Campus News - Page 21

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

The Year in Closures and Mergers

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By Josh Moody As 2024 draws to a close, it also marks the end of an era for some institutions. Altogether, at least 16 nonprofit colleges and universities announced closures this year. Most were small, private, tuition-dependent institutions that lacked robust endowments. Many approached the closure process in an orderly fashion, winding down operations and teaching out academic programs, but some shuttered abruptly, leaving students in the lurch. The number is slightly higher than last year, when 14 nonprofit institutions announced closure; a 15th, the King’s College, ended operations in 2023 but did not announce it was shutting down. Experts

First HBCU AI Institute on the way after $1 million grant

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Courtesy of North Carolina Central University North Carolina Central University (NCCU) announced a $1 million grant from Google.org, Google’s philanthropic arm, to establish the Institute for Artificial Intelligence and Equity Research (IAIER). The Institute will serve as a first-of-its kind program for a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) in the nation. To celebrate today’s announcement, NCCU hosted an event on its campus, bringing together representatives from other grant recipients along with university and Google leaders, local elected officials and students. The support from Google.org for NCCU’s program is designed to enhance research and educational opportunities and position students and the state

Delaware State Partners with U.S. Water Alliance to Enhance Water Resource Support

By Ashley Brown Delaware State University has taken a significant step towards improving water resource management in underserved communities by partnering with the U.S. Water Alliance. The team celebrated the collaboration during a community event on Dec. 5 at the University’s Bank of America Building auditorium. As the first Historically Black College and University to join forces with the USWA, DSU aims to provide critical technical assistance in water and wastewater management in Delaware and other regions. This initiative is supported by a $13 million grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which designates $2 million specifically for DSU’s involvement in the

Racial Inequities Play a Role in Loan Default Disparities

By Jessica Blake Black and Hispanic student loan borrowers experience disproportionate repayment challenges compared to their white peers, a new report from the Pew Charitable Trusts shows. Looking at a representative survey of borrowers who took out undergraduate loans between 1998 and 2018, researchers found that half of Black borrowers and 40 percent of Hispanic borrowers reached default, compared to 29 percent of white borrowers. The survey findings, combined with an academic literature review, show that the disparity is likely linked to the fact that Black and brown students face more barriers to completing a degree and have a higher likelihood of facing

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