73-Year-Old Hampton Alumna Joins Peace Corps

Posted by Tommy G. Meade Jr.
Posted on
Getting the opportunity to meet new people, and assist a lot of people, a Hampton alumna has been accepted into the Peace Corps after dreaming about it for 53 years. No word on when Bettie Anderson, 73, is departing for Botswana but she is preparing to give two years of service, despite the naysayers who claimed she was too old. “I’m getting a lot of support,” said Anderson. “Initially I didn’t, because people were like, ‘We’re old, we need to sit back retired,’ and now they’re like ‘Go, go, go!'” Director of alumni affairs Brint Martin said in a statement, “For generations Hampton University has produced stellar leaders in all walks of life. We honor alumna Bettie Anderson for her years of continued service as she embarks on this incredible adventure. Her work in Botswana will continue the legacy of Hampton alumni serving the global community.” Anderson thinks this would be a very good opportunity to learn a new language, and said with a lot of prayer that is possible.

This HBCU Grad Called 911 Because She Was Afraid Of A Police Officer. What Happens Next Is Terrifying.

Posted by Tommy G. Meade Jr.
Posted on
Houston, we have a problem. A video showing a black woman violently arrested by a police officer in Houston is making its rounds across social media. Earledreka White called 911 to report a traffic stop and asked for police backup, afraid, at least of this particular officer, who pulled her over. But what happens next is terrifying. On Friday, White’s attorneys released a video showing a violent struggle between her and the officer, reported The Washington Post. She can be heard asking “What is wrong with you” and “I haven’t done anything” adding “Stop. Please stop” while the officer handcuffed and arrested her.

This is how bad this is. Black women like Earledreka White feel they need to call for police backup to protect them from the police.

Image result for earledreka whiteThe social worker and Southern University of Baton Rouge grad said she feels lucky to be alive, and she was charged with resisting arrest. She called the officer rude adding he threatened her with “I will Tazer your ass” and then arrested her “for no reason,” according to the Post. “This is how bad this is. Black women like Earledreka White feel they need to call for police backup to protect them from the police,” said Senior National Correspondent at MTV News Jamil Smith in a tweet, commenting on the Post story. Earledreka’s attorney Zack Fertitta also found the video disturbing, saying he “was shocked” by the actions of the officer and stated that “this is a clear violation.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4HvffZe4Io

Raised Fist Photo Of NCAT Grad, Miss Black USA Madison Nicole Gibbs Is Everything

Posted by HBCU Editors
Posted on
Madison Nicole Gibbs is taking over the nation’s capital this weekend. And she’s on a mission to crown the next beauty. The 2015 Miss Black USA winner and North Carolina A&T grad took a photo with her squad holding up a ‘black power fist’ during their recent visit to the White House, and their grace is what we came for.

“Miss Black USA at their White House Tour. Pageant with Purpose,” a Twitter user shared along with the photo above, which shows Madison and others with their right first clenched in the black power salute.

The 2016 Miss Black USA Pageant Finals at University of District of Columbia Performing Arts Theatre will take place on Sunday at 5 p.m.

Another Fake Kappa Member Is Exposed

Posted by HBCU Editors
Posted on
Everybody wants to be a sorority and fraternity member, but no one wants to do work.

Take Pastor Mark Burns for example.

Burns made quite a bit of news when he gave a speech at the Republican National Convention in late July defending the controversial “All Lives Matter” movement. At one point he even led the “All Lives Matter” chant.

Of course, people on social media saw the video and dragged him for saying “All Lives Matter.”

IMG_7570

Now, Burns is also being dragged and exposed for pretending to be a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., according to Bossip. Offering his two cents on the fake Kappa claims, Morehouse Professor Marc Lamont Hill said that Burns is definitely not a Kappa.

Well we hope he learned his lesson.

What do you think about Pastor Mark Burns pretending to be a Kappa? Let us know and comment below.

