $2.4 million from the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) Fund to the state’s eight HBCUS (historically black colleges and universities).

Originally a recommendation from accelerateSC, this investment will be used to support online instruction at each institution by upgrading hardware and by purchasing software, eLearning resources, and electronic textbooks.

“I am pleased to announce this investment in our HBCUs,” said Gov. Henry McMaster. “This spring when learning went from in-person to online, the faculty and students at our HBCUs faced significant technology challenges. These funds will be used to upgrade the capabilities of these institutions to serve students with online learning.”

The allocation to each HBCU was based on the formula by which federal funds authorized under the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) were dispersed: overall student enrollment at each institution and the percentage of Pell Grant recipients enrolled at each institution.

The funds will be distributed as follows:

  • SC State University    $  632,397
  • Denmark Technical College    $  119,174
  • Allen University    $  217,527
  • Benedict University    $  547,539
  • Claflin University    $  546,023
  • Clinton College    $    53,493
  • Morris College    $  166,048
  • Voorhees College    $  141,195
  • TOTAL:    $2,423,396

As a condition of receiving these funds, each institution will provide to the Office of the Governor a report detailing the expenditure of funds and the outcomes achieved.

GEER funds are federal funds awarded to each governor through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act signed into law by President Trump on March 27, 2020.

A governor may allocate GEER funds to school districts and institutions of higher education “most significantly impacted by coronavirus” and to education-related entities that the governor deems essential.

Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis, President & CEO of Benedict College and member of accelerateSC, made the original request for GEER funds to be allocated to the state’s HBCUs. 

Henry Dargan McMaster of Columbia became the 117th Governor of South Carolina on January 24, 2017 and was elected to his first full term as governor on November 6, 2018.

Since becoming governor, in just under two years, Governor McMaster has announced more than 30,000 new jobs and over $8.2 billion in capital investment. The state’s unemployment rate is the lowest in recorded history and more people are working in South Carolina than ever before.

Delaware State University To Announce Acquisition Of Wesley College

Posted by HBCU Buzz Team
Posted on

Sources say Delaware State University will sign a agreement to acquire Wesley College in a deal starting the year-long process of Wesley merging with the state’s only HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) The two colleges have not publicly released details yet, but will discuss the decision in a virtual press conference.

Delaware State University is a public historically black university in Dover, Delaware. DSU also has two satellite campuses, one in Wilmington and one in Georgetown. The university encompasses four colleges and a diverse population of undergraduate and advanced-degree students. DSU enjoys a long history as one of America’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities(HBCUs). Founded in 1891 as the State College for Colored Students, DSU is proud of our heritage as one of the country’s first land-grant educational institutions.

Founded in 1873 as a preparatory school, Wesley College has a covenant relationship with the United Methodist Church. The College offers 30 bachelors, four associates, and master’s degrees in nursing, occupational therapy, education, business administration and environmental science in a multi-denominational, multi-cultural campus setting.

The schools hope to be fully integrated by next summer, Wesley president Robert Clark III said in his email to faculty. 

According to Delaware Business Times: The boards of both schools met in late June to authorize their respective leaders – DSU President Tony Allen and Wesley President Bob Clark – to negotiate a deal that would be the first time one of the nation’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) has acquired another school. 

The acquisition would turbo-charge DSU’s growth plans. Sources familiar with the deal say the university, which has just over 5,000 students believes it can retain the 900 to 1,000 Wesley students who will pay just over $27,000 for the 2020-21 school year, compared with DSU’s published tuition and fees of $8,258 for in-state students and $17,294 for out-of-state students. 

Earlier this year, the school nearly failed to secure the support of the five-member state panel responsible for doling out higher education investment funding, Sen. David Sokola, D-Newark, told the News Journal in February. 

SWAC Releases Guidelines For Return To Play

Posted by HBCU Buzz Team
Posted on

BIRMINGHAM, Ala.- The Southwestern Athletic Conference COVID-19 Advisory Committee has identified baseline best practices to support a safe return to sporting activity. These best practices were shared in detail in the SWAC’s COVID-19 plan that was distributed among the league’s institutional leadership. 

