Toni Morrison’s Papers Will Go to Princeton? Not Howard.

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I respect the work Toni Morrison has done–line by line and page by page. Her work has influenced the nation in many ways, and if we were to explore and praise Morrison for every novel she has written we would have to write an entire series of books.

But I question Morrison’s recent decision to house her papers at Princeton University–a place where Morrison has taught for numerous years–instead of Howard University, the alma mater of Morrison and where she initially got her start at. I find it interesting that Morrison didn’t give her scholarship back to her “nurturing mother”.

(I believe that our nation’s HBCUs are under-supported by its graduates, graduates of Black colleges, in fact give back less than 6 percent to their respective alma maters. Do we trust a Eurocentric institution to preserve and reproduce your intellectual capital?)

“We’ve left much of our institutional memory at non-black institutions,” said Dr. Carr of Howard University, who says that the papers belong at Morrison’s alma mater is tied to a concern about the history of race and education in America.

“Quite frankly,” he said, “I think 100 years from now people will look back and realize that this is one more symptom of the deep cultural malaise we have in this country.”

For far too long, White America has found a way to miss-tell our story. Because of this it’s more important now than ever to unapologetically support our own Black institutions. Many people will say that our Black institutions don’t have superior leadership. However, I suggest that our institutions have great leadership, and should focus on the gigantic obstacles that our institutions have to overcome. Public White institutions do not need our support, they will thrive without.

If we are courageous enough to support our own institutions the sky is the limit for what they can continue to do across America.

Central State U. to Hold “Economic Impact” Briefing of its Land-Grant Status

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Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio will have a Breakfast Briefing on the “economic impact” of its recent land-grant status at the Dayton Arena Chamber of Commerce on Nov. 14. Guest speakers at the event include CSU President Cynthia Jackson-Hammond and Professor in the Biology department Dr. Cadance Lowell.

Now only the second land-grant university in the state of Ohio, Central State can get funded for agriculture research and construction work by the federal government. The historically black college or university (HBCU) also can team up with Ohio’s other land grant university, The Ohio State University and partner with the Ohio agriculture industry.

“Central State University designation as an 1890 land-grant university means increased opportunities for partnerships with Ohio’s agriculture industry,” said Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown, “and increased potential for its graduates to obtain jobs in Ohio’s leading industry.”

Al Sharpton Pushes to Help TSU Program Inducted Into the Basketball Hall of Fame

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The men’s basketball team (pictured) from TSU won their second NAIA championship in 1958. The team went on to win a unprecedented third straight championship in 1959.
The men’s basketball team (pictured) from TSU won their second NAIA championship in 1958. The team went on to win a unprecedented third straight championship in 1959.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – The Reverend Al Sharpton is widely known for taking up the fight on behalf of the underdog in his pursuit of justice and equality. Sharpton’s stance on an array of issues has taken him across the country and around the world.

Now, he is on his way to Tennessee State University. His cause, to have TSU’s 1957- 1959 Men’s Championship Basketball Team, the first-ever to win three national titles back-to back, inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

Thursday night, Sharpton will be joined by University officials and staff, including President Glenda Glover, state and local officials, community leaders and stakeholders, as he presents his cause during a ceremony in Kean Hall on the TSU main campus beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Shortly before the ceremony, Sharpton will address the media during a press conference in the Athletics Lobby, also in Kean Hall, at 6:15 p.m.

Sharpton became friends with TSU alumnus Dr. Richard “Dick” Barnett, a member of all three teams, and was compelled by the achievements of Barnett and his teammates. They were the first in collegiate history to win three consecutive national championships, and the first historically black institution to win a title. Despite Texas Western, the team depicted in the movie “Glory Road,” being recognized as the first all-black starting five to win a college national title, TSU won their title nearly a decade earlier.

Both men believe it is time for the team to become a part of basketball history, and that the University is the perfect place to begin the campaign for the hall of fame. Sharpton will also address other current social issues.

In 1957, the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Men’s Division I Basketball Tournament became the first tournament to have seeded teams, making it the first to have an upset. The unseeded TSU Tigers had four upsets in the tournament, with the most important victory being over Southeastern Oklahoma State in a 19-point blowout (92-73), thus winning the school’s first NAIA Championship. With the win, Tennessee State became the first historically black institution to win a collegiate basketball national championship.

