FAMU Board Approves $425,000-a-year Contract for Elmira Mangum

New FAMU president has N.C. ties

In a unanimous vote the Florida A&M University Board of Trustees finally approved the contract of new president Elmira Mangum.

Division on the contract extended the third meeting of negotiations to two-and-a-half hours as several trustees raised questions about perks included in Mangum’s $425,000-a-year contract, and a majority of trustees voted down proposed contract changes, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Magnum, the school’s first ever female president, base salary is $84,000 more than what FAMU paid former president James Ammons.

‘I Love Howard’ Campaign: A Fundraising Valentine From Alumni

At a time when many historically black colleges and universities are facing economic challenges, thanks in large part to slashed federal appropriations and decreased availability of financial aid, Howard University alumni have chosen Valentine’s Day to launch a fundraising initiative that rejects the panic about scarcity and the alumni-giving guilt trips that have accompanied recent headlines about their alma mater. They’re focusing, instead, on harnessing one thing they say graduates have always had in abundance: love.

The I Love Howard campaign, a grassroots effort by three alumni of the Washington, D.C., school, has an initial goal of raising $20,000 for Howard’s endowment. The campaign, which will merge an appeal for giving through its newly launched website with alumni-hosted fundraisers and a social media campaign, was announced today.

Campaign chair Michelle Janaye, a 2007 Howard graduate, said she hopes to raise the full amount by October of this year, handing a check to university officials during the school’s annual fall homecoming celebration, and to then set higher goals for additional giving.

“With few exceptions, I’ve never seen an alumni community cherish, represent and promote their school as much as Howard University graduates do. So our thinking is that if you love something, you will invest in it. The campaign is about putting your money where your love is,” she said.

HBCU expert Mary Beth Gasman, professor of higher education in the Graduate School of Education at the University of Pennsylvania and director of the Penn Center for Minority Institutions, told The Root last year that HBCUs in general fall short when it comes to translating school pride to donation checks, and could do a much better job soliciting contributions from alumni. That, says Janaye, is where I Love Howard plans to step in, addressing what she calls the “anemic tide of giving among HBCU graduates” by combining requests for dollars with a social media-friendly, nostalgia- and pride-inspiring component.

“HBCU pride doesn’t pay HBCU bills,” she said. “So we want your money. But we also want your stories. Send in videos. Use the hashtag. Tell us why you love Howard. Host a fundraiser. Host an event.”

Most HBCUs have struggled in recent years in the face of new restrictions on the federal loans on which many students depend, combined with decreased federal appropriations. But Howard also saw a president abruptly resign and suffered a downgrade of its credit rating by Moody’s Investors Service. It also recently announced that it would cut about 200 staff positions.

And especially since a trustee threatened in a June 2013 letter that the school “could not be here in three years” if crucial decisions weren’t made, officialsdespite their assertions that demand is at an all-time high, that the freshman class has the highest GPA in the school’s history and that the school has a positive operating balancehave struggled to redirect public perceptions about the university’s outlook.

“I absolutely think we change the headlines with this campaign,” Janaye said. “No one envisions Howard closing in three years or 300 years, so that’s not even what we’re focusing on. Instead, we want to galvanize not only the Howard alumni community but HBCUs across the country, informing them about what the needs are and inspiring them to raise money for those needs.” Continue reading

Tuskegee Appoints Dr. David McKenzie to Lead its Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital

Tuskegee University Dean Tsegay Habtemariam, of the College of Veterinary Medicine, Nursing and Allied Health, recently announced the appointment of David McKenzie, DVM, MS, as the new director of the Tuskegee University Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital (VMTH). An alumnus of the university, he is also an associate professor of large animal medicine and surgery in the clinical sciences department.

“I am passionate about teaching, advising and mentoring students and I am honored to serve as the new director of the VMTH,” McKenzie said. “I hope to help continue to move the teaching hospital forward to make sure our students are well trained to compete globally upon their completion of the veterinary medical curriculum here at Tuskegee University.”

McKenzie accepts the position nearly a year into construction of the new Tuskegee University Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital. The 150,000-square-foot complex will contain space for clinical care for large and small animals, offices, and teaching facilities, as well as areas for surgery, radiology, anesthesiology, medical records and pharmacy. The approximately $41 million facility, which will replace existing clinical and teaching spaces, is planned for completion by the end of 2015.

