FAMU’s Law School Hit with Discrimination, Unequal Pay Lawsuit by Female Professor

Jennifer Smith FAMU Law Referenced from TBO

Since it was reconstituted in 2000, Florida A&M University’s law school has struggled with image problems, including perceptions of academic quality and low bar exam-passage rates.

But the College of Law – based in downtown Orlando – bounced back in the last few years, finally receiving full accreditation from the American Bar Association, for example.

Now, a law professor is suing the school, alleging a variety of wrongs, such as discrimination, retaliation and salary inequalities.

Jennifer Smith, an associate professor hired in 2004, lodged her complaint in Leon County circuit court last Thursday. The suit was filed in Tallahassee because FAMU is headquartered here, the complaint says.

Smith accuses the university of eight violations of federal and state law on equal pay and gender discrimination, her suit says. She seeks unspecified damages, a promotion to full professor, attorney fees and other relief.

Her complaint says the law school “consistently hired men at considerably higher rates than women,” with male associate professors “paid considerably more” than females.

Smith says she was granted tenure in 2010, but has been repeatedly turned down for promotion to full professor ever since, starting that same year. READ FULL

VSU hires Westbrook as Sports Information & Marketing Director

gjenzug219c5126rThe Virginia State University Athletic Department announced the hiring of John Westbrook on Tuesday, August 5. Westbrook serves as Sports Information and Marketing Director.

Westbrook is involved with all aspects of the communications and media relations initiatives for the school’s 16 sports. He is responsible for developing and implementing season-long communication plans in concert with Virginia State’s overall strategic branding efforts.

“Virginia State University is fortunate to have Mr. Westbrook added to our athletic department staff,” Athletic Director Peggy Davis said. “His knowledge, skills and abilities within the Sports Information field and Marketing will be an asset to VSU and our many student-athletes.”

Westbrook came to Virginia State after serving as Assistant Manager of Media Relations at Jackson State University since 2013. He served as the primary media relations contact for volleyball, women’s basketball, softball, and men’s and women’s tennis and assisted with soccer and football. He also contributed to the editorial direction of Jackson State’s social and new media platforms.

Westbrook served as Sports Information Staff Assistant at Alabama State University from 2011-13 and assisted with the administration and operations for a number of the Southwestern Athletic Conference’s Championships.

Westbrook is a member of the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) and a member of Joshua Lodge #774 Masonic Temple.

Westbrook is a Houston, Miss., native and a 2010 graduate of Jackson State, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business marketing and served as student assistant for sports information.

Tuskegee Students Start Petition to Bring Home Colleagues from Monrovia, Liberia

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Bring home the Tuskegee University missionaries from Monrovia, Liberia

Tuskegee Students
Petition by
Tuskegee Students
Florissant, MO

This petition has been written from the concerns of the Tuskegee Students. As of August 5th, British Airways has officially cancelled all flights flying to and from Liberia until August 31st. There are 6 Tuskegee University students stranded in Monrovia, Liberia that need to be brought home. Amongst them are graduating seniors and scholars. The extremely deadly Ebola outbreak is presently occurring in Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia. This set back has hindered their studies towards their missionary work, which is the primary purpose of their trip. Forcing these students to stay any longer than necessary is putting them all at risk and is unconstitutional. Help pass this petition so that they may safely return home to their families. PLAN OF ACTION: All Tuskegee students be sure to tweet the US Embassy, British Airways, and TU Alumni with power(Tom Joyner, etc.) to notify them of the current situation and this petition. Please hashtag #SkegeeInLiberia.

Find the Petition at SIGN PETITION

Savannah State Sued by Women Over Rapes on Campus

scales empty courtroom

 

Two students are suing Savannah State University, arguing lax security at the school enabled an assailant to rape them on campus last fall.

The Savannah Morning News reports (http://bit.ly/1m9Te38 ) attorneys filed separate lawsuits on behalf of the two women Friday in Chatham County State Court. Both women reported to police they were robbed and raped at gunpoint in their campus housing last Dec. 5. A suspect, 38-year-old Torrey Scott, has been charged with rape and is awaiting trial.