The 1958 Men’s NAIA Division I Basketball Tournament saw defending champions Tennessee State return as the #3 seed. The team’s closest win came in the championship finals against the #1 seed and tourney favorite Western Illinois (85-73). With the win, the Tigers became only the third team to have back-to-back championships. That year, Coach John McLendon was selected “Coach of the Year,” while player Dick Barnett received the “Chuck Taylor Most Valuable Player Award.”

With back-to-back NAIA Championships, Tennessee State entered the 1959 Men’s Division 1 Basketball Tournament as the top seed. The team had an opportunity to accomplish a feat no other team had done, win a third consecutive title. TSU breezed through the tournament. The finals pitted the Tigers against #3 seed Pacific Lutheran University. Again, Tennessee State prevailed beating Pacific Lutheran 97-87 to capture the title. It was the first time any school had won three tournaments in a row. Barnett received his second “MVP Award.”

The Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame recognized the team last spring during its annual ceremony. They were honored for Significant Historical Achievement. 

Barnett will appear with Sharpton during the ceremony in Kean Hall. The community event is free and open to the public.

5 Fayetteville State Students Awarded Scholarships by National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency

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The Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT) Certificate program at Fayetteville State University (FSU) has awarded stipends to five students for fall 2014. The stipends are funded by the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) and are intended to recognize students who are performing well in the GEOINT Certificate program and to encourage them to continue their education and seek employment opportunities in the Intelligence Community. The stipends are made possible by a $432,000 grant FSU received in 2012 from grant by the NGA.

The recipients are:
•Courtney-Anderson-1 Courtney Anderson is a senior majoring in intelligence studies with a minor in geography. Anderson was born and raised in Greenville, SC. She is part of the FSU Army ROTC program and is currently in her fourth year. She will be commissioned in May of 2015. After graduation, she plans to serve in the US Army. In the future, Anderson wants to pursue a career in the intelligence community, specifically with the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency.

•Brenda-Rosek-Michel Brenda Rosek-Michel has been in the Army National Guard since 2010. Her previous job in the National Guard was a Signal System Support Specialist and her primary duties included installing and troubleshooting the radios used in the military vehicles. Currently, her responsibilities have changed to inventorying sensitive items, such as weapons and communication systems. Additionally, she has been shadowing a Platoon Leader to gain some insight into becoming an Army officer. Rosek-Michel is has been studying Military Science for the past three years in the Army ROTC Program and plans on commissioning as an active duty military intelligence officer in May of 2015 when she graduates with a degree in geography and with the GEOINT Certificate.

• Nicholas-KennedyNicholas Kennedy is a veteran of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. After coming off of active duty, he decided to pursue a degree in computer science. He currently holds a 4.0 GPA and works as an independent contractor for the Naval Research Laboratory where his focus is integrating autonomous systems with GIS.
• Sam Ndiwe was a member of the 82nd Airborne Division for 10 years. As a non-commissioned officer, he served in both Iraq and Afghanistan. He was wounded in Iraq and later became part of the Wounded Warriors Program at Fort Bragg. After service, he wanted to attain a college degree. While seeking a degree in computer science, he has developed an interest in geospatial technologies. He hopes his educational journey will someday lead to advancement in technology that the world can use.

• Paul-Morehead-150x150A decorated combat veteran in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, Paul Morehead served six years active duty in the United States Army prior to enrolling at Fayetteville State University in spring 2013. Currently in his senior year, he is completing the Geospatial Intelligence Certificate along with a dual history and geography major as a two-time recipient of the Chancellor’s List Award for Fall 2013 and Spring 2014. In addition to his scholarly achievements, Morehead continues to be extremely active within the Fayetteville and Fort Bragg communities through various ongoing community service projects and organizational efforts. Along with other clubs and organizations, one of his most recent community service initiatives involved working closely with Veteran’s Empowerment of Fayetteville North Carolina. Through his participation, Morehead along with many others were able to help feed the homeless Veterans of Cumberland County and surrounding areas.

FSU is a constituent institution of The University of North Carolina and the second-oldest public institution of higher education in the state. FSU offers nearly 60 degrees at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. With nearly 5,000 students, Fayetteville State University is among the most diverse institutions in the nation.

For more information, call (910) 672-1474.

5 Things You Need to Know Wednesday in the HBCU Community

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1. A “reversal of a generations-long injustice”

Central State University, the only public historically black college or university (HBCU) in the state of Ohio, recently achieved land-grant status—allowing the University to apply for federal agriculture research funds and for construction funds.

