Six Howard University Employees Fired For Misappropriating Financial Aid

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Six Howard University employees were fired last year after an internal investigation found the financial aid office had misappropriated university-based grants to some university employees, the school’s president said Wednesday.

According to a statement from Wayne Frederick, Howard University president, an outside auditor found that several university employees received grants in addition to discounts on tuition that exceeded the total cost of tuition and kept the difference.

Some students said they felt betrayed. Employees took financial aid funds as students prepare to spend years paying off their loans.

“I’m actually on the verge of transferring schools because I can’t afford to stay here because a grant was taken away from me,” one student said.

“It’s disappointing to actually come to terms with the reality of what’s going on,” senior Quencey Hickerson said. 

Parent Cecily Johnson said she was disgusted.

“Someone could totally change their trajectory if they can’t pay tuition,” she said.

 Frederick said he was told in December 2016 that there may have been “some misappropriation of university-provided financial aid funds,” and launched an internal investigation.

The auditor found that between 2007 and 2016, university grants were awarded to some university employees who also were receiving tuition remission. The grants and tuition remission equaled more than the total cost of attendance, which allowed the employees to receive “inappropriate refunds.”

The grants came from institutional funds that help low-income students pay tuition. Frederick said the grants came from the university and were not federal or donor funds.

Tuition remission allows eligible employees or their dependents to receive discounted tuition at the university. Full-time employees eligible to receive tuition remission can take two classes per semester for free, according to the university’s website. Tuition at Howard for the 2017-2018 school year was $12,061 per semester, not including room and board.

Frederick’s statement came after an anonymous post on Medium.com claimed financial aid employees at the university stole nearly $1 million in funds.

Frederick did not comment on how much had been received by those individuals.

Frederick said the issue was reported to the Department of Education in July 2017, and six employees were fired two months later for “gross misconduct and neglect of duties.”

The revelations follow a string of problems at the university. In March, Frederick drew criticism for his response to a student who begged him for help securing housing. He told her the “tone and tenor” of her email were inappropriate. In January, spring semester classes were delayed by more than a week because of campus-wide problems with the heating system. And last May, students filed a lawsuit saying the university failed to help students who were raped by fellow students and employees.

A man who worked in the financial aid office for years said he tried to report inappropriate activity.

“It was a culture of fear where you had a lot of people who were afraid of the powers that be in the office,” he said. He asked News4 to withhold his name.

“When these things were brought to [officials’] attention, they were just handled in a way that made people afraid to speak up. And that whole culture is still present, and it starts from the top,” he continued.

Students said they’re planning a protest.

Read Frederick’s full statement below:

Statement from Wayne A. I. Frederick, President of Howard University

In accordance with my commitment to continuous progress, in February 2015, I initiated a proactive review of the Howard University Office of Financial Aid to ensure the office was providing the best support to our campus community.

As part of this process, I was alerted in December 2016 that there may have been some misappropriation of University-provided financial aid funds. From the moment I was alerted that there may have been a misappropriation of funds, I have taken this situation extremely seriously. I immediately informed the Board of Trustees, and together we moved swiftly to begin an internal investigation. The University immediately engaged an outside auditor (RSM) to determine whether there had been any misappropriation of Howard University funds by staff in the Office of Financial Aid or elsewhere, and if so, the magnitude of that misappropriation. The auditors completed their investigation and reported the results to me in May 2017.

The investigation found that from 2007 to 2016, University grants were given to some University employees who also received tuition remission. The audit revealed that the combination of University grants and tuition remission exceeded the total cost of attendance. As a result, some individuals received inappropriate refunds. Note that University grants are institutional funds used to help support students with student charges. They are not federal funds or donor directed funds.

In July 2017, I self-reported this issue to the Department of Education and assured them we would provide regular updates on the investigation.

An investigation of individual employee actions was completed in September 2017 and as a result, six employees have been fired for gross misconduct and neglect of duties. We will refer this matter for criminal prosecution, as appropriate.

Third Coast Higher Education, another outside expert, was also brought in specifically to determine if any misappropriation of federal funds occurred. At this point, Third Coast found no misappropriation of federal funds related to this issue. 

The financial integrity of Howard University’s operations is paramount and strong measures have been taken following the RSM investigation to ensure this never happens again. As part of these reform efforts, significant new policies and procedures have been implemented to strengthen Howard’s internal controls with respect to the awarding of financial aid, including:

• Annual budgets for each category of financial aid are now loaded into the University’s Banner student information system by the University Budget Office consistent with the University’s overall Financial Aid Budget.