The lawsuits say the women’s attacker was captured on surveillance video climbing a fence and loitering in a parking lot outside the victims’ apartment for more than 15 minutes before he went inside.

University spokeswoman Loretta Heyward declined to comment. The women are seeking at least $4 million in damages apiece. Referenced from Online Athens

KSU Interim President Gives up $90,000 to Boost Paychecks of Lowest-Paid Workers

o-KENTUCKY-STATE-UNIVERSITY-facebookReported at University Herald

The Kentucky State University Board of Regents approved Raymond Burse’s request to hand him a pay-cut.

The interim president has decided to allocate the difference amount to increase the salary of 24 “minimum wage” employees. Burse said that some of the employees were just earning as little as $7.25 an hour, the federal minimum wage, wbko reports.

As a result, Burse will receive $259,744 annually instead of $349,869, while the employee’s wages will be raised to $10.25 an hour.

Burse said the move is to ensure that university workers are made aware that school’s board and president “care about them and want to do the very best by them.”

“This is not a publicity stunt,” Burse said. “You don’t give up $90,000 for publicity. I did this for the people,” Lexington Herald-Leader reports. “I was in a position where I could do that.” READ FULL

 

 

2014 TOP FIVE HBCU DJS

DJ Bruce Bruce – Univ Arkansas at Pine Bluff 

djbrucebruceBruce Jones, also known as DJ Bruce Bruce, is a native of Pine Bluff, AR. He has always had a drive & passion for music. At a young age, he knew that he wanted to do music but in his own way. Bruce began his music career in middle school, where learned to play the alto saxophone.  As Bruce progressed through the marching band, he also learned to play the mellophone and the basics of music theory. At the age of 14, Bruce started dj’n his very own parties, as well as many other local events. A family member of his who basically taught him the ropes and allowed him to work as his assistant introduced him to dj’n. As Bruce progressed through his DJ career, he created his own entertainment company known as Krystal Klear Entertainment. While upholding his own company, Bruce has dominated numerous cities, colleges, & events in central Arkansas. He is widely known as one of the best, the youngest, and the most creative DJs in the state of Arkansas. Bruce has maintained a full-time education alongside taking over the music business.

At the age of 24, Bruce graduated from The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff resulting in a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science. As well as being a DJ, Bruce is also a graphic designer. He partakes in photography and videography also.  DJ Bruce Bruce can be thought of as a “One Stop Shop”.  He has overcome all odds, raised above adversity, and still came out on top year after years. Bruce Jones is more than just a DJ. He is a leader, a scholar, and a businessman with a plan.

 

DJ Camouflage – Hampton University

mCBPLD_1-1DJ Camouflage is a 20 year old native of Louisville, Kentucky and a current student at Hampton University. DJing since the age of 15, Camo is currently one of the hottest up and coming college DJs in the country. Having hosted numerous mixshows on Louisville’s WWPW 104.3 The Beat -as well as mixes syndicated on countless other radio stations across the country- at a very young age he has already began to flourish in this industry. Camo is undoubtedly the biggest Student DJ at Hampton University and DJs many major events on campus.

In Kentucky, he is well known as a seasoned party rocker with a reputation of crowd surfing and making audiences go insane. It is a notorious notion that when partying with DJ Camouflage, Every Night Is EPIC. He has opened for various major artists such as Migos, Lil Durk, Young Dolph, Travis Porter, Dorrough, Asher Roth, International Popstar Havanna Brown, and more. During his career, Camo has performed in several cities including Washigton D.C. , Chicago, Cincinnati, Indianapolis, St. Louis, Richmond, Virginia Beach and more. He has toured opening with electro-pop group Timeflies. DJ Camouflage continues to build his brand through Livemixtapes.com, & it’s affiliate Clubtapes.com with his mixtape series Campus Takeover, Dubtape, and Every Night Is EPIC. They have collectively received hundreds of thousands of downloads and their reviews definitely speak for themselves. Not only is this DJ considered Camouflage because of his flawless blends, but because his versatile music background of Hip-Hop, Top 40, House, and EDM genres allow him to rock any crowd. You can catch DJ Camouflage spinning anywhere from the hottest clubs in Virginia Beach, to the biggest raves and concerts in Kentucky, or at college campuses across the country. For more on DJ Camouflage, Follow him on Twitter @djcamouflage, Instagram @djcamouflage502, & online at www.djcamouflage.net.

