Category: HBCUs

  • Huston-Tillotson University Receives Record-Breaking $150 Million Donation from Moody Foundation

    Huston-Tillotson University Receives Record-Breaking $150 Million Donation from Moody Foundation

    Dr. Melva K. Wallacecourtsey of Huston-Tillotson UniversityHuston-Tillotson University announced it has received a transformative $150 million donation from the Moody Foundation, marking the largest single donation ever made to a Historically Black College or University in the United States.

    The historic gift was revealed during the university’s annual President’s Fall Opening Convocation, signaling a new chapter for Austin’s first institution of higher education as it approaches its 150th anniversary.

    “This gift is a testament to faith, prayer, and the genuine belief in the goodness of others,” said Dr. Melva K. Wallace, President and CEO of Huston-Tillotson University. “Their donation will completely transform Huston-Tillotson, as well as the city of Austin, and set us up for success for another 150 years.”

    The donation will fund comprehensive improvements to student living spaces, academic facilities, and innovative scholarship programs. Additionally, the gift includes support for professional development of the university’s strategy, culture, marketing, and development infrastructure.

    Ross Moody, trustee of the Moody Foundation, emphasized the student-centered focus of the contribution. 

    “We hope this gift, focused on the students, can become a catalyst, a spark, the beginning of something transformative for students, this city, and the future of Huston-Tillotson,” he said.

    The Galveston-based Moody Foundation has maintained a relationship with Huston-Tillotson spanning more than five decades, contributing over $1.3 million to the university since 1968. This latest gift represents part of the Foundation’s broader $1 billion commitment to transform Texas education by 2035.

    Founded in 1875, Huston-Tillotson is an independent, church-related liberal arts institution situated on a 23-acre campus in East Austin. The university offers associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees across more than 19 areas of study and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

    Rev. Dr. Vanessa Monroe, Board Chair, called the donation “an inflection point in our history and a powerful statement about the value of Huston-Tillotson in shaping the future of students and their families for generations to come.”

    The gift positions Huston-Tillotson to accelerate implementation of its strategic plan and master vision, reinforcing its role as a national leader among HBCUs and as a cornerstone institution in Austin’s educational landscape.

    Source link

  • Southern University Launches Student-Operated Radio Station WSUB 106.1 FM

    Southern University Launches Student-Operated Radio Station WSUB 106.1 FM

    Southern University’s Department of Mass Communication will begin operating its own radio station, WSUB 106.1 LPFM “The Bluff,” following a cooperative agreement with the Louisiana Community Development Capital Fund.

    The low-powered FM station will be operated entirely by the Department of Mass Communication, with faculty, staff and students leading daily programming and operations. WSUB replaces WTQT, a long-running 24-hour gospel station that previously broadcast on the frequency.

    “The Department of Mass Communication is so proud to lead the way in operating the university’s FCC regulated radio station,” said Dr. Yolanda Campbell, interim chair of the Department of Mass Communication. “I’m especially excited to see our students demonstrate how this hands-on training will prepare them for their careers in the industry.”

    The station will serve as a practical training facility for students pursuing careers in radio, podcasting and audio production. Programming will reflect Southern University’s community spirit by promoting cultural awareness, supporting local talent and delivering educational content.

    WSUB’s musical format will blend gospel, hip-hop, R&B and pop music. The 24-hour station aims to help students strengthen their broadcasting skills, engage audiences and prepare for media industry careers.

    Campbell will serve as station manager. Nicolette Gordon, a Southern University alumna and experienced radio professional, has been named operations manager. Jammin Jacque Griffin, longtime program director at WTQT, will continue in the same role at WSUB.

    “Radio has always been about community, and there’s no one more prepared than Southern to seize this amazing opportunity to be a voice for the Baton Rouge community in music and content creation,” Campbell said.

    Source link

  • UNCF Taps Veteran HBCU Leader Dr. Walter M. Kimbrough for Key Research and Engagement Role

    UNCF Taps Veteran HBCU Leader Dr. Walter M. Kimbrough for Key Research and Engagement Role

    Dr. Walter M. KimbroughThe United Negro College Fund (UNCF) has appointed Dr. Walter M. Kimbrough, a seasoned higher education administrator known for his transformational leadership at historically Black colleges and universities, to serve as Executive Vice President of Research & Member Engagement, effective September 2, 2025.