• Approval for all awards of University Grants are now reviewed and approved by the Budget Office prior to being awarded by the Financial Aid Office

• Approval for all donor-designated scholarship awards are now reviewed and approved by the Controller’s Office prior to being awarded by the Financial Aid Office.

• Approval for all grant-funded financial aid are now reviewed and approved by the University’s Grant Accounting Unit prior to being awarded by the Financial Aid Office.

• Access to the Banner financial aid module has now been limited to a small number of appropriate senior University individuals, with adequate third-party review and appropriate segregation of duties.

• An annual reconciliation of awarded financial aid to approved financial aid is now being conducted.

• Management has established proper reporting relationships and segregation of duties within the Financial Aid Office.

• Management is in the process of hiring for all remaining open positions in the Financial Aid Office and enhanced training on policies and procedures will be provided both to new hires and continuing employees.

• A new Associate Provost for Enrollment Management and a new Chief Compliance Officer have been hired by the University.

While this has been a very difficult and disappointing situation, I know our campus community deserves better and I am committed to ensuring that each of our campus offices operate with integrity and are the best that higher education has to offer.

Huff Post: “There’s Finally A Museum Devoted To Telling The Story Of HBCUs”

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The first museum devoted to honoring and documenting historically black colleges and universities has opened its doors in Washington, D.C.

The HBCU Museum, located on Georgia Avenue, opened March 9, and it’s been attracting national media attention this week.

“Our goal is to highlight the accomplishments of not only HBCUs, but some of their most accomplished graduates,” reads the museum’s mission statement.

The venture is both family-run and mostly family-funded, museum executive director Terrence Forte told the Washington Business Journal. Both of his parents attended Howard University and, together, the family hopes the museum will serve as a point of education.

“We want to bridge the gap for those who might not know about historically Black college and universities’ stories,” Forte said.

How To Build Your Own HBCU Brand From Scratch

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In today’s society HBCU students cannot allow others to Brand them or label them. There are billions of people on the planet, each person from conception to death has a story and a personal Brand. Students cannot allow others to tell their story, to Brand with error about who they are, and what they are about.

HBCUs have a rich history of culture, creativity, innovation and invention. They must tell their own stories to collectively expand the potential of graduates and influence the world. How others see you is important, society should see you beyond skin tones, hair styles, and accept the beautiful imperfections that we each have and should embrace in ourselves.

This is why an HBCUs Brand is important to help define outside of visual and cultural perceptions. Why would anyone allow mass media to define them, to tell an incomplete and inaccurate story that only sees or tells false/half truths. HBCUs even today are fighting for not just financial support, they are striving for respect and recognition too show their continued and contributions in this nation.

In 2013, St. Paul College closed after 125 years, a rich history of building men and women, their stories continue in history. There are many other HBCUs that have not survived history, they live on in their students and the accomplishments still being achieved. Science Technology Engineering Arts Mathematics Medicine are the legacy in the 20th and 21st century. The Brand of HBCUs should continuously be modified and adapted for telling a story of growth, hope and preparing for the future. HBCU students personal Brands should be self reflective, what do students want society to see, that do HBCU students want societies perceptions to be?

The work that goes into building a Brand is not an exact science, it allows that person to be reflective. HBCU studens must find out what their Brand is personally, asking themselves where they are heading: What do they want to do with their life? How can they match their career aspirations with their personal Brand? How do they want society to see them? What makes them unique? What are their strengths? What are their weaknesses? HBCU students must identity why their Brand is important? Understanding your “Personal Brand” how you present yourself to others understanding your “Brand Identity” the qualities that make you unique and different from others. HBCU students need to understand the importance of their Personal Brand in starting a career, standing out from others, personal self confidence.

Celebrities are not the only ones that benefit from Personal Branding. There is competition for employment and career stability is fierce. Having a Personal Brand workig can be the difference between an entry level position or executive positions.

Controlling your Brand helps you control how you are perceived, when you see Brands like Nike, Adidas, Reebok, Coke, Pepsi, Empire, Scandal, The View and other products. Each one you expect a certain thing from them. The same should be held for HBCU’s as well, what do you as the student expect people to expect. Your Brand can make you memorable or nefarious, notorious or noticeable, you decide.

Hampton University Student Crowned Mister Black North Carolina

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North Carolina now has a new Mister Black North Carolina, Spencer McKan Heath III.  This 20-yr-old Hampton University Junior is a Strategic Communications major with a double minor in Leadership Studies/Military Science with a concentration in Pre-Law.

Winning the crown has been a dream since high school for this young man.  In an intense competition, Heath took on the categories of interview, athletic wear, formal wear, talent, and question & answer to showcase his substance. Being raised in Charlotte, North Carolina by way of Queens, New York, Heath has always seen positive black male representation through Mister Black North Carolina. He remembers growing up noticing the huge differences they made in the community. Now he plans on helping the community as other kings have done in the past for the state of North Carolina.