DJ LR – Howard University 

yEBtCtqb-1DJ LR, battle/club/mixtape disc jockey who graduated from Howard University in 2014. As a instrumentalist throughout her life, LR picked up a set of turntables in 2010 as a freshman. She is known for playing exactly what you want to hear, for the past couple of years she has DJ’d at most of the major events at Howard University such as Howard Homecoming, Bison Ball, Cafe Nights and Drink Olympics and she was also on the club scenes as well. As a former manager and DJ at WHBC 96.3HD3, she has much experience on and off air. Being featured on mixtapes such as Twerk Tape 4, and having her own mixtapes such as the kickback series and Throwbacks and Airforces, her music catalog is very impressive. She has been cal to DJ shows for Tyrese, Trina, Migos, Ra the MC, and many more. She is not only a female DJ but she is a female DJ that the fellas and the community respect.

DJ Freeez – Bowie State University 

HQ5A5078-510x765A Somerset, New Jersey native, I’m 22 and I attend Bowie State University! I host my own radio show on the campus that covers media and entertainment, but my real passion is within DJing since I was 16 years old! I have an ecliptic selection that will never leave a venue dry. I’ve built my skill around execution, music selection, and crowd control/interaction. When I came to college I had a goal to raise the school spirit, and bring the campus energy level through the roof! With that in mind, I’ve been told by administration that I’ve become the most impactful DJ in the history of my school; I’ve also been recognized as a student leader in past years. I’ve performed at the top clubs in DC, while still performing events on my campus, and nearby campuses including University of Maryland, Howard University, Morgan State University, John Hopkins University, and George Washington University. New Jersey campuses include Rutgers University, Kean University, William Paterson University, and Montclair University. I love music, and I love colleges! Please take the time out to tune into my Soundcloud and hopefully you become a supporter. Keep good music alive *fist*

DJ D-Izzy – Norfolk State University

IMG_2855-L“What’s Good World! I go by the name of DJ D-Izzy #ThePremierPartyRocker.  I’m 23 years old, from “C-Port” Savannah, Georgia and I’ve been spinning records since I was 11 years old.  I study Mass Communications/Music Media at THE NORFOLK STATE UNIVERSITY!!

Since becoming a DJ, I’ve had the opportunity to work with some of the biggest entertainers and artist such as Juicy J, Bow Wow, Fabolous, August Alsina, Pusha T, Karlie Redd and Erica Dixon from LHHATL, Trinidad James, Migos, Dipset, Teyana Taylor, Shy Glizzy, K Camp, and Author Rob Hill Sr. NFL/NBA star players like Kam Chancellor, Randy Moss, Mike Scott, Laroy Reynolds, Kyle O’Quinn and Kent Bazemore I’ve also collaborated with.  In 2013, I was invited and appeared multiple times on BET’s 106 and Park in New York as the guest DJ. I also have had the opportunity to DJ for various HBCU’s including Albany State, Hampton University, South Carolina State, Savannah State, Fort Valley State, and Virginia State to name a few. Some cities that I have DJ’d in include Atlanta, Las Vegas, New York City, Richmond, VA, Charlotte, NC, Orangeburg, SC, Charleston, West Virginia, and Panama City, FL just to name a few.

Outside of being a DJ, it is important to me that I’m involved in the community.  I am a member of “The League of Extraordinary Men” which is an organization that encourages brotherhood through community service projects and I’m also a member of NBS (National Broadcast Society).  

