Huston-Tillotson University Receives $850K For Campus Renovations

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PHOTOS BY HUSTON-TILLOTSON UNIVERSITY

Congressman Greg Casar (D-Texas) joined Huston-Tillotson University leaders, students, and Black Austinites to celebrate his office securing $850,000 for the university in this year’s Congressional budget.

Huston-Tillotson will use the $850,000 grant to renovate two residence halls and the 1960s student union.

“Huston-Tillotson is part of the beating heart of East Austin,” said Congressman Greg Casar (D-Texas). “We want to make sure HT’s students can afford to live here. These students are the future leaders of Travis County.”

“Investing in our campus infrastructure is vital for providing students with a conducive learning environment. We are extremely grateful to Congressman Casar and others who were instrumental in securing this award for the renovation of our on-campus residence halls. This significant investment will enhance the overall student experience and contribute to our mission of maintaining an environment of academic excellence,” said Dr. Melva K. Wallace, president of Huston-Tillotson University. 

“We are going from First to Foremost. With your support, we indeed forging ahead into a future where our students are not only first in our minds but foremost in our actions. Your dedication to education and student welfare serves as a shining example of positive change that can be achieved through philanthropy,” said Breyanna Jones, student government association vice president of Huston-Tillotson University. 

“This funding is absolutely vital for our students. As a private institution, we don’t rely on public funds from the state. Being the oldest learning institution in Austin, it’s imperative that we upgrade our infrastructure to meet the needs of our students and faculty,” said Dianne T. Land, Trustee of Huston-Tillotson University. “This funding presents a crucial opportunity for us to make those necessary improvements.”

This federal funding was made possible through the Community Project Funding process for the Fiscal Year 2024 spending bills. Huston-Tillotson applied for the grant through Casar’s office last year. It was approved in the first round of the appropriations government funding packages that passed the U.S. House on March 6 and signed by President Joe Biden on March 9, 2024.

Congressman Greg Casar represents Texas’s 35th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives, which runs down I-35 from East Austin to Hays County to the West Side of San Antonio.  A labor organizer and son of Mexican immigrants, Casar serves as the Whip of the Congressional Progressive Caucus for the 118th Congress. He also serves on the Committee on Oversight and Accountability and the Committee on Agriculture.


Huston-Tillotson University, the first institution of higher education in Austin, Texas, has roots dating back to 1875. HT is an independent, church-related, historically black, four-year liberal arts institution located on a 23-acre tree-lined campus near downtown in East Austin. Huston-Tillotson University’s mission is to nurture a legacy of leadership and excellence in education, connecting knowledge, power, passion, and values.

The University offers associate and master’s degrees in addition to Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees in more than 19 areas of study. Huston-Tillotson University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate and master’s degrees. HT is also an NC-SARA school. For more information, please visit www.htu.edu

Margaret Richards Named New Head Women’s Basketball Coach At Jackson State University

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JACKSON, Miss. | Jackson State University Vice President & Director of Athletics Ashley Robinson has named Margaret Richards as the seventh head coach of the women’s basketball program on Wednesday morning.

“I am excited to welcome Margaret Richards to Jackson State as our next head women’s basketball coach,” Robinson said.

“She is no stranger to the Southwestern Athletic Conference and success. While she has been in the conference, she has taken a program from the bottom of the standings to a contender and when you look at leaders of your program that’s what you want. Our program has been at the top of the conference for the last five years and we want to stay there, and I believe that we have brought in the right person to do just that.”

Richards, a 19-year collegiate coaching veteran comes to Jackson State from Mercer where joined the staff after an eight-year run as head coach at Alabama A&M where she paced the Bulldogs to nearly 100 wins and six appearances in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Tournament, including a run to the semifinals of the 2019-20 event.

Alabama A&M also reeled in 13 league victories during the 2021-22 campaign on the way to a runner-up finish in the final SWAC regular season standings.

“I want to thank President Marcus Thompson and Vice President/AD Ashley Robinson for giving me this amazing opportunity to serve as the head women’s basketball coach at Jackson State University,” Richards said.

“When you look at the landscape of our sport in the Southwestern Athletic Conference, the standard over the last five years has been Jackson State. I am humbled, and honored, to be given this opportunity to serve the young women of our program and the Jackson State community. I understand the expectations and can’t wait to get to work.”

During her time in Huntsville, Ala., the AAMU women’s basketball program reeled in six all-conference honors, including a pair of first-team selections. Alabama A&M turned in a trio of winning seasons with her at the helm and put together an eight-game turnaround that bridged her first and second seasons.

Richards dove into the coaching world as an assistant at Kentucky State where she played a key role in helping the Thorobreds have an 18-game turnaround across two seasons. In two years she played a pair in helping lead Kentucky State to a 19-9 clip and a fourth-place finish in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) to highlight the 2006-07 campaign.

A graduate assistant coach during Louisville’s run to a 26-10 record and an appearance in the NCAA Sweet Sixteen, Richards was named head coach at Saint Augustine’s in time for the 2008-09 campaign and led the Falcons to a 33-24 clip across two seasons, highlighted by an 18-10 record and a Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association Western Division championship in 2009-10. During her time at SAU, the team had two All-CIAA and CIAA All-Rookie Team honors, while Richards was named CIAA Coach of the Week six times.

Richards took on roles as an assistant coach at both North Texas (2010-11) and Weber State (2011-12) before joining Western Kentucky prior to the 2012-13 campaign. During her time at WKU, Lady Toppers compiled a 76-25 (.752) clip and made three postseason appearances, including berths in both the 2013-14 and 2014-15 NCAA Tournament. WKU carried the nation’s 11th-best field goal percentage on the way to a 30-5 record in Richards’s final season on staff.

Following WKU, Richards was hired on as assistant coach at Clemson in time for the 2015-16 season before being named as Alabama A&M’s fifth head coach on June 2, 2016.

Richards played in 117 games (69 starts) at Nebraska from 1999-2004 and was voted as NU’s best defensive player as a senior after averaging 9.7 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game. She highlighted her playing career with five double-doubles, a Big 12 Player of the Week honor, and a trio of all-tournament team selections.

