Campus News - Page 4

FAMU among HBCU’s getting money for historic preservation

By Channing Frampton The National Park Service today awarded $10,670,000 to 15 projects in eight states as part of the Historic Preservation Fund [zwly9k6z.r.us-east-1.awstrack.me]’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities grant program [zwly9k6z.r.us-east-1.awstrack.me], which focuses on the repair of historic structures on the campuses of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). “It’s vital for America’s HBCUs to preserve their vibrant history, ensuring that the places and the events that happened there are not forgotten,” said National Park Service Director Chuck Sams. “I’m proud that the National Park Service can support this locally-led stewardship.” This year’s grants will support the preservation of sites like Simmons College’s Steward

Howard University Appoints “Chuka” Onwumechili as Interim Dean of Cathy Hughes School of Communications

By Sholnn Z. Freeman Howard University has named Chukwuka “Chuka” Onwumechili (Ph.D. ’90) as the interim dean of the Cathy Hughes School of Communications, effective July 1. This announcement comes as Howard University acknowledges the distinguished career and leadership of Gracie Lawson Borders, Ph.D., who has served as dean for over a decade. Onwumechili, an esteemed educator and alumnus of Howard University, brings a wealth of experience to his new role. He previously held positions within the University, including professor and chair of the Department of Strategic, Legal and Management Communications, and interim dean of the College of Communication from 2012 to 2013.

HBCU Athletic Conference Announces Rebrand And 3 New Member Universities

By Kyra Alessandrini The Gulf Coast Athletic Conference is rebranding itself under a new name. Now titled the HBCU Athletic Conference, the organization is expanding to include new member universities and initiatives. The goal is to give more visibility and highlight the impact of HBCUs in collegiate sports and beyond, according to HBCU Gameday. “Today, the nation watches as we give our HBCU students the opportunity to take up space,” Dr. Kiki Baker Barnes, the Commissioner of the HBCU Athletic Conference, said, according to Hope Credit Union. “Whether it’s on the field, in classrooms, or at their local bank, we want to ensure that

University of the District of Columbia Appoints Four Women to Key Administrative Positions

Courtesy of the University of the District of Columbia Taneka S. Miller has been named vice president for government, community, and corporate relations. Her new appointment marks a return to the University of the District of Columbia, where she previously served as executive director for state and local affairs. Most recently, she served as deputy general counsel for general practice with D.C. Public Schools. Miller received her bachelor’s degree in history and master of education degree from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She holds a juris doctorate from Howard University. Maria Byrd has been appointed vice president for innovation and transformation. Since

Morgan State University’s EMASS Division Awarded $1.5 Million Acceleration Grant From National Institute for Student Success

Courtesy of Morgan State University Morgan State University’s Division of Enrollment Management and Student Success (EMASS) received a $1.5 million Acceleration Grant from the National Institute for Student Success (NISS), focused on improving student retention and increasing graduation rates. By collaborating with other offices throughout the university, EMASS provides essential support to guide students through enrollment and academic processes, including managing financial aid and academic advisement. The grant will help the University standardize academic advising systems and protocols to ensure students receive consistent, proactive support across all advising units and colleges. It will also strengthen the ability of student support

Over 800 First-Time Freshman Expected For Orientation

Courtesy of Tennessee State University More than 800 first-time freshmen will embark on the “Land of Golden Sunshine” on July 16-24 to participate in New Student Orientation (NSO). Called the ROAR Experience, NSO is an immersive event over several days designed to introduce new first-time students to TSU’s thriving campus culture and community. This will also give parents and students an opportunity to ask any lingering questions regarding financial aid, course advisement and selection, and student activities. Current TSU students will share their experiences while faculty representatives will discuss their respective academic units. LaMar-Octavious Scott, director of Admissions at TSU, says NSO

After accreditation win, Cheyney’s president discusses future for America’s first HBCU

By Chanel Hill Cheyney University President Aaron Walton said his vision for the historically Black institution, or HBCU, is to be the premier educational model for academic excellence, character development and social responsibility. This comes days after it was announced the university, which is the oldest HBCU in the country, could keep its accreditation by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. The school was founded in 1837 and is located in Chester and Delaware counties. “Cheyney has a model that other HBCUs and PWIs [predominantly white institutions] can emulate,” Walton said in an interview with The Tribune. “There are

Howard University Receives DOE HBCU Clean Energy Education Prize

Courtesy of Howard University The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy launched its inaugural Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Clean Energy Education Prize Partnerships Track earlier this year, naming Howard University as one of only ten prize winners for the first of the track’s three phases. Howard University is eligible to split a prize pool of $4M as it enters Phase 2 this month, which will be determined by project status at the conclusion of this phase. Phase 1 winners have already received $100K to support partnerships between HBCUs and other universities, government agencies, and

Miles College Creates Unique HBCU Innovation and Research Center

Courtesy of Miles College Miles College, a historically Black university in Fairfield, Alabama, has established the 2150 Center for Innovation, Commercialization, & Growth to foster successful entrepreneurs and businesses throughout the state of Alabama, particularly in the city of Birmingham. The 2150 Center will be led by Erskine Faush, the recently hired chief innovation and growth officer at Miles College. “We are launching a collaborative that will improve economic outcomes by connecting and synergizing a unified community to attract and retain talent, champion workforce development, support researchers and founders, and drive economic empowerment,” said Faush. The 2150 center will serve

Tuition-Free Community College Available to All Michigan High School Grads

By Evan Castillio Michigan is set to become the latest state to offer tuition-free community college to all high school graduates. The Michigan Senate approved the fiscal year 2025 $82.5 billion budget on June 27. This budget will create the Community College Guarantee. And it will continue to support the Michigan Reconnect free-tuition program for students 21 and up with $52 million. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer first proposed the budget in February. “As a parent, I know our kids are our number one priority, which is why this budget puts students first by making historic investments to improve learning outcomes from pre-K through college, so that every child can