Originally from Kingston, Jamaica, McKenzie earned his veterinary degree in 1990 and his masters in veterinary science in 1996. McKenzie has also earned a master’s degree in public health specializing in epidemiology/international health from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) in 2004 and a doctorate degree in health education also from UAB in 2012. He is board certified in large animal internal medicine from the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine. Read More

Regina Hall and Kevin Hart Visits Howard University, Talks “About Last Night”

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On Thursday February 6th, as early as 12 PM, students formed a line that wrapped around Howard University’s Ira Aldridge Theater and crossed the yard to the entrance of Douglass Hall. Comedian Kevin Hart and actress Regina Hall visited campus, promoting their new film “About Last Night,” which releases Feb. 14th.

The event was moderated by Kamaron Leach, who asked the stars questions ranging from how awkward sex scenes were, to what they felt about one night stands. Both stars were enthusiastic, sharing descriptions of the roles they played in the movie.

“I got to play someone different for a change, I got to play a grown man on camera,” said Kevin Hart when describing his role as Bernie in the film.

“It was the first time I get a scene with a woman in a movie, and I get to be intimate and have emotions and go through turmoil. I’m excited about it.”

Regina Hall also described her character Joan.

“She’s a dentist– today’s independent, lil’ sexy, passionate woman,” she said.

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Other questions answered by Kevin Hart..

I can imagine your character was a lot of fun to play; this unfiltered, loud-mouthed salesman. What was the biggest challenge for you in playing Bernie….?

Kevin Hart: There was a certain vulgar sense to this character, from his sexual practices, language and aggressive personality, that was different for me, but the fun comes in making this guy likeable despite all that (laughs). He does a lot of crazy stuff and is a bit of a mess, but you root for this guy and the changes he makes as the story develops are amazing. He’s respectful and aggressive, but at the same time you root for this guy. The changes that he makes in is personal life as this story goes on, they’re amazing. He takes a direction that “normal men” may not feel they’ll take, but I feel like so many men will actually be able to relate to my take on this particular character, and that’s what made it fun for me.

And then you’ve got Regina Hall playing her wild, unfiltered and outspoken character. As someone who’s known her for a long time, what was that experience like acting opposite her playing Joan?

Kevin Hart: Joan is Regina (laughs). Here’s the truth, and I’ve known her a long time – that’s the real Regina… don’t let her see this interview (laughs). Loud, doesn’t respect her man, says whatever she wants, puts her man down when she should put him up, truth is, Regina is just the worst thing walking (laughs)! But at the end of the day, just like Joan, her loyalty is what makes her character amazing and when she says she’s going to ride with you, she’ll be there. She’s battle for you and be there for you and love you, through everything. But Regina’s not acting in this film, she’s crazy (laughs). I’ve known Regina for a long time and that’s Regina (laughs).

Bernie and Joan relationship is kind of all over the place and a little inappropriate (laughs). Their relationship is outlandish and vulgar and sexual. But at the same time we find a median in this love-hate relationship that we have. I think we find that because in dealing with Danny and Debbie as friends, watching them go through what they go through – which is a completely different direction in their relationship, in that they gain love early and what appears to be bliss on the outside…. wasn’t on the inside. Their failure at a point became our gain, in a strange way, lesson wise – seeing them decline the way they did, because they went about it by being “the perfect couple”. Us, being imperfect, helped us find love and get to the point of security within ourselves and our relationship. But there’s ups and downs in both, which is what happens in all relationships.

Eight HBCU Students Featured on The Root’s 2014 Young Futurists

HBCU Buzz – “Homeless to Howard” teen James Ward, a 19-year-old Los Angeles native who launched an online crowdsourcing campaign in 2013 to support his dream to attend historically black Howard University, is one of eight HBCU students featured on The Root’s 2014 Young Futurists list that celebrates young African-American men and women who are forging a path to future greatness.

Failure is never an option for these students.

Take Stephen A. Green, president of the Morehouse College NAACP chapter and a campus leader. Green missed several classes in 2012 to protest the investigation of the Trayvon Martin shooting and has worked “tirelessly” to bring awareness to issues that impact the black community, according to The Root.

Or University of the District Columbia student Brianna Patterson, who is a “bridge of hope for kids who are struggling”:  “We are the examples of those kids who come from single-parent homes, who come from schools that were in terrible areas, but they’ve managed to come through and overcome those situations and circumstance to become leaders and future elected officials,” Patterson told The Root. “Empower the community, empower the youth.”