2. Wilberforce gets new president

The nation’s oldest private HBCU has named Algeania Warren Freeman as its new president. Wilberforce University, the sister college of neighboring Central State University, hopes Freeman will be the “force of change” the Black college needs as it struggles with low enrollment and deficits.

3. Nearly $2.5M raised at B-CU Awards Gala

Some 500 guests were in attendance at the annual Mary McLeod Bethune Awards Gala at Bethune-Cookman, and six awardees who have contributed to the livelihood of the community and the University were honored. B-CU raised nearly $2.5M for the university.

4. Frank Pogue named Cheyney U. Interim President

Former Grambling State University president Dr. Frank Pogue was recently named Interim President of Cheyney University by the Board of Governors of Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education. Pogue, who retired from his duties at Grambling in June, will arrive on campus as soon as Nov. 3.

Cheyney University is widely known as America’s oldest historically Black institution of higher education.

5. Hampton awarded grant to study treatment for select pathogens

Hampton University’s Department of Biological Sciences will develop vascular protection against select pathogens after receiving a $900,000 grant from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

Bonus: Alabama State’s Defensive End Edward Mosley among nation’s best student-athletes.

Campus News: Top 5 HBCU Homecomings 2014

Robert K Hoggard, New Executive at HBCU Buzz

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEHBCU-Buzz-Logo

Contact: Brittany Ireland
Phone: (202)438-4093
Email: ireland@hbcubuzz.com

New Executive at HBCU Buzz

WASHINTON, D.C. October 21, 2014—The Board of Directors at HBCU Buzz Inc. is pleased to announce that Robert Hoggard has been named Vice President of Content. Robert will be responsible for managing our national team of writers and all materials produced on the site as well as leading the organization into its next phase.

This young man is committed to the HBCU and minority community. Beginning October 31, Robert Hoggard, native of Middleton, Connecticut and graduate of the newest HBCU, American Baptist College, will officially enter his new role.

“This position aligns me for my long term goals and adds to my purpose.” says Hoggard

The 22-year-old is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Kairos Studies at Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School. Upon completion, Robert plans to enter the Executive Doctorate Ed.D program at the University of Pennsylvania. Not stopping here, Robert has his eye on presiding over an HBCU and he is aligning himself appropriately. Outside of the classroom and boardroom, Robert is Youth Pastor at First Baptist Church of Rochester and enjoys community service.

President Brittany Ireland said, “It is humbling to have Robert as part of the team. Anyone can do the work we do, but it is rare to cross paths with those who have passion like Robert’s.”

As HBCU Buzz Inc. marks its 4th school year, the organization is proud to announce this transition in leadership. The team at HBCU Buzz is a family and we are happy to have one of our own fill this executive role. Robert has risen from a part-time writer to the executive board because of his contribution, skill, vision, and dedication and we look forward to having him in his new capacity.

NIH grant Awarded to Hampton University to Study Treatment for Infectious Diseases

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Dr. Chan in Zebrafish lab
Dr. Chan in Zebrafish lab

The Hampton University Department of Biological Sciences has been awarded a $900,000 grant from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to develop vascular protection against select pathogens.  

Under the leadership of HU associate professor, Dr. Joanne Chan, the goal of this grant to develop new, safe and effective treatments for several infectious diseases. This initiative seeks to stimulate innovation in the discovery of pathogens, including those that can be used as bioterror weapons.       

“I hypothesized that a number of pathogens target the cells lining our blood vessels, as an important site of attack,” said Chan.  “Therefore, I proposed that by improving blood vessel integrity and vascular resilience, an infected host may be able to survive a pathogen attack when a vascular integrity drug is used in combination with antibiotics or immunotherapies.”     

In the initial phase of this grant Chan was able to a support her theory using the zebrafish vascular a model of pathogen entry developed in her lab. Using this model, Chan and colleagues have published major reports to demonstrate that distinct pathogens generate unique effects on the vascular lining that can be blocked using specific inhibitors.    

“For these reasons, the NIH decided to fund the R33 phase of this project at the level of $900K over the next 3 years,” said Chan. “This will allow my lab to launch a number of chemical library screens and identify potential therapeutic compounds.  As a side benefit, the chemicals identified in my screen may also have specific functions in regulation of vascular function. These chemical drugs may also have additional usefulness in the treatment of cancer, cardiovascular disease and diabetes,all affecting the normal function of the blood vessels.”