JCSU President Ron Carter To Step Down

Posted by Tommy G. Meade Jr.
Posted on
Johnson C. Smith University President Ron Carter announced on Monday that he will step down from the helm in 2017. This is an end to a historic era at the university. Carter, who has led the private historically black university since 2008, helped to usher in a new era at JCSU, successfully raising the school’s academic profile and surrounding community, according to Charlotte Observer. In a statement, Carter said, “Those who know me appreciate that I have never been content to rest on the University’s undeniable progress or on my laurels. If anything they are signs—still, small calls—for me to move into my next service.”

“These past few weeks have been the perfect fulfillment of an adventure that started eight years ago,” said Carter. “I can see and experience the effects of the university’s radical transformation. As we begin this 2016-2017 academic year, the university’s sesquicentennial anniversary, I can say with confidence that the university’s radical transformation is now a thriving reality … There is no doubt in my mind that this is the turning-point time for me to make room for a successor to look well to the growing edge of this historic institution with a new strategic plan in mind to move the university to another fertile plateau.” U.S. Rep. Alma Adams said in a statement that she has admired Carter over the years “as an extraordinary leader” adding that his successor “is going to have big shoes to fill,” reported Charlotte Observer. Founded in 1867, JCSU has been ranked several times by U.S. News and World Report as one of the best comprehensive colleges in the South.

Grambling President Gallot Taps Smiley As Provost

Posted by HBCU Editors
Posted on
Grambling State University President Rick Gallot has appointed Ellen Smiley as interim provost and vice president for academic affairs, effective immediately.

In his first major administrative restructuring move, the president said he chose Smiley because she has a strong academic background and she has a GSU commitment and heart.

“Dr. Smiley brings a wealth of talent to academic affairs and she has been involved with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Accreditation process and almost every area that involves academic affairs,” said Gallot. “She has served as faculty, president of the GSU Faculty Senate and continues to enjoy relationships with faculty leadership and faculty representatives, which is critical to the university.”

Smiley, dean of the institution’s Earl Lester Cole Honors College, lead the college’s development to become a more robust program. Gallot said she will continue in that role as a part of a concerted effort to maximize the university’s resources.

“I am very excited about the opportunity to serve as interim provost and vice president for academic affairs,” said Smiley. “Not only does it provide an opportunity to give back to my alma mater, but it is an honor to be a part of President Gallot’s team.”

Gallot said Smiley’s years of service as a symbol of her commitment and willingness to strive for sustainability and longevity at Grambling State University. “ Dr. Smiley has been here and she has a better feel for talented people within a certain area because she is familiar with the employees skills,” said Gallot. “This advantage allows Smiley to quickly notice, suggest or make improvements because she has analyzed skill sets of faculty, staff and students and will be able to match people in the most beneficial areas to increase effectiveness and efficiency in departments where employees are being underutilized.”

Smiley said she was thrilled to hear Gallot had been appointed president, and she’s even happier she will work closely with him as provost.

“I have listened to President Gallot’s plans for Grambling State University and truly believe that he is the best leader for our university at this time in history,” she said. “The combination of a dedicated faculty, precocious students, devoted staff and an energized president is the perfect recipe for success.”

Smiley graduated from Grambling with a bachelor’s degree in arts in radio and television communication, now a department known as mass communication. She earned a master’s in teaching social science at GSU and went on to earn a doctorate in higher education at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Her dissertation was titled “An Empirical Investigation of the Perceived Stress Factors of Female Administrators at Selected Historically Black Colleges and Universities.”

She started working at GSU in 1991 as an assistant program coordinator with the honors college and rose to become the director and then the dean. She has been an active academician, organizing a number of conferences and workshops, leading or participating with several personnel searches. She has served as executive assistant to the president and as assistant dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.

Smiley is married to Rory L. Bedford, who directs GSU’s service-learning program and teaches philosophy, sociology, and psychology. They have three children: Joi Bedford-Williams, an alumnus of Alabama A&M University; Samantha Bedford, a student at Alabama State University, and Prentiss Smiley, a senior at Grambling State University. Smiley succeeds Janet Guyden, who has returned to the classroom.

This article originally appeared on Gram.edu.