Helping others has always been a passion and Heath has the college background to prove it. From the time he stepped on the campus of Hampton University he has served the campus in positions such as Mister Freshman 2015-2016 and Sophomore Class President 2016-2017. He is a member of the New Era Modeling Troupe along with being a brother of the prestigious Beta Gamma chapter of Phi Beta Sigma.

When HBCU Buzz sat down and talked with Heath he expressed his feelings of the very moment he was announced king. “It felt surreal. I felt like all my hard work paid off,” Heath told us. Under a lot of pressure, the night before competition Heath swiftly changed his talent to be more fitting for the audience.

That rocky moment did not affect his performance though. Having a solid platform, he knew that he would lay out all he prepared for leaving everything on the stage. Now, Heath is the Mister Black North Carolina. “Spencer dedicated many hours during pageant weekend to perfecting the opening number, his talent, and walks,” stated his fraternal brother Caleb Cuthbertson, Mr. Black Greensboro 2018.

Cuthbertson continued, “During any “free time,” he could be found on stage or any available space running through the counts over and over.”

Spencer’s platform is “The Gentlemen Project, revitalizing the idea of the classic gentleman!” It consists of three initiatives, K.I.N.G.S., a partnership with Community In Schools, and black mental health.

K.I.N.G.S. stands for Knowledge Igniting National Gentlemen Success. Heath’s goal is to promote positive male role models for young students striving for success. He plans on partnering with HBCU Kings with the goal of adopting three mentees. The existence of this initiative is to further develop the student by having older kings pour knowledge, support, and wisdom into their mentee.

“From the small amount of time that I’ve known Spencer, he has shown himself to be a true king dedicated to the service of others. Not pressed about the position he serves nor the accolades he would receive, he represents the true values of a king. With that being said, I’m honored to pass the torch down to none other,” stated the former Mister Black North Carolina 2017, Naim Fate.

This is not the first experience Spencer has had with a pageant. Spencer has orchestrated a production before. “I met Spencer when I entered the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity scholarship pageant. He went above and beyond for my pageant sisters and I,” stated his friend and pageant mentee, Ashley Green.

Heath also will focus on helping promote African American student success that focuses on attending college and having resources to complete the degree program. The last but not least leg of his platform is black mental health. It will focus on targeting issues facing the African American community and ensuring positive mental health and exposure.

At a young age of 20, Heath is stepping into the North Carolina area heavily not only wearing a crown but teaching others how to pick theirs up and make the most out of life.

Posted by Delvakio Brown Posted on 48 articles

Two Central State Students Receive A Leadership Award From A National Park For Spearheading A Letter-Writing Campaign

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WILBERFORCE, OH.  — Two Central State University students received youth leadership awards from the Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument for spearheading a letter-writing campaign in support of recognition for Colonel Young.

The Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park may be 2,300 miles away in California’s southern Sierra Nevada mountains, but the impact that Colonel Young made there in the summer of 1903 is still being remembered today. A California Assemblyman is sponsoring an effort to rename a road leading into the park for Colonel Young, the namesake of the National Monument located in Wilberforce. Through the efforts of Kristin Johnson and Sydney Johnson, more than 180 letters were written and sent in support of that effort.

On March 15, the two students received the Brandon Billips Youth Service Leadership Award, named after Billips, who was a CSU graduate and the first intern at the Charles Young Monument. The event was a celebration of Colonel Young’s 154th birthday. Also, Attorney Benjamin L. Crump received one of two Trail Blazer Awards.

Dr. Joy G. Kinard, Superintendent of the Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument, said the two sisters received the honor because their volunteer-efforts exceeded expectations.

Both work at the Charles Young Monument. After hearing about the campaign, the two built a strategy to solicit as many letters as possible. Sydney Johnson, a CSU Junior, said it was fun “creating a small piece of history.” More than half of the 180 letters came from CSU students and employees, she said.

Colonel Young was the first African American superintendent of a national park. He also was the third African American man to graduate with his commission from the US Military Academy at West Point. While commanding a black company at the Presidio of San Francisco, Young received orders to take his troops to Sequoia National Park. Their task – complete the first road to the Giant Forest, making the grove with giant sequoia trees easily accessible for the first time. On the day the road opened, modern tourism began in Sequoia National Park, according to the Park.

Sydney Johnson said it was an honor to receive the award. “I was more humbled by the award not because of the task I was given…but because I was given an award named after Brandon Billips. He created such a love for me of Central State University,” she said.

