In a bold effort to mobilize young Black voters ahead of the upcoming elections, the Harris-Walz campaign and the Democratic National Committee are kicking off a nationwide voter registration push on National Voter Registration Day. This effort spans 60 Historically Black Colleges and Universities in pivotal battleground states including Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, Pennsylvania, and Michigan.
Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, arrive at a campaign rally in Philadelphia on Tuesday. (Matt Rourke / Associated Press)
The campaign seeks to empower young Black voters by hosting a series of in-person and virtual canvassing events, encouraging students and community members to register to vote and make their voices heard in the electoral process.
Highlighting the initiative, Vice President Kamala Harris participated in a moderated conversation with the National Association of Black Journalists at Lincoln University. This event engaged an audience comprised of students from Lincoln University, Cheyney University, and NABJ members.
Complementing the in-person events, the campaign will launch a targeted advertising effort designed to engage students across key battleground states. North Carolina, which boasts the second-highest number of HBCUs in the nation, will host nine in-person events.
To enhance accessibility, the DNC is introducing a National Voter Assistance Textline, offering clear information in both English and Spanish. This resource aims to simplify the registration process.
In an innovative approach to reach young Black Americans, the campaign is taking over the homepage of Revolt, a leading source for hip-hop news and culture.
Additionally, the Harris-Walz campaign is partnering with major Black media outlets for an expanded voter registration effort, focusing specifically on registering Black voters for National Black Voter Registration Day on Friday, Sept. 20.
The Jackson State University men’s basketball team secured a significant addition to its roster with the commitment of local standout Mike Williams. Mike Williams is the son of JSU head basketball coach Mo Williams. He announced his decision via a post on his Instagram account. The high school baller expressed gratitude for the journey that has led him to this moment.
(Photo: @mikewillchosen/Instagram)
“As I write this, I am most thankful in the universe and my spirit guides for putting the right pieces in front of me to be successful. I want to thank everyone who was apart of my journey up to this point! and to all my haters, doubters and overlookers , you all are my why. We finna go turn a HBCU up??,” he wrote.
Like Father, Like Son
Mike Williams stands at 6 feet, weighs 160 and is a highly regarded three-star recruit ranked as the No. 2 player in Mississippi for the Class of 2025 according to 247Sports Composite. He showcased his skills on the court during his time at Jackson Academy, where he led the team to a remarkable 36-1 record. JSA also secured both the MAIS Class 6A state title and overall MAIS championship. In the 2023-24 season, Williams averaged an 18.8 points and 6.7 rebounds per game.
In July, Williams announced plans to transfer to Germantown High School in MHSAA Class 7A, joining forces with his brother, Mason Williams. Mason Williams. JSU has also extended an offer to Mason.
Mo Williams, a notable 13-year NBA veteran, was selected in the second round of the 2003 draft. Now he has the unique opportunity to coach his son at the collegiate level. Last season, Jackson State finished with a record of 15-17, placing 6th in the SWAC with a 11-7 conference mark. The team also experienced a first-round exit in the SWAC Tournament against Texas Southern. Before leading JSU’s men’s basketball team, Mo coached at Alabama State University.
Dr. Ernest ‘Rip’ Patton, Jr., a TSU alumnus and Freedom Rider, was honored with the opening of the Dr. Ernest Rip Patton, Jr. North Nashville Transit Center.
The extraordinary journey of Dr. Ernest ‘Rip’ Patton, Jr., a dedicated alumnus of Tennessee State University and courageous Freedom Rider, was commemorated in Nashville as the city celebrated the opening of the Dr. Ernest Rip Patton, Jr. North Nashville Transit Center. This $16.9 million project is a testament to Patton’s unwavering commitment to justice and equality. He passed away in 2021.
The Sept. 17, 2024, ceremony drew a crowd of family members, city officials, and community leaders who gathered to honor Patton’s legacy.