Chan received her Ph.D. in molecular biology from the University of Toronto in 1995 and completed her postdoctoral training at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. She was recruited to the Boston Children’s Hospital and become an Assistant Professor at Harvard Medical School since 2004. She has recently joined HU to contribute to developing medically relevant translational research. Chan has been won multiple honors and prizes. She has also served as the Principal Investigator for 12 separate research projects, and has received millions of dollars in research funding from the NIH, DOD, pharmaceutical companies and foundations. 

Award Gala Raised Bethune-Cookman $2.53M

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galaOctober 14, 2014 – Daytona Beach, Florida – Bethune-Cookman University hosted nearly 500 guests at its annual Mary McLeod Bethune Awards Gala on Tonight at the Daytona International Speedway 500 Club (1801 W International Speedway Blvd, Daytona Beach, FL 32114).  The annual affair honored six awardees who have contributed to the livelihood of the community and the University.  In addition to the awards, B-CU raised nearly $2.5M for the university, including a surprise student donation of $1M.

Betty Jane France and Lesa Kennedy France received the Mary McLeod Bethune Leadership Award.  Betty Jane France, who is the widow of Nascar founder Bill France, is chairperson of the Nascar Foundation. Lesa Kennedy France, Bill France’s daughter, is the chief executive officer of International Speedway Corporation.

John and Lee Bryan received the Mary McLeod Bethune Philanthropy award. Lee Bryan, an alumna of Bethune-Cookman University, also served as a member of the Board of Trustees. The Bryans are longtime supporters of university programs and sponsor several scholarships.

Gloria A. Carr received the Mary McLeod Bethune Beacon of Light award. Carr, an alumna of B-CU, is a partner with the law firm Dean, Ringers, Morgan and Lawton. She focuses her practice on employment law, governmental entity defense, insurance disputes and civil rights law, among other areas.

In addition, there was a presentation of the Mary McLeod Bethune Living Legend award to Albert Bethune Jr., the grandson of Mrs. Bethune. The former faculty and staff under Mrs. Bethune was on attendance.

The awards gala was instituted by B-CU President Dr. Edison O. Jackson in 2013, during his inauguration. “We wanted a way to recognize people associated with the university and with the community who really make a difference,” Jackson said.

View the Mary McLeod Bethune Awards Gala Photo Gallery.

For more information, please contact Keisha Pickett-keisha@pickettpr.com.

Office of Communications

Beverly JamesDirector of COmmunicationsjamesb@cookman.eduPH: 386-481-2991
FX: 386-481-2973

 

Alabama State’s Senior, Edward Mosley Among the Nation’s Best Athletes

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13905841-mmmainDefensive End Edward Mosley values education and does a great job on the field recording sacks. He has recorded a total of 4 sacks and 19 tackles so far this season, and has been named one of the 167 finalists for the 2014 William V Campbell Trophy.

The Campbell trophy is presented to the nation’s top football scholar athlete in the country. This prestigious award has been won by the likes of Peyton Manning and Tim Tebow in the past.

According to the Montgomery Advertiser, Mosley is the only player from an historically black college or university (HBCU) program that has been named a finalist.

The award will be presented to 16 finalists on October 30th and includes an $18,000 scholarship towards an education after the season. The winner of the award will receive the trophy on December 9th at the 57th National Football Foundation annual awards dinner at New York City’s Waldorf Astoria.

“It is a tremendous honor. Before this year, I didn’t know that much about it but now that I was nominated for it and see how it is to even make it where I am, I realize it’s a tremendous accomplishment,” Mosley told the Montgomery Advertiser.

“I’m just glad all the work I’ve put in on and off the field is being recognized,” he said.

Alabama State’s Head Football Coach Reggie Barlow: “The kid comes here as a walk on, on academic scholarship, and really made his way. He’s worked with pure grit, found a way to be a starter for us and he’s an explosive guy. A lot of scouts that have been here have asked about him. He’s a guy that can give you 10 sacks or more in a season. He leads by example and he gets it. When you see him, he’s going to be dressed up a couple times a week going to class. He’s going to be a very successful man.”