Also at the March 15 event, the University’s Student Government Association was named Volunteer of the Year for helping to recruit student volunteers for the National Monument, and Mr. Gorgui Ndao was named Volunteer Educator of the Year for his work with the Seed to Bloom Ag-STEM Institute Camp. Cadets from CSU’s Marauder Battalion were also recognized for helping out at a Buffalo Soldiers Pep Rally during Black History Month.

About Central State University:

Central State University, located in Wilberforce, Ohio, is a regionally accredited 1890 Land-Grant University with a 131-year tradition of preparing students from diverse backgrounds and experiences for leadership, research and service. The University, which has been named 2017 HBCU of the Year by HBCU Digest, fosters academic excellence within a nurturing environment and provides a strong liberal arts foundation and STEM-Ag curriculum leading to professional careers and advanced studies globally.

This story was written by CSU Public Relations. This story is published here with permission.

Morehouse Grad Releases Book Series ‘This Thing Called’ To Help Prospective Students Navigate Life At The Nation’s 107 HBCUs

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Morehouse College graduate Christopher Sumlin recently released his new book “This Thing Called Life” about helping prospective students attending college with navigating life at a historically black college or university, or HBCU.

The book was released to all major markets in paperback and digital editions, including Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, Kobo and iTunes via Boyle & Dalton, according to an official statement released by Sumlin.

In regards to his book “This Thing Called Life,” Sumlin expressed that choosing to go to college is a important part of the process, adding that he wanted to write a book that was quite informative and vital to one’s duration in college at an HBCU. But he also wanted to create a book that is more than just worthwhile, the statement reads. “The writing in the book is witty, funny, and captivating,” Sumlin explained.

According to Sumlin, he wanted to draw on his recent experience as a 2017 college graduate to “create a body of work that was relevant and authentic to going to college.” What’s more, when Sumlin was preparing to leave for Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia from his home in Columbus, Ohio, he says, he found that there were very few resources with up-to-date information on the realities of campus living and young adult independence.

The rest is history, as they say.

“If anyone [headed to college] is looking for a laugh, a good story and wisdom, this book is for them,” Sumlin had said laughingly.

According to the statement, “Dealing with This Thing Called College” is Christopher Sumlin’s second book, and builds on the self-help materials he assembled in his debut work, “Dealing with This Thing Called Life.” Sumlin noted that he is inspired by the writing style of Tim Ferriss (The 4-Hour Work Week), which he describes as “great advice and stories…backed with research.” Sumlin also mentioned that he is inspired by incredible modern-day black entrepreneurs like Beyonce and Oprah Winfrey.

“If anyone [headed to college] is looking for a laugh, a good story and wisdom, this book is for them.” – Christopher Sumlin.

For more information and links to preferred retailers, please visit Christopher Sumlin’s website: www.TheChrisSumlin.com.

Christopher Sumlin is a native of Dayton, Ohio, but graduated from high school in Columbus, Ohio. He holds degrees from Ohio Dominican University and Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia. He currently lives in Boston, Massachusetts where he is pursuing a Master’s Degree at Boston University.
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For more information, contact Boyle & Dalton by phone at 614-805-3982, or by email at info@boyleanddalton.com.

The author may be directly contacted by email at sumlinchristopher@gmail.com.

Howard University Grad Chadwick Boseman Talks Black Panther, Turning Down Famous Biopics, Marvel Myths + More

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Howard University graduate Chadwich Boseman who stars in the hit movie Black Panther now in theaters everywhere recently spoke with the folks over at the Breakfast Club to discuss his latest film, turning down famous biopics, marvel myths and more. Check out the video below.

https://youtu.be/f6p9L_-Nfwg

True Life: Why I Wrote Two Books While Attending An Historically Black College

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It is our job to re-gift what we have been given, I truly believe that. Coming from Columbus, Ohio it was not likely that I would go to Morehouse College let alone graduate. No one from my neighborhood had ever gone to Morehouse. When I got accepted back in February of 2013, I knew that Morehouse was the school I wanted to attend. It was also very clear that if I did go there, that it would be an uphill climb to finish. Luckily in May of 2017, I graduated from Morehouse and now I’m in graduate school.

The day after graduation I started writing, knowing that I wanted to share my collegiate journey to anyone who would listen. On February 21st, my second book, “Dealing With This Thing Called College” made its way to Amazon. This book is a follow up to my first book, “Dealing With This Thing Called Life” which came out in April of 2016. It is my intention to share my author journey with HBCU students everywhere. Read the sentiments below as to why I wrote two books while being a full time student.

