Campus News - Page 64

Marva Johnson Becomes FAMU’s 13th President, Sets Vision

Marva Johnson, J.D., MBA officially became the 13th president of Florida A&M University (FAMU). Her appointment made history as she became just the second woman to hold the top position at the university. Only weeks into her tenure, Johnson is already shaping her administration. She announced a new leadership team designed to strengthen FAMU’s operations, academic footprint, and community influence. For a campus balancing legacy with the push for future growth, these appointments send a clear message: Johnson plans to move decisively. Building the Team Among her first major moves was naming Kelvin Lawson as Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer. A FAMU

SAU’s $30M Loan: HBCU Financing Risks and Opportunities

The financial struggles of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have long been a microcosm of systemic underfunding in American higher education. With endowments averaging just $2 billion for the top 10 HBCUs compared to $200 billion for their predominantly white counterparts, institutions like Saint Augustine’s University (SAU) face a stark reality: survival often hinges on partnerships with the private sector. The recent $30 million credit agreement between SAU and Gothic Ventures, while controversial, offers a case study in how at-risk HBCUs are navigating financial restructuring and the risks and rewards of private-sector collaboration. The Gothic Ventures Agreement: A Double-Edged

HBCU Welcome Week Traditions Celebrate Black Excellence

Black excellence comes alive as campuses transform into vibrant celebration hubs The energy is electric, the music is thumping, and the sense of family is immediate. HBCU welcome week traditions transform college campuses into something that feels less like school and more like the greatest family reunion you’ve ever experienced, where everyone is celebrating Black excellence together. For students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities, the start of academic year isn’t just about syllabi and textbooks — it’s a cultural moment that sets the tone for everything that follows. These aren’t just orientation activities; they’re initiation rites into living history.

Jackson State Wins $1.3M Grant for AI Workforce Growth

Written By Lexx Thornton Gov. Tate Reeves has announced that Jackson State University will receive a $1.3 million state grant to advance artificial intelligence education, workforce development, and entrepreneurship across Mississippi.   On Thursday, June 12, 2025, Reeves announced that $9.1 million in grants will be issued to institutions of higher learning through MAI-TAP. The grants are a strategic investment in Mississippi’s future workforce and economic competitiveness.   “We are grateful for this investment in Jackson State University’s mission to expand access to emerging fields,” said Denise Jones Gregory, Ph.D., interim president of Jackson State University. “This grant affirms the quality of

DSU President Tony Allen Faces DUI Charges, Arraignment Set

A Serious Development for DSU Delaware State University (DSU) President Dr. Tony Allen is facing DUI charges following a July traffic stop, marking one of the most difficult moments of his tenure. According to court filings, Allen was pulled over shortly after midnight on July 21, 2025, along Route 1 in Smyrna, Delaware. Police reported that his blood alcohol content measured 0.128%, nearly twice the state’s legal limit of 0.08%. He was also cited for failure to remain in his lane. The case became public on August 12, when charges were officially filed in Delaware’s Court of Common Pleas. Dr. Allen is scheduled to appear for

Alabama A&M Welcomes Largest Freshman Class in 150 Years

Alabama A&M University, a Huntsville, AL-based HBCU, opened its 150th academic year with momentum, welcoming its largest freshman class in years. At the annual Torch Lighting Ceremony, the school introduced 2,157 preliminarily registered first-time freshmen in the Class of 2029, a milestone that reflects both growth and progress. Male Enrollment Gains in a National HBCU Trend Perhaps the most remarkable detail of this year’s class is its gender composition. Forty-two percent of Alabama A&M’s incoming freshmen are male students—a significant figure given the ongoing national crisis around Black male enrollment in higher education. Across the country, women have steadily outpaced men

Baylor vs Boston: University Logo Trademark Battles Rising

By Josh Moody When Baylor University sued Boston University last week over a similar logo, it made national headlines as the two institutions grappled over how their shared initials may be displayed. Baylor, located in Texas, alleged in its lawsuit that Boston U, nearly 2,000 miles away in Massachusetts, violated a 1988 agreement on the use of its interlocking BU logo. Baylor argued that Boston’s use of the interlocking BU logo is “likely to cause confusion, to cause mistake, or to deceive consumers and potential consumers.” The two logos, while in different colors, are visually similar, and many of their

Saint Augustine’s University Secures Accreditation for Fall

Classes at Saint Augustine’s University will start on time for the fall 2025 semester, the Raleigh-based university announced Friday. Classes at the Raleigh-based university are set to begin on Sept. 2. The announcement Friday comes as the university secured a preliminary injunction to maintain the university’s accreditation for the upcoming fall semester. It means the university will remain accredited and operational through the fall. Saint Augustine’s University will continue to undergo legal proceedings to maintain its accreditation. On Friday, Saint Augustine’s University also announced the appointment of Sophie Gibson as the university’s Board of Trustees. She takes over the chair

Saint Augustine’s Secures Injunction, Fall Classes On-Time

Written By Lexx Thornton A month after an arbitration decision went against Saint Augustine’s University in its fight for survival, the university announced Friday that it has successfully obtained a preliminary injunction to maintain its accreditation, ensuring that classes will begin on Sept. 2 as scheduled.  The injunction means that for now, SAU will remain a fully accredited institution.   “This is a tremendous win for Saint Augustine’s University and, most importantly, for our students,” said SAU Interim President Dr. Marcus H. Burgess. “Thanks to our supporters, we will open our (virtual) doors on Sept. 2 as an accredited institution, just

Move-in Day Mafia Supports Foster Students at HBCUs

The Move-in Day Mafia helped students at Spelman, Morehouse, and Clark Atlanta University settle into their dorms as the new school year began. The organization focuses on assisting students who have aged out of foster care, providing them with essential supplies and dorm room makeovers to ensure they start their college careers on the right foot. “A lot of scholars are coming here alone. They have to navigate this space alone. Expect for MIDM, we show up with everything they need, the cleaning supplies, their favorite items,” said TeeJ Mercer, Founder of Move-in Day Mafia. Move-in Day Mafia, based in

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