The SWAC COVID-19 Advisory Committee adopted the following principles in developing recommended practices for local planning for return to sporting activity.

  • The Health and Safety of student -athletes, team staff, and coaches shall remain at the forefront of all institutional and conference COVID-19 planning.
  • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) along with Local and State Government Health Agencies will continue to guide institutional and conference decisions related to COVID-19.
  • Management of external factors to decrease transmission (including the wearing of masks and rigorous cleaning and disinfection procedures).
  • Minimize and eliminate exposure to all environments that cannot meet CDC recommended standards related to appropriate social distancing and sanitization (including strict physical and social distancing guidelines). The only social distancing exceptions shall occur when student-athletes participate in a physical or team activity supervised or conducted by a coach and athletics trainer and in such cases, alternative and appropriate precautions should also be considered. 
  • Early detection (including screening, testing and temperature checks).
  • Containment strategies (including contact tracing, and isolation of those infected with COVID-19 and those exposed to the virus).

Prior to a SWAC member institution beginning the process of the return of student-athletes to campus, all Federal, State and Local criteria should first be met.

According to the NCAA, “In all instances, college athletics must operate with approval of the students’ institutional leadership: and the institution must be operating in accordance with local and state public officials with regard to return to campus, return to practice, and return to competition. In the end, institutional and governmental leadership determine who can participate in; assist with; and watch student-athlete practices and completion.”

The Southwestern Athletic Conference reminds everyone to please continue to be attentive to everyday preventive actions identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (www.cdc.gov).

Additional resources can be accessed below:
Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
CDC Prevent Getting Sick
CDC Steps What to Do If You Are Sick
CDC Frequently Asked Questions

About the SWAC
The Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) is considered one of the premier HBCU conferences in the country and currently ranks among the elite in the nation in terms of HBCU alumni playing with professional sports teams.

Current championship competition offered by the league includes competition for men in Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Football, Golf, Indoor Track and Field, Outdoor Track and Field and Tennis.

Women’s competition is offered in the sports of Basketball, Bowling, Cross Country, Golf, Indoor Track and Field, Outdoor Track and Field, Soccer, Softball, Tennis and Volleyball.

Follow the SWAC
For complete coverage of the Southwestern Athletic Conference, please follow the SWAC on social media at @TheSWAC (Twitter), @TheSWAC (Facebook), and @TheSWAC (Instagram) or visit the official home of the Southwestern Athletic Conference at www.swac.org.

Hampton Alumna Javicia Leslie Cast As New Batwoman

Posted by HBCU Buzz Team
Posted on

The new super hero in town in an HBCU graduate. On Wednesday, Warner Bros. TV announced that they’ve found the new lead for “Batwoman”, Hampton University alumna Javicia Leslie. Leslie becomes the first Black actor to portray Batwoman in a scripted live-action TV series or film. Leslie landed on the HBCU Top 30 Under 30 in 2016

“I am extremely proud to be the first Black actress to play the iconic role of Batwoman on television, and as a bisexual woman, I am honored to join this groundbreaking show which has been such a trailblazer for the LGBTQ+ community,” Leslie said.

Heres a breakdown of her new role from Variety:

Leslie will portray a new character on the show named Ryan Wilder. She is described as likable, messy, a little goofy and untamed. She’s also nothing like Kate Kane (previously played by Ruby Rose), the woman who wore the Batsuit before her. With no one in her life to keep her on track, Ryan spent years as a drug-runner, dodging the GCPD and masking her pain with bad habits. Today Ryan lives in her van with her plant. A girl who would steal milk for an alley cat and could also kill you with her bare hands, Ryan is the most dangerous type of fighter: highly skilled and wildly undisciplined. She is an out lesbian, athletic, raw, passionate, fallible, and very much not your stereotypical All-American hero.

Back May Ruby Rose, 34-year-old actress stepped down from the role and confirmed via a statement obtained by Fox News that she had exited the show. Rose expressed her praises in an Instagram post: “OMG!! This is amazing!! I am so glad Batwoman will be played by an amazing Black woman. I want to congratulate Javicia Leslie on taking over the bat cape. You are walking into an amazing cast and crew. I can’t wait to watch season 2 you are going to be amazing!!”

https://www.instagram.com/p/CCZebKqp9pD/

MEAC To Host Virtual Football Media Day

Posted by HBCU Buzz Team
Posted on

The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) will host its annual Football Media Day virtually this year, with the Virtual Football Media Day presented by Cricket Wireless on Friday, July 31.
 