Dr. Learotha Williams Jr., an African American and public history professor at TSU, shared the significance of the new center. “We are celebrating our TSU alum who figured prominently in the Civil Rights Movement and in the Freedom Rides,” Williams said. “This is a long overdue celebration because these students, our 14 students (Freedom Riders), whose names will be represented here, were expelled from school as a result of their participation in the Freedom Rides. It’s important that TSU is represented in this space.”
Keeping Patton’s Legacy Alive
Born in Nashville in 1940, Dr. Patton experienced the harsh realities of segregation during his formative years. He was a passionate musician and leader and served as the drum major in TSU’s marching band.
At the event, Michael Patton, son of Dr. Patton, shared heartfelt words about his father’s legacy. “The very same industry that my father and a handful of unfathomably courageous souls fought against now honors the Freedom Riders’ historic struggle with the Transit Center bearing the name of Dr. Ernest Rip Patton, Jr,” Patton said. “WeGo (Public Transit) has turned an important page in history, bringing things full circle, recognizing the power, the value that pure courage in its raw form, spread throughout a united people, has to change the very hearts and minds of a nation.
The newly established transit center, positioned along Clarksville Pike, is essential for connectivity for North Nashville residents, providing easier access to schools, medical centers, and employment opportunities.
“This Freedom Rider has taken his last ride, but his story now lives here forever at the intersection of independence and opportunity in North Nashville,” said Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell.
Tennessee State University marked a significant milestone at its 20th Annual Small Farm Expo as it celebrated the reopening of three vital facilities that were devastated by the 2020 tornadoes. The event featured a ceremonial ribbon-cutting for the Controlled Environment Agriculture Research and Education Greenhouse, the Agriculture Education Center, and the Pavilion—integral components of TSU’s agricultural programs.
Interim President Ronald A. Johnson spoke at the ceremony, highlighting the tenacity of TSU. “The devastation caused by the 2020 tornado was a formidable setback, but it did not deter us,” Johnson said. “We’re not just replacing what was here; we’re advancing what we can do. These state-of-the-art facilities will redefine the landscape of agricultural research, education, and community engagement, not just at TSU but across the state of Tennessee.”
The newly rebuilt facilities allow researchers to conduct innovative experiments in sustainable agriculture while providing a venue for educational workshops, seminars, and outreach programs.
The Small Farm Expo drew hundreds of industry leaders, small farmers, and students for a day filled with workshops, farm tours, and the annual awards luncheon. Dr. Chandra Reddy, dean of TSU’s College of Agriculture, expressed gratitude to partners who have consistently supported the expo and the reconstruction efforts.
“We seized this opportunity to build a modern, comprehensive agricultural research station that we can all be proud of,” Reddy said. “The new research infrastructure stands as a symbol of our collective strength and determination, and it will serve as a beacon for future research, innovation, and education.”
Small Farms, Big Impact
The expo featured a variety of workshops focusing on urban agriculture, poultry production, beekeeping, and hemp research, alongside guest speakers from local, state, and federal levels. TSU agriculture ambassador Jhanya Chenault expressed their excitement about engaging with industry professionals and exploring career opportunities.
“I jump at these opportunities because I want to present myself to future employers,” said Jhanya Chenault, a TSU agriculture ambassador. “Being here in Tennessee, we have so many options, and I’m surrounded by people who want to be in the same spaces that I want to be in.”
Finis Stribling, director of TSU’s New Farm Academy Small Farms Program, highlighted the expo’s importance in supporting farmers with limited resources. “Our mission has always been to work with small-scale, limited-resource, underserved producers,” he said. “Now, we’re looking at innovative approaches like drone technology to advance small-scale farming here at TSU.”
The expo also recognized Ryan McCaffrey as the Tennessee Small Farmer of the Year, awarding him $3,000 for his achievements. Other award recipients included Debra Lockard for the Alternative Enterprises Award, Briley Dodge for the Innovative Marketing Award, and Adam Clark as the Most Improved Farmer of the Year, each receiving $1,000.
In an initiative to bolster cybersecurity education, Cisco announced an investment of $625,000 to support Fusion Cyber’s Risk Management Framework Cybersecurity certificate program at Denmark Technical College. This funding will significantly broaden the program’s reach to 71 students, 34 of whom will benefit from full scholarships through the Task Force Movement’s Mission Edge grant. Cisco initially planned to fund 25 full scholarships.
