Campus News - Page 2

Dr. Thema Bryant Encourages Congregants to “Catch the Fire” at Rankin Chapel

By Larry J. Sanders Thema Bryant, Ph.D., past president of the American Psychological Association, was the featured speaker for the January 26 edition of Andrew Rankin Memorial Chapel’s Sunday Service Series. Bryant selected Daniel 3:13-18 as the foundation for her message, “Catch the Fire.” Through the well-known tale of the three Hebrew youth who defied the king’s orders, Bryant urged her listeners to demonstrate the same courage and community in adversity. Currently a tenured professor at Pepperdine University in Los Angeles, Bryant acknowledged the destructive wildfires transpiring across Southern California, comparing them to “political fires” globally.  “What do we do when the

Four-Star General Xavier Brunson’s Founders Day speech on January 26 inspires campus community to let their ‘lives do the singing,’ University’s historic museum reopens

Courtesy of Hampton University A 132nd Founders Day is an accolade that not many institutions can boast. However, Hampton University marked this milestone on Sunday, January 26 with a fervent keynote speech from alumnus General Xavier T. Brunson ‘90 followed by a reception that celebrated the re-grand opening of the Hampton University Museum. The museum boasts of its own accolades as both the oldest museum in the Commonwealth, and the oldest African American museum in the nation. A Historic and Commemorative Day of Legacy and Leadership The Founders Day program began with a wreath-laying ceremony at the site of the grave of

Fisk University to Expand Foreign Language and International Business Education

Courtesy of Fisk University Fisk University, a historically Black educational institutio in Nashville, Tennessee, has recently formed a new partnership with the Japan Foundation, a special legal entity dedicated to the international dissemination of Japanese culture. Through a new grant issued by the Japan Foundation, Fisk University aims to expand its foreign language offerings and enhance its international business concentration. Additionally, the partnership will provide funding for Fisk to collaborate with local corporations that have a strong international presence, such as Nissan and Bridgestone/Firestone. “This partnership is a cornerstone of our Fisk Future,” said Fisk University President Agnenia Clark. “By

Howard University Hosts National Convening to Advance Equity and Excellence in STEM Education

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By Sholnn Z. Freeman Howard University hosted a pivotal gathering of senior higher education leaders on Jan.  24 to discuss recommendations from a ground-breaking report aimed at transforming teaching practices across U.S. universities.  The event, organized by the Association for Undergraduate Education at Research Universities (UERU), focused on implementing new recommendations from a new report by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) focused on improving STEM teaching in undergraduate education. The report is titled, “Equitable and Effective Teaching in Undergraduate STEM Education: A Framework for Institutions, Educators and Disciplines.” Howard University President Ben Vinson III delivered opening remarks and facilitated a panel discussion. He emphasized the

Trump federal loan freeze could result in HBCU closures

By Vaughn Johnson U.S. President Donald Trump signed several executive orders within hours of being sworn in as the 47th President of the United States of America.  The orders were part of a re-making of America under the policies of Donald Trump.  It fell in line with the bold and sweeping changes he and his administration are undertaking to rebuild America from the ground up according to their directives. Trump’s plan came further into focus and it could have dire consequences for HBCU institutions.  A memorandum circulated in the White House Budget Office described a total halt in federal grants and loans at the end of

Howard University Student Surprised With $25K Scholarship, Presented By Taraji P. Henson And Phylicia Rashad

By Kyra Allessandrini A Howard University student was presented a $25,000 scholarship during an on-air segment of NBC’s Today earlier this month. Trinity Garrison, a junior theatre arts major, was presented with the award by none other than Howard alumni Taraji P. Henson and Phylicia Rashad. “I think Howard has allowed me to become an advocate for the Black experience, for women, and for humanity. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without Howard University,” Garrison said, according to Because of Them We Can. The Dr. Andrew Allen Sr. Memorial Scholarship was created to help support Howard students pursuing studies in acting, singing and dancing. It was

Dr. Tracy M. Cook to be honored as one of Mississippi’s Most Influential African Americans

Courtesy of Alcorn State University Alcorn State University’s president is among this year’s slate of honorees for Our Mississippi Magazine’s Most Influential African Americans. Dr. Tracy M. Cook, along with 18 other business leaders from across the state, will be recognized at the 11th annual Our Mississippi Honors Gala, which will be held on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at the Hilton Hotel on County Line Road in Jackson, Miss. “I am deeply humbled to be recognized among some of our state’s most influential African Americans,” said Cook. “The most rewarding aspect of the work that I’ve been able to do in

50 Plus 1 Sports Will Invest $70M To Save Saint Augustine’s University

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Courtesy of Saint Augustine’s University It’s been a challenging few years for one of North Carolina’s oldest HBCUs. In December 2022, Saint Augustine’s University was placed on probation after failing to meet accreditation standards. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) removed the HBCU’s membership following significant financial issues, including a $32 million debt and an IRS battle. But the HBCU is inching one step closer to the light at the end of the tunnel after the Black-owned development company 50 Plus 1 Sports invested $70 million to save the university. “We were introduced to the University back in October,

Bowie State University Celebrates 160 Years of Excellence

Courtesy of Bowie State University Bowie State University recently commemorated a monumental milestone, celebrating 160 years since its founding on Jan. 9, 1865. Originally established as the Baltimore Normal School for Colored Teachers at Calvert and Saratoga streets in Baltimore, the institution proudly relocated to its current location in Bowie, Maryland, in 1911. What began as an institution dedicated to offering educational opportunities for Black teachers has flourished into a vibrant university offering more than 65 bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and certificate programs. Among its diverse offerings are cutting-edge disciplines in STEM, including cybersecurity, data analytics, artificial intelligence, and an exciting

Children Of Alabama State Alumni Launch Scholarship For HBCU To Honor Parents

Courtesy of Alabama State University The children of two Alabama State University alumni have launched a scholarship for the HBCU in honor of their parents. The late Warren L. Davis, III, and his wife, Dr. Tyna D. Davis, have been longtime supporters of the HBCU that educated them. Now, their legacy will live on at the institution through an endowment scholarship established in their name. Dr. Wartyna Davis and her brother, Dr. Warren L. Davis, IV, decided to honor their parents at their alma mater after their father’s 2024 death. “We know that Alabama State is a gem in the