 

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Dr. Phillips to Lead UDC’s Community College

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Dianna PhillipsWashington, DC – Dr. Elaine Crider, chairperson of the University of the District of Columbia Board of Trustees, has announced the appointment of Dr. Dianna G. Phillips as the new Chief Executive Officer of the University’s Community College, effective November 17th.   Currently, Phillips serves as the Executive Vice President for Educational Services at Brookdale Community College in Lincroft, New Jersey.  She replaces interim UDC Community College CEO, Dr. Calvin Woodland, who has led the school since August, 2012.

In making the announcement, Crider said that Dr. Phillips comes highly recommended with experience and credentials that are compatible with provisions of the University’s Vision 2020 strategic plan. She expressed confidence in the Board’s unanimous choice of Phillips to move the College forward.

“Under Dr. Woodland’s guidance, we’ve not only stayed the course, but have also forged an innovative plan to create a student-centered learning environment for the future,” she said.  “As we evaluated Dr. Phillips’ professional experience, it seemed apparent that she is ideally prepared to lead the Community College through implementation of Vision 2020 and beyond. Her resume is very impressive.”

At Brookdale, Phillips is the College’s second-in-command with responsibility over both academics and student services. There, she has worked closely with the deans, faculty and staff to create a five-year operational plan, which serves as the strategic framework for that College’s Educational Services Division.  She’s also been actively involved with recruitment, international education and laying the foundation for the implementation of new technologies at Brookdale, which serves a population of more than 14,000 students.

“Being selected to lead the UDC Community College is a phenomenal opportunity,” she says.  “I am profoundly honored and excited to be part of an institution that enables me to build upon my life’s work in promoting and supporting student success. I look forward to working with Dr. Lyons and his team in developing a comprehensive community college that prioritizes student needs and is grounded in preparation, exploration and service.”

Prior to her position at Brookdale, Dr. Phillips served as Dean of Technical Education at Monroe Community College in Rochester, New York, where she increased student enrollment by 35% and elevated participation in Dual Credit courses with regional high schools. During her tenure, the school’s Technical Education Division was awarded nearly $4.2M in competitive grant funding and she garnered approximately $320K in new scholarships for students.

Interim UDC President, Dr. James Lyons describes Phillips as a passionate educator and thoughtful administrator who understands what it takes to create a learning environment that fosters career-ready individuals.  Lyons says the University of the District of Columbia is fortunate to have such a talented professional.

“Dr. Phillips’ leadership qualities and broad experiences in academics, student services and workforce development will strengthen the University’s investment in educational programs and experiential learning opportunities that better prepare our graduates for the 21st century,” says Lyons. “Her proven track record is one that UDC can replicate and build upon as we move the Community College, our students, and the residents of the District of Columbia toward the future.”

Dr. Phillips earned a Ph.D. from the State University of New York at Buffalo, NY, in Social Foundation of Education with an emphasis on Higher Education Administration. She holds a M.S. from Buffalo State College; a B.B.A. from National University, San Diego, CA and an A.G.S. from Chaminade University, Honolulu, Hawaii. Additionally, Dr. Phillips is permanently certified as a School Business Administrator in New York State. Dr. Phillips served as Communications Specialist in the United States Navy on active duty for 14 years and was honorably discharged in 1990. She achieved the rank of Petty Officer First Class; held a top secret security clearance, and was awarded several medals and letters of commendation.

NCAT Student, 19-Year-Old Dorian Edwards Killed in a Party Shooting

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UnknownA 19-year-old Atlanta resident and student at North Carolina A&T State University, was shot and killed at a party early Sunday morning.

Dorian Tawan Edwards was killed during a fight among several individuals at the party in the 1400 block of Perkins Street in Greensboro, N.C., Greensboro police spokesman Lt. D. J. Davis said in an emailed statement.

A&T tweeted that Edwards was a freshman at the university, majoring in chemical engineering.

“#NCAT is sad to announce the death of Dorian Edwards (@RampageEdwards), 19, who died this morning. He was a freshman chem. engineering…,” the tweet said.

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to call Crime Stoppers at 336-373-1000.

Central State U. Becomes an 1890 Land-Grant Institution

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Central State University, the only public historically black college or university in the state of Ohio, is now an 1890 land-grant university. The designation of land-grant status allows Central State to apply for federal agriculture research funds and for construction funds.

“As the only alumna in history from Central State University to serve in Congress, I was honored to work with CBC Chairwoman Fudge and other colleagues to bring CSU across the finish line to join other HBCUs as an 1890 land grant university,” said Congresswoman Joyce Beatty.