“The investment Cisco continues to make in creating a talent pipeline into the transformative field of cybersecurity for veterans, military spouses, and individuals from diverse backgrounds is groundbreaking,” said Dr. Willie L. Todd, Jr., president and CEO of DTC. “This partnership among Fusion Cyber, Cisco, and DTC has been a game-changer for our cybersecurity program and deserving students.”
The RMF Cybersecurity certificate program empowers veterans, military spouses, and underrepresented groups with the skills and knowledge required to thrive in cybersecurity. By enhancing access to quality education and career opportunities, Cisco, the Task Force Movement, DTC, and Fusion Cyber are collectively working towards establishing a more inclusive and resilient cybersecurity workforce.
“Supporting our veterans and military spouses is a cornerstone of our mission,” said Chairman Patrick Murphy at the TFM. “These scholarships will open doors to exciting and rewarding careers in cybersecurity, empowering these deserving individuals to reach their full potential.”
Christopher Etesse, CEO of Fusion Cyber, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, “This investment will make a profound impact on the lives of our students and contribute to a stronger, more secure nation,” he said.
Cisco is committed to enhancing a diverse and skilled cybersecurity workforce. Scott McGregor is the director of the Cisco Social Justice Action Office. He emphasized the importance of this investment, stating, “Investing in the cybersecurity talent pipeline increases our national security, the legacy and sustainability of HBCUs, and the well-being of our communities.”
In a momentous announcement at its 60th International Biennial Boule, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., a member of the National Panhellenic Council, has unveiled a historic pledge to raise $2 million for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital by 2028. This ambitious commitment comes just one year after the sorority made history as the first NPHC organization to contribute $1 million toward advancing pediatric healthcare, particularly in the areas of cancer and sickle cell disease.
The newly elected International President, Marica T. Harris, expressed pride in the latest initiative. “Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. is proud to further support the incredible work of St. Jude. It is with immense pride in service to this cause that we make this commitment to help advance global survival rates for children everywhere with catastrophic diseases,” said Harris. “The progress St. Jude has made for sickle cell patients is inspiring and we look forward to helping continue those advances.”
She emphasized the alignment between the goals of Sigma Gamma Rho and St. Jude’s dedication to improving health outcomes for children worldwide. “St. Jude embodies our motto, ‘Greater Service, Greater Progress,’ for children everywhere. Its internationally impactful work is deeply meaningful to us and our sorors,” she stated.
Partnering To Make A Difference
Richard C. Shadyac Jr., president and CEO of ALSAC, the fundraising and awareness organization for St. Jude, expressed gratitude for Sigma Gamma Rho’s ongoing support. “The outstanding leaders and members of Sigma Gamma Rho are helping save the lives of children across the globe,” he said.
Since its inception over 60 years ago, St. Jude has been at the forefront of researching and improving standards of care for children battling cancer, sickle cell disease, and other life-threatening illnesses. The hospital’s commitment ensures that families never receive a bill for treatment, travel, housing, or food, allowing them to focus entirely on their child’s wellbeing.
Norfolk State University launched the public phase of its most ambitious fundraising campaign in history on Saturday, September 14, 2024. The comprehensive initiative, titled “Now Is Our Time,” aims to raise $90 million and will culminate during the University’s 90th anniversary celebration in 2025. This marks only the second major fundraising campaign NSU has undertaken, with the first occurring 30 years ago.
At the reception for the campaign launch, NSU President Javaune Adams-Gaston emphasized the significance of the campaign. “The Now Is Our Time campaign is an investment in not only the future of our students but also for the future of Norfolk State to continue providing the very best educational opportunities for those who will enroll here for generations to come,” she stated.