“You’re never too young to change the world.” –Sean “P.Diddy” Combs

I Want To Represent An Idea

I heard a quote at Morehouse once from my professor who said.  “If you want to hide something from a Black man put it in a book!” I know that many people believe the stereotype that black men, particularly young black men, don’t read. I hate this stereotype. Growing up I watched my father read the bible, he and my mother were always making sure that my siblings and I read. Unfortunately, I know that the way I was raised is not common. It is a fact that most black men don’t read. It’s also true that most Americans don’t read regularly. This is true because there aren’t a lot of role models outside of academia that advocate for leisure reading.  I want to always be known for not only reading but writing. I want people who know me to know that I read and so should they. My hope with my social media accounts and two books is that my supporters will understand the importance of reading and writing.

I Want To Talk To Us

There’s a lot of good writing out in the world. I also believe that there isn’t a lot of positive writing by black authors for young readers. I want to refute this perception by creating affordable, positive and easy to read writing that will inspire people. I’m bored with self-help guru’s and life coaches being over 40 and white. I want to create work in the world for young people that will speak directly to them and let them know that they, too, can be great no matter what age or background.


I Want To Be Different

With social media and the hundreds of open-source platforms, everyone can produce content. It is very easy to hop on Facebook live and talk, post YouTube videos and even make graphics. There are millions of people who will take that route to build their platforms. Although these are great mediums to get started, everyone is doing them. I want to be different. Anyone can hop on social media and start trying to influence people. One thing that everyone can’t do is write a book. Book writing is hard. It takes a lot of money, time and effort. I’m willing to make the investment to write books.

Inspiring storytelling isn’t a hobby of mine, this is what I was born to do. I take every bit of it so seriously. It is my intention to share with my supporters that I’m not “just another guy with something to say.” The investment to write books is telling and I know that it will differentiate me from a lot of the others out there looking to inspire.

I Want To Share What I’ve Learned

The way my life was set up, it truly is a miracle that I’ve been able to accomplish what I have. Spiritual teacher, Marianne Williamson defines a miracle as “A change in perception from fear to love.” As a young child, I was deeply afraid of going to college. I always knew that it just wasn’t an option for me because I was black, male and lived in a poor neighborhood. As a young adult, I was terrified to get on a plane or live anywhere other than Ohio. Today, I’m in graduate school, I’ve lived in NY and LA and have loved it along the way. This life and experience that I’ve been given is only by the grace of God, that humility makes me want to share what I’ve learned with anyone who will listen. The two books are just expressions of me sharing what I’ve learned along the way.

I’m excited to see what will come of these books. I put my heart and soul into both of them. Anyone who reads just a page of my work will walk away feeling better. I’m anxious to see where this author journey will take me.  I plan to keep working on my craft and pumping out good stuff for you all to read. If I can gather up the faith and resources to publish two books, you can too.

To purchase any of my two books head over to my Amazon Author’s Page by clicking HERE.

Lyft To Take The Bipartisan HBCU Caucus Partnership Challenge

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Washington, D.C.—Today, during the first HBCU STEAM Day of Action, Congresswoman Alma S. Adams (D-NC) and Congressman Bradley Byrne (R-AL), co-chairs of the Bipartisan Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Caucus, announced that Lyft is the second entity to take the HBCU Partnership Challenge. The previously announced Challenge and survey are an effort to promote equal support for HBCUs and the students they serve.

“The Bipartisan HBCU Caucus is working hard to address the inequities facing HBCUs. We’ve made progress, but Congress cannot do it alone,” said Congresswoman Adams. “Leveling the playing field for our schools and our students requires a collective approach to ensure HBCUs have access to the same federal resources and private sector opportunities as their peer institutions. Lyft’s efforts are a great step towards addressing diversity in the tech sector. We’re glad to continue working with them to create a better equipped and more inclusive workforce.”

“The HBCU Partnership Challenge is just one of the many ways our bipartisan caucus is working to advance the role of HBCUs in our communities,” said Congressman Byrne. “I applaud Lyft for taking on this challenge to increase their involvement with HBCUs from around the country.  With more companies take the challenge, we can continue to address unique challenges that HBCUs face in every industry and develop a diverse workforce that attracts talent from all backgrounds.”

“As Lyft grows, we can’t reach our goal of hiring the best, most diverse tech talent without investing in and developing close partnerships with the HBCUs that are educating our future workforce,” said Lyft’s Director of Public Policy, April Mims. “That’s why we’re so excited to team up with Congresswoman Adams, Congressman Byrne, and bipartisan champions on the HBCU and STEAM Caucuses to highlight the tremendous leadership at these schools and engage in a dialogue on what we can do to help.”