Each year during Black History Month, The Root recognizes and celebrates students like Ward, Green and Patterson, “Young Futurists” who have already distinguished themselves in fields including social activism and justice, enterprise and corporate innovation, science and technology, green innovation and arts and culture.

“With these emerging leaders, our future is in good hands,” said Lyne Pitts, The Root’s managing editor.

See the full list, watch the video profiles and read about the accomplishments here

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dB3p6DJ035g&feature=player_embedded

Hampton University President Harvey Giving $1M-Plus to Talladega College

Hampton University President William R. Harvey and his wife, Norma, have given more than $1 million to Talladega College to help establish a museum that will be home to the renowned Hale Woodruff Amistad Murals, the college announced Wednesday.

Harvey, who has been Hampton University’s president since 1978, is an alumnus of Talladega College. He said that he found his passion for African-American art while in the classroom of Dr. David Driskell, a leading art historian and artist.

“My professors at Talladega College gave more than instruction — they taught us about life,” said Harvey, who is sole owner of the Pepsi Cola Bottling Company of Houghton, Mich., and has given more than $2.5 million to Hampton University over the last 13 years. “Dr. Driskell cultivated my appreciation and advocacy for African-American art.”

He added: “I am so proud to take my Talladega College experience and establish Hampton University’s museum collection as one of the largest African and Native American collections in the nation and now name the new home for the Hale Woodruff Amistad Murals.”

The facility, which will be known as the William R. Harvey Art Museum, will consist of three art galleries, a multi-purpose creative space and outdoor space that features an amphitheater. The three-panel Amistad Murals, which Woodruff was commissioned to paint in 1938, depict the saga of the 1839 uprising of 53 African natives who had been headed on the schooner to be sold into slavery.

Read more here

Student Government Association: Three Reasons to Join

A female Student Government Association president stands out in front of fellow SGA members.

By HBCU Lifestyle,

The student body is involved in almost every event in the school, especially activities that require student participation like sports meets, rallies, student conventions, freshman orientation, etc. There’s a lot to do and the organization can certainly use all the free help it can get.

Every school has a student government association, but it’s no secret that many students don’t want to be a part of it because they are under the impression that this type of organization is full of “politics”. Politics, as in the negative kind where people are always worrying about the hierarchy of the organization and whose decision should prevail. However, this kind of “politics” is common after college, especially in the workforce and in big companies. Therefore, exposure to it early on will help students cope in the future.

Most of those who don’t consider the student government association a must-join during their college years are missing out on some of the best learning experiences a person can encounter during college. Being able to add another entry under “leadership positions” in your curriculum vitae is just the tip of the iceberg. You can also get part-time jobs, networking opportunities, internship openings, and even scholarships to graduate schools.

The student government association can demand a lot from a student, time-wise. But the pros outweigh the cons. Read on…

Why should you join the student government association?

1. Social Skills – Even the most reserved students have no choice but to speak up and participate when there’s a task that needs doing.

As a student leader, you will learn quickly that speaking in a certain manner will get you what you want most of the time. You will find out how good you are at persuading people, how charismatic you can be, and how easy it is to talk to people from different cultures. Social skills learned this way will translate to amazing sales skills later on.

2. Networking – In theory, networking is easy. How difficult can it be to find people who share your interests? But building a solid network of contacts involves more than just meeting people. You need to earn each other’s mutual respect, which will only happen if you interact on a regular basis.

Being a student leader or an active member of the student government association will give you the chance to interact with teachers, fellow students, alumni and students from other schools. You may also get the chance to represent your school in activities off campus, which will increase your networking potential even more.

3. Work Skills – First impression is everything in the workplace, and being a former student leader gives you an edge when it comes to finding a job and applying for an internship or post-graduate scholarships. Each of the skills you will acquire in the org has a corresponding skill that is valued in the workplace.

For example, if your main role in the student government association was encoding the names of all freshmen students and creating reports on MS Excel, you have data entry skills. If you have been the one running around the campus updating teachers and admin about SGA-organized events, you have well-developed liaison skills. Plus, you can easily get the recommendation of a fellow student leader, your adviser, or the dean himself to prove to your future boss that you’re telling the truth about your skill sets.

While your time is your own and only you can decide how you spend it, you should consider the student government association as one of the best orgs to join in college. Through this org, you can build good friendships and improve your personality.

WATCH: Bayou Classic, Battle of the Bands and Greek Show

In case you missed The Bayou Classic, one of the country’s greatest college sports rivalries featuring Grambling State and Southern, check out this video:

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White House Initiative Announces 75 Students as HBCU All-Stars

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The White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities announced on Monday (Feb. 10) 75 students from 62 black institutions to its first class of “HBCU All-Stars,” according to a release statement.