Among the notable contributions announced during the launch event were gifts from several individuals and organizations, including:
Mr. Tony and Mrs. Kim Brothers — $500,000
The Lassiter Family — $300,000
Mr. Gary and Mrs. Cookie McCollum — $250,000
Rev. Jeffery Belfield and Mrs. Kathy Pope Belfield — $150,000
Langley Federal Credit Union — $125,000
Bishop Kim Brown & Elder Valerie Brown — $100,000
The Estate of Mr. W.T. Mason, Jr. — $100,000
Additionally, various NSU affiliated boards made significant pledges, including:
Board of Visitors — $6.7 million
Now Is Our Time Campaign Steering Committee — $825,000
NSU Alumni Association — $520,000
Norfolk State University Foundation, Inc. Board of Directors — $423,000
Norfolk State University Athletics Foundation Board of Directors — $101,000
The campaign has already seen a lead gift of $5 million from the Landmark Foundation, presented earlier this year.
A Campaign Supporting the Future of Norfolk
Donors can support the college, school, program, or cause of their choice, as the campaign prioritizes specific areas to enhance the student experience. Key focuses include:
Investing in People: Increasing scholarship funds to remove barriers to degree completion, thus enabling more students to enroll and succeed.
Strengthening Academic Programs: Investing in programs like the Dozoretz National Institute for Mathematics and Applied Sciences and expanding partnerships with corporations such as Micron to enhance career opportunities for students.
Elevating Athletics: Providing additional scholarship and program funding to support student-athlete’s academic success and access enrichment programs.
Advancing Excellence Year After Year: Ensuring ongoing support for academic programs and student health through annual funding.
The Missouri Sports Hall of Fame has announced that Tim Abney, the interim athletic director at Lincoln University of Missouri, will be enshrined in its Class of 2024. The induction ceremony will take place at the Holiday Inn Executive Center in Columbia, Missouri, on Sunday, Oct. 20, at 1 p.m.
“I am extremely humbled and honored to be joining the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame, especially to be included in this group of outstanding athletes, coaches, and teams,” Abney said upon the announcement. His sentiment reflects his achievements and his connection to Missouri’s sports history.
A key figure in Lincoln University‘s basketball history, Abney was the starting point guard during a remarkable period for the Blue Tigers. He played an integral role in leading the team to four consecutive NCAA tournament appearances, including a memorable Elite Eight berth in 1978. His contributions to the program are noteworthy; he holds the record for the most games played at Lincoln, with 108, and is one of only 24 players in school history to surpass 1,000 career points.
High School Player To Collegiate Leader
Abney’s accolades began accumulating during his high school years at Kansas City’s Central High School, where he was named the Interscholastic League Player of the Year in 1974. At Lincoln, he was instrumental in securing MIAA regular season championships in 1975 and 1977. He earned several honors, including first-team All-MIAA recognition in 1977 and first-team All-NABC District V accolades during his senior year.
After concluding his playing career, Abney transitioned into coaching, serving as an assistant coach for the Blue Tigers in the 1978-79 season. He later joined North Carolina A&T helping to secure six MEAC championships from 1979 to 1988. Abney’s leadership continued as he took the helm of the women’s basketball team at NCAT, guiding them to a historic MEAC tournament title in 1994 and the program’s first automatic bid to the NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Championship.
Upon returning to Lincoln University, Abney contributed significantly to the athletic department in various roles, including coaching the women’s tennis team. His dedication to the university’s athletic programs culminated in his recent appointment as Interim Athletic Director this summer.
In addition to his upcoming induction into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame, Abney was recently honored for his coaching achievements with an induction into the A&T Sports Hall of Fame earlier this month.
Sean Combs, widely known as “Puff” or “Diddy,” was taken into custody Monday following the unsealing of a three-count indictment by a federal grand jury in the Southern District of New York. The charges against the music mogul span over a decade and involve allegations of physical and sexual violence against multiple victims, alongside accusations of using coercion and intimidation to fulfill his desires.
The Charges
The three counts include racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and interstate transportation for prostitution. According to court documents, the indictment outlines a pattern of abuse that began around 2008 and continued until as recently as this year. The U.S. Department of Justice asserts that Combs leveraged his fame and influence in the entertainment industry to exploit women, often under the guise of romantic relationships.