[polldaddy poll=8226357]

Alumni of Oldest Historically Black Private University in US Fight to Help Ohio School Survive

FILE - In this Sept. 9, 2010 file photo, students at Wilberforce University walk across campus in Wilberforce, Ohio. The historically black school founded in 1856 could lose accreditation. Alumni of the country's oldest historically black private university are committing money and other support to help the southwestern Ohio school fight to survive amid possible accreditation loss, financial deficits and low enrollment. Photo: Lisa Powell, AP / The Dayton Daily News

CINCINNATI (AP) — Alumni of the country’s oldest historically black private university are committing money and other support to help their alma mater’s fight for survival amid the risk of accreditation loss and financial deficits and low enrollment.

The alumni association of southwestern Ohio’s Wilberforce University, founded in 1856, says graduates have committed to raise $2 million in cash donations, including $400,000 pledged at last weekend’s alumni conference. The university has already received $200,000 of that, alumni and university officials said Wednesday. The university also says it has a strategy for upcoming changes, including realigning Wilberforce’s board, modifying facilities and academics, revising financial procedures and finding a president to move the school forward.

Talbert Grooms, president of Wilberforce’s alumni association, said in a statement that alumni believe change is a “critical part of staying relevant.”

Last month, the Higher Learning Commission issued a “show-cause” order, which stressed serious financial issues, lack of leadership and a deteriorating campus among other problems at the school. It requires Wilberforce to show why the commission shouldn’t withdraw its accreditation.

That loss would be a major blow. It could result in lack of eligibility for federal financial aid for the estimated 80 to 90 percent of Wilberforce students receiving such assistance and cause problems with transferring credits. Wilberforce must respond by Dec. 15 and schedule a commission team visit to the campus by Feb. 9.

Interim President Wilma Mishoe has said Wilberforce is committed to complying with the commission’s accreditation standards.

But Richard Deering, president of the Wilberforce Faculty Association, says deteriorating dormitories, declining enrollment and accelerating debt over several years are huge obstacles.

“It’s not a matter of being pessimistic or optimistic,” said Deering, who has taught at Wilberforce since 1968. “It’s the facts on the ground, that Wilberforce — for whatever reason — lost its way.”

Read more here

Spelman Raises Record $157.8 Million for Academic Initiatives and Campus Facilities

Spelman College announced it has exceeded its monetary goal for its 10-year campaign fundraiser, raising a record $157.8 million.

With 71% of alumnae making a donation to the campaign, the all-female HBCU raised the largest amount of money in the institution’s history, creating support for scholarships, academic initiatives, and campus renewal.

“When we launched the campaign, we were focused on strengthening the institution’s healthy foundation through increased scholarship support for students, strategic investment in our faculty and academic programs, and capital improvements on our campus. It is very gratifying to have met all of these objectives while exceeding our campaign goal,” President Beverly Daniel Tatum says in a press release.

With the campaign coming to a successful close, Tatum has announced her plan to retire on June 30, 2015 after serving the university for 12 years.

“As the campaign closes and I prepare to enter a new decade in my life, it presents a natural time for transition,” says Tatum, who adds that she will get back to writing as she’s also a well-known author.

With reports swirling the Internet about the financial crisis that HBCUs are currently facing, it’s good to hear news about an institution that seems to be flourishing.

This article originally appeared on BlackEnterprise.com.

Coach Cedric Pearl and the Marauders Football Program Received a $10,000 Donation

Wilberforce, Ohio – Troy L. Garner, pastor at Fellowship of Faith Church in Huntsville, Ala. has donated $10,000 to the Central State University Marauders Football program.

“We love and believe in Coach Pearl, and we want to sow into Coach Pearl and the Central State University Football Program because we want him to be successful. There is an old biblical principle that says, “You can’t beat God’s giving. The more you give the more he gives back to you. God sends blessings to whom he can send blessings through.”

Coach Cedric Pearl, head football coach for the Central State University Marauders football team said, “We would like to thank Pastor Troy and the Fellowship of Faith Baptist Church.  The funds will be used to enhance the team locker room and to purchase new equipment.”

Before coming to Central State, Coach Pearl served as interim head football coach, the offensive coordinator and offensive line coach for the Alabama A&M University Bulldogs in Huntsville, Ala.  Coach Peal has also worked with his alma mater, the Tuskegee University Tigers, in Tuskegee, Ala., at the onset of his career, and spent time at Morris Brown and Morehouse Colleges in Atlanta, Ga.