Last September, during the first annual HBCU Braintrust, the Bipartisan HBCU Caucus issued the Partnership Challenge. The Challenge encourages participating organizations to make greater investments in HBCUs. Following the issuance of the Challenge, the Caucus conducted a survey to learn more about current HBCU engagement with corporate America. After the conclusion of the survey, the Caucus will work with industry to establish best practices to continue diversifying our workforce. Please see the attached document for more information about the Challenge criteria.

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The Bipartisan HBCU Caucus is comprised of 74 members from both chambers and both sides of the aisle. Please find the Partnership Challenge criteria attached here.

 

Morgan State Remixed Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Alright’

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PAz203YwRJU&feature=youtu.be

 

The HBCU vibe is something that you can’t find anywhere else on the planet and nothing compares to the feeling you get when you step onto the campus of Morgan State University.

The University recently released a remix of Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Alright’ that not only featured the students rapping about their beloved school, but also a cameo from the head of the university, President David Wilson.

According to President Wilson’s social media account, the video is an invitation to Kendrick Lamar to speak at Morgan this year.

If this does not catch K-Dot’s eye, we don’t know what will.

Watch below as the students, staff and President Wilson turn up on campus and show their school pride in the music video that was directed by Duane Saunders Jr!

Share this video with a young man or woman who is in high school, you never know, it could change their whole perspective on going to college! Watch The Yard

Meet The Entrepreneur Who Created The Village Market ATL

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Dr. Lakeysha “Key” Hallmon is a social entrepreneur, speaker and passionate educator with a vision to change the world. As a Mississippi native, Dr. Key grew up seeing the benefits of community.  “Growing up there were times when I would see neighbors in my community bartering, trading and working together to get what they need from each other,” she said.

Dr. Key has not gone away from her roots. She truly understands how important it is to look out for one another and use what each of us have been given individually to make a difference communally. Her mission is to be a change maker and bring light to topics such as entrepreneurship and community development. Dr. Key also has a passion for plant based food and nutrition.

“Each of us must dedicate ourselves to serving the good of our people. We are community. Our fate and futures are interconnected. If we act in oneness and in the spirit of togetherness not only can we survive, we can thrive.” – Dr. Key Hallmon

“So many people in our community don’t know how important it is to be mindful of your diet. It’s my goal to bring light to this very important issue.”

Dr. Key’s passion for community, food and entrepreneurship lead her to create the Village Market ATL. The initiative was born after Dr. Key noticed that there were many entrepreneurs looking for an opportunity to showcase their talents and businesses. The Village Market ATL is an extravaganza connecting elements of plant based foods, art and live performance to support local artisans. The event takes place quarterly in Atlanta.

“It is truly a magical experience when you see people come together, support one another and leave having a deeper appreciation for plant-based food who may have never heard of this kind of produce,” she said.

The first Village Market event took place in April of 2016 welcoming over 500 guests and showcased over 30 different, minority-owned businesses. Dr. Key says that the selection process of which entrepreneurs she and her team choose to showcase is “selective and intentional” ensuring that the business owners align with the Village Market’s mission.

Today The Village Market hosts over 75 entrepreneurs with crowds of close to 2,500.

“We want to expand the mission with more market events and maybe even do pop up shops across the country.”

Dr. Key takes pride in the ability to bring together business owners and raise consciousness in the black community. With the dedication and work Dr. Key has done it is clear that she is a powerhouse for good. We here at HBCU Buzz are deeply interested to see what the Village Market does next.

To learn more about this initiative you can follow their website at www.thevillagemarketatl.com you can also follow them on their Instagram and Facebook page @thevillagemarketatl.

Posted by Chris Sumlin Posted on 34 articles

HBCU Settlement Pending, But Its Not Enough

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ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — Historically Black colleges and universities in Maryland would receive up to $56.9 million annually under legislation, sponsors say, that would restore years of underfunding and program duplication by the state but is unlikely to pass.

Proponents of the measure have rejected, as too little, a Feb. 7 offer from Republican Gov. Larry Hogan of a total of $100 million over the next 10 years to a coalition of historically Black colleges and universities.

A group of alumni in 2006 sued the state for creating programs at other public institutions that copied and drew students away from similar programs at Maryland’s historically Black schools, such as an accelerated MBA program at Morgan State University and a master’s in computer science at Bowie State University.

 

Efforts to mediate have failed.

In 2013, U.S. District Court Judge Catherine Blake ruled that Maryland violated the constitutional rights of students at the state’s four Black institutions by duplicating their programs at traditionally White schools.

In 2015, Blake proposed that the state establish high-demand programs at the four HBCUs to attract more diverse students and help with desegregation.

In 2016, mediation between the state and the coalition failed. In 2017, Maryland Attorney General Brian Frosh, a Democrat, and Hogan appealed the 2013 decision.

