Virginia State University (VSU) has been selected to host the 2026 HBCU Media Training Symposium: Owning the Narrative, a national convening of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) focused on strengthening institutional storytelling, communications strategy, and public engagement.
The one-day symposium, organized by The EDU Ledger, will take place on Friday, August 21, 2026, in the Alfred W. Harris Academic Commons and will bring together HBCU presidents, chancellors, communications professionals, advancement leaders, board members, and higher education stakeholders from across the country.
The event underscores Virginia State University’s growing role as a leader in advancing conversations around HBCU excellence, institutional impact, and strategic communications.
“As HBCUs continue to shape the future of higher education, it is critical that we tell our stories with both authenticity and purpose,” said Dr. Cheryl Mango, executive director of the National HBCU Studies Data Collection and Resource Center at Virginia State University. “We are honored that Virginia State University was selected to host this national symposium and welcome colleagues from across the HBCU community to engage in meaningful discussions about narrative strategy, data-informed storytelling, and the impact of our institutions.”
Held from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., the symposium will focus on how HBCUs can leverage data, storytelling, media relations, and crisis communications to increase visibility, showcase student and faculty success, and support enrollment, fundraising, and advocacy efforts.
Featured speakers and presenters will include Autumn Arnett, executive editor of The EDU Ledger and Dr. Gwen Williams Dandridge, Assistant Vice President for Communications at Virginia State University, along with other communications and higher education leaders.
Training sessions and discussions will address:
- HBCUs and the Black Press
- Communicating Through a Crisis
- Leveraging Institutional Data for Advancement
- Institutional Storytelling Through Athletics
- Branding and Social Media for Small Communications Teams
- Building a Culture Where Communication Is Everyone’s Responsibility
- Telling the Stories That Matter Most
The symposium is designed to provide practical strategies that help institutions strengthen media engagement, build stakeholder trust, and demonstrate institutional impact through effective communications. Through grant support, travel stipends will be available to 20 participants to help offset lodging and transportation costs and encourage national participation.
The event is presented by The EDU Ledger with support from Virginia State University, The Lumina Foundation, and Virginia Humanities.
Event Details
What:Â 2026 HBCU Media Training Symposium:Â Owning the Narrative
When:Â Friday, August 21, 2026, 10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. ET
Where: Virginia State University Alfred W. Harris Academic Commons Room 1104
Attend:Â HBCU presidents, chancellors, communications professionals, advancement leaders, board members, and higher education stakeholders