A press conference has been scheduled for Monday, May 6 at 11 a.m. at the Lee Williams AAC.

Follow Jackson State Athletics
For complete coverage of Jackson State athletics, follow the Tigers on social media at @GoJSUTigers (Instagram and Twitter), Jackson State Tigers (Facebook), or visit the official home of Jackson State athletics at GoJSUTigers.com.

HBCU Buzz x Kingdom of the Planet Of The Apes: Bowie State Block Party

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Last week, students at Bowie State University were in full effect as they enjoyed an exclusive screening of the upcoming blockbuster “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” and celebrated on campus at the Bowie State Block Party! 

With its powerful themes of leadership, resilience, and the fight for justice – all of which perfectly align with the values and experiences of HBCU communities — the movie and experience were nothing short of inspiring. 

“We’re grateful to have partnered with Disney to give HBCU students an opportunity to celebrate their accomplishments at school after this semester,” HBCU Buzz founder and CEO, Luke Lawal said.  

“Taking the time off to decompress and get excited about Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes while celebrating their own personal victories is the perfect way to start the summer. I know I enjoyed it, and the students did too.”

The movie’s narrative of overcoming adversity and standing up against oppression can serve as a source of inspiration and empowerment for HBCU students, reinforcing the importance of unity and activism in the face of challenges. Additionally, the diverse representation and strong character development in the film can offer a meaningful reflection of the strength and potential of HBCU students and communities.

Check out photos from the Bowie State Block Party Below!

About Kingdom Of The Planet of the Apes

“Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” is directed by Wes Ball (the “Maze Runner” trilogy) and stars Owen Teague (“IT”), Freya Allan (“The Witcher”), Kevin Durand (“Locke & Key”), Peter Macon (“Shameless”), and William H. Macy (“Fargo”). 

As a new tyrannical ape leader builds his empire, a young ape embarks on a dangerous journey. This journey will make him question everything he has ever known about the past and force him to make decisions that will shape the future for both apes and humans.

Don’t miss out on this epic cinematic experience that is sure to leave you on the edge of your seat!

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes will be released on May 8th, 2024.

Click below to watch the official trailer.

SOCIAL MEDIA: 

X: @ApesMovies 

Facebook: @ApesMovies 

Instagram: @ApesMovies

Robert Prunty Exits As Head Football Coach of Hampton University

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HAMPTON, Va.  — Director of Athletics Anthony D. Henderson Sr. announced Tuesday that Robert Prunty is no longer with Hampton University and the Pirate Football program.
 
Running backs and special teams coach Trent Boykin, a veteran of 28 years of collegiate coaching experience including 10 years on the FBS level at Akron, Boston College, and Ball State, will serve as interim head coach for the 2024 season.

According to HBCU Gameday, Robert Prunty came to Hampton University in 2018, replacing Connell Maynor, who went 20-25 record in his four seasons at Hampton.

Prunty’s best season as head coach of the Pirates was his first, posting a 7-3 record in his first year as Hampton transitioned from the MEAC to the Big South Conference.

After going 5-7 in 2019 and missing the 2020 season due to Covid. The Pirates bounced back in 2021 by going 5-6 in their final season in the Big South, then put up a 4-7 record in their first season in the CAA, going 1-7 in conference play. In what turned out to be the final season for Robert Prunty, the Pirates improved to 5-6 overall with a 3-5 record in conference play in 2023.

Hampton’s selection for interim head coach is Trent Boykin, who joined the Pirate staff in 2020 after serving as running game coordinator at Akron from 2012-18.

Since coming to Hampton University the Pirates running game has developed into the top unit in the CAA. In 2023, the Pirate ground game averaged a league-best 216.4 yards per contest. Elijah Burris rushed for 803 yards (14.7 yards per game) with eight touchdowns. Darran Burris rambled for 670 yards (74.4 ypg) with four scores giving Hampton one of the the top one-two punchs in the league.

There has been no word yet on whether Hampton will fill the position before the start of the 2024 season or if Boykin will coach for the upcoming season while the school forms a search committee to determine a permanent replacement.

Saint Augustine’s University Announces 2024 Commencement: A Celebration Of Resilience, Hope, & Achievement

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RALEIGH, NC — Saint Augustine’s University (SAU) is buzzing with excitement as it announces the highly anticipated 2024 Commencement Ceremony and 93rd Baccalaureate Exercise, a momentous occasion on May 4th. This event marks a significant milestone in the university’s history. It is a testament to the tireless dedication of its faculty, staff, and students, who have continued to shine amidst challenges and adversity.

“I’ve grown to love these students. I’ve been here the whole time with them this semester, hearing their stories, their ups and downs, and what they have learned since being here,” said SAU Interim President Dr. Marcus H. Burgess while on The Bird’s Eye View. 

“They love SAU, and ensuring that they have the graduation is what all of us want them to have. It is very important that they leave on a high note. So, by any means necessary, we want to ensure it’s a successful time.”

The Class of 2024, a shining example of SAU’s enduring legacy, is ready to cross the stage and embark on the next chapter of their lives. With close to 150 students, this graduating class is the largest in almost a decade, a testament to the resilience and perseverance of both students and the university itself.

“Our core business is producing graduates. That is what we do. When we have the commencement exercises and see the students walk across the stage, we also see the great work that has happened on our campus to help facilitate that. It brings me pride in our faculty, who have made it possible,” said SAU Interim Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Janelle Jennings-Alexander while on The Bird’s Eye View. 

“It’s a testament to the hard work that we are doing to help retain students, to help support them, to help ensure their success.”

The 2024 Commencement Ceremony and 93rd Baccalaureate Exercise at SAU are poignant reminders of the university’s resilience, vitality, and unwavering dedication to student success.

“As a 2020 high school graduate, I had no ambitions of college when it was time to start thinking about going to school. The world was at a halt, and by the time I took college seriously, every college I was interested in attending was already spoken for. One day #SaintAugustineUniversity gave me a chance,” said graduating senior and Student Trustee Miles Beasley in an Instagram Post. 

https://www.instagram.com/p/C6G0MSCOSVW/?img_index=1

“If it had not been for the people here, God knows where I would be. It’s my honor to serve, help, guide, and learn that the environment here at #SaintAugustine’sUniversity is like no other.”