Coach Pearl received his undergraduate degree in social work and his graduate degree in counseling and student development from Tuskegee University in Tuskegee, Ala.

Central State University press release 

The ‘Leading Ladies’ of ECSU

Elizabeth City State University interim Chancellor Charles Becton congratulates the

Last May Elizabeth City State University recognized some of its oldest living aluma, women who have seen a great deal of change since their early days at the historically black institute of higher learning.

Erma Roberts will agree, things have certainly changed since she was in college.

She started at Elizabeth City State Normal School in 1936 and received her BS in education from Elizabeth City State Teachers College in 1940.

“It was something I always wanted to do,” she said. “I enjoyed learning new things.”

Jean Bischoff, university archivist at Elizabeth City State University, shared a document that states the tuition and fees for a student of that time.

Boarding was just $14 a month, an expense these days seems minor, but in the 1930s, was quite costly. Many girls that lived outside of town boarded with family members closer in, Bischoff said. Quarterly fees for fuel, tuition, lights and room rent added up to $14 per person. Other fees included monthly laundry — $1.25 for a woman and $1.50 for a man.

After graduating from Elizabeth City State Normal School, Roberts taught grades one, two and three for 34 years, starting in 1940, “when schools were not integrated,” she said. “When they became integrated I went back to school to become a teacher of special children.”

Roberts studied Special Education at East Carolina University, and took graduate classes at Syracuse University.

“I enjoyed teaching very much,” she said. “I enjoyed every minute of it. I’ve done what I wanted to do, the things I’ve enjoyed. The joy comes out if you enjoy what you’re doing.”

Read more here

Wiley College Wins Poll for Best Choir

Congratulations are in order to Director Steven Hayes and the Wiley College a cappella choir after the group won the Tom Joyner Foundation website poll for best Historically Black College or University (HBCU) choir.

Wiley won the poll with 52 percent, or 63,840 of the votes.

“We are delighted that we won the poll and we are thankful to all who voted. That so many voted for Wiley is indicative of the fact that this choir’s music truly touches the heart of many in our campus and global family,” said Tammy Taylor, public relations coordinator for Wiley College.

The other schools involved in the poll include : Oakwood University, Dillard University, Norfolk State University, Howard University, Fisk University, Benedict College, Huston-Tilloston University and Hampton University.

A total of 122,816 votes were cast.

Though they weren’t awarded a prize, the choir does get bragging rights and was happy to be included in the poll.

“The students in our choir are happy about the outcome of the poll,” Taylor said. “Their mission is to tell the story of God’s love for all people through their music. They have an impact on everyone who hears them perform and winning the poll provides the opportunity to have an even greater impact as more people will get out to hear them sing and support this ministry.”

This article originally appeared on MarshallNewsMessenger.com

MEAC Coaches Looking to Each Other for Funding Ideas

While the topic here for the next day will be all about football, some of the coaches who are attending the MEAC football kickoff spoke openly Thursday about one of their biggest challenges – raising money for their programs.

They might find themselves talking more on the subject today when coaches and players meet the reporters at the Waterside Marriott.

Fund-raising has become one of the most pressing issues for many HBCU programs, as many of them operate in a financial deficit. At FAMU, the shortfall has skyrocketed to $7 million. Some of the other 10 schools with football programs in the conference aren’t too far behind.

Coaches say they often bounce ideas off each other in an effort to find a fund-raising concept that works.

“You have to,” said FAMU’s head coach Earl Holmes. “Not saying that your way is the wrong way, but you to get some feedback from other coaches that might work.

“When you can get any kind of idea on raising funds, at the end of the day, it is what it is. You’re raising funds. You try different methods to see how it works.”

Read more here

Two CSU Marauders Selected for 2014 Pre-Season All-SIAC Football Team

WILBERFORCE, OHIO – CSU Marauders Zach Thomas, #85, and Justin Woods-West, #57, were both named to the 2014 Pre-Season All-Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference football team during the 2014 SIAC Football Media Day and Luncheon held in Atlanta, Ga., recently.