What You Need To Know Before Joining Sororities And Fraternities On HBCU Campuses

Posted by Tommy G. Meade Jr.
Posted on
Historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) begin the new school year in a few short weeks and many students will have questions about sororities and fraternities on campus at a black college—like, are black sororities and fraternities high classed gangs, which sorority or fraternity suits you best and the length of your commitment. But here are some facts you’ll need to know before you join a Black Greek letter organization.

1. Blacks were not welcomed in other established Greek letter sororities and fraternities.

So, Black Greek letter organizations were created to provide access to its members to sisterhood and brotherhood while attending college. There are nine Black Greek letter organizations that make up the National Pan-Hellenic Council.

2. The length of your commitment is a lifetime.

When you join a black sorority or fraternity, your commitment is forever. You don’t have to wear your letters every day, but you are expected to honor and uphold the principles which these founding members of Black Greek letter organizations set.

3. Many of the “Divine Nine” members were founded during the early 20th century and many were established at black colleges.

The benefits are identical for all of them, but each one is unique and has its own identity and history.

Alpha Phi Alpha is the oldest black fraternity in the country and was founded at Cornell University in 1906.

Alpha Kappa Alpha is the oldest black sorority in the country and was founded at Howard University in 1908.

Kappa Alpha Psi was originally chartered and incorporated as Kappa Alpha Nu in 1911 at Indiana University. Later the name was changed to Kappa Alpha Psi in 1915.

Omega Psi Phi is the unofficial brother organization of Delta Sigma Theta and was founded in 1911 at Howard University.

Delta Sigma Theta is the largest black sorority in the world and was founded at Howard University in 1913.

Phi Beta Sigma is the first Black Greek letter organization to set-up alumni chapters for its members and was founded at Howard University in 1914.

Zeta Phi Beta is the official sister organization of Phi Beta Sigma and was founded at Howard University in 1920.

Sigma Gamma Rho was founded in 1922 at Butler University by seven school teachers.

Iota Phi Theta is the youngest NPHC member and the fifth largest black social service fraternity in the country. Iota was founded in 1963 on the campus of Morgan State College now known as Morgan State University.

4. You will be looked up to as a “role model.”

This is important. Members of black sororities and fraternities are role models on campus who uphold high ethical and, or moral values: Don’t forget it.

5. What you get out of it.

Joining a black sorority or fraternity on campus at an HBCU, you will experience a bond with your sisters and brothers that no other organization can offer. You become part of something larger than yourself, you will become part of a rich history of traditions and activities.

Lady Rams Basketball Release 2016-2017 Schedule

Posted by HBCU Editors
Posted on
ALBANY, GA – After finishing with a 15-13 overall record and a disappointing exit in the second round of the 2016 SIAC tournament, the Albany State Lady Rams are set to begin their new journey on Nov. 11.  ASU will open its season against in-state rival Valdosta State University in the Valdosta State Invitational, which will be held in Valdosta, Ga.  The 2016-2017 campaign will be filled with tough non-conference opponents and traditional favorites in the SIAC.

Albany State’s 26-game slate will begin with five non-conference opponents from the Gulf South and Peach Belt conferences. Games will be played against West Florida (Nov. 12), Georgia Southwestern (Nov. 18), Columbus State (Nov. 19) and Georgia College (Nov. 22) in the early part of the schedule.

ASU has home-and-home series scheduled with both Georgia College (Dec. 3) and Columbus State (Dec. 6). The University of Tampa, a member of the Sunshine State Conference, will host the Lady Rams on Dec. 19.

On Dec. 1, Albany State will open its 17-game SIAC schedule against LeMoyne-Owen in Albany, Ga. Contests against SIAC foes Kentucky State, the 2016 SIAC tournament runner-up (Dec. 29) and Central State, who eliminate ASU from last year’s tournament (Dec. 30), will close the first part of the Lady Rams schedule.