“This will afford faculty and students an enriched opportunity to not only showcase its great Water Resources Management Program but to partner with Ohio’s other land grant university — The Ohio State University,” she said.

Central State University President Dr. Cynthia Jackson-Hammond also thanked Fudge and Congressman Mike Turner’s “tireless efforts” to lead the charge to this designation, saying “…we at the University are extremely grateful for his efforts.

Jackson-Hammond: “Sincere appreciation is extended to Congresswoman Marcia Fudge and her staff, whose efforts were pivotal in garnering support among members of Congress across the country. We are so proud of Congresswoman Joyce Beatty,” Jackson-Hammond said, “not only for her stellar representation as an alumna, but also because of her tenacity and leadership toward the uplift of all Ohio citizens.  Furthermore, Central State University, the Board of Trustees, faculty, staff and students are immensely grateful for Senator Sherrod Brown’s leadership, the perseverance and his dedication in support of CSU receiving land-grant status.”

Central State will not be eligible for federal land-grant funding until 2016. But school officials and supporters of the institution says that the designation is a “reversal of a generations-long injustice.”

Albany State Band to Perform at 2016 Rose Bowl Parade

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Drum major Thomas Lamb, of Albany State University dances during the Honda Battle of the Bands at the Georgia Dome in 2012.

Members of the award winning Albany State University Marching Band are excited about an invitation to participate in the 2016 Tournament of Roses Parade. The pride of Albany and Southwest Georgia will perform in the nationally televised event which takes place in Pasadena, Calif. on Jan. 1, 2016. It is a prelude to the college football playoff semifinal game that pits the nation’s top two ranking teams.

The criteria for selection are based on “excellent musicianship, strong performance skills, interesting entertainment value and outstanding directorship” according to Richard DeJesu, chairman of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses.

Read more at HBCULifestyle.com.

Frank Pogue Named Interim President of Cheyney University

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Dr. Frank Pogue, who retired in June as president of Grambling State University in Louisiana, was selected by the Board of Governors of Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education to serve as interim president of Cheyney University of Pennsylvania on Thursday, October 9th.

Dr. Pogue was president of Edinboro University of Pennsylvania for 11 years, from 1996 through 2007. He then served briefly as interim president of Chicago State University before taking over first as interim president of Grambling in December 2009, then as permanent president six months later.

He will assume the duties of interim president of Cheyney University Nov. 3. Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Phyllis Dawkins will continue in her dual role as the university’s acting president until then.

“Dr. Dawkins has provided immeasurable contributions as acting president and will continue to do so when she resumes her role as provost—guiding the next evolution of Cheyney’s academic enterprise,” said State System Chancellor Frank T. Brogan.

“We were extremely fortunate to find an interim president for Cheyney University who has more than 50 years of distinguished service in higher education, including nearly two decades as the president or interim president of four different institutions,” said Board of Governors Chairman Guido M. Pichini.

“Dr. Pogue knows the State System from the 11 years he served as president of Edinboro University,” Mr. Pichini continued. “He understands the unique challenges facing Historically Black Colleges and Universities from his recent leadership of Grambling State University. He will provide a strong, steady hand to lead Cheyney during this period of transition and has both the experience and the vision to move the university forward.”

Edinboro University experienced unprecedented growth and advancement in academic programs, graduate enrollment, campus facilities and fund raising during Dr. Pogue’s more than decade-long tenure as its president. The student center was renamed in his honor following his departure from the university.

“In Frank Pogue, Cheyney University will have a leader who throughout his career has always put students first. He will be a great addition to the leadership team at Cheyney,” said Mr. Brogan. “I look forward to his return to the State System and to working with him to help ensure a bright future for the university.”

“The selection of Dr. Pogue to serve as interim president of Cheyney University is great news for the institution,” said Council of Trustees Chairman Robert W. Bogle. “He is a proven, experienced leader who we already know. He has the demonstrated skills to lead an institution like Cheyney, and I am confident he will do an outstanding job for the university and our students.”

Dr. Pogue said he is looking forward “with great anticipation to joining Chancellor Brogan, Trustee Chair Bogle and the entire Cheyney family to continue a relationship that I have had with the university for many years.”

“Although I have not been formally employed by Cheyney, I have worked around the university for many years,” he said. “I am fully aware of the many academic success stories that are about the institution and I am also aware of some of its current challenges. I am going to use the experience that I have to build on the successes of Cheyney University and will work with everyone to prepare the university for new presidential leadership.”