Federal authorities claim that Combs orchestrated elaborate sexual encounters, referred to as “Freak Offs,” involving commercial sex workers. These events, which spanned from 2009 to 2024, allegedly featured graphic sexual performances that Combs directed and even recorded. The indictment details disturbing accounts of coercion, with many victims reportedly administered controlled substances like ketamine and GHB to keep them compliant during these acts despite their exhaustion and pain.
Witnesses have come forward, recounting instances of physical abuse perpetrated by Combs. One particularly egregious incident captured on video reportedly shows the defendant assaulting RnB singer and his then-girlfriend Casandra Ventura, better known as Cassie, in March 2016 after a Freak Off.
On Tuesday, a federal judge denied Combs bail. He will remain in custody until he faces charges in the case. His attorneys say they will appeal the decision.
CANNES, FRANCE – MAY 22: Sean Combs attends the ‘Killing Them Softly’ Premiere during 65th Annual Cannes Film Festival at Palais des Festivals on May 22, 2012 in Cannes, France. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)
Combs has strong ties to the Historically Black Colleges and Universities community particularly through his philanthropic efforts and support for education. He attended Howard University where he studied business. Although he did not complete his degree, he has consistently shown his commitment to supporting HBCUs by donating to scholarship funds and initiatives that promote higher education for Black students.
In a significant move to bolster international academic exchange, the U.S. Department of State announced today that 19 Historically Black Colleges and Universities have been designated as “Fulbright HBCU Institutional Leaders” for their outstanding engagement with the Fulbright Program during the 2023-24 academic year.
The announcement was made ahead of the upcoming 2024 Annual National HBCU Week Conference, hosted by the White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity through HBCUs. This recognition highlights the integral role HBCUs play in promoting global engagement and cross-cultural understanding.
The Fulbright Program has long been the United States government’s flagship international educational exchange initiative, designed to foster mutual understanding between people across diverse cultures. Initiated in 1946, it has provided over 400,000 students, scholars, teachers, and professionals from various backgrounds with opportunities to study, teach, and conduct research abroad.
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken applauded the selected HBCUs, stating the designation “is a testament to your institution’s dedication to promoting global engagement and international understanding.”
Scott Weinhold, senior bureau official for the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, echoed this sentiment, noting how the involvement of HBCUs in the Fulbright Program builds meaningful relationships worldwide.“The U.S. Department of State and the Fulbright Program are committed to reflecting the full diversity of the United States,” said Weinhold. “Historically Black Colleges and Universities are vital contributors to America’s higher education community. They are dedicated institutions working to develop the leaders of tomorrow.”
The Fulbright HBCU Institutional Leader status recognizes those institutions that actively host international faculty and graduate students while also sending their recent graduates and faculty overseas for various scholarly endeavors.
The initiative’s framework highlights the commitment to showcasing HBCUs as prime destinations for international students and scholars, ultimately preserving their rich intellectual traditions and histories. The program not only encourages participation among students and faculty but also enhances the global perspective at these institutions.
Karl Jackson, a Fulbright U.S. Scholar to Ghana and associate professor at Virginia State University, collaborated on innovative water purification solutions with his peers at the University of Ghana. His work exemplifies the impactful collaboration the Fulbright Program fosters between the U.S. and other nations.
Several current and former Fulbright participants shared their transformative experiences, demonstrating the program’s profound impact. Allison Gilmore, a Fulbright U.S. student to Austria and a proud alum of North Carolina A&T State University, highlighted the importance of HBCUs in fostering global leaders. “HBCUs are institutions that were specifically created to educate Black students, and as we continue to make our marks in history, we show the world how worthy we are of our placement in these spaces,” she asserted.
Maame Efua Addadzi-Koom, a Fulbright Scholar-In-Residence from Ghana at Howard University, expressed gratitude for her time at the institution, where she taught courses on gender and law. “My Fulbright journey was memorable. It was full of lessons and exciting and challenging experiences that shaped me,” she reflected.