Head coaches and student-athletes from each of the conference’s nine football-playing institutions will be interviewed in a pre-recorded show, co-hosted by ESPN’s Tiffany Greene and Jay Walker, in the order of the predicted order of finish.
 
The show will go live on the MEAC’s YouTube channel and website at 12 p.m.
 
In addition, that morning will see the MEAC’s head football coaches and student-athletes available to the media through a Zoom call. The live media session will begin at 9 a.m. on Friday, July 31, and media interested in being on the call are encouraged to reach out to Maurice Williams, Assistant Commissioner for Media Relations, at williamsm@themeac.com.
 
The 2020 football season is currently scheduled to begin on Saturday, Sept. 5. The MEAC/SWAC Challenge is set to kick off in Atlanta, Ga. on Sunday, Sept. 6, as South Carolina State and Grambling State square off in a contest to be shown live at 2:30 p.m. on ESPN2. Details and ticket information can be found on www.meacswacchallenge.com.
 
For more information on the MEAC, log on to www.MEACSports.com.
 
 
About the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference
The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) celebrates its 50th year of intercollegiate competition with the 2020-21 academic school year. Located in Norfolk, Va., the MEAC is made up of 11 outstanding historically black institutions across the Atlantic coastline: Bethune-Cookman University, Coppin State University, Delaware State University, Florida A&M University, Howard University, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Morgan State University, Norfolk State University, North Carolina A&T State University, North Carolina Central University and South Carolina State University.

MEAC Names Ian McBorrough From Morgan State 2020 Male Student-Athlete Of The Year

Posted by HBCU Buzz Team
Posted on

The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) has named Ian McBorrough from Morgan State University as the 2020 Male Student-Athlete of the Year, the conference office announced today.
 
“Congratulations to Ian McBorrough,” MEAC Commissioner Dr. Dennis Thomas said. “He’s had an absolutely phenomenal career at Morgan State University, not only as a student-athlete, but academically and in extracurricular activities as well. I wish him continued success and I would like to thank his family and all of the people who had a positive influence on him.”
 
A native of Essex, Md., McBorrough competed in the sport of football for four seasons and led the MEAC with 111 total tackles (65 solo) this past season, averaging 9.2 stops a game. His 11.0 tackles for loss this past season were tied for the ninth-most in the conference, and McBorrough also had 2.0 sacks on the year.
 
Named First Team All-MEAC in 2018 and 2019, McBorrough was also named to the 2019 Watch List for the Black College Football Player of the Year award. He was third in the MEAC in sacks in 2018 with six.
 
For his career, McBorrough tallied 253 tackles, fifth-most in program history.
 
Throughout his career, McBorrough excelled in the classroom as a six-time Athletic Director’s Honor Roll honoree and a two-time Dean’s List awardee. Culminating his career with the Bears, McBorrough graduated from the storied Graves School of Business in four years with a 3.36 GPA.
 
He was also a finalist for the STATS FCS Doris Robinson Scholar-Athlete Award and a semifinalist for the 2019 William V. Campbell Trophy, as presented by the National Football Foundation (NFF). The NFF also recognized McBorrough in naming him to the 2020 Hampshire Honor Society.
 

He was also named a Clara Adams Honor Student and Earl G. Graves Honor Student.
 
During his time at Morgan State, McBorrough completed several impressive internships with Toyota, Vector Marketing and the Sagamore Pendry Hotel. He is highly sought after in the professional world and will be a massive success in business after culminating his professional football career.
 
In addition, McBorrough was on the Morgan State business oratorical team and represented the football team on Morgan State’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) in athletic department meetings and events. McBorrough was also a Big Brother mentor at Holabird Middle/Elementary School, guiding and talking to troubled male youth.
 
McBorrough also volunteered with the Good Samaritan Hospital Volunteer Program.
 
