Campus News - Page 2

HBCU band removes director as investigation commences

Courtesy of Tennessee State University HBCU Tennessee State University has removed its band band director amidst an investigation, according to a news release. Tennessee State Interim President Dewayne Tucker stated that Reginald McDonald had been placed on administrative leave while the school investigates travel requisitions and advances. “This decision concerns outstanding travel requisitions and advances and related lack of compliance with TSU policies and procedures,” Tucker said in the release. “Dr. McDonald will be on administrative leave with full pay while we continue this investigation.” The band, known as “The Aristocrat of Bands,” earned Grammy-winning status under McDonald back in 2023. McDonald has

HBCU to Host Empowering Teach-In Ahead of Inauguration

As students, faculty, and community members prepare for a new academic semester, the University of the District of Columbia is set to host an impactful event focused on mindfulness, learning, and empowerment. The Pre-Inauguration Community Gathering & Teach-In is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 16, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Student Center Ballroom. Mindfulness, Grounding, and Good Vibes The event seeks to create a space for reflection and connection in light of the ongoing political climate. It will begin with a “Mindfulness, Grounding, and Good Vibes” session from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Michelle Chatman, founding director of the Crime,

HBCU Energy Education Prize Returns With Second Round of Its Inspire Track

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By Emily Mercer Meeting the demand for tomorrow’s energy workforce begins with the development of STEM programs that inspire and prepare today’s youth. The Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Clean Energy Education Prize—first launched in March 2023—empowers HBCUs to lead this effort. The prize’s Inspire Track was designed to support the development and expansion of HBCU-hosted clean energy summer or academic-break programs for K–12 and community-college students. Last year, 10 finalists of the first round of the Inspire Track used their prize funds to host summer programs on clean energy topics ranging from renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies to environmental

Dillard University to Expand Opportunities for Film Studies Students

Courtesy of Dillard University Historically Black Dillard University in New Orleans has entered into a partnership with the E. Ross Studios School of Film & Television to offer a series of certificate and master class courses. The DU/SFTV partnership will be an academic enterprise that integrates technology and creativity that drives innovation and amplifies culture. Built upon the pillars of skill development, job placement, career advancement, and community impact, the DU/SFTV programs are designed for enrolled Dillard University students, and will expand to include participants in JOB1, the City of New Orleans Workforce Development Initiative and current professionals in the

HBCU History Master’s Program Marks 85 Years of Empowerment

Courtesy of North Carolina Central University North Carolina Central University, originally known as North Carolina College, made a groundbreaking move in 1939 by establishing its master’s program in history. A pivitol legal case involving Llyod Gaines significantly influenced this decision. In 1938, Gaines challenged the University of Missouri Law School‘s refusal to admit him based solely on his race. The U.S. Supreme Court ultimately ruled that states providing education to white students were obligated to offer equal educational opportunities to Black students. This landmark ruling created a chain reaction across the South, inspiring institutions like NCCU to expand their academic offerings.

A&T to Drive AI Innovation, Economic Development in Collaboration with NVIDIA

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Courtesy of North Carolina A&T State University North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University today announced it has entered a collaboration with NVIDIA aimed at accelerating North Carolina’s economic growth, enhancing workforce capabilities and fostering innovation across key sectors, helping further position the university as a leader in research and technology. This collaboration aligns with N.C. A&T’s goal to achieve Carnegie Classification R1 research status, the highest classification of research institutions in the United States. By leveraging NVIDIA’s AI technology and resources, A&T will boost its research capacity in fields critical to economic and human advancement. “Through this impactful relationship,

How Maryland colleges are adapting to artificial intelligence

By Ellie Wolfe When Hal Daume started studying artificial intelligence 25 years ago, it was “this weird little academic subdiscipline that no one had heard of.” But now it appears that higher education, and the world, may finally be taking notice. Daume, a computer science professor at the University of Maryland, now serves as the inaugural director of the new Artificial Intelligence Interdisciplinary Institute at Maryland, which launched May 2024. That means the questions Daume has spent most of his academic career asking are finally being addressed in academia. The state’s flagship university isn’t alone in trying to answer that

USAID Taps TSU to Lead AI Advancements in Semiconductors

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By Emmanuel Freeman Tennessee State University, recognized as a leading technology and innovation hub, has been selected by the U.S. Agency for International Development to spearhead advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), specifically in the semiconductor sector. The SMART ‘AI for ALL’ Research and Training Center at TSU and International Programs will play a crucial role in shaping future AI technologies and driving innovation within this essential field. Dr. Robbie Melton, TSU’s Vice President for Technology and Innovations and leader of the SMART Center, expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership. “We are thrilled to embark on this innovative journey with USAID,” Melton

UCLA Teams Up With Morgan State University in a Student Exchange Program

Courtesy of Morgan State University The University of California, Los Angeles has entered into a partnership agreement with Morgan State University, a historically Black educational institution in Baltimore. The program will primarily be carried out through an exchange student opportunity between the two locations – something that will benefit students at both schools. The UCLA-MSU collaboration is part of the UC-HBCU Initiative, a statewide program designed to address the underrepresentation of African American students in graduate studies through partnerships and research opportunities. Roger Wakimoto, UCLA’s vice chancellor for research and creative activities, stated that “I’ve always been strongly supportive of

TSU to Host Fulbright Hubert H. Humphrey Fellows Enhancement Workshop

By Emmanuel Freeman Tennessee State University, a Fulbright HBCU Institutional Leader for the past four years, has been chosen to host an Enhancement Workshop for Hubert H. Humphrey Fellows. This esteemed Fulbright program aims to tackle essential issues aligned with U.S. foreign policy priorities. Scheduled for February 17-21, 2025, the workshop will center on the theme “Inclusive Leadership Development and Equitable Policy Formulation.” The selection by the Institute of International Education (IIE) in collaboration with the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs marks a significant opportunity for TSU to engage with a diverse, international group of