Busola Mercy Adebayo, a 2022 Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant from Nigeria to Fayetteville State University, noted the opportunity the program provided her. “Fulbright gave me a platform to teach my language and showcase my culture. To learn about the U.S. educational system and culture. Above all, my experience and exposure during my Fulbright FLTA program is second to none. I learn, unlearn, and relearn,” she stated.
FSU’s provost, Dr. Monica Leach, noted that the university’s engagement with the Fulbright Program is part of its dedication “to ensure that our faculty and students can pursue international collaboration and enrichment experiences,” bringing global engagement to the campus to benefit students and the entire community.
To bolster Historically Black Colleges and Universities, the Biden-Harris Administration announced an additional $1.3 billion in federal funding this week. This funding, added to the previously allocated $16 billion, brings the total federal investment in HBCUs from Fiscal Years 2021 through 2024 to over $17 billion. The record achievement aims to enhance underserved communities’ educational access and economic mobility.
This new funding will profoundly impact HBCUs, which comprise only 3% of the nation’s colleges and universities but serve a disproportionately high number of Pell Grant-eligible low—and middle-income students.
Research indicates that approximately 30% of HBCU students advance at least two income quintiles, compared to only 18% from non-HBCUs. Moreover, HBCUs collectively generate an impressive $16.5 billion annually for the national economy, creating over 136,000 jobs and contributing substantially to their graduates’ lifetime earnings.
In addition to direct financial aid, the new funding includes $188 million in competitive grants aimed at strengthening HBCUs’ research and development capabilities. This comes alongside $1.1 billion focused on need-based grants and support programs like Pell Grants for HBCU students.
The Other $16 Billion In Support
The Biden-Harris administration’s initial $16 billion investment to support HBCUs included $90 million in funding for a University Affiliated Research Center at Howard University by the Department of Defense, the launch of the Connecting-Minority-Communities program and HBCU CHIPS Network by the Department of Commerce, and a $262.5 million investment from the Department of Agriculture for training diverse agricultural professionals. The Department of Energy has introduced a $7.75 million Clean Energy Education Prize, while nearly $25 million has been allocated by the Department of Education for research infrastructure.
Prairie View A&M University leads a University Transportation Center with a share of a $435 million grant from the Department of Transportation, and NASA has allocated nearly $12 million for AI and machine learning programs at HBCUs. Additionally, The Department of Health and Human Services developed initiatives like HBCU-Connect and a $30 million Maternal Health Research Collaborative, while the National Science Foundation is providing over $10 million for Ideas Lab projects to enhance research capacity. Finally, the Department of Housing and Urban Development awarded $5.5 million for housing and community development research.
Randell “Randy” Perkins is a freshman at Johnson C. Smith University and a member of the National Guard, making waves as the first university cadet to sign a military service contract before graduation.
Perkins always envisioned joining the military to fund his college education. After graduating high school, he swiftly entered basic training. Following his training, he relocated to Charlotte to study cybersecurity at JCSU, following in the footsteps of his brother, Ryan Perkins, also a student at the university.
Upon discovering that JCSU was part of a local consortium offering an ROTC program, Perkins recognized an opportunity to enhance his military training while pursuing his degree.
“I didn’t know what I wanted to do after high school, so I thought joining the army would benefit me,” he said. His commitment quickly paid off, allowing him to fulfill the physical requirements for ROTC due to his prior military experience.
Dr. Cheryl Curtis, the director of veterans and military affairs at JCSU, emphasized Perkins’s remarkable achievement. “Cadet Perkins was able to meet the course requirements faster than others in a record one semester of being an ROTC cadet,” she said.
Perkins’ says being part of the ROTC program is tough. His days start at 5:30 a.m. with physical training. “It takes a lot of dedication to be in ROTC. The program teaches leadership skills like how to take initiative and how to plan,” he said. He now shares this journey with fellow cadet Jasmine Hogan, marking a significant return of ROTC participation at JCSU.
“I want to fight and serve,” Perkins added. “I like knowing that I’m not just fighting for myself and the people I love and care about. When disasters happen and they call for people, some shy away. But not me.”