As a two-time team captain, McBorrough was a transformational leader and laid the foundation for a bright future for the Bears. He was other-centered and always led with a team-first mentality.
 
McBorrough will be remembered as one of the most productive linebackers in Morgan State football history.
 
MEAC Male Student-Athlete of the Year Honorees
2012 — Jared Baldwin, North Carolina A&T State (Track and Field)
2013 — Joseph Hutchinson, North Carolina Central (Football)
2014 — Nesly Marcellon, Bethune-Cookman (Football)
2015 — Ishaq Pitt, Maryland Eastern Shore (Men’s Basketball)
2016 — Reginald Johnson, Jr., Hampton (Men’s Basketball)
2017 — Khalil Rmidi Kinini, Maryland Eastern Shore (Cross Country, Track and Field)
2018 — Isaiah Chambers, Maryland Eastern Shore (Baseball)
2019 — Julius Reynolds, North Carolina A&T State (Football)
2020 — Ian McBorrough, Morgan State (football)

Benedict College 2020 Homecoming Canceled Due To The Pandemic

Posted by HBCU Buzz Team
Posted on

COLUMBIA, SC – (July 7, 2020) Benedict College announced today that it is canceling plans for the school’s in-person homecoming events amid the ongoing concerns about the coronavirus pandemic. The College’s weeklong homecoming festivities were slated for October 11 – 18, 2020, and typically bring more than 10,000 supporters and fans from across the country to the Midland’s campus.   “Out of an abundance of caution, and in consultation with local and state health officials, we have decided to cancel all large in-person social events and gatherings on campus through the fall semester,” said Roslyn Clark Artis, President and CEO of Benedict College. “It was a difficult decision to make, but we believe it is the right decision. The sacrifices that we make this year will make next year’s Homecoming one of our BEST and most anticipated celebrations.”  The 150-year old Historically Black College traditionally hosts multiple events including a festive parade in downtown Columbia featuring the Benedict College Marching Band of Distinction and some of South Carolina’s top high school marching bands, a Family Reunion Block Party, Symposiums, Galas, Alumni Parties, and a top-rated Greek Step Show.   The Benedict College National Alumni Association is considering hosting a virtual celebration; however, activities have not been confirmed at this time. Additional information about Benedict College ‘s response to  COVID-19 and Return to Tiger Nation protocols is available at: https://www.benedict.edu/open-tiger-nation/ About Benedict College:

Founded in 1870 by a woman, Bathsheba A. Benedict, Benedict College is a private co-educational liberal arts institution with over 2,100 students enrolled in its 25 baccalaureate degree programs. Defying trends, Benedict College maintains an equal male and female student population. This Midlands HBCU welcomes students from all 46 counties in South Carolina, 30 states across America, and 26 countries around the world.

Benedict offers several high-demand fields of study in STEM, Cyber Security, Mass Communication, Sport Management, Business Administration, Engineering, Computer Science, Biology, and Education. The College also has a diverse faculty of which 80 percent are full-time, and 60 percent hold doctorates or the equivalent.

Over the past ten years, three out of five Benedict College graduates have attended professional or graduate schools. There are over 17,000 proud Benedict Tigers throughout the nation. Benedict College has been a community leader for over 150-years and is a significant contributor to South Carolina and the region. Contributing $130 million and 1,218 jobs in total local and annual economic impact, a Benedict graduate working full-time throughout his or her working life can expect to earn $1.1 million in additional income because of their Benedict College degree.

The College made front-page news in the spring of 2018 when it became the first South Carolina college to lower its tuition by 26 percent. Cutting tuition drew praise from the Commission on Higher Education, South Carolina’s education oversight body. The commissioner noted that the move Benedict College made should be applauded because it offers families affordability and students greater access to higher education.

Benedict College has been highly regarded and exceptionally ranked for its programs by several academic and traditional publications. For example, Benedict College was ranked as one of the top baccalaureate colleges in the nation by Washington Monthly magazine for creating social mobility, and producing cutting-edge scholarship and research. In 2019, Benedict College received the 2019 ACE/ Fidelity Investments Awards for Institutional Transformation and was named the HBCU of the Year by HBCU Digest.