Featuring our own, HBCU Buzz Staff Writer Nicole Tinson, a student at Dillard University, the 2014 HBCU All-Stars are recognized for their accomplishments in academics, leadership, and civic engagement.

Executive Director of the White House Initiative on HBCUs George Cooper said he and others look forward to working with the HBCU All-Stars as “partners in advancing President Obama’s college completion goal.”

“Engaging with the next generation of leaders who will graduate from HBCUs and go on to make meaningful contributions to society is crucial to the success of our community, our country and our global competitiveness,” said Cooper.

Cooper added: “It is a privilege to announce these 75 students who have demonstrated a commitment to both their own academic achievement and making a difference in their communities.”

Here’s the 2014 HBCU All-Stars list:

ALABAMA

Huntsville–Sharesse Mason –attends Alabama A&M University, Normal

Mobile–Justin Wells –attends Bishop State Community College, Mobile, AL

Aliceville–Keiwan Harris –attends Concordia College Alabama, Selma, AL

Tuscaloosa–Morgan Curry –attends Shelton State Community College, Tuscaloosa, AL

Tuscaloosa–Jeraun Pouge –attends Stillman College, Tuscaloosa, AL

Talladega–Chuck Stewart –attends Talladega College, Talladega, AL

Tuskegee—Kalauna Carter –attends Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, AL

ARKANSAS

Little Rock–Chelsea Fox –attends Philander Smith, Little Rock, AR

CALIFORNIA

Los Angeles–Nicole Tinson –attends Dillard University, New Orleans, LA

Fresno–Arogeanae Brown –attends Virginia State University, Petersburg, Virginia

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Tyrone Hankerson –attends Howard University, District of Columbia

-Jocelyn Cole –attends Howard University, District of Columbia

-LaTrice Clayburn –attends Livingstone College, Salisbury, NC

Abdul Nurriddin –attends University of the District of Columbia Community College, District of Columbia

FLORIDA

Daytona–Shantel Braynen –attends Bethune-Cookman University, Daytona Beach, FL

Tallahassee–Jamil McGinnis –attends Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL

Tallahassee–Jazmyne Simmons –attends Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL

Miami–Jonte Myers –attends Florida Memorial University, Miami Gardens, FL

Orlando–Vivian Nweze –attends Howard University, District of Columbia

GEORGIA

Riverdale–Kelcey Wright –attends Albany State University, Albany, GA

Atlanta–Lillian Harris –attends Clark Atlanta University, Atlanta, GA

Rex–Elijah Porter –attends Fort Valley State University, Fort Valley, GA

Atlanta–Cameron Weathers –attends Morehouse College, Atlanta, GA

Atlanta–David Johnny –attends Morehouse College, Atlanta, GA

Atlanta–Sarah Dillard –attends Savannah State University, Savannah, GA

Albany–Bria Carrithers –attends Spelman College, Atlanta, GA

KENTUCKY

Frankfort–Chaundra Bush –attends Kentucky State University, Frankfort, KY

LOUISIANA

Grambling–Breonna Ward –attends Grambling State University, Grambling, LA

Ruston–Brooke Battiste –attends Grambling State University, Grambling, LA

Zachary–Robert Chambers –attends Southern University A&M College, Baton Rouge, LA

MARYLAND

Accokeek–Symone Jordan –attends Bowie State University, Bowie, MD

Fort Washington–Kayla Reynolds –attends Delaware State University, Dover, DE

Baltimore–Triston Bing-Young –attends Morgan State University, Baltimore, MD

Fort Washington–Trevor McKie –attends Morgan State University, Baltimore, MD

Silver Spring–Chanel Banks –attends University Maryland Eastern Shore, Princess Anne, MD

Salisbury–So Jin Park –attends University Maryland Eastern Shore, Princess Anne, MD

MISSISSIPPI

Brookhaven–Lawrence Warren –attends Alcorn State University, Alcorn, MS

Jackson–Candace Chambers –attends Jackson State University, Jackson, MS

Itta Bena–Rodney Rice –attends Mississippi Valley State University, Itta Bena, MS

Holly Springs–Larrance Carter –attends Rust College, Holly Springs, MS

Bolton–Kisa Harris –attends Tougaloo College, Jackson, MS

NORTH CAROLINA

Greensboro–Jasmine Everett –attends Bennett College, Greensboro, NC

Raleigh–Victoria Jones –attends North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC

