Campus News - Page 2

Rotesha Harris Appointed President of Knoxville College in Tennessee

Courtesy of Knoxville College Rotesha Harris has been named the thirty-second president of Knoxville College, a historically Black college in Tennessee. She has served as the HBCU’s interim president since June, following the resignation of former president Leonard Adams. Knoxville College was founded in 1875 by the United Presbyterian Church of North America. At its peak in the 1960s, enrollments reached 1,200 students. The college lost its accreditation in 1997. By 2015, there were only 11 students enrolled for the spring semester. That spring, Knoxville College announced that it would not hold any classes for the 2015-16 academic year. In

Nashville Entrepreneur Dr. Turner Nashe Jr. Inspires TSU Graduates to Forge Their Own Paths at Fall Commencement

By Emmanuel Freeman Dr. Turner Nashe Jr., a prominent entrepreneur and national technology leader, addressed nearly 600 graduates at Tennessee State University’s fall commencement ceremony held Dec. 7. Family and loved ones filled the Gentry Center Complex to be a part of the milestone event.  As the keynote speaker, Nashe urged students to take ownership of their futures with the education they have received. “Life’s journey is unpredictable. My own path is a testament to that,” Nashe said. “Not everyone around you will see your potential, but that’s okay. What matters is your belief in yourself. With faith, focus, and resilience, you can turn the

Morgan State University’s Rising Nursing Program Receives 10-Year Reaccreditation

Courtesy of Morgan State University Following a comprehensive and exhaustive review of the programmatic offerings, preparation initiatives, and real-world training of Morgan State University’s undergraduate nursing students, the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) has extended the accreditation of the School of Community Health and Policy’s (SCHP) Department of Nursing baccalaureate degree program for a maximum 10-year term. The reaccreditation of Nursing’s undergraduate program comes at an opportune time in the department’s ascendency as enrollment interest remains high, and FY24 graduates posted a first-time pass rate of 90.3%. The term of this most recent round of accreditation extends until 2033. “As the

Michael Vick to become head coach at Norfolk State

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By Stephen J. Gaither Michael Vick will soon be the latest former NFL great to take over an HBCU program as he has been hired by Norfolk State University. Norfolk State University — a Virginia-based HBCU and member of the Division I Football Championship Subdivision — has hired Michael Vick as its head coach, according to multiple reports. This news comes one day after the former Virginia Tech star told the Virginian Pilot he had been in talks with the team and interviewed. Hours later he was mentioned as the potential lead candidate for the Sacramento State job before officials at

HBCU Launches Early College Program with Alabama School District

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By Ashley Brown In a groundbreaking initiative to enhance high school students’ educational opportunities, Birmingham City Schools has announced an exciting new partnership with Lawson State Community College. This collaboration will introduce the BCS Early College-Wenonah program, set to launch in early 2025. The program will allow students to earn college credits while completing their high school education at Wenonah High School. Located adjacent to Lawson State, Wenonah High School will be the hub for this innovative program. Qualified students from all Birmingham City School campuses can enroll. This initiative will give young scholars unique opportunities to pursue a college degree or

Howard University Welcomes Two New Assistant Vice Presidents in Department of Research

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By Brittany Bailer Howard University recently announced the appointments of Lauren Ferrell as the new assistant vice president of pre-award services and Dana Hector as assistant vice president for research development and strategic planning. Ferrell and Hector are committed to advancing Howard University’s research mission and enhancing the support structures that enable our researchers to thrive. Their combined expertise and leadership will play a critical role in strengthening the University’s position as a leader in research and innovation. Lauren Ferrell Ferrell brings over two decades of dedicated experience in research administration. She is passionate about empowering faculty, researchers, and administrators to achieve excellence in

New TSU interim president faces scrutiny from state legislators

By Char Baston (90.3 WLPN Radio) In his first day on the job on Monday, Tennessee State University’s new interim president, Dwayne Tucker, took questions from members of the State Building Commission, the group that helped the historically Black university avoid bankruptcy last month by redirecting federal grant money from a building project to general operating expenses.   In return, the state is asking for budget cuts. The school already cut more than 100 staff members this fall. But the building commission asked for further belt tightening. Commissioners said they want the board of the university to declare financial exigency. The drastic measure would allow TSU

NC Central University Receives $1M Grant From Google To Open An AI Institute, The First For An HBCU

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By Samantha Dorisca Google has allocated a grant to support artificial intelligence learning at an HBCU. The nation’s first HBCU AI Institute is coming to NC Central University. CBS17 reports the university will open the Institute for Artificial Intelligence and Equity Research. The groundbreaking institute aims to explore the intersection of artificial intelligence and social equity, focusing on addressing systemic disparities and fostering innovation through a lens of inclusivity and diversity. “Our purpose is clear to innovate, inspire and shape the next generation of leaders in artificial intelligence,” NCCU Chancellor Karrie Dixon said, according to CBS 17. The institute is expected to benefit 200 students with mentorship and research opportunities. Additionally, it

ESPN HBCU band championship takes leap forward in Year Two

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By Stephen J. Gaither The ESPN Band of The Year — a show case for HBCU marching bands — turned a corner on Friday night as it returned for the second year. The event brought what appeared to be a much larger crowd than the inaugural event, and the HBCU Band Heads who showed up got an entertaining show from start to finish. The ESPN Band of The Year brought a new element in 2024, adding a competion of two local high school bands. Jonesboro High School edged out Southwest DeKalb High School as both marching bands — well known

HBCU Honored with 2024 Spirit of Service Award for Community Engagement

Courtesy of Mississippi Valley State University The Mississippi Food Network has awarded Mississippi Valley State University the 2024 Spirit of Service Award to celebrate its commitment to community welfare. This recognition highlights the university’s ongoing efforts to combat local food insecurity in alignment with its motto, “Live for Service.” Cheryl Featherstone, director of community service learning at MVSU, noted that the university’s partnership with the Mississippi Food Network has been a longstanding initiative. Upon taking on her role, Featherstone saw the importance of this collaboration and worked diligently to expand its reach and effectiveness. Getting Student Athletes Involved “I inherited the partnership