Delegate Nick Mosby, D-Baltimore, said Hogan’s offer is nowhere near enough for the amount of funding needed for these schools.

The state’s $100 million offer “basically equates to about $2.5 million per institution for the next 10 years and unfortunately that is throwing peanuts at a very gigantic problem,” said Mosby, who is sponsoring the House legislation.

Senate bill sponsor Sen. Joan Carter Conway, D-Baltimore, toldbowieCapital News Service this would not be acceptable, because the state owes HBCUs around $2.5 billion to $3 billion.

Conway also said if the amount had been offered as a lump sum of $100 million, then that could change the situation, but spread over time, the amount seems unjust. read full Afro.com

 

Posted by HBCU Editors Posted on 5657 articles

Blue Cross NC Announces $1 Million Investment In NCCU’s Nursing Program

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Investment will be used to address access to care and nursing shortages, educational resources and technology.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) will invest $1 million in North Carolina Central University’s (NCCU) nursing program. The investment is part of Blue Cross NC’s commitment to contribute $50 million toward community health initiatives in 2018. The investment is partially funded through $40 million in tax savings generated through the recently passed Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.

NCCU will use the investment for scholarships to address access to care and nursing shortages, educational resources and technology.

“As a practicing physician, I’ve seen firsthand the central role that nurses play in creating a higher-quality, more affordable health care system,” said Dr. Patrick Conway, President and CEO of Blue Cross NC. “We are excited to be able to help NCCU admit and train new nurses, especially from rural North Carolina. To bring costs down and increase quality, we have to think more broadly about what it means to invest in health – this is a great example of that principle in action.”

According to a recent study by Georgetown University, North Carolina is projected to have the second-largest shortage of nurses in the nation – a deficit of 12,900 nurses. The shortage is especially challenging in rural North Carolina. The state’s metropolitan areas have 32 more nurses for every 10,000 people than rural counties. Seventy of North Carolina’s 80 rural counties are classified as “medical deserts” due to their lack of primary care. Additionally, nurses play a central role in increasing the value of health care, both in terms of improved outcomes and lower costs.

“North Carolina Central University is grateful to Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina for making a major investment in the university,” said Dr. Johnson O. Akinleye, NCCU Chancellor.

“This significant gift for our Department of Nursing will ensure that NCCU will continue to fulfill a critical workforce demand for the state of North Carolina and supply compassionate care, knowledgeable practitioners and highly trained healthcare providers who serve the citizens of North Carolina.”

NCCU’s nursing program is dedicated to providing access to the profession for students from diverse backgrounds in regards to race, gender, socio-economic status and locality. Specifically, increasing the number of African-American nurses will provide minority populations with increased access to practitioners with whom they share similar backgrounds, experiences and communities. These commonalities can foster patient trust and improve health care satisfaction scores, which can lead to higher compliance, better outcomes and lower costs for everyone.

The $1 million will be invested into the following areas:

  • Scholarships, Recruitment, and Retention

There is a significant need for scholarships and financial aid, especially to students from poor, rural areas. NCCU plans to use funding to increase the number of low-income graduates from 781 in 2016 to 916 by 2022. The school plans to increase the number of rural area graduates from 344 in 2016 to at least 400 in 2022.

NCCU will partner with local community colleges to increase the number of students in its RN to BSN program. Nurses from rural counties who earn BSNs are twice as likely as those from more urban counties to practice in rural areas. Additionally, patients who receive 80 percent or more of their care from nurses with baccalaureate educations have 7 percent lower odds of readmission than patients treated by nurses without degrees.

  • Educational Training 

Students who earn a nursing degree must pass the NCLEX exam before they are allowed to practice. NCCU’s will use funding from this investment to help prepare its students for the NCLEX.

  • Technology

NCCU’s nursing program includes the state-of-the-art Eagle General Hospital, which is equipped with smart classrooms and computer laboratories. NCCU will use funding from the investment for technology upgrades such as pediatric simulators to provide students with proper practical experience.

TSU Tigers To Face Xavier Musketeers In NCAA Tournament

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Texas Southern advances for the first time in University history

HOUSTON (March 15, 2018) – Texas Southern University (TSU) continues its historic drive in the NCAA Tournament after moving on Wednesday night with a decisive 64-46 win over North Carolina Central in the First Four round of the NCAA Tournament. The victory secured TSU’s invitation to the Big Dance and a prime-time television match.