Whiteville–Valerie Edwards –attends Elizabeth City State University, Elizabeth City, NC

Gates–Amanda Eure –attends Fayetteville State University, Fayetteville, NC

Charlotte–Jheanelle Linton –attends Johnson C. Smith University, Charlotte, NC

Greensboro–Shakera Fudge –attends North Carolina Agricultural &Technical State University, Greensboro

Greensboro–Leon White –attends North Carolina Agricultural &Technical State University, Greensboro

Knightdale–Joseph Wyatt –attends St. Augustine’s University, Raleigh, NC

Winston-Salem–Georges Guillame –attends Winston Salem State University, Winston Salem, NC

NEW JERSEY

Newark–Akirah Crawford –attends Virginia State University, Petersburg, VA

OKLAHOMA

Ardmore–Beautiful- Joy Fields –attends Langston University, Langston, OK

PENNSYLVANIA

Chester–Ahn-yea Graham –attends Cheyney University of PA, Cheyney, PA

SOUTH CAROLINA

Leesville–Rodrea Zeigler –attends Allen University, Columbia, SC

Orangeburg–Jessica Mong –attends Claflin University, Orangeburg, SC

Lynchburg–Refugio Banuelos –attends Morris College, Sumter, SC

Orangeburg–Harold Rickenbacker –attends South Carolina State University, Orangeburg, SC

Orangeburg–Jasmine Harris –attends South Carolina State University, Orangeburg, SC

TENNESSEE

Nashville–Ciera Carter –attends Fisk University, Nashville, TN

Jackson–Stephanie Phillips –attends Lane College, Jackson, TN

Memphis–Gilbert Carter –attends LeMoyne- Owen College, Memphis, TN

Nashville–Ciera Scales –attends Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN

Nashville–Jeremiah Cooper –attends Tennessee State University, Nashville, TN

Jackson–Aneesa Sood –attends Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, AL

TEXAS

Houston–Antoine Southern –attends Oakwood University, Huntsville, AL

Dallas–Priscilla Barbour –attends Prairie View A&M University, Prairie View, TX

Cedar Hill–Glenn Johnson –attends Texas College, Tyler, TX

Houston–Jarrauri Curry –attends Texas Southern University, Houston, TX

Houston–Candace Jones –attends Texas Southern University, Houston, TX

Garland–Jade Crutch –attends Xavier University, New Orleans, LA

VIRGINIA

Suffolk–Chanae LeGrier –attends Elizabeth City State University, Elizabeth City, NC

Dendron–Whitney Johnson –attends Hampton University, Hampton, VA

Richmond–Caprichia Moses –attends Virginia Union University, Richmond, VA

VIRGIN ISLANDS

Christiansted–Shereena Cannonier –attends Lincoln University PA, Lincoln, PA

Christiansted–Kevin Dixon –attends University of the Virgin Islands, St. Thomas, USVI

Altria Group Awards $550,000 STEM Grant to Virginia Union

RICHMOND, VA — Altria Group has awarded a $550,000 grant to Virginia Union University for scholarships and related programs to attract and support students preparing for careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and STEM teaching.

Within its “STEM: EnRichmond” program, Virginia Union has designed a program to help students explore a variety of career options in the STEM area, with special emphasis on K-12 education. These activities fall into six major areas within the two-year program: recruitment, academic content, mentoring, community engagement, summer reinforcement, and scholarships. The program will begin with a four-week summer institute. Students will also receive intensive coaching, academic advising, tutoring, and other support services.

“We are pleased to provide this support to enable students at Virginia Union University to pursue education and training in the STEM disciplines.” said Charlie Agee, Director of Corporate Contributions for Altria. “We believe that mastery of STEM subjects in college will help students be more prepared for and successful in their careers, now and in the future.”

Altria’s support will fund scholarships for two classes of 10 students each, with requirements that the students focus their studies in the STEM disciplines and/or STEM education. The contribution also includes part of the coordination and evaluation costs for the program.

Read more here

Stomping The Yard: How to be a Good Mentee

Stomping the Yard: How to Be a Good Mentee

By Jet Magazine,

I’ve had the great opportunity over the years to work with many college interns, apprentices, and mentees. And, trust me I’ve seen the good, the bad, and the ugly when it comes to guiding and mentoring college students.

They all come in the door with their “I’mma be speeches.” For example, “I’mma be the next media mogul,” “I’mma be a non-profit leader,” or “ I’mma be the next powerful politician.”