The Lady Rams will continue its league play on Jan. 5 against Lane College. Contests against Benedict College, the 2016 SIAC regular season and tournament champions, and archrival Fort Valley State University, also highlight the SIAC schedule.  Both Kentucky State and Benedict also participated in the 2016 NCAA Division II national tournament. Benedict played for the South Region championship.

Albany State will begin postseason play in the 2017 SIAC Women’s Basketball Championship Tournament. The event will be held in Birmingham, Alabama at the Bill Harris Arena.

For more information about Albany State women’s basketball, contact Stan McCormick at (229) 420-7013.

Fayetteville State Alum Jermaine Coble Has A Plan To Redevelop HBCU Neighborhoods

Posted by Delvakio Brown
Posted on
Having a huge lack of diversity, real estate has a historical mark of being one of the most monolithic industries in the country. Real estate engenders more than $300 billion in annual revenue but lacks African American representation with only 3% representation on the senior executive level, less than 4% with mid-level management, and less that 5% on the professional level. This makes a career in real estate one of the most underrepresented careers in the country, according to CRE Diversity. Many materials and necessities in life can be created including food, machines, tech devices and much more but we can never create more land.

With the industry not being diverse, it makes it harder to diversify it being expensive to get into. So many African American’s go the cheaper route to even get involved because of the cost. Kabreel McEachin, a recent graduate of Edward Waters College, can testify to the expense. “I have a passion for Real Estate but the cost of books, classes, advertisement, and tests are so discouraging. It takes so much investment to even make an investment.  Even if you’re not making any money you’re still spending,” said McEachin. He said that he noticed the lack of diversity quick when only four out of twenty four of his classmates were black. But no matter what he’s not giving up on his dream to pursue real estate.

In the beginnings of historically black colleges and universities, or HBCUs, many people sat in neighborhoods occupied with professionals from the university and surrounding areas.  Through the years these neighborhoods have experienced harrowing changes for a few reasons. One of the reasons is many wealthy, affluent African Americans are attracted to White suburbs for safer, more integrated neighborhoods. Another reason is the heavy hit of drugs and crime during the late 1970’s throughout the 1980’s that impacted heavily centered black populations.

Jermaine Coble, a recent graduate of Fayetteville State University, is an individual who is ready to change the lack of diversity in the field of real estate. Being accepted into New York University’s master’s program for Real Estate Development, he plans to learn and pursue towards a career on the redevelopment side. With New York being labeled as the capital of real estate, he is sure to learn so much. “We are not making any more land, this is all we have! How can we grow our community if we don’t own the land it sits on,” state Coble as he plans to inform people of the importance of land investment. He personally has seen the problems of not enough redeveloping going on for himself.

He said noticed that many of the faculty at his Alma Mater would drive in from local cities to teach and had no intentions of moving to Fayetteville, North Carolina. “Jermaine, it’s not that I don’t like the neighborhood but the houses in this area aren’t big enough and they aren’t building new homes,” is the response that Coble received often. Beginning to take an in-depth look into local neighborhoods, he realized that they were on target with the problem that was taking place. Many homes surrounding Fayetteville State University were built in the 1950’s to 1970’s. The homes were fit to accommodate that area in time but are no longer suiting for families this time in age. Most of the houses are 2 to 3 bedrooms with 1 to 1.5 bathrooms not up to date with new average sized homes that have expanded over 1,000 sq. ft. over the past 60 years.

Think about this, if you live in a safe area, why would you attend a school that is located in an unsafe area? Some have lived in unsafe areas all of their life and actually want to get away to attend a college in a safe area. This is the mindset of thousands of students and parents across the countries who want to have the best learning experience possible. The neighborhoods of institutions play apart. Many crime problems that have taken place dealing with students of HBCU’s or of citizens near HBCU’s  are happening in the neighborhoods of the HBCU. Many times you will hear news stations making statements of “Near (Name of HBCU)”, or “Close To The Campus of (Name of HBCU)”.

