By Jennifer Roberts
Concerns are being raised about funding for higher education campuses. This comes as the White House continues efforts to cut costs that could be critical for college campuses.
One Historically Black College and University is already preparing in the event some funds are no longer an option.
Patrick Martin, provost and chief academic and research officer at Johnson C. Smith University, said the HBCU receives around $10 million annually from federal research and academic support grants.
“That excludes student support that would come from federal financial aid,” Martin said.
Martin says the campus has benefited from federal dollars.
“We have developed an innovative and trailblazing student success program here at JCSU,” Martin said.
But the future of federal dollars earmarked for higher education appears to be in limbo.
President Donald Trump recently signed an executive order removing diversity, equity and inclusion programs within the federal government.
These actions are leading to concerns about future funding that would be allocated to HBCUs and other higher education institutions.
“Some of the money that is designated as DEI that would come to an HBCU or minority serving institution, we’re concerned about that in the long run,” Martin said.
Trump has openly called for dismantling the Department of Education, which funds critical needs for colleges and K-12 education.
There’s also action being taken by the administration to cap funds for medical research institutions.
Martin says he’s been in communication with other HBCUs and higher education leaders about best ways to navigate these uncertain times.
“What do we do in this environment, how do we continue,” Martin said.
Martin says JCSU was already planning ahead before these recent executive orders were signed.
“We are beginning to look at how we build other sets of funds in case we need to move on from federal funds,” Martin said. “We are always trying to evolve and diversify our funding portfolio.”
“I think institutions have been prepared to look for other funding opportunities,” Martin said.
Despite what’s happening in Washington, D.C., Martin wants the community to know JCSU isn’t going anywhere, and they will continue to support all its students on campus.
“We need to reassure them the doors are not going to shut tomorrow, their education will continue,” Martin said. “We will help them reach any career or educational goal when they [come] to JCSU.”