Thanks to the steadfast support and commitment of the university’s alumni and supporters, the event promises to celebrate hope, achievement, and the enduring legacy of Saint Augustine’s University.

“As we celebrate this momentous occasion, remember the resilience and unity defining the SAU community. The Class of 2024 represents our collective strength and perseverance,” said graduating senior and Student Government Association President Ariana White while on The Bird’s Eye View. “With graduation on the way, I feel good about the future of SAU. My faith is strong.”

The commencement ceremony will feature SAU alumnus Rev. Charles W. Brooks, ’82, as the distinguished keynote speaker. Rev. Brooks, a pillar of the community and organizer of the Raleigh Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance’s support for SAU, embodies the spirit of service and commitment to uplifting the next generation of leaders.

Rev. Charles Weldon Brooks, born December 19th, 1959, is a native of Winston Salem, North Carolina. Brooks is the seventh of eight children born to the late William C. and Ruby Sorrell Brooks. At the age of five, Rev. Brooks lost his mother and moved to Raleigh, North Carolina, to be raised by his grandparents, the late Weldon and Grace Sorrell. While in Raleigh, he grew up in the Manly Street United Church of Christ, known today as Macedonia New Life Church.

In 1978, Rev. Brooks graduated from Broughton High School. He began a successful study of history and government at Saint Augustine’s College in Raleigh. In September of 1979, Rev. Brooks answered the call. He preached his initial sermon under then Pastor D.A. Peace, Sr. While in college, God called Rev. Brooks to serve as Pastor of the Pleasant Union United Church of Christ in Raleigh. After serving the church for three years, Rev. Brooks graduated from Saint Augustine’s College with a B.A. in History and Government in 1982.

After graduation, Rev. Brooks was accepted and entered Duke Divinity School, Durham, NC, later transferring to The School of Theology at Virginia Union University, earning a Master of Divinity degree in 1987. During his tenure in the seminary, he served two years as interim pastor of the Providence United Church of Christ in Chesapeake, Virginia.

Upon graduation, he returned to North Carolina to serve as Pastor of the Children’s Chapel United Church of Christ until July 1990. In 1990, Charles accepted the challenge of leading a great congregation in Raleigh, the Poplar Springs Christian Church. Since this union, the church has grown from 300 to 1200 disciples. In 1996, they added a new sanctuary and educational wing to the old structure for 1.2 million.

With all his success, Rev. Brooks declares that his greatest accomplishment was marrying his friend Regina M. Brooks, whom he has known for 35 years. Mrs. Brooks is the IT Manager for the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Division of Child Development. They have three children, Charles II, Renita, and Briana, all proud graduates of HBCUs, Morehouse, Tuskegee, and North Carolina Central University.

SAU’s Class of 2024 is a testament to excellence and diversity, with more than half (54%) graduating with a 3.0 GPA or better and over a third (35%) with honors and students from 16 states and three countries.

Click here for more information about the 2024 Commencement.

About Saint Augustine’s University Founded in 1867 by the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina, the mission of Saint Augustine’s University is to sustain a learning community in which students can prepare academically, socially and spiritually for leadership in a complex, diverse and rapidly changing world.

Xavier University Inks Deal To Create Fifth HBCU Medical School In The U.S.

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Xavier University of Louisiana is a private, historically black, Catholic university in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Xavier University of Louisiana, a leading undergraduate institution in preparing Black students to complete medical school successfully, has announced continued progress with Ochsner Health, the Gulf South’s leading academic medical center in training physicians, to launch their transformational Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine (XOCOM).

This groundbreaking partnership marks a significant milestone in advancing medical education by addressing health disparities in diverse communities and helping fulfill the urgent need for more physicians in Louisiana and the nation. The new medical school will be in the burgeoning BioDistrict New Orleans, located downtown in Benson Tower next to Caesars Superdome.

“With the establishment of the Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine, Ochsner and Xavier aim to address long-standing health disparities and foster stronger, healthier communities in pursuit of the mission to promote a more just and humane society gifted to Xavier nearly 100 years ago by our foundress, St. Katharine Drexel and her Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament,” said Dr. Reynold Verret, President of Xavier University of Louisiana. 

“Our partnership with Ochsner affirms our commitment to advancing health equity and excellence. XOCOM will provide cutting-edge medical training and biomedical research and, through a culture of mentorship and leadership, empower our students to be agents of change in healthcare.”

At a XOCOM signing celebration on April 29, 2024, Xavier and Ochsner officials announced that Dr. Leonardo Seoane, MD, FACP, Executive Vice President and Chief Academic Officer of Ochsner Health, will serve as the new HBCU medical school’s founding dean.

“Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine was born from a truly collaborative vision between Xavier University of Louisiana and Ochsner Health. It epitomizes our collective dedication to providing academic excellence in training the next generation of physicians, while fostering healthcare equity in New Orleans and throughout the United States,” said Dr. Seoane, Dean of Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine. “

By addressing the critical shortage of physicians in standing up this HBCU medical school in the Gulf South, XOCOM will pursue diversity in medicine and ensure equitable representation in healthcare to better serve our communities for generations to come.”

The announcement follows votes by the Xavier University of Louisiana Board of Trustees and the Ochsner Health Board of Directors in February to approve the formation of the new medical school. On Monday, officials announced XOCOM’s founding board of directors, which includes Xavier and Ochsner appointees:

  • Reynold Verret, PhD, President, Xavier University of Louisiana
  • Pete November, CEO, Ochsner Health
  • Trevonne M. Thompson, M.D., FAAEM, FACEP, FACMT, Associate Dean, Admissions, University of Illinois College of Medicine
  • Matthew Block, Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer, Ochsner Health
  • Gary C. Butts, M.D., Executive Vice President, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Mount Sinai Health System
  • Veronica Gillispie-Bell, M.D., MAS, FACOG, Senior Site Lead and Section Head, Women’s Services, Ochsner Kenner; Medical Director of Quality, Women’s Services, Ochsner Health; Medical Director of Minimally Invasive Center for Treatment of Uterine Fibroids, Ochsner Health; Associate Professor, Ochsner Clinical School
  • Gregory N. Rattler Sr., Managing Director, JP Morgan Chase
  • Deborah Grimes, RN, JD, MSHQS, Senior Vice President and Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer, Ochsner Health

Slated to be the only Historically Black College and University (HBCU) medical school in the Gulf South when it opens, XOCOM expands opportunities for New Orleans’ downtown area as part of the BioDistrict. This development district is growing biosciences and the local economy. As XOCOM advances healthcare equity and expands the physician workforce in the Gulf South, the medical school will also help the BioDistrict lead the region in healthcare excellence and promote inclusive, equitable job growth.