Coble is currently working with Community Development Corporation, East Market Street Development Corporation in Greensboro, North Carolina. This summer he is analyzing creative ways to house the homeless and what other parts of the country are doing in the area of redevelopment. He has researched affordable housing development and the tax credits that come with them to begin the process of understanding the communities that surround the largest HBCU in the country, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (A&T). Just across the railroad tracks sits the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and the difference is quit noticeable. With his research you can see the difference on google maps. It’s easy to see the unequal representation.

ya

The dark brown indicates the Universities foot print and with A&T to the right and UNCG to the left and both being state supported and owned campuses he can’t figure why Google would do this.Deeper than the picture itself is the lack of redevelopment on East Greensboro. Churches play a big part because pieces of land that would transcend these neighborhoods are owned and controlled by institutions and in black neighborhoods that often means the church. There is also a lack of minorities in the Real Estate Development space which leads to racial mistrust between the west side Greensboro developers and the east side residents. In this day in age more programs are launching with masters and undergraduate programs available. The Shack Institute of Real Estate accepts on average at a 71% rate. Coble wants to destroy the status quo and take a leap of faith. He has currently launched a campaign to help with the expensive costs to make his dream reality.  If you would like to contribute to Coble’s success you may do so by helping finance his first semester of tuition at New York University Sharing his video with your personal or professional network also makes a big impact at https://www.gofundme.com/JermaineAtNYU.

He’s working to make a difference in the community he comes from and bring a different voice to the room of people who plan, design and build the community we live, work and play in every day. We can’t get mad if no one wants to redevelop communities so support those who will.

Posted by Delvakio Brown Posted on 48 articles

SIAC Launches New Mobile App

Posted by Tommy G. Meade Jr.
Posted on
A mobile app that features SIAC live updates and scores is now free to download on Apple iOS and Android devices.

The SIAC in collaboration with Varsity Software has announced on Tuesday the release of SIAC Sports, giving fans the ability to keep tabs on their favorite schools and sports team in the conference along with exclusive news, scores, standings, sport schedules, results, live game broadcasts, social media streams, and video highlights. Varsity Software, who build the app, has been around for over a decade.

Meet the man who invented the mobile app

Founder and CEO of Varsity Software John Weaver, a graduate from Princeton University, first got in the rapidly increasing software industry after college, where he joined a startup company in the early 90s. He later said that this experience planted the seeds for Varsity Software. In 2000, Weaver had become a Vice President of Information Technology within the Warner Music Group, and in an effort to try to launch his own startup, he decided to cash in his stock but the timing wasn’t right—his plan failed, because of the dot-com bubble. He said around this time he twice ran the New York City Marathon, but not on the same day.

In 2005, Weaver graduated from Wharton School and co-founded a company called Reunion Technologies. Then he built with his partners a successful business on the annual Princeton reunion event, which planted the foundation for Varsity Software. According to the website, he started “Varsity Software from his work at Reunion Technologies” that provides “a multitude of software products and services to colleges, universities and other clients in the educational sector. Over the years, Varsity Software has developed software solutions that have been used by millions of users.”

In a statement, Commissioner Greg Moore said that he is “thrilled” to provide access for SIAC fans to innovative technology in a mobile app. “We’re thrilled to give our fans another opportunity to connect with our league through our mobile application,” the statement read. “Varsity Software has done a great job implementing several unique features that continue to push the league’s progression in the digital and social media space by offering more SIAC content.”

Image result for siac hbcu

According to HBCU Sports, the SIAC is the third NCAA Division II conference to launch a mobile app. “Varsity Software makes apps and we are excited about SIAC Sports, the mobile software platform that we have created for the conference,” said Weaver. “For almost a decade, the SIAC has been pushing the digital media envelope in order to provide its fans with innovative technology solutions and we are proud to be a partner in this process.”

Fans can download the official SIAC Sports app from the iTunes App Store or Google Play.

Degree Before Diploma: How AAMU Student Brian Crum Breaks Ceilings With Success

Posted by Delvakio Brown
Posted on
Have you ever met a young man who graduated with a degree before his diploma? Meet Brian Crum. He is no ordinary academic achiever when it comes to being on the top of his game: Crum is a 2016 graduate of Keith High School in Orrville, AL and a recipient of an Associate’s Degree of Science from Wallace Community College Selma. He’s also an athlete and academically focused at the same time. Although, being this driven had its challenges, Crum said he never gave up.