Benedict College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award baccalaureate and masters degrees. Five of the College’s degree programs hold national accreditation: The School of Education, Social Work, Environmental Health Science, Arts and Sciences and the Tyrone Adam Burroughs School of Business and Entrepreneurship

Sharone Wright Jr., Leaves Wake Forest for Morgan State University

Posted by HBCU Editors
Posted on

More HBCU basketball buzz is coming from HBCU (Historically Black Colleges & Universities), Morgan State University. Former Wake Forest guard, Sharon Wright Jr. announced he will continue playing college basketball at the university.

Sharone Wright Jr., son of former NBA player Sharone Wright Sr., played high school basketball for West Florence High School and Legacy Early College High School in South Carolina. According to DMV Daily, in the 2016-2017 season, Wright was named to the South Carolina All-State team in his junior year at West Florence.

Here’s what Sharan had to say,

“Before I made this decision, I wanted thank God for blessing me with the ability to play the game of basketball. I am forever grateful that I’ve gotten to experience the many great things basketball has given me. I’ve been thinking on this for some time now and with everything thats going on in the world today, it has been a difficult time for many people but mainly us as African Americans. It’s saddening to me to know the world will always be this way towards US whether if we play a sport or not. It doesn’t matter. MY decision was for myself and what I thought was best for me. With all that being said, after thought and much prayer with my family, I’ve chosen to further my education and basketball career at Morgan State University”.

https://twitter.com/S_Wri2/status/1279118175246794752/photo/1

Despite Pandemic, ICE Says Foreign Students Can’t Attend Online-Only College This Fall

Posted by HBCU Editors
Posted on

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement just announced modifications Monday to temporary exemptions for nonimmigrant students taking online classes due to the pandemic for the fall 2020 semester. According to the release international students “may not take a full online course load and remain in the United States” during the fall 2020 semester, as schools and universities across the country consider how to reopen amid the coronavirus pandemic.

See the full release below.

WASHINGTON – The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) announced modifications Monday to temporary exemptions for nonimmigrant students taking online classes due to the pandemic for the fall 2020 semester. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security plans to publish the procedures and responsibilities in the Federal Register as a Temporary Final Rule.

Temporary exemptions for the fall 2020 semester include:

  1. Nonimmigrant F-1 and M-1 students attending schools operating entirely online may not take a full online course load and remain in the United States. The U.S. Department of State will not issue visas to students enrolled in schools and/or programs that are fully online for the fall semester nor will U.S. Customs and Border Protection permit these students to enter the United States. Active students currently in the United States enrolled in such programs must depart the country or take other measures, such as transferring to a school with in-person instruction to remain in lawful status. If not, they may face immigration consequences including, but not limited to, the initiation of removal proceedings.
  2. Nonimmigrant F-1 students attending schools operating under normal in-person classes are bound by existing federal regulations. Eligible F students may take a maximum of one class or three credit hours online.
  3. Nonimmigrant F-1 students attending schools adopting a hybrid model—that is, a mixture of online and in person classes—will be allowed to take more than one class or three credit hours online. These schools must certify to SEVP, through the Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status,” certifying that the program is not entirely online, that the student is not taking an entirely online course load this semester, and that the student is taking the minimum number of online classes required to make normal progress in their degree program. The above exemptions do not apply to F-1 students in English language training programs or M-1 students pursing vocational degrees, who are not permitted to enroll in any online courses.

Schools should update their information in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) within 10 days of the change if they begin the fall semester with in-person classes but are later required to switch to only online classes, or a nonimmigrant student changes their course selections, and as a result, ends up taking an entirely online course load. Nonimmigrant students within the United States are not permitted to take a full course of study through online classes. If students find themselves in this situation, they must leave the country or take alternative steps to maintain their nonimmigrant status such as a reduced course load or appropriate medical leave.

Due to COVID-19, SEVP instituted a temporary exemption regarding online courses for the spring and summer semesters. This policy permitted nonimmigrant students to take more online courses than normally permitted by federal regulation to maintain their nonimmigrant status during the COVID-19 emergency.

F-1 nonimmigrant students pursue academic coursework and M-1 nonimmigrant students pursue vocational coursework while studying in the United States.