Most of these students “get it” though, and recognize that they need support and guidance to get to the next level in their careers, and they eagerly seek out the best mentors, or advisors in their area of expertise. But the problem is once some students score a rock star mentor, they fail epically, because they make too many mistakes and become undesirable mentees.

I’ve seen so many young people ruin really great opportunities to be led by awesome and influential people, as well as their reputations as budding professionals, too. If you don’t want to join the ranks of The Ratchet College Mentees then check out my tips below on the do’s and don’ts:

• Keep Your Commitments: You’ve asked someone to give you their time and mentor you and typically extra time is not something that the most desirable rock star mentors have. So you should consider their time as priceless. I’ve had interns call off work claiming to be sick. But, they forgot they’re my Facebook friend so I saw their statuses about being totally turned up the night before and too hungover to make it to work. Even if they had unfriended me, their lack of commitment would show up in some other way, trust me!

• Be Teachable: Why work so hard to find a mentor if you’re never willing to follow her advice? Learning something new can be tough and involves making lots of mistakes. Some of the things your mentor recommends may seem unfamiliar, unrealistic, or down-right scary. Give her advice a chance. They are far more experienced than you and know what will make you successful. If you’re going to challenge or dismiss every piece of her advice, then you’re wasting her time and yours as well.

• Take Initiative/ Ask for Feedback: Sometimes you can be so in awe of how accomplished your new mentor is that you’re too afraid to say or do anything fearing you’ll make a mistake. But being apprehensive won’t cut it in the dog-eat-dog world of interning. You will sometimes have to initiate coffee meetings, phone calls, and email updates. And make sure to ask him for feedback about your progress and how you can improve. Don’t wait for your mentor to read your mind. People can only help those who make an effort to be helped.

• Say Thank You: Take the time to say “thank you” at the end of each email communication and each phone call. You should also take time to write an actual thank-you letter or send a card. In a digital world, hand-written cards definitely set you apart from your classmates who won’t take the time to do the same. I’ve seen so many students stay around to get mentored by someone just long enough to get the mentor to write a much needed recommendation letter. Then the student is never to be heard from again. Nobody likes to feel dumped, including your mentor. Say “thank you” and show how appreciative you are of your mentor’s efforts.

• Give Back: Take a younger student under your wings and mentor them. Random acts of kindness like this help improve our community as a whole. Additionally, you get a chance to get a taste of what it feels like to mentor a younger student through their mistakes and faults. It all makes you think twice before falling into the traps of being a ratchet mentee!

Are Howard University’s Problems the Tip of the Iceberg for HBCUs?

Organizer Talib Karim (C) leads a rally of about 25 Howard University alumni, students, faculty and supporters in front of Frederick Douglas Memorial Hall before marching downtown so to show their support and solidarity with the Occupy Movement October 28, 2011 in Washington, DC.(Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

By The Grio,

A recent article in the New York Times took a tough look into the inner workings of Howard University, a premier historically black institution, seemingly on the brink of collapse. With status as one the nation’s top-ranked HBCUs, many were shocked that Howard had become so fractured and many in the HBCU community are worried if other institutions are next.

According to the article entitled, “Hard Times at Howard U.,” the university has been racked by infighting and changing demographics. The recent economic downturn that hit higher education hard has also taken its toll on Howard and other black schools.

The state of HBCUs

“The economic issues that bedevil higher education in general are even more disruptive in the H.B.C.U. community, in part because many of the students are first in their families to go to college,” the Times piece read. “Forty-six percent of students at historically black colleges come from families with incomes lower than $34,000, and half qualify for federal low-income Pell grants, according to the United Negro College Fund, which finances scholarships for 37 private black colleges.”

Also See: Changes to student loan program threatens future of black students, HBCUs

In addition to the financial disadvantage that comes with serving low-income students, particularly in a tough economy, HBCUs were also rocked in recent years by an unannounced policy changes out of the U.S. Department of Education that tightened federal loan eligibility. Subsequent loan denials led to decreased enrollment at many of the nations HBUCs. The Times’ article detailed that HBCUs lost an estimated 17,000 students, costing the schools more than $150 million in revenue.

Those figures are cause for alarm to many in HBCU community who have witnessed five of their 100 or so institutions close their doors in just the past 20 years.

“I wasn’t surprised at all to read about Howard,” says Johnny C. Taylor, president & CEO of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. “It was just six months or so into my sojourn as the head of an HBCU-serving organization that it became crystal clear to me that these institutions collectively were in trouble.”