Crum is an example of adding extra to ordinary. It’s ordinary to see students striving for academic excellence because that should be the goal and it’s expected. It’s also ordinary to find student athletes performing at high standards both athletically and academically, but it’s not normal finding an athlete who is at the top of their class as the Salutatorian, Most Valuable Player for more than one sport and balancing college classes in the mix. Properly distributing his time forced him to push late in the midnight hour. “I balanced my schoolwork and athletics by dedicating certain times of the day to certain activities. Sometimes, I’ve had to stay up until midnight studying because my schedule was so full,” said Crum.

You’re probably wondering, exactly how could he obtain a degree while in high school? Spending three years doubling up on high school and college work made it possible. His parents sat in awe as they watched their son walk across the stage to receive his degree. “The feeling was overwhelming because he was getting his Associate’s Degree even before getting his high school diploma. I was very proud,” said his father and head coach of his son’s football team Harry Crum.

Procrastination had no time in Crum’s schedule because he had big goals to accomplish. “I was absolutely elated. I was very proud that he had finished the task he started,” explained his mother Samantha Crum. The student athlete made a huge difference on the field as well. He served as quarterback for the football team and one of the players in the return of the baseball program. The school received it’s first win in baseball since the early 1990’s this year with the help of Crum.

That losing streak came to an end when Crum along with teammate John Pettway caught the final two outs to gain a 12-9 win over Ellwood Christian this past April. This past season was the first time the school has had a baseball team since 1991. He was proud that he could play the first sport he ever attempted before graduating. During his senior year Crum walked away receiving the Dallas County Short Story Award for 2015, Dallas County Math & Science Contest 2015, Class President, Salutatorian, Most Valuable Player Keith High School Baseball Team, Most Valuable Offensive Player for KHS Football Team, Scholar Athlete Award, and the Bryant-Jordan Student Athlete Scholar Award.

Brian’s ability to maintain focus despite the many distractions in his environment is remarkable. Now he is gearing up for his freshman year at Alabama A&M University where he is majoring in mechanical engineering on a full ride scholarship. Why did he choose a Historical Black University? He chose it because he likes how the teachers are genuinely interested in his learning and the enjoyment of his college experience. He really feels at home at A&M and has already formed relationships with a few instructors. Having already gained a college experience he suggests to other freshman to not lose sight of the reason that you go to college. You are there to receive an education so don’t get caught up in the “hype” of being a college student. Crum is sure to leave no crumbs at the table, taking in every opportunity he possibly can.

Some Tips For Freshmen Heading To College

Posted by Chris Sumlin
Posted on
Going to college can be tough. After high school graduation, prom and you’ve said your goodbyes to teachers it is now time to start a new journey. Although the ride to college can be a very overwhelming experience, there are some unwritten rules that can make it easier. Check out these ten tips for any student about to begin their journey at an HBCU.

Go to class

Going to class is one of the simplest ways to ensure academic success. Just go! Don’t think about it! Just go! If you realized how much you pay for a single class each day, you wouldn’t want to miss it. If you go to every class session available, are present and do your best you’ll succeed.

Be open minded

There are a lot of new ideas and lifestyles at any college that you may not be familiar with. It is important that no matter what you are respectful of everyone’s choices. When interacting with your peers, do your best to stay away from judgment. It’s not your job to change anyone, or conform to what others are doing just be respectful.

If you hear a word you don’t know, look it up

In college, you will hear lots of fancy words you may not have heard at home. Don’t be intimidated by that. Define every word that you are not familiar with and try to use it in a sentence the next day. College is a time to grow and expand your mind, take advantages of these opportunities to do so.

Find a big brother/sister

When you need a church to go to, a ride to the mall or sound advice, a big brother or sister is your go-to. When you get to school find someone you admire and reach out. HBCU’s are big on support and relationships. Just make sure you’re appropriate and your intentions are clear when you approach anyone for mentorship.  