Thomas, an accounting major from Columbus, Ohio, had 28 receptions for 300 yards last year.

Woods-West, a criminal justice major from Detroit, Mich., had 42 total tackles, 31 unassisted tackles, 12,5 tackles for loss, five quarterback sacks and four passes defended last year.

“Congratulations to Zach Thomas and Justin Woods-West for being selected to the 2014 Pre-Season All-Southern Intercollegiate Football Team,” said CSU Marauders Head Football Coach Cedric Pearl. “Zach was selected to the Second Team Offense as a tight end.  Justin Woods-West was selected to the Second Team Defense as defensive end.

“I am proud of Zach and Justin for being recognized for their talents.  We appreciate the Conference for recognizing the hard work these young men have displayed on the field.  I look forward to the continued success in 2014,” he said.

Central State University press release

Higher Learning Event in the DC Metropolitan Area

Washington, DC, July 17, 2014- The creators of The High Society, Royal Court and Avi8ted Thoughts have united for a night of innovation and celebration known as Higher Learning. This exclusive event will take place on Saturday, August 2nd, 2014 at the Blind Whino at 700 Delaware Ave SW, Washington, DC. Providing all spectrums of arts and music under one roof, the event will commence at 4pm following live performances and closing remarks from 7-10pm.

Higher Learning will showcase talent within the realm of arts by providing a plethora of musical performances, interaction with live painters, displays of vendors artwork as well as designer pieces and photographers. Featured painters and artists will also cater to the artistically driven attendees with their participation in a graffiti/signature wall and backdrop photo booth throughout the affair for their enjoyment.

With live music and complementary catering services provided by the Tender Rib, this event will also house media coverage from The Washington Times, blogger PatIsDope, HipHopSince1987.com, HBCUBuzz, The MRGN and many others.

The collaborates of Higher Learning executed this event to benefit the DC Metropolitan area and its youth to allow young professionals and college students the opportunity to explore and indulge in arts from all angels and demeanor. James Hobbs, Co Founder of The High Society expresses, “Our goal is to create an event that is eclectic to all beings by combining all elements of urban culture and embodying then into one; Higher Learning.”

“ Exposing guests whose allurements exude through the sounds of new music, artwork and people allows them to learn about and embrace different movements and cultures. With the potential to grow and expand each year, we want to turn this into an annual event”, Hobbs closes.

We invite and encourage all adults within the Hampton Roads, Baltimore and Philadelphia area to share the moment of artistic satisfaction and enjoyment by attending Higher Learning.

Tickets are available at www.HigherLearningDC.com

For more information contact HigherLearningDC@gmail.com and follow @HigherLearningDC on Instagram and @HLDC2014 on Twitter.

Dr. Wayne A.I. Frederick Named 17th President of Howard University

Headshot17thPresidentofHowardUniversity.fwFrom Howard University

(July 22, 2014)—The Howard University Board of Trustees accepted the unanimous recommendation of the Presidential Search Committee and voted to appoint Wayne A. I. Frederick, M.D., MBA, FACS, as the University’s 17th President during a meeting on Monday evening.

The Presidential Search Committee, chaired by Vernon E. Jordan, Jr., was comprised of all of the University’s stakeholder groups: students, represented by the president of the Howard University Student Association; alumni, represented by the president of the Howard University Alumni Association; faculty, represented by two Faculty Senate appointees; and a representative of the Howard University Staff Organization. The Committee included 15 alumni, nine trustees, including two trustees emeriti, five academicians, the Attorney General of California, a Vice President of the Lumina Foundation, and the Mayor of Atlanta.

“Selecting a university president is one of the most critical decisions a Board of Trustees is entrusted to make, and Dr. Frederick’s selection is the result of an extraordinarily thorough and thoughtful process,” Jordan said. “After conducting an exhaustive national search, we identified a finalist pool, comprised of both internal and external candidates. From this stellar group, Dr. Frederick stood out as supremely qualified, remarkably motivated, and uniquely suited to lead Howard University.”