“Ochsner Health is committed to meeting the needs of the diverse communities we serve, and we are honored to continue our work with Xavier University of Louisiana to improve the health and wellbeing of New Orleans, our state and region,” said Pete November, CEO, Ochsner Health.

“By providing excellent training to more diverse physicians so they may better serve our communities, we are not only investing in the future of healthcare, but also the long-term prosperity and wellness for our many neighbors, friends and family members throughout the Gulf South.”

Reimagination of Healthcare to Improve Outcomes

Through the establishment of XOCOM, Xavier, and Ochsner aspire to redefine the landscape of medicine by nurturing a new cadre of physicians who authentically mirror the communities they serve. XOCOM’s vision is to unleash the power of diversity, transform medical education, and train compassionate physician-scientists who will champion inclusivity and excellence in medicine.

XOCOM will boast state-of-the-art medical technology and facilities, providing students with immersive learning experiences and hands-on training opportunities. The curriculum will emphasize interdisciplinary collaboration, clinical proficiency, and compassionate patient care, equipping graduates with the skills and knowledge to address the complex healthcare challenges of the 21st century.

Xavier University of Louisiana will seek approval from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The new medical school, XOCOM, will seek preliminary accreditation from the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME). Accreditation is expected to take about three years and will be followed by recruitment. XOCOM aims to seat 50 students in the first class, and the medical school will continue to grow as it develops.

When it opens, the Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine will join the nation’s four existing historically Black medical schools: Howard University College of Medicine, Morehouse School of Medicine, Meharry Medical College, and the Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science.

Research shows an urgent need for this HBCU College of Medicine, as the demand for diverse doctors is expected to grow considerably. Every year, 25% of the incoming interns in the National Resident Matching Program come from foreign medical schools because there are not enough U.S. Medical School graduates.

The Association of American Medical Colleges has projected a total shortage of up to 86,000 physicians by 2036. Louisiana is projected to rank third nationally for a shortage of physicians by 2030, with rural and underserved communities expected to be impacted the most. Black doctors make up just 5.7% of the nation’s physicians, but Black populations account for 13.6% of U.S. residents.

Studies show representation in medicine truly matters. A 2022 report in the National Library of Medicine emphasized that diversity in medicine plays a crucial role in enhancing health outcomes, as it improves quality access to healthcare services and fosters patient trust.

Working Together in the BioDistrict

Xavier and Ochsner are uniquely qualified to open a new HBCU medical school. For decades, Xavier, one of the country’s top-ranked HBCUs, has produced more Black students who achieve medical degrees and doctorates in the health sciences than any other higher education institution in the nation. Ochsner has a history of investing in communities and health equity, and demonstrated experience training physicians, annually instructing over 330 residents and fellows through graduate medical education.

Ochsner and Xavier’s partnership began in the 1980s with the College of Pharmacy, which ranks among the top in the nation in producing Black graduates with Doctor of Pharmacy degrees. More recently, the two institutions partnered to create a Physician Assistant (PA) program, new graduate programs in health sciences and the Ochsner Health and Xavier University Institute for Health Equity and Research (OXIHER).

Working together in the BioDistrict, leaders in economic development, higher education, business, and nonprofits are creating a vibrant, authentic, and engaging place where industry and the community convene to tackle global challenges in health and wellness. The BioDistrict will drive the regional economy through strategic investments, grow the city’s biosciences and health innovation ecosystem, and create jobs and economic opportunities for New Orleanians.

By anchoring their partnership with the Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine (XOCOM), Xavier and Ochsner will advance healthcare excellence, bring new opportunities to marginalized populations, and create stellar medical education for future generations.

To learn more, please visit www.xula.edu and www.ochsner.org.

Delaware State University Announces Two Administrative Position Changes

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DSU is a privately governed, state-assisted historically black land-grant research university in Dover, Delaware.

DOVER — Delaware State University is headed toward change as two seasoned administrators announced changes to their positions this week.

Dr. Saundra DeLauder, provost and chief academic officer, will step down as of June 30, while Dr. Vita Pickrum, foundation president and head of institutional advancement will retire on Dec. 31. 

DSU President Dr. Tony Allen announced the news to staff and faculty on April 25 in an email, noting that he will soon detail a transition strategy for both positions. DSU officials declined to comment further to the Delaware Business Times.

DeLauder was appointed as DSU’s sixth provost in May 2020, after Allen vacated that post to become president of the historically Black university, leaving a void in DSU’s leadership. She previously served as the dean of the School of Graduate Studies and Research from 2013 through 2017 and vice provost from August 2017 through 2019. 

According to DSU, the Office of the Provost oversees college deans, the various academic departments, “additional locations and related academic activities in coordination with the Office of the President.”

Dr. Saundra DeLauder, provost and chief academic officer
Dr. Vita Pickrum, foundation president and head of institutional advancement

Historical records from the school show that the provost position was created under the leadership of DeLauder’s late father-in-law, William B. DeLauder, when he was DSU’s president from 1987 to 2003.

After the North Carolinian native steps down from that role later this year, she will remain at the University as a full professor in the College of Agriculture, Science & Technology following a “one-year administrative sabbatical” during which she will continue to identify ways for the University to grow. 

“She has agreed to work on special projects for the University, including determining the best use of the testing laboratory at the Kirkwood campus and how to meet the growing program needs for research expansion, contracting, and other revenue generation. I have also asked her to help lead our efforts with Thurgood Marshall College Fund to build a new online platform, as a part of the HBCU Transformation Project,” Allen said in the statement. 