“I look forward to working with Dr. Pogue,” Dr. Dawkins said. “He has extensive experience in higher education. Working together with the help of faculty, staff, students and alumni, I am confident we can move Cheyney University forward to new heights and carry on our rich legacy of educating and grooming future leaders.”

Prior to assuming the presidency of Edinboro University in 1996, Dr. Pogue, served as vice chancellor of student affairs and special programs in the State University of New York (SUNY) system. He previously was vice president of student affairs at SUNY-Albany and a senior medical research associate at Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tenn. He was founder and director of Afro-American Studies at Chatham College in Pittsburgh.

Dr. Frank Pogue earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology from Alabama State University, a Master of Arts degree in sociology from Atlanta University and a Doctor of Philosophy degree from the University of Pittsburgh.

This article originally appeared on HBCULifestyle.com.

Wilberforce University, Nation’s Oldest Private HBCU, Names New President

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Wilberforce University, the country’s oldest historically black college and university, recently named Algeania Warren Freeman as its new president. Freeman, who is known as a “great fundraiser with tremendous vision,” will arrive at the University in the coming weeks in hopes to turn the struggling institution around.

In a press release Mark Wilson, chairman of the Wilberforce board of trustees, said the board and supporters of the institution believes Freeman will be “the force for change” as Wilberforce attempts to reinvent itself moving forward to a new day.

“Dr. Freeman’s experience in institutional advancement and operations, as well as her success in academics and student support, made her the perfect candidate for president of our renowned university,” said Wilson.

Wilberforce could lose its accreditation due to low enrollment and deficits, according to reports.

Read more here

Tavis Smiley Brings Poverty Town Hall Tour to Shaw University

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Mezzanine_942Raleigh, NC (October 14, 2014) – On Friday, October 17, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. Shaw University, in partnership with the Tavis Smiley Foundation, will present “Ending Poverty: America’s Silent Spaces” a frank town hall discussion on poverty and how voter participation in free and fair elections is a path out of poverty. Media coverage is invited. Moderated by Mr. Smiley, the discussion will feature a panel of poverty and voting experts, including Larry D. Hall, North Carolina House of Representatives; Gene Nichol, Center on Poverty, Work and Opportunity at the University of North Carolina.; Irving Joyner, North Carolina Central University; Bob Hall, Democracy North Carolina and Jane Pinsky, North Carolina Coalition for Lobbying and Government Reform.

A special press event will be held prior to the start of the town hall at 6:00 p.m. Media interested in interviewing Mr. Smiley during the press event should RSVP to Kimberly McFarland at kmcfarland@tavistalks.com.

What: The Tavis Smiley Foundation, in conversation with a multidisciplinary panel of experts on poverty, discuss how voter participation in free and fair elections is a significant community-based solution toward a meaningful path out of poverty.

Who: Tavis Smiley Foundation and Shaw University

When: October 17, 2014 – 7:00 p.m. | Media event begins at 6:00 p.m.

Where: Shaw University| Estey Hall | 118 E. South St. Raleigh, NC 27601

Why: Make North Carolina the leading example for expanding economic opportunity and prosperity to its communities through civic engagement. The path to social change is rooted in our democratic process. To many, North Carolina is considered the epicenter of the fight for voting rights, and against voter suppression. We need for all social justice champions—those advocates of human, civil and political rights—to protect the right to vote.
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ENDING POVERTY: America’s Silent Spaces seeks to humanize and demystify polarizing issues in the media; move people to action; and introduce innovative ways to utilize journalism, media, social media and technology in engaging audiences in a public dialogue about our country’s economic insecurity and the real faces of poverty. Our mission is to create the public and political will to end poverty by empowering individuals to exercise their personal and political power for change. We plan to engage the media and one million people to become a part of the solution through donations, volunteering, job creation, improved health conditions and academic achievement. With everyone’s help, we believe that poverty in America can be reduced by 2018. www.endingpoverty.net

Shaw University was founded in 1865 and is the first historically black university in the South. Shaw is a private, co-educational liberal arts university that awards degrees at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. The primary mission of the University is to advance knowledge, facilitate student learning and achievement, to enhance the spiritual and ethical values of its students, and to transform a diverse community of learners into future global leaders. Learn more at www.shawu.edu.