The 16th-ranked Tigers advance to face #1 seed Xavier (Ohio) on Friday night in Nashville. The game will air at 6:20 pm on TBS. A campus watch party for students, faculty and staff will be held in TSU’s Sterling Student Life Center.  TSU’s team, under the tutelage of Coach Mike Davis, is enjoying their fourth appearance in the NCAA Tournament with invitations in 2014, 2015 and 2017.

TSU’s win Wednesday night was a first in the team’s history. The victory was driven by Damontrae Jefferson, a 5-foot-7 point guard whose wily, quick moves spurred the drive over North Carolina Central. Jefferson, who scored 25 points and snagged eight rebounds, described the win as ‘a blessing’ and ‘for the university.’

Head Coach Mike Davis said, “You create miracles in March. Everybody who loves basketball…will watch March Madness.”

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ABOUT TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY

Texas Southern University (TSU) honors our designation as a special-purpose institution for urban programming and research. TSU is a comprehensive university providing higher education access to the nation’s underserved communities. TSU’s academic and research programs address critical urban issues, and prepares its diverse student population to become a force for positive change in a global society. TSU offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs and concentrations – bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral and professional degrees – organized into 10 colleges and schools on a 150-acre campus nestled in the heart of Houston’s historic Third Ward. The University’s enrollment has a population of more than 10,000 undergraduate and graduate-school academic candidates. Texas Southern has been a distinguished educational pioneer since 1927, and the University has become one of the most diverse and respected institutions in Texas. TSU has positioned itself as a proactive leader in educating underserved students and many who are the first in their family to attend college.

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Lincoln University Of Missouri Announces Its Newest President

Posted by Maya Brown-Edwards
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After a six-month search, Lincoln University has named Dr. Jerald Jones Woolfolk as their 20th President.

The position is currently held by Interim President, Micheal A. Middleton who was brought in after Dr. Kevin Rome—current President of Fisk University—unexpectedly resigned as his role as president of LU in March 2017.

Dr. Woolfolk currently serves as the Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management at State University of New York (SUNY)-Oswego. She has received both her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and her Doctor of Philosophy in Urban Higher Education from Jackson State University. Woolfolk also holds a Master of Science degree in Counselor Education from Iowa State University. Additionally, she has completed the Harvard University Institute for Educational Management.

High expectations are bestowed upon the new president. As Curator Marvin O. Teer, President of the Board of Curators, said in the university’s official news release, “We have a lot of work to do and Dr. Woolfolk is exactly who we need at the helm to move us forward.”

The President’s main effort will be focusing on increasing the retention rate at Lincoln University.

Woolfolk will be introduced as president during Lincoln University’s 16th Annual President’s Gala weekend. The event is is expected to be held at The LINC in Jefferson City, Mo. on April 7, 2018 beginning at 5 p.m.

Tuskegee University Stylish Buzz Of The Week: Diamond Ceré Woods

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On the campus of Tuskegee University struts Diamond Ceré Woods, a political science major hailing from Birmingham, Alabama. Woods rocks a style that’s classy yet edgy.  She loves adding a bold accessory to simple looks.  In fashion Woods lives by “less is more” but is the total opposite when serving her University and community. Founder of non-profit Palm2Palm, Woods operates the organization to bring a sense of togetherness through community service in various areas of Alabama. Brains and beauty for sure! She is a Tuskegee University Ambassador and is a part of the Tuskegee University Honors Program.

DiamondCere.com is a fashion and lifestyle blog that was recently launched by Woods. The page displays personal style as well as other sophisticated fashion forward women. When it comes to the Do’s and Don’ts of fashion Woods has a few tips. Do add contrast to every look. This is accomplished by adding a statement piece that can consist of either jewelry, handbags, or hats. Do have splashes of boldness. Bold accessories add flavor to simple looks. “There are no rules or requirements to her fashion designs. If she likes the final look, it’s a GO; regardless of what anyone says,” stated her mother, Ruby Davis.

Tight fitting clothing is a don’t for Woods. She thinks that it is imperative to always dress for your body type. “I am very slim so I try to avoid wearing tight fitted clothing and lean towards more loose fitted or flare styles; but not too loose that result in the loss of detail of the piece,” stated Woods. College girls can be very fly while managing class, work, and extracurricular activities. Woods makes that a fact and not opinion.  “She has created an aesthetic of using earth tones to create different looks. These looks transcend the average look & style of any other college girl,” stated Tiawndrea Ware.

When HBCU Buzz caught up with Diamond at Tuskegee’s Homecoming she most definitely stood out in the crowd and we are not the only ones who noticed. “I love how she thinks outside of the box and pieces things together that you wouldn’t initially think complement each other,” stated Austen Howell. You can keep up with Woods and her stylish ways on social media by following @imdiamondcere on Instagram and her lifestyle blog at www.diamondcere.com