His eagerness to serve comes at a time when U.S. military recruitment faces significant challenges. According to the Council on Foreign Relations, 2023 marked the worst recruiting year for the military since 1973.
His motivation to serve is inspired by his father’s work as a federal agent. After his time in the armed forces, he hopes to pursue a career similar to his father’s.
Perkins is on track to graduate debt-free and ready to commence his commissioned role in the U.S. military. Dr. Curtis counts his achievement as a significant milestone for Perkins and JCSU. She is hopeful about expanding the ROTC program, with ten students currently on the waiting list. She urges interested students to reach out.
Grambling State University has been awarded a significant $700,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to research ethics education across its campus. This funding is awarded through the Ethical and Responsible Research program. The program aims to cultivate a culture of research integrity while building the university’s overall research capabilities.
Dr. Carolyn Jackson is an associate professor of education at GSU and acting director of graduate studies. She will serve as the primary investigator for this groundbreaking project. Her co-primary investigator is Dr. Connie Walton, the provost and vice president of academic affairs. Notably, GSU stands out as one of only two institutions in Louisiana to receive the ER2 grant during this cycle. GSU joins Tulane University. It is also the sole Historically Black College and University awarded this honor.
Creating the DREI
The project, titled “Fostering a Culture of Research Ethics and Integrity: An Institutional Transformational Project,” seeks to transform GSU’s existing framework of research ethics at GSU. Jackson added that the initiative aims to create an environment where ethical research practices are paramount. “Our goal is to strengthen the university’s research infrastructure through this comprehensive effort that will result in a new department — The Department of Research Ethics and Integrity,” she stated.
Currently, GSU requires only select members of the university community to complete limited ethics training associated with specific grant proposals or thesis work. However, with the new grant funding, the university plans to expand these requirements significantly. The DREI will ensure that all faculty, students, and staff engage in comprehensive training related to research ethics.
“The DREI will provide training via invited lectures, workshops, a new Research Ethics 101 course and other activities and trainings,” Jackson explained. This expansion will not only enhance the knowledge base surrounding research integrity but also provide essential support to the broader research community.
The team will conduct a strategic evaluation study to assess the effectiveness of these initiatives,. This will assess how comprehensive training programs can influence researchers’ perceptions of their ethical responsibilities and enhance a culture of responsible research within the institution.
Jackson emphasized that the project’s findings may also yield important insights into the research culture at HBCUs and address the effects of ethical violations in research practices.
“The evidence-based nature of the project’s curriculum design allows for the project to serve as an exemplar of institutional transformation, providing a blueprint of what works in creating a culture of research ethics and integrity at HBCUs and similar institutions. that are endeavoring to enhance their research profile,” she added.
Since its inception in Fall 2023, Coppin State University’s Pathways to Professions Stackable Credentials program has demonstrated remarkable success. The program achieved a record-breaking 115% increase in enrollment, a 98% course completion rate, and a 97% competency mastery.
Dr. Yi Huang designed the program, offering teachers avenues to earn post-baccalaureate certificates and pathways to advanced degrees. These efforts align with the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future goals and provide salary incentives and national recognition for participants. It redefines success in higher education, especially among Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
“We are proud to be leading the way in creating opportunities for teachers that align with the needs of our communities while setting new standards for educational excellence,” said Dr. Huang, founding Executive Director and Research Professor of the Center for Inclusive Excellence.
The program’s impact extends beyond enrollment numbers. With a retention rate soaring to 86% in Spring 2024 and a perfect 100% in Fall 2024, the P2P program serves 43 enrolled students for Fall 2024. It offers innovative support through MicroResidencies, MicroCredentials, and a Leadership Academy at no cost. The program equips aspiring and practicing teachers with hands-on experience in urban and rural classrooms.
Coppin State’s collaborative approach has been implemented simultaneously at Salisbury University, the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, and various public schools across Maryland. “The accomplishments of this program highlight the power of collaboration and the importance of fostering an inclusive, forward-thinking approach to education,” noted Anthony Jenkins, president of CSU.