DeLauder had 26 years of higher educational experience before her roles at DSU, including becoming North Carolina Central University’s first female full professor and its first-tenured female chemistry professor.

DSU has traditionally appointed a search committee for its next provost, including in 2020 and 2017, when DeLauder and Allen were selected respectively. No such committee has been announced for the upcoming search at this time.

Shelomi Sanders Returning To An HBCU After Colorado Exit

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Coach Prime’s Daughter Shelomi Sanders Has Committed To Dawn Thornton And The Alabama A&M Bulldogs

Former Jackson State guard and Colorado transfer Shelomi Sanders has announced through a video on her YouTube channel that she has committed to play at Alabama A&M for newly hired head coach Dawn Thornton.

In the video, Sanders shows herself on a visit to Alabama A&M, walking in the locker room and seeing her new uniform before cutting to her wearing it, saying, “You see it.”

“I was just enjoying the moment because I’m a Bulldog,” says Sanders in the video. “I had a good time. As y’all can see, I committed, and we finna T up.”

Her father, Colorado and former Jackson State football coach Deion Sanders, was not happy with her decision to leave Boulder, Colorado. 

“Which was stupid,” Deion Sanders said. “You get a team before you enter the portal. That’s what I would advise a child. I know it’s illegal, c’mon, c’mon. Everybody knows somebody that knows somebody, that knows somebody. You kind of want them to do something. … And she truly has been advised.” 

“You have to understand. I am a real father; I am a real man and a real dad. Where I come from and historically, kids follow their parents. When do parents start following their kids? That doesn’t work in my book. That does not work where I am from. I am the leader of the family, I have been dictating where my kids go, not them dictating where I go.”

Thornton was hired at Alabama A&M on April 6. She coached for the past five years at Arkansas-Pine Bluff. 

“Shelomi is just what we need on ‘The Hill,'” Thornton told the Clarion Ledger on Friday.

“Not only does she want to make a name for herself, but we also have the platform and the resources for her to do it. She is well-known for her game behind the arc, and I love big guards that can score the ball. She has great athleticism and will make it very hard for teams to zone us. Shelomi’s commitment and determination will send her potential through the roof.” 

This will be Sanders’ third different team she has committed to in her college career.

Shelomi Sanders played at Jackson State under former coach Tomekia Reed, on a team that went 22-10 in 2022. The former Jackson State player has received limited playing time in her first two collegiate seasons. She has played in just seven games, averaging 3.1 minutes per game.

Claflin University Vice President Injured In Shooting

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ORANGEBURG, S.C. (WIS) – Claflin University identified the victim of a shooting last Wednesday night in Orangeburg as its Vice President for Student Development and Services.

According to an incident report from the Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Office, Dr. Leroy A. Durant, Ph.D., was driving home from the university when he was shot in the head.

Durant told police he was driving on Belleville Road when he heard a loud noise while passing Mingo Street. He then started to feel lightheaded and dizzy. He said he drove himself to MUSC in Orangeburg when he noticed blood coming from his head.

The incident also stated the bullet was through and through but did not pierce Durant’s skull. University officials said in a press release Durant was treated for his injuries and was later released.

Claflin University Students felt a sense of shock when they learned of what took place.

“I was really surprised. I was surprised because I literally just saw him right before the situation had happened and not only that, but afterward, and just reading over the email, my heart just starts to drop,” said Kenneth White, III., a Claflin University Sophomore.

“Friends around start telling me he got shot. I was like…. ‘What!’ So after that, I couldn’t do nothing but pray.”

According to the university, Durant has been a Clafflin administrator for more than 22 years. In the press release, the university said Durant’s priorities have always been the safety and welfare of the students. They added the university community, his family and friends are praying for his speedy recovery.

“When we received the information, the students was in shock and worried about Dr. Durant’s health. He played a big figure here at Claflin University. I just want to send him the best regards and prayers. I’ll keep him in my prayers and a speedy recovery,” said Darius Wright, a Claflin University Junior.

The Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Office told WIS News 10 they are investigating the shooting.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Dr. Durant and the Claflin University community during this time.

Texas Southern University’s Law School Responds To State’s DEI Job Cuts

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Texas Southern University x HBCU
Texas Southern University (TSU) // Credit: michelmond/Alamy Live News

Texas universities are facing job cuts due to the enforcement of Senate Bill 17, which prohibits Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives in publicly funded universities.

The bill also bans mandatory diversity training and restricts hiring departments from asking for diversity statements, essays in which job applicants talk about their commitment to building diverse campuses.

The Associated Press reported that over 100 jobs have been eliminated across the state as a result of this bill.

Sen. Brandon Creighton, R-Conroe, who filed the bill in 2023, argued at the time that diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) offices in academic institutions impose political beliefs on faculty members and students and prioritize social justice over merit and achievement.

“DEI programs have been shown to be exclusive, they have been shown to be ineffective and they have shown to be politically charged,” he said. “Many of these programs have been weaponized to compel speech instead of protecting free speech.”

The bill was signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott on June 17th, 2023, and it came into effect on January 1, 2024.

At Texas Southern University’s Thurgood Marshall School of Law, the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion are woven into its fabric.

“We are lucky that we do not have a certain group or certain offices, positions that we have to eliminate. Our whole mission is diversity equity inclusion. You cannot eliminate a mission,” said TSU Law Review editor Lauren Gonzales. 

Despite these job cuts, Gonzales believes that historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) have the potential to make progress. Recently, a panel discussion was held at the law school, where government leaders and students discussed the matter.

The Thurgood Marshall School of Law is an ABA-accredited law school at Texas Southern University in Houston, Texas.

“You cannot eliminate a mission.” – Lauren Gonzales

“It’s mind-boggling to me that folks want to go backward, they want to stay in the darkness. They want to stay in a time where people who look like us were not given the opportunity,” said State Rep. Armando Walle of House District 140 in Harris County.

Supporters of SB 17 are taking strong measures to ensure its compliance, even sending letters to universities such as the University of Texas at Austin. According to an Austin American-Statesman report, many DEI staff members there are being laid off.

In a statement to KHOU 11, SB 17 author Senator Brandon Creighton said it’s the strongest DEI ban in the nation.

