Campus News - Page 4

After much anticipation, University of Michigan’s board doesn’t vote on defunding DEI

By Curtis Bunn The University of Michigan Board of Regents did not vote on whether to defund its diversity, equity and inclusion program at its final meeting of the year Thursday following protests on campus to keep the embattled program intact. The board did, however, decide it will no longer require diversity statements for faculty members during hiring or promotion, a significant reposition for the university. The board did not directly say it would not vote on disbanding its DEI program, which has reportedly spent $250 million on diversity initiatives since 2016. But members spoke in general terms, warning, “Don’t believe

Voorhees University Receives Television Donations from Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

Courtesy of Voorhees University In a remarkable display of community support and tradition, the Epsilon Omega Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. made a memorable contribution to Voorhees University during the halftime of the highly anticipated homecoming basketball game. The chapter donated 13 brand-new flat-screen televisions to their cherished alma mater, enhancing the campus experience for students and faculty alike. The presentation was a celebratory moment, marked by the presence of active brothers from the campus and alumni who returned to join in the festivities. As the brothers revealed their generous donation, the crowd erupted in cheers, recognizing the

SBA Awards $2.2 Million to Morgan’s Entrepreneurial Development and Assistance Center to Establish New Entrepreneurship Outreach Initiatives

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Courtesy of Morgan State University Morgan State University’s Entrepreneurial Development and Assistance Center (EDAC) has secured funding to enhance two of its impactful outreach initiatives aimed at advancing the center’s mission. Specifically, the Small Business Administration (SBA) has awarded EDAC $1.5 million to support the Returning Citizens Inspired to Develop Entrepreneurial Ventures (RIDE) Entrepreneurship Center and $700,000 for the Government Certifications Contracting and Matchmaking Solutions Center. Both programs are designed to empower aspiring entrepreneurs by providing essential resources and assistance to help participants effectively navigate the complexities of the business landscape. This funding was made possible through the FY24 Omnibus Spending Bill with the

Howard University Hosts Panel to Address Black Maternal Health Crisis

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By Amber Dodd In partnership with Walmart and the PNC National Center for Entrepreneurship, Howard University hosted a Maternal Health Panel at the University’s College of Medicine.  The panel coincided with the Congressional Black Caucus’ 53rd legislative session as congressional affiliates drafted and advocated for bills to address the Black maternal crisis. Black women are currently dying at three times the rate of white women during childbirth. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 80% of those deaths are preventable. Connecting Black Maternal Advocates Before the panel, Jazmin Long, CEO and founder of Birthing Beautiful Communities in

National Science Foundation Awards Morgan State University Nearly $3 Million in Research Grants To-Date in FY25

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Courtesy of Morgan State University In what is amounting to a banner year for Maryland’s designated Preeminent Public Urban Research University, faculty researchers at Morgan State University are on pace to reach Morgan’s annual goal of $100 million in awarded research grants and contracts. The National Science Foundation (NSF), a longstanding catalyst for groundbreaking research across the U.S. higher education landscape, granted Morgan more than $2.9 million in funding to initiate new research and further existing research in the first quarter of the current fiscal year. Bolstered by support from the NSF and many other agencies, Morgan has amassed more than $77

HBCU Aims to Alleviate Financial Struggles with 99-Year Lease

Courtesy of Saint Augustine’s University In a significant move toward financial recovery, Saint Augustine’s University is prepared to make a deal to see part of its campus leased to Coral Gables-based 50 Plus 1 Sports for $70 million over 99 years. Monti Valrie, principal and managing partner of 50 Plus 1 Sports, confirmed the agreement. “We are absolutely thrilled to come to Raleigh and partner with Saint Augustine’s University, local developers, and community leaders in this incredible city,” Valrie stated in a recent interview with the Charlotte Post. He emphasized the company’s dedication to cultivating projects that benefit local residents and

Dr. Joyce Shirazi Co-Chairs Effort to Develop a Roadmap that Boost HBCU Research Capacity

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Courtesy of Hampton University In an effort to strengthen the U.S. science and technology workforce, a coalition of engineering leaders from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and major research institutions recently released a report on how to work together to expand research programs at HBCUs. Joyce T. Shirazi, dean of the School of Engineering, Architecture and Aviation at Hampton University, co-led the effort. The recommendations emerged from the HBCU Engineering Deans Summit, a first-of-its-kind gathering earlier this year organized by the HBCU Engineering Deans Council and hosted by the University of Michigan College of Engineering. It brought together more than

Morgan State University to Launch Nuclear Engineering Research Initiative

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Courtesy of Morgan State University Morgan State University, a historically Black educational institution in Baltimore, has received a $5 million grant from the National Nuclear Security Administration to launch the Scholarly Partnership in Nuclear Engineering (SPINE) program, a five-year project aimed at increasing diversity in the nuclear engineering workforce. Alongside several partner institutions, scholars at Morgan State University will develop new curricula, hands-on research opportunities, and mentorship programs for students interested in the field of nuclear engineering. The SPINE program will also facilitate outreach and engagement with local K-12 schools and community colleges. Additionally, the funding will support a new

HBCU Launches Tuition-Free Program for National Board Certification in Maryland

Written By Bowie State University In an exciting development for educators in Maryland, Bowie State University has announced a new, tuition-free program for 75 teachers to earn their National Board Certification. Chosen from a competitive pool of nearly 500 applicants, these educators will engage in a comprehensive three-year process to enhance their teaching skills and improve student outcomes. The initiative is spearheaded by Bowie State’s Center for Research and Mentoring for Black Male Students and Teachers in collaboration with the Center of Excellence for Educator Preparation and Innovation at Voorhees University. This partnership represents a significant effort to elevate the quality