For more information about the P2P Stackable Credentials program and other initiatives, contact the Center for Inclusive Excellence at cie@coppin.edu.
Alabama A&M University has become the only HBCU selected for a $2.8 million NSF grant initiative to develop an administration and management curriculum.
Alabama A&M University has become the sole Historically Black College and University selected to participate in a $2.8 million initiative funded by the National Science Foundation. The project focuses on developing an undergraduate curriculum to advance research administration and management, a field often overlooked in formal academic training.
The initiative, titled “Filling the Gap: Establishing an Undergraduate Program in Research Administration and Management,” is spearheaded by Dr. Chris Brown. Brown is a seasoned researcher and former vice president for research at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Despite successfully managing a research program with expenditures exceeding $780 million, Dr. Brown had to navigate his professional development without any structured educational framework for research administrators.
Over the next three years, Dr. Brown will collaborate with a network of over 40 universities and international partners in South Africa and Namibia to create a credit-bearing curriculum designed to equip students with the skills needed to enter the workforce in research administration.
The Grant’s Network of Institutions
Alabama A&M will work alongside institutions such as the University of South Alabama, the University of Miami (Ohio), the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, the University of California, San Diego, and New Mexico State University to develop and implement the courses that will serve as the foundation for this new program.
Dr. Majed El-Dweik, Alabama A&M’s Vice President of Research and Economic Development, emphasizes the significance of this initiative for HBCUs facing resource challenges. “Alabama A&M has an Office of Research and Sponsored Programs” that works tirelessly to support faculty in securing research funding,” he explained. “We know that many HBCUs have low resources in their Sponsored Programs, and some don’t have Sponsored Programs at all, so we will be working to share with those universities how they can obtain and develop that talent.” ”
The complexity of applying for and managing research grants is often daunting, and this initiative seeks to clarify the career pathway for aspiring research administrators. “For example, who can apply for this position? It’s very confusing. Is it someone with a business degree, education degree, engineering degree? This project will target and educate students and professionals, but mostly students, because there is no pipeline in this area to support sponsored programs,” adds El-Dweik.
The newly developed curriculum will encompass vital topics including grant management, legal issues in sponsored research, budgeting, intellectual property, and compliance with federal regulations.
“This will provide a viable professional career option for future research administrators and managers,” said Brown. “Their service provides the backbone that supports research, scholarship, and service at universities, industry, government, and not-for-profit organizations. These individuals are critical to achieve successful outcomes, including technical innovation and improvement in the quality of life.”
Researchers in the College of Engineering at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State have been awarded a $350,000 grant from the National Science Foundation and The Lemel Foundation to integrate environmental and social sustainability into the engineering curriculum.
As a land-grant institution, NC A&T is committed to improving the human condition through innovative education and research. Dr. Steven Jiang is a Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering professor and the grant’s principal investigator. He emphasized the importance of incorporating sustainability principles from the beginning of engineering education.
“So often we see sustainability taught as an afterthought,” said Jiang. “With this grant, we want to continue to integrate environmental and social sustainability into our curriculum, so our students are always thinking about how their systems and designs will impact the community.”
Guiding the Next Generation of Engineers
Guided by Lemelson’s “Engineering for One Planet” framework, Jiang and other faculty members will align the ISE curriculum with competencies mandated by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology. This ensures that graduates are equipped to design socially and environmentally responsible solutions, promoting a new generation of engineers who are “Leaders, Integrators, and Transformers.”
The grant also establishes an advisory board to guide this curriculum integration. It will be comprised of experts in sustainability curriculum design, an industry practitioner, and a representative from a human life and environmental health nonprofit organization. This collaborative approach ensures that students emerge as innovative engineers committed to fostering a sustainable future.
The grant’s co-principal investigators include ISE faculty members Paul Stanfield, Lauren Davis, Muyue Han, and Vernal Alford. Jiang noted, “The core of ISE is systems thinking. “We, by nature, are multidisciplinary, so we are a great starting point to integrate our curriculum with sustainable practices.” This initiative promises to equip students with the skills to make a meaningful difference in their communities.