“DEI has produced less diversity, divided students, and mandated political loyalty oaths before anyone gets an interview,” Creighton said. “It’s been a failed experiment that threatens free speech and is a drag on research and innovation at many of our best colleges and universities.” 

Critics argue that dismissing or letting go of staff will not lead to a welcoming and inclusive environment in higher education institutions.

“This is the time now more than ever that we have to double down on supporting our HBCU and alone actually giving back if you can. Because when you look at things like DEI, this is literally the reason our HBCUs were necessary,” said State Rep. Rhetta Bowers of House District 113 in Dallas.

North Carolina Central University Wins 2024 HBCU Jazz Combo Competition

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The North Carolina Central University Jazz Ensemble in 2023. | Photo Courtesy of NCCU website.

North Carolina Central University Jazz Combo is the winner of the 2024 HBCU Jazz Combo Challenge!

NCCU’s Jazz Studies program has garnered recognition as a premier university program. In 2023, the Jazz Combo from NCCU secured the top prize in MJF’s national HBCU Jazz Combo Challenge, earning the opportunity to perform at the Monterey Jazz Festival.

Founded by jazz trumpeter Donald Byrd and guided by saxophonist, flutist, and educator Dr. Ira Wiggins, NCCU’s jazz faculty includes artists-in-residence Branford Marsalis and Joey Calderazzo; Jazz Studies director and director of NCCU’s Combo 1, Robert Trowers (trombone); Albert Strong (trumpet); Helm Hammonds who directs NCCU’s Vocal Jazz Ensemble; Maurice Myers (vocals); Jim Crew (piano); J.C. Martin (guitar); Thomas Taylor (drums and percussion); Damon Brown (bass); Shaena Ryan (reeds and saxophone); and Keenan McKenzie (saxophones).

The group will return to the Monterey Jazz Festival this September.

Click here to learn more about NCCU’s music department.

Amanda Seales: Our HBCU Advocate

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Comedian, actress, writer, producer, and more, Amanda Seales doesn’t just make you laugh, she makes a change!

With an uncanny knack for taking serious topics (racism, rape culture, sexism, police brutality, etc.) and with humor, making them relatable and interesting, she combines intellectual wit, silliness, and a pop culture obsession to create her unique style of smart funny content for the stage and screens.

Amanda Seales is a comedian and creative visionary, seamlessly blending humor and intellect, her unique style of smart funny content spans various genres across the entertainment and multi-media landscape. 

Moreover, Seales has been a consistent advocate for Black voices and institutions, — such as HBCUs. As we reflect on Amanda’s Club Shay Shay’s interview last week, we look back on 5 times Seales stepped for HBCUs.

Amanda Speaks On Race, Identity, & Politics At Xavier University

In 2018, Amanda spoke at Xavier University of Louisiana. Her students, who doubled as fans, laughed, cried, and yelled, “Preach, Amanda.” Seales is a comedian, actress, writer, and producer. But when she stood in front of a room full of students in Xavier’s University Center Ballroom on Wednesday, she became a teacher. 

After leading an impromptu rendition of Lift Every Voice and Sing and encouraging students to be vocal and fearless, she talked a little about historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Seales said that Xavier and all HBCUs should be an open space to discuss difficult issues, such as police brutality, that affect African Americans. She added that the first place to initiate change is on campus by helping others.

“Everybody in here agrees that police brutality is out of hand,” she said. “So when Kap takes a knee and you see folks that still want to watch the NFL and still kind of want to ignore the power in that.”

Amanda Becomes Ambassador For UNCF’s ‘HBCU Bound’ Initiative

In May 2022, The United Negro College Fund (UNCF) launched their month-long initiative titled “HBCU Bound,” in celebration of high school graduates heading to historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).

Seales was among the digital ambassadors recruited to help push the message.

“HBCU Bound” is a nationwide student advocacy and recruitment initiative in collaboration with UNCF’s National Alumni Council (NAC) to support students committing to attend HBCUs including UNCF’s 37 member institutions. The widely celebrated campaign has partnered with several visionary Black luminaries and change agents advocating for equitable education and utilizing their platforms to advance educational enrichment.

Amanda On ‘The HBCU That Never Came To Life’

In January 2024, Amanda had Kimberly Renee guest star on her show to discuss the hidden history of the HBCU that never came to live in New Haven.

In 1831, New Haven’s white community leaders overwhelmingly rejected a serious proposal to found what would have been the first U.S. Black college, on the land where the interchange of I‑95 and I‑91 now exists.

Amanda frequently highlights HBCUs in various segments on her show via hidden history and HBCU Trivia.

Amanda On The Potential Closure of Three HBCUs

In February 2024, a new bill was introduced in the Mississippi State Legislature that could’ve led to the closure of three HBCUs: Mississippi Valley State University, Alcorn State University, and Jackson State University by June 2028. According to Senate Bill 2726 proposal, the State Institutions of Higher Learning would’ve been required to select three out of eight public universities by June 2025, with closure mandated by 2028.

During an episode on her podcast show, Seales discussed the potential impact the closure would have on Black kids in Mississippi seeking a higher education.

“I understand why HBCUs believe their schools could be on the chopping block,” Seales said at the time. “When we look at the nation’s efforts right now to silence Black voices, to roll things back in terms of equity, inclusion, and diversity it doesn’t seem like a far-fetched mission of them to try and limit the ability for Black folks in Mississippi to get a higher education.”

Amanda On The Supreme Court & Increased HBCU Enrollment

After many HBCUs witnessed a rise in admissions following last year’s decision by The Supreme Court to eliminate race from the admissions process, many questioned whether the rise could be specifically attributed to The Supreme Court decision or whether other factors were at play.

Amanda delved into the topic during an episode on her show.

“This is a testament to what happens when HBCUs are supported…”and just imagine what it would look like if HBCUs took over the academic landscape…”It’s time for us to wake up and smell the excellence brewing in our HBCUs, it’s our brilliance, it’s our legacy, it’s our power.”