Remember who you want to be

There’s a lot of temptation in college. Always keep your goals first. There’s a lot of parties, people, and distractions. The first week of classes write out exactly who you want to be and try to keep that person in the forefront of your mind. Let every decision you make lead you to become your truest and best self as you go through college.

Get to know your roommate

Your roommate is likely the first person you will meet and will probably become your best friend. Make sure you and your roommate have a good bond and can trust each other. Having a good relationship with your roommate makes the transition from home to college much easier.

Treat gender counterparts with respect

Gender issues can be a problem in college. Always make sure that your interactions with the ones you associate yourself with to reflect responsibility and consist of consensual activities.

Utilize office hours

It’s nearly impossible to fail a class when you have a relationship with a professor. Morehouse has some of the best faculty out there. When a teacher informs you of their office hours, take note and utilize them whenever you can.

Get involved in a student organization

One way to cultivate great relationships with students of all classifications is to join student orgs. Find an organization you can see yourself being dedicated to and join quickly

Enjoy the ride

You’re going to make mistakes. You’re going to change, and you’re going to grow. It’s all apart of the process. Just do your best and be the best person that you can be, and that alone will be enough.

Posted by Chris Sumlin Posted on 34 articles

Wiley College Awarded $350,000 Grant

Posted by HBCU Editors
Posted on
(Marshall, Texas) Wiley College has been selected to receive a grant from USA Funds to develop  and apply data tools and campus-wide practices to enhance college completion rates and career readiness of its students. Wiley is one of seven colleges and universities tapped, through a competitive process that included a review of their proposals by outside evaluators, to share a $2.3 million grant award to take part in USA Funds’ three-year project targeting first-generation, low-income students on minority-serving campuses. Wiley’s grant award is $350,000. Other institutions selected for the project are Harris-Stowe State University,Martin University, Miami Dade College, St. Thomas University, Salish Kootenai College, and Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi.

Called the MSI  Measuring College Value Initiative, the project’s goal is to support two-year and four-year colleges and universities in measuring the value of their programs, improving student outcomes, and developing programming that can serve as models for the higher education community as its institutions devise similar projects to increase college completion rates and boost career readiness of the students on their campuses.

“The resources provided by USA Funds will undergird and strengthen our ongoing work to produce graduates who will enter the workforce ready to compete, lead and achieve their career goals,” said Dr. Haywood L. Strickland, President and CEO of Wiley College. “Our top priority at Wiley College is furthering our legacy of excellence as the place where every student can succeed.”

Wiley will use the grant funding to integrate data to track and intervene strategically to promote early college success, persistence, completion, and meaningful outcomes of graduates.

“As college completion rates and employment outcomes for black, Hispanic and Native American students continue to lag, these colleges are well-positioned to improve these results, applying data-informed solutions to enhance the value they deliver to students,” said Lorenzo L. Esters, USA Funds’ Vice President, Philanthropy. “If our nation is to continue to prosper, all segments of our population must be equipped with the skills to participate fully in the workforce and in the communities in which they live.”

As part of the initiative, Wiley and all the participating colleges and universities will get help from a designated “data coach,” who will assist in the creation of user-friendly, customized data tools. Every school will designate an “innovation group,” to include its chief academic affairs officer, an institutional research staff member, a faculty representative, and one employer-partner. These innovation groups will participate in an annual meeting to share best practices and foster collaboration between leadership and faculty among the seven participating colleges and universities.

Wiley’s grant project will complement its student success initiative, including its current focus on developing guided pathways for all students, in keeping with USA Funds’ major priority to ensure “college completion with a purpose.”

About Wiley College

Wiley College is a historically black, primarily liberal arts institution of higher learning that was founded by the Freedman’s Aid Society in 1873 to train teachers for careers in African-American elementary and secondary schools. Today, Wiley College has a focused curriculum that includes fifteen distinct degree programs. Wiley is affiliated with the  United Methodist Church and the United Negro College Fund.

