Campus News - Page 16

Historic Dorm Comes Down As HBCU Makes Room For Its Future

For 64 years, Liston Hall stood on the campus of Johnson C. Smith University (JCSU). On Wednesday, July 29, 2026, the walls of an HBCU landmark in Charlotte, NC, began coming down. JCSU officially started demolishing the historic residence hall on July 29. The HBCU described the moment as both the end of an era and another step toward its “New Era of Excellence.” That makes the demolition more than a campus construction update. At HBCUs, buildings often carry a meaning that extends well beyond brick and concrete. They hold stories about who was allowed to attend college, where Black students found community, and how small institutions built lasting legacies with limited resources. However, history cannot protect

Wilberforce University Listed on the National Register of Historic Places

Wilberforce University’s Historic District is now officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the nation’s official list of historic properties worthy of preservation. Founded in 1865, Wilberforce University is among the country’s oldest private historically Black colleges and universities. “This designation represents far more than the preservation of historic buildings,” said Wilberforce University President Vann R. Newkirk, Sr. “It honors the remarkable legacy of generations who believed that education could transform lives and advance freedom. Wilberforce has long stood as a beacon of faith, scholarship, resilience, and leadership. We are grateful that this national recognition affirms our place

Claflin University Becomes Siembra Mobile’s First HBCU Partner, Expanding Early Access to Historically Black Colleges and Universities

Siembra Mobile Inc. today announced a landmark partnership with Claflin University, a private historically black liberal arts college in Orangeburg, South Carolina, making it the first Historically Black College and University (HBCU) to join Siembra’s College Connect network. Based out of Stanford’s Graduate School of Education, Siembra Mobile has built virtual enrollment communities to engage with students and families earlier. “Claflin University’s partnership represents a significant milestone for Siembra and the future of HBCU recruitment,” said Haley Platt, Chief Marketing Officer of Siembra Mobile. “Together with Claflin and the National College Resources Foundation (NCRF), we’re creating earlier opportunities for students and families to discover

Howard University School of Divinity Names Rev. Tarsha W. Banister, D.Min., Executive Director of Wisdom Keepers, Hope Seekers, a $10 Million Lilly Endowment Initiative

By Christen Hill Howard University School of Divinity (HUSD) has appointed Rev. Tarsha W. Banister, D.Min., as Executive Director of Wisdom Keepers, Hope Seekers (WKHS), a $10 million initiative funded by Lilly Endowment Inc. that unites seven historically Black theological institutions (HBTIs) in a first-of-its-kind collaborative to prepare and sustain pastoral leaders for Christian congregations. Banister brings 20 years of experience leading federally funded initiatives that strengthen public systems and improve community outcomes, with depth in grant management, cross-sector partnership development, and large-scale program implementation. She joins WKHS from the Faith COMPASS Center at Wake Forest University School of Divinity,

Some schools are extending admissions for students unenrolled by Howard University

WASHINGTON — Days after Howard University notified hundreds of first-time-in-college students that their spots for the upcoming semester were no longer being held, other colleges and universities are stepping up to fill the gap for students who are scrambling to find other options. Keana Johnson is one of them. The 17-year-old was looking forward to starting classes next month at Howard University as the next step on her educational journey and a way out of the New York City shelter where she lives. She told The Associated Press Tuesday that she may consider the University of the District of Columbia in Washington,

Tuskegee University’s Ban On Bonnets And Durags Sparks Debate

Tuskegee University is ushering in a new era of campus professionalism. The historic HBCU recently announced an updated dress code prohibiting bonnets, durags, bedroom slippers, revealing clothing, and other forms of sleepwear in classrooms, dining facilities, and official university spaces. According to the administration, this move is designed to prepare students for life beyond graduation. According to the university, the policy is part of a broader effort to encourage students to present themselves in a manner that reflects professionalism and represents one of the nation’s most historic HBCUs. In a message to parents of incoming students, President Dr. Mark A. Brown

State audit says Ohio’s only public HBCU inaccurately charged students tuition and fees

State Auditor Keith Faber found that Central State University incorrectly charged students tuition and rent, resulting in over $105,000 in penalties. The audit revealed that 37 students were overcharged for part-time tuition, while 23 students were undercharged, and some students were incorrectly charged rent for residence halls. Central State University’s Foundation lost its tax-exempt status, failed to file annual reports, and transferred over $2.7 million from investment endowment accounts to fund operating expenses. Central State University incorrectly charged students tuition and rent, according to State Auditor Keith Faber. Faber recently released an audit of Central State University’s finances from July 1, 2022,

KSU students sue over Kentucky law reshaping HBCU

Kentucky State University students are challenging Senate Bill 185 in federal and state lawsuits after the measure, signed by the governor in April, reshaped the university’s structure and declared a five-year financial exigency at the school. The bill changes KSU into a polytechnic university and affects programs, spending, admissions and other areas. Students sought legal aid this summer after protesting, writing letters to their president, the governor and senators, and raising concerns about the law’s impact. Takeo Jasper, a current KSU student from Ohio, said he came to the school to connect with the culture of the Historically Black Colleges and University.

HBCU band won’t pay to play at SEC school this fall

UGA football will host Tennessee State in a historic SEC-HBCU matchup. But one of HBCU culture’s most recognizable sounds will be missing. Tennessee State President Dwayne Tucker announced that the Grammy Award-winning Aristocrat of Bands will not travel to Athens. The Sept. 5 trip also will not include Tennessee State’s cheerleaders or Sophisticated Ladies dance team. University leaders cited SEC game-day restrictions and operational requirements. They also pointed to ticket costs for more than 220 students and staff. “Unlike the traditional HBCU game-day experience, SEC stadium policies provide visiting bands with limited performance opportunities, including a scheduled halftime appearance and

Tennessee State names Jennifer Bell interim athletic director after Mikki Allen decision

By Randall James Tennessee State has named Jennifer Bell as its interim director of athletics, the university announced Friday, one day after placing athletic director Dr. Mikki Allen on administrative leave. Bell, who has served Tennessee State Athletics for more than three decades, will immediately assume leadership of the department while overseeing all aspects of the university’s intercollegiate athletics program. She currently serves as Executive Senior Associate Athletic Director for Student-Athlete Services and Senior Woman Administrator (SWA), where she oversees compliance, student-athlete services and academic support programs. Bell joined Tennessee State Athletics in 1991 as an assistant women’s basketball coach under former head coach Teresa

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