HBCU Football Stars Shut Out In NFL Draft For Second Time In Four Years

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Photo Courtesy of Clutch Points

The 2024 NFL Draft has concluded and no HBCU player was selected in 257 picks, marking the first time since 2020 that no Black College football player was drafted. However, these top players have signed with teams as undrafted free agents and mini-camp invites. 

Undrafted free agents are players eligible for the NFL Draft but were not selected. They are free to negotiate and sign with any team. On the other hand, mini-camps are designed to familiarize the newly drafted rookies with the NFL playing schemes, and they also allow coaches and team administrators to see their new players in action learning plays from their new team’s playbook.

Here are the players who received an offer and where they will play.

UNDRAFTED FREE AGENTS

MINI CAMP INVITES

Various responses were expressed regarding the shortage of Black college players drafted. Some appreciated the autonomy that these players experienced, while others were frustrated with the NFL’s apparent lack of willingness to recognize the value of HBCUs. In the previous year, Deion Sanders, a former coach at Jackson State, stated that NFL teams who failed to draft players like Isaiah Bolden from HBCUs should feel ashamed.

It can be incredibly frustrating to witness events like the HBCU Combine and Legacy Bowl, which have the support of the NFL, not result in more players being drafted. It creates the impression of inclusivity, but when the same teams go on to sign numerous Black college players just hours – or sometimes even minutes – after the draft, it’s understandable why supporters of HBCUs might feel that the process is lacking.

Although we at HBCUs are aware of the value these institutions offer, I am confident that whenever and wherever HBCU players have the chance, they will continue to shine, whether during pro days, on the practice squad, or in the playoffs, when it matters most.

Remember, what matters is not how you get there, but what you do when you arrive!

Let’s wish all these young men the best of luck! 

Award-Winning Actress Angela Bassett Will Be Spelman College’s 2024 Keynote Speaker

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Angela Bassett was the Guest Speaker at Morehouse College in May 2019.

ATLANTA (April 25, 2024) – Spelman College announced today that actress, director, and executive producer Angela Bassett will be the keynote speaker for the College’s 137th Commencement Ceremony and will receive a Doctor of Fine Arts honorary degree.

The College will also award an honorary degree – Doctor of Laws – to trailblazing Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, as well as a National Community Service Award to highly acclaimed Atlanta journalist Rose Scott during Commencement at 3 p.m., Sunday, May 19, at the Georgia International Convention Center (GICC). 

The renowned social justice minister Reverend Dr. Yvette Flunder will address graduates during the Baccalaureate Ceremony at 10 a.m., Saturday, May 18, also at the GICC.

Bassett, an Honorary Oscar recipient, is known for captivating performances in iconic films, such as Malcolm X, Waiting to Exhale, How Stella Got Her Groove Back, Black Panther, Mission Impossible: Fallout and What’s Love Got to Do With It, for which she received an Academy Award nomination. Bassett returned as the beloved Queen Ramonda in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and received Golden Globe, Critics Choice, and NAACP Image Entertainer of the Year awards with Academy Award, SAG, and BAFTA nominations, as well as the Variety Creative Impact in Acting Award.

She is also the star and executive producer of the ABC/Disney hit drama 9-1-1, the recently released Netflix Originals blockbuster feature film Damsel, and is the narrator of the critically acclaimed NatGeo limited series Queens.

Bassett was named one of the Time 100 and Time Women of the Year in 2023, has earned multiple EMMY nominations, and is the recipient of numerous awards, including a SAG Award, 16 NAACP Image Awards, two Golden Globe Awards, and the Black Girls Rock! Icon Award and many more.

“Spelman College is honored to have acclaimed actress and director Angela Bassett to bring words of inspiration to our graduating Class of 2024,” said Spelman College President Helene D. Gayle, M.D., MPH.

“Her work has had a tremendous impact both on and off the screen and serves as an example for our students to lead in their own spaces. We are equally honored to have a slate of strong Black women join us for our weekend ceremonies, including Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, Atlanta community icon Rose Scott, and the esteemed Reverend Dr. Yvette Flunder. We look forward to them inspiring our graduates, their families, and the Spelman community.”

The Class of 2024 includes 504 degree candidates, receiving 325 Bachelor of Arts and 179 Bachelor of Science degrees.

Class of 2024 Top Ten Scholars and Majors

Mika Keziah Campbell, co-Valedictorian, Mathematics

Nadia Scott, co-Valedictorian, History

Nailah Johnson, Salutatorian, Psychology

Alyssa Rodriguez, Biochemistry

Zoli Smith, Psychology

Beulah Andoh, Psychology

Kinka Kimfon, Health Science

Erin Grier, English

Rabiah Hubert, Psychology

Raegan Ewing, International Studies

2024 Honorary Degree
Ketanji Brown Jackson, associate justice, was born in Washington, D.C., on September 14, 1970. She received an A.B., magna cum laude, from Harvard-Radcliffe College in 1992, and a J.D., cum laude, from Harvard Law School in 1996. She served as a law clerk for Judge Patti B. Saris of the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts from 1996 to 1997, Judge Bruce M. Selya of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit from 1997 to 1998, and Justice Stephen G. Breyer of the Supreme Court of the United States during the 1999 Term.

After three years in private practice, she worked as an attorney at the U.S. Sentencing Commission from 2003 to 2005. From 2005 to 2007, she served as an assistant federal public defender in Washington, D.C., and from 2007 to 2010, she was in private practice. She served as a vice chair and commissioner on the U.S. Sentencing Commission from 2010 to 2014. In 2012, President Barack Obama nominated her to the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, where she served from 2013 to 2021.

She was appointed to the Defender Services Committee of the Judicial Conference of the United States in 2017, and the Supreme Court Fellows Commission in 2019. President Joseph R. Biden, Jr., appointed her to the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit in 2021 and then nominated her as an associate justice of the Supreme Court in 2022. She took her seat on June 30, 2022.

National Community Service Award
Spelman will also honor Rose Scott with the National Community Service Award for her almost two decades of public service as an award-winning journalist, a “curator of communication conversations” and a voice of accountability for local and national issues. Scott is the executive producer and host of the midday news program “Closer Look” broadcast on Atlanta’s NPR station, 90.1 FM – WABE. She joined WABE full-time in 2008. Prior to that, Scott began her public media career in 1999 at WCLK 91.9 FM at Clark Atlanta University.