Board Chairman Stacey J. Mobley said, “We conducted an inclusive national search and are excited to name Dr. Frederick as the next president of Howard University. He brings insight, energy, and the requisite vision to advance the Capstone through collaboration and engagement.”

Frederick has served as the University’s interim president since October 2013. A respected scholar, surgeon, researcher and administrator, he previously served as Howard’s Provost and Chief Academic Officer, charged with oversight of Howard’s 13 schools and colleges, as well as its health sciences enterprise.

“I am deeply honored to be selected by the Board of Trustees to lead this great University,” Frederick said. “Howard University has been an unparalleled catalyst since its founding, opening doors and expanding opportunity for untold individuals while driving research, innovation, service, and excellence. On the cusp of our 150th anniversary, I could not be more humbled to accept the mantle of leadership and embrace the sacred trust of our motto, Truth and Service.”

Frederick enrolled at Howard University as a 16-year-old from Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, to pursue his dream of becoming a physician. He earned a dual B.S./M.D. degree program at 22, and went on to enter a surgical residency at Howard University Hospital. He completed a post-doctoral research fellowship and a surgical oncology fellowship at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and earned a Master of Business Administration degree from Howard’s School of Business.

The Search Committee’s process was designed to be inclusive and transparent. It included a strategic institutional overview of Howard’s operational, organizational, competitive, and environmental challenges and opportunities. The overview served to inform the development of search criteria to match the needs of the University. The Search Committee also implemented an extensive engagement process with the Board’s Transition Committee. This engagement process included an online survey of all key stakeholders, seven on-campus forums, 16 alumni forums in various metropolitan areas across the country, and eight affinity group webinars. Insights gained from these outreach activities also guided the Search Committee’s evaluation of the candidates.

Jordan added, “I thank the members of the Search Committee for their tireless work, as well as members of the community who participated in stakeholder forums, webinars, and survey. This level of engagement is critical to advancing our University.”

Members of the Search Committee also expressed their support for the process.

Mercedes Vidal Tibbits, Ph.D. — Undergraduate Faculty Representative, Howard University Faculty Senate.

“As Faculty Senate representatives on the Presidential Search Committee, we participated in a comprehensive search process. Our voices were heard and our views shared. I was very satisfied with the depth and breadth of the search and the commitment to faculty engagement.”

James K. Pleasant — Director, Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing Services, Department of Physical Facilities Management, Howard University

“Having participated in the presidential search process, I am fully confident that the decision we made will pay dividends to Howard University for many years into the future under the dynamic leadership of Dr. Wayne Frederick.”

Dominique Perkins — President of the Howard University Student Association

“The search process was very thorough and transparent. I was humbled to be the undergraduate student representative. Along with the graduate student representative, we were able to advance student priorities and needs to all the candidates. I am excited about Dr. Frederick’s leadership.”

Kelechi C. Anyanwu — President of the Howard University Graduate Student Assembly and third-year doctoral student in the Counseling Psychology Program

“Dr. Wayne A.I. Frederick is an outstanding leader who exemplifies the characteristics, leadership qualities, experience, and connections needed to take Howard University to the next level of academic excellence.”

Chris Washington — President of the Howard University Alumni Association

“It was a great honor to be a member of the Presidential Search Committee. A new president represents a new era for Howard. I am happy and confident that our process was extensive and complete. I am in total support of our choice of Dr. Wayne A.I. Frederick as the 17th President of Howard and look forward to continuing our alumni engagement as we strive to achieve the mission and goals of the University.”​

Wilberforce U. Announces New President

Wilberforce University, the nation’s oldest private black college and the first college to be owned and operated by African Americans, has selected a new president. The new and 20th president of Wilberforce, which will be announced this coming Saturday at an alumni gathering in Memphis, was picked from two other potential candidates for the job by the university board of trustees over the weekend.

He or she will face a lot of adversity right away coming into the job. Reports say the storied 158-year-old college is now in danger of losing its accreditation and access to federal financial aid for its students:

“We are in such a deep hole, I don’t see how we can get out of it,” said economics professor Richard Deering to Diverse.

This story is still developing