Are black colleges in imminent danger?

According to Taylor, 50 to 60 percent of HBCUs don’t have a long-term optimistic outlook and about 10 percent are in imminent trouble.

“I don’t want to name schools but there are at least 10 in the current HBCU space, state and private, that are really close to closing their doors. Seriously,” he says. When asked which school might be best positioned to weather the storm, Taylor is circumspect.

“There are some that seem to be run well but we all thought Howard was doing well,” he says. “It’s like in our black families – we have a lot of pride and we don’t want to share with the world that this institution has problems.”

The Times article also highlighted Morehouse College for its recent financial troubles. In May, President Obama was the commencement speaker at Morehouse. In his speech, he lauded the institution for its history of producing world leaders and mission to educate black men. It was a major moment for the college, one that landed it on the front page of newspapers around the country. By August, however, Morehouse’s newly elected president, John S. Wilson, would announce budget cuts, furloughs and layoffs as the result of a $2.5-million budget shortfall.

Wilson told the Times that when he arrived at Morehouse, the school was in deep financial trouble. In a move that many within the HBCU space applauded, he cut $5 million in administrative costs, eliminated 75 positions and closed one of the school’s residence halls.

Also See: Top 10 HBCUs by starting average salary

“You can only cut, cut, cut for so long. You can’t cut bone,” says Taylor. “We’ve got to figure out what to do. That means redefining HBCUs. It also means the days of guilting the white community into saving these intuitions – or, frankly, guilting black people to send their children just because it’s black – those days are gone.

Not all HBCUs in trouble, Spelman shows way forward

One school that seems to have managed the current climate well is the top-ranked, all-female Spelman College. In November, Moody’s Investors Service assigned an A1 rating to Spelman, citing the school’s “strong niche market position as a highly selective and renowned [HBCU]-designated women’s liberal arts college in the thriving urban Atlanta area which has experienced overall net tuition per student growth and strong philanthropic support leading to solid balance sheet coverage of debt and operations.”

According to the assessment by Moody’s, Spelman has been able to weather an “extremely competitive admissions environment” with historically strong philanthropic support and healthy student demand. It’s success that other HBCUs hope to replicate.

“The strongest and best colleges that will not only survive but thrive are the ones that can further clarify and amplify their value proposition,” Morehouse’s Wilson told the Times. “We have to tout a stronger, clearer value proposition that can attract more of the best and most driven students. We are going to have to give them an experience on this campus that is so powerful that our pool of applicants will expand well beyond African-American men and beyond our borders.”

Taylor agrees. “You’ve go to figure out a competitive and very unique proposition. Otherwise, you will close,” he says. “You cannot cut your way to profitability. That’s a one-trick pony. You’ve got to create more demand for what you sell. Without revenue growth, you’re just putting off the inevitable.”

Dillard University Hosts “Sex Week”

Sex within the Black community tends to be a taboo topic we sweep under the rug, but Dillard University in New Orleans, Louisiana has launched its first ever, “Sex Week”.

Sex Week at Dillard is intended to raise awareness and spark a new dialogue around sex, safe sex, and sexuality.

During the sex educational week students will also reach out to students that are members of the LGBTQ campus community to create “Safe Zones”, a program that raises cultural competence and awareness on the LGBTQ community, in order to provide resources and support from the Human Rights Campaign in Washington, D.C.

President Walter Kimbrough, commonly known as “Hip Hop Prez“, hosted Sex Week during his stay at Philander Smith College in Little Rock, Arkansas, and felt it was important bring attention to it at Dillard: “As with most ills, African Americans are disproportionately impacted,” Kimbrough said.

“This includes the effects of unhealthy sexual practices,” said Kimbrough.

Sex Week at Dillard began February 10, 2014, and will continue until February 14, 2014. Events have attention-grabbing, sultry titles, including “4Play,” an event dedicated to playing games that educate students about sex, “Can You Do It Standing Up,” a student led community discussion about sex, and “Romance on the Rocks,” a dialogue that discusses relationships.

Becoming educated about sex is very important within the black community, and the push to raise awareness on HBCU campuses is even more important.

“Spending time to talk not just about the physical implications, but emotional, spiritual and even financial consequences is an important educational activity,” Kimbrough said.

HBCU Buzzs Staff Writer, Nicole Tinson, is a Political Science major at Dillard University. Follow her on Twitter

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About Dillard:

Since1869, Dillard University has been committed to providing students with a quality four-year liberal arts education. Dillard is a fully accredited private, historically black university.