“Closer Look” has become a signature broadcast for the community and brings together viewpoints from all sectors of society. In her role as executive producer and host, Scott has interviewed foreign heads of state, cabinet members, U.S. ambassadors, numerous consul generals, state and local elected officials as well as civic and social leaders.

Baccalaureate Ceremony
Reverend Dr. Yvette Flunder will serve as the speaker for the Baccalaureate Ceremony the day before Commencement. The Baccalaureate Ceremony is the final spiritual experience for Spelman College students. It provides the opportunity for the graduating class, along with their families and communities, to joyfully reflect on their spiritual growth and personal transformation as they prepare for Commencement on the following day.

Rev. Dr. Flunder founded the City of Refuge United Church of Christ in 1991. In 2003, Flunder was consecrated Presiding Bishop of The Fellowship of Affirming Ministries, a multi-denominational coalition of over 100 primarily African American Christian leaders and laity. Bishop Flunder is a graduate of the Certificate of Ministry and Master of Arts programs at Pacific School of Religion and received her Doctor of Ministry from San Francisco Theological Seminary.

She has also served as an adjunct professor and speaker at Pacific School of Religion and numerous seminaries and universities including Auburn, Brite Divinity, Chicago Theological, Columbia University, Drew, Duke, Eden, Howard, Lancaster, New York Theological and Yale.

For more information and to learn more about our speakers and Commencement activities, go to Schedule of Events (spelman.edu).

Jackson State University Bids Farewell To Women’s Basketball Coach Tomekia Reed

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Jackson State University has lost the face of its women’s basketball program.

Tomekia Reed was announced as the new head women’s basketball coach at Charlotte on Thursday afternoon. Her departure ends one of the most historic runs in the sport in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) with five consecutive regular season titles and three tournament titles.

Reed’s contract was up at the end of this season and she was discussing with the University the possibility of a new contract.

“I want to thank Tomekia for what she has done for Jackson State women’s basketball,” VP/Director of Athletics Ashley Robinson said. “The work she did during her time here at Jackson State is unmatched and we wish her nothing but the best at Charlotte.”

In the last five seasons, Jackson State’s conference-winning percentage was among the highest in the country, per Tolly Carr from HBCU Gameday. JSU won an outstanding 95.4 percent of its conference games. That level of winning places Jackson State among the elite programs in the country, like UConn and South Carolina. Those winning percentages are listed below.

1. UConn — 96.5%
T-2. South Carolina — 96.3%
T-2. FGCU — 96.3%
4. Jackson State — 95.4%
5. Gonzaga — 95.3% (190 kB)

Reed was a four-time SWAC Coach of the Year during her time at JSU. She will be the ninth head coach in Charlotte women’s basketball history. Last year’s 49ers team finished 16-15 overall and 9-9 overall in the American Athletic Conference.

During her time at Jackson State, Tomekia Reed had two players drafted in the WNBA, Ameshya Williams-Holliday was selected by the Indiana Fever in 2022. Angel Jackson was selected by the Las Vegas Aces in this year’s draft.

Jackson State will begin a national search immediately for her replacement.

Morehouse College President Will Not Rescind Biden’s Commencement Invitation Despite Objections

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Morehouse College president Dr. David A. Thomas speaks during the Morehouse College commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 21, 2023, on Century Campus in Atlanta. The graduation marked Morehouse College’s 139th commencement program. CHRISTINA MATACOTTA FOR THE ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION

Despite student and some faculty objections, Dr. David Thomas, president of Morehouse College, has decided not to rescind Biden’s invitation to speak at commencement.

Chauncey Alcorn, political reporter for Capital B News was in the room Thursday night when President Thomas made the announcement and shared a thread of videos via X (formerly Twitter) from the forum.

In one of the clips, President Thomas can be heard saying he decided not to withdraw the invitation for several reasons. Dr. Thomas said Biden’s “body of work” over 50 years merits an honorary Morehouse degree and the world won’t see that as the school being “complicit with the atrocities that the Israeli military are committing in Gaza.”

President Thomas confirmed that he was the one who made the call to invite Biden and stressed that a presidential visit underscores Morehouse’s stature as an elite institution.

The pushback against leadership’s decision comes amid increasing protests on college campuses over Biden’s support for Israel in its war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The protests since the war began in October have already forced Biden, and other top administration officials, to scale back appearances at college campuses dramatically.

Commencement season is typically a time when presidents reach young audiences, and it offers them opportunities to deliver keynote addresses highlighting their accomplishments and the future. In an election year, commencement speeches can carry particular significance.

But Biden’s addresses this year are poised to be fraught, largely because of growing protests over his refusal to call for a permanent, immediate cease-fire in Gaza without conditions. Biden is struggling with younger voters, and recent polling also indicates many Black voters are not enthusiastic about supporting his candidacy.

Speaking at a historically Black college would provide an “opportunity” for Biden, according to a person familiar with the controversy.

Morehouse, like other colleges, has faced students speaking out about the war in Gaza. In February, the Maroon Tiger — Morehouse’s student publication — reported that a student pulled an Israeli flag down from the chapel and was detained by campus police.

Some Morehouse students and faculty take issue with Biden’s support for sending taxpayer-funded military aid to Israel amid the Gaza humanitarian crisis, which has left more than 34,000 Palestinians dead and millions more starving.

“Students are not in favor of the way in which the United States has handled this situation, and are surely not in favor of the trauma and the pain and the genocide that the Palestinian people are going through — but also that innocent civilians and Israel are going through as well,” Calvin Bell, a Morehouse College student said in February, after the flag incident.

When President Thomas was asked whether he thought what was happening in Gaza was a “genocide,” he refused to answer.

One student during the forum said there should be “parameters put on what Biden says” during his speech. Another condemned Biden’s support for sending billions in aid to Ukraine while Black folks in Georgia and nationwide who voted for him are struggling to keep their homes and pay their bills.

President Thomas said Morehouse is currently in conversations with the White House about doing more direct engagement with students during his visit. He said he would raise the students’ concerns with the White House.

Morehouse commencement will take place on May 19th in Atlanta, Georgia.