    The appointment represents a strategic move by UNCF to strengthen its support for member institutions through enhanced research capabilities and deeper engagement initiatives. 

    Kimbrough, who is an expert on Black fraternities and sororities, brings decades of presidential experience from multiple UNCF member institutions, positioning him uniquely to understand the challenges and opportunities facing HBCUs today.

    “Dr. Kimbrough’s appointment is the culmination of our lengthy search for a transformational leader,” said Dr. Michael L. Lomax, UNCF President and CEO, in announcing the selection to UNCF staffers.

    Kimbrough’s extensive presidential portfolio includes leadership roles at three UNCF member institutions: Dillard University in New Orleans, Philander Smith College (now University) in Arkansas, and most recently as interim president at Talladega College in Alabama. UNCF officials add that this breadth of experience across different regions and institutional contexts provides him with an insider’s perspective on the diverse needs of UNCF’s 37 member institutions.

    In his new role, Kimbrough will report directly to the Office of the President, working alongside Dr. Lomax on strategic initiatives while collaborating with the Chief Operating Officer on operational priorities. His portfolio encompasses four major UNCF initiatives that span the educational pipeline from K-12 through higher education.

    The Frederick D. Patterson Research Institute (FDPRI), one of the key components under his leadership, serves as UNCF’s research arm, producing critical data and analysis about HBCUs and their impact on American higher education. As chief research officer and principal editor of research publications, Kimbrough will guide the institute’s scholarly output while serving as a spokesperson for UNCF in media appearances and external engagements.

     Kimbrough will also oversee the Institute for Capacity Building (ICB), positioning him as UNCF’s lead consultant for member institutions seeking to strengthen their operational and academic capabilities. This role leverages his presidential experience, allowing him to provide peer-to-peer guidance to current HBCU leaders navigating similar challenges he has faced throughout his career.

    His responsibilities also extend to HBCUv® Digital Learning Solution, UNCF’s innovative technology platform designed to support online and hybrid learning at member institutions—a particularly relevant initiative in the post-pandemic educational landscape.

    “I have had the great honor to serve four UNCF member institutions, three as president, and for over 20 years I benefited from the advocacy and support of UNCF,” Kimbrough told Diverse. “This position allows me to pour back into UNCF, its member institutions and students.”

    Source link

  • Parent Plus Loan Caps Are New Reality (Jack Wang, Smart College Buyer)

    Parent Plus Loan Caps Are New Reality (Jack Wang, Smart College Buyer)

    Big changes are coming to how families pay for college — and some colleges will need to get creative. New Parent PLUS loan caps ($20K/year, $65K total) mean schools where parents used to borrow six figures, or 50%+ of families relied on these loans will need to rethink their financial strategies. That includes several art schools and HBCUs — institutions that have long opened doors for talented students. While the full impact is still unfolding, this could spark new conversations about affordability, access, and better support for families. Change is never easy — but it can lead to smarter, more sustainable solutions for students and schools alike.

    Source link

  • Historic Black Church Eliminates Student Debt for SAU Seniors

    Historic Black Church Eliminates Student Debt for SAU Seniors

    Rev. Dr. Howard-John Wesley, Senior Pastor of Alfred Street Baptist Church.Alfred Street Baptist Church of Alexandria, Virginia, a prominent Black congregation located just outside Washington D.C., has donated $132,469 to Saint Augustine’s University (SAU) to eliminate the outstanding debt of 11 graduating seniors, enabling them to receive their diplomas debt-free at the May 3rd commencement ceremony.

    The timely donation comes as SAU faces a litany of challenges, including an appeal to hold on to its accreditation.

    The 222-year-old church, one of the nation’s oldest and largest predominantly African American congregations with approximately 13,000 members, has a long history of supporting historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Church officials estimate about 60% of Alfred Street’s members are HBCU graduates