NCCU Dismantles Florida A&M, 92-49

Holding on to an 11-point halftime advantage, North Carolina Central University turned the defensive intensity up a notch in the second half, holding the visiting Rattlers of Florida A&M University to 13 points, 5-for-30 shooting (16.7 percent), in the second half en route to a 92-49 blowout victory on Monday night in front of 2,397 fans inside McDougald-McLendon Gymnasium.

The 43-point victory was the largest margin for an Eagle win since re-joining the MEAC (Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference) surpassing the previous mark of 40, which happened on Jan. 22 against the arch-rival Aggies of North Carolina A&T 84-44 in Durham, N.C.

NCCU’s stellar defense shut down FAMU to 0-for-13 from beyond-the-arc in the second half as the Eagles mirrored their second half performance against Campbell on Nov. 18 where the Camels managed just nine points in the frame.

The Eagles jumped out to the early lead as both teams were going back-and-forth offensively, but the maroon and gray hit back-to-back three-pointers by Karamo Jawara (Bergen, Norway) and Juwan Moody (Pontiac, Mich.) along with Jeremy Ingram’s (Charlotte, N.C.) three-point play which put NCCU up 19-12 with 13:37 left in the first frame.

Ingram’s layup with 7:06 in the first half gave the Eagles their first double-digit lead of the night at 33-23 and junior Jordan Parks (Queens, N.Y.) drilled his fifth three-pointer of the year to make it 36-23 with 6:16 left. The maroon and gray took a 47-36 lead into the locker room.

With 16:57 left in the game, FAMU’s Trey Kellum hit a layup to put the score at 53-40. The Rattlers would not connect on another field goal for another 11 minutes as the Eagles went on a 24-1 to stretch the lead out to 77-41, and the maroon and gray cruised from there to the 92-49 win over Florida A&M.

In the win, NCCU held FAMU to 37.3 percent from-the-field, forced 20 turnovers that the Eagles converted into 33 points, outrebounded the Rattlers 38-28, and outscored Florida A&M 13-2 in second chance points.

Ingram led all scorers with 17 points on 8-for-17 shooting, while the maroon and gray shot a stellar 53.3 percent (32-for-60), 9-for-18 (50.0 percent) from three-point range. Jawara tied a career-high with 14 points and recorded a career-best five steals, while redshirt junior Jay Copeland ended the night with 11 points and six boards.

All told, the maroon and gray had 11 different student-athletes score, while Florida A&M’s dynamic duo of Jamie Adams (5-for-14) and Reggie Lewis (3-for-14) struggled offensively in the second combining to go 2-for-19 (10.5 percent) in the final 20 minutes. Adams led Florida A&M (8-16, 4-7 MEAC) with 12 points, while Lewis and Kellum both finished with 10 points in the loss.

The victory sends the Eagles to No. 10 in-a-row and extends the longest home winning streak in school history to 21 games.

NCCU (18-5, 9-1 MEAC) turns its focus to the upcoming MEAC weekend road trip of the regular season as the maroon and gray travel down to Orangeburg, S.C. to battle the Bulldogs of South Carolina State University at 6:00 p.m. from historic Smith-Hammond-Middleton Memorial Center.

Visit www.NCCUEaglePride.com or download the NCCU Sports Network app available in the App Store, Google Play and Amazon for the latest on NCCU Athletics.

Howard University to Cut About 200 Staff Positions

Howard University is cutting about 200 staff positions during the next several months, a university spokeswoman said, reducing its workforce by nearly 4 percent.

Howard spokeswoman Kerry-Ann Hamilton described the cuts, which began Thursday, as “enterprise-wide.” She said the university “worked carefully to ensure no changes in public safety” and to “preserve services in student-facing and clinical areas.

There were no details available on what positions will be cut and how many layoffs might result. Howard, a 10,297-student university that also operates a teaching hospital in Northwest Washington, has faced several fiscal challenges during the past few years.

The university has 5,474 employees, including the hospital’s staff, Hamilton said.

WAMU (88.5 FM) reported Jan. 24 that some university maintenance workers staged a rally to protest outsourcing.

“The university continues to pursue comprehensive strategies to enhance and achieve operational efficiencies as we provide excellent educational, research and clinical environments,” Howard said in a statement issued through Hamilton. “This includes difficult but necessary actions as we realign and re-engineer our workforce at the university and the hospital.

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