Campus News

Savannah State University formally invests Dr. Jermaine Whirl as 15th president

Savannah State University held the investiture of its 15th president Friday. Dr. Jermaine Whirl marked his one-year milestone as president of Savannah State University. Whirl was formally invested in the role, sharing his aspirations for the university. “We are not here to maintain Savannah State, we are here to elevate Savannah State,” Whirl said. First year achievements Whirl began his tenure as president of SSU in April 2025. In his first year in the role, Whirl has established five new academic colleges and received a $5 million corporate gift, the largest in the school’s history. President Whirl spoke of UPROAR

DSU hosts fifth annual sexual assault prevention conference focused on empowerment and healing

By Devin Bonner Delaware State University welcomed students, faculty, and community members on April 17 for its fifth Annual Sexual Assault Prevention Conference, a daylong event centered on “Your Voice, Your Safety: Empowering Students Against Dating & Domestic Violence.” Held in the Martin Luther King Jr. Student Center Parlors, the conference focused on raising awareness around sexual assault, dating violence, and domestic violence while providing students with tools and resources to better understand trauma, recognize unhealthy patterns, and support themselves and others. Hip-hop pioneer and cultural historian Roxanne Shanté delivered a keynote that blended storytelling with reflections on relationships, self-worth,

As HBCU Graduations Near, Some LGBTQ Students Are Left Without Ceremony

As students across the Atlanta University Center plan their graduation celebrations with family and friends, some students are struggling with inclusion. Fighting to have their identity celebrated at graduation, students at Morehouse College, Spelman College and Clark Atlanta University are exploring ways to uplift one another as LGBTQ rights and representation come under attack within higher education in Georgia. Spelman is one of the historically Black colleges and universities to hold a lavender ceremony, a graduation event established at the University of Michigan in the late ‘90s to recognize LGBTQ students. It was established at Spelman in 2023, and the women’s college

Magic Johnson to speak at Tuskegee University commencement

Courtesy of Tuskegee University Magic Johnson is bringing major star power to an HBCU milestone, as Tuskegee University announced that the NBA legend and business executive will serve as commencement speaker for its undergraduate ceremony on May 9. The event is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. inside Chappie James Arena. Johnson is expected to address more than 300 graduates. (Tuskegee University) Tuskegee University leaders framed the moment as more than a celebrity appearance. In announcing the news on April 22, the university pointed to Johnson’s path from basketball superstardom to business success as a model for students finishing their journey on

Spelman College Launches Historic $500 Million “Spelman Forward” Campaign

 Spelman College today announced the public launch of “Spelman Forward,” a landmark $500 million comprehensive campaign aimed at recalibrating the College’s financial and academic models to build a more future ready Spelman. Twice the size of its previous fundraising effort, the campaign positions the nation’s top producer of Black women in STEM to lead through a period of profound technological and economic shifts. In a bold strategic move, the College has designated $325 million (65 percent of the campaign goal) to scholarships and financial aid. This represents a significant increase from the 30 percent allocated in the previous Spelman Ascends

University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff opens AI and Data Analytics Center

The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff is stepping into the future of innovation with the launch of its new Center for Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics (CAIDA), positioning the HBCU as a rising force in one of the fastest-evolving fields in the world. The initiative marks a significant investment in cutting-edge technology, research, and workforce development—creating new opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience in artificial intelligence and data science. As demand for tech talent continues to surge, UAPB’s latest move underscores a broader push among HBCUs to close the gap in STEM representation while preparing the next generation of Black

HBCU family donates $2 million to Morehouse, Spelman

A trio of HBCU alumni have donated $2 million to Morehouse College and Spelman College. Dr. George Crawford, Dr. Marcus Crawford, and Dr. Christine Crawford teamed up to donate money to their alma mater. George and Marcus graduated from Morehouse in 1996 and 1998, and Christine graduated from Spelman in 1994. Morehouse is set to receive $1 million, and Spelman is as well. Dr. George Crawford Jr. spoke about the decision to give a donation to both institutions. “We are who we are because of Morehouse and Spelman. Both institutions created a solid foundation that allowed us to go out and be successful,

Coahoma Community College students selected for national HBCU Justice Lab in Washington, D.C.

Coahoma Community College participated in Ujima’s HBCU Justice Lab, where four student leaders joined peers from across the nation to examine and reimagine justice systems impacting black campus communities. Coahoma Community College was among a select group of institutions invited to the national convening hosted by Ujima, the National Center on Violence Against Women in the Black Community. The Justice Lab created a space for students to critically assess how harm is defined, addressed, and resolved within higher education environments, with a focus on culturally responsive practices. Representing the College were Keijuan Neese, Zachery Hawkins, Kani Thornton, and Ashton Wedlow.

Ray Lewis to speak at North Carolina Central commencement

Pro Football Hall of Famer Ray Lewis is scheduled to address the graduates of North Carolina Central University this spring. The university announced Lewis as the university’s commencement speaker. Lewis will address the graduates at the Baccalaureate ceremony for the College of Health and Sciences, School of Business, and School of Education. Ray Lewis is widely considered one of the greatest defensive players in NFL history. During his career with the Baltimore Ravens, he helped lead the franchise to Super Bowl titles in 2000 and 2012, earning Super Bowl MVP honors in the Ravens’ first championship run. Lewis was a two-time NFL Defensive Player

Benedict College doubles four-year graduation rate

Benedict College is redefining excellence in the HBCU landscape after announcing a staggering 104 percent increase in its four-year graduation rates. This achievement reflects a deep commitment to student success and institutional transformation in Columbia, South Carolina. The college reached this milestone through strategic investments in academic programs and data-driven support services. Historically, the four-year graduation rate at this Benedict College campus averaged just 13.7 percent between 2007 and 2017. Today, those numbers have climbed to impressive new heights. The 2019-2023 cohort hit a 28 percent mark, followed by a 28.1% rate for the 2020-2024 group. Even during the pandemic, the 2021-2025 cohort maintained a 24% rate. Dr. Walter

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