About USA Funds

USA Funds is a nonprofit corporation that supports Completion with a Purpose, building a more purposeful path for America’s students to and through college and on to rewarding careers and successful lives. USA Funds pursues its nonprofit mission through philanthropic activities and partnerships, policy research, and programs and services that enhance preparation for, access to and success in higher education. Learn more at www.usafunds.org

Texas Southern University Finalizes Its Campus Carry Policy

Posted by HBCU Editors
Posted on
Texas Southern University has finalized its Campus Carry Policy. The policy, which goes into effect August 1, 2016, was established in compliance with Senate Bill 11 (Campus Carry) passed by the 84th Texas Legislature. In accordance with Senate Bill 11, only persons age 21 or older with a concealed handgun permit recognized by the state of Texas are allowed to carry their concealed handgun on campus.

A committee led by the Office of General Counsel and TSU Public Safety, and also comprised of Texas Southern University faculty, staff and students was charged with the task of gathering public input and developing which areas of campus would be designated as gun-free zones. Those zones are as follows:

  • All residence halls
  • Earnest S. Sterling Life Student Center
  • E.O. Bell Building (basement only)
  • Student Health Center
  • University Counseling Center
  • Airway Science Building
  • W.R. Banks Child Development Laboratory
  • Alee Mitchell Center
  • Central Plant, rooms 125 and 126
  • General Services Building
  • Science Building, second, third and fourth floors
  • Gray Hall Pharmacy Building, rooms 120, 253A, 256, 229, 214, 216, 222, and 207
  • Leonard H.O. Spearman Technology Building, rooms 138 and 235
  • Samuel Nabrit Science Building, second and third floors

TSU’s policy contains fluid zones that will change based on events that may be scheduled. In addition, TSU designated staff and faculty offices as discretionary zones, which means an officeholder may elect to have his or her office marked as a gun free zone.

The Texas Southern University Police Department, due to the unique location and configuration of TSU’s campus, has developed a campaign to educate our community on the requirements to lawfully participate in Senate Bill 11. It is critical that all members of the TSU community know and understand the difference between campus carry and open carry. Please note that open carry is strictly prohibited from all institutions of higher education in the state of Texas, including Texas Southern University. Any student, staff, faculty member, or visitor seen unlawfully and openly carrying a weapon will be subject to TSU’s disciplinary action and criminal prosecution. We will continue to set safety as a top priority for all students, faculty, staff and campus visitors. The full Campus Carry Policy is available for review at http://www.tsu.edu/.

Posted by HBCU Editors Posted on 5657 articles

Forbes Highlights FAMU’s Highly Competitive Edge

Posted by Tommy G. Meade Jr.
Posted on
Forbes features Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (fondly called “FAMU”) on what distinguishes the university from other universities in its latest issue. Here are the highlights.

On FAMU’s legacy of providing access to a high-quality, affordable education to underserved and underresourced students:

Built on a strong foundation dating back to 1887, Florida A&M University (fondly known as FAMU, pronounced “fam-yew”) maintains many traditional values, all while advancing a distinguished African-American-focused educational institution with approximately 10,000 students from more than 70 countries around the world. FAMU’s mission is to provide an exceptional and affordable education that will help students discover their personal expertise, and launch them into careers that are relevant to their specific talents.

 

FAMU offers 54 bachelor’s degrees, 29 master’s degrees, three professional degrees and 12 doctoral programs. The faculty and administration promote teaching and research, assuring that students are focused on sustainability and the global community at large.

On FAMU consistently ranking among the best of the best HBCUs:

Recently ranked No. 1 among historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) funded by the National Science Foundation (2015), and No. 5 by Money and ESSENCE magazines as the best college or university for African Americans (2016), Florida A&M University is known for its signature focus on the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines. These prestigious academic programs offer specialized concentrations in pharmacy, agribusiness, biological and system engineering, and environmental and health science studies. FAMU is also the home of the impressive and innovative Sustainability Institute.

Forbes also highlights the heavyweight academic curricula at FAMU, the black college’s power president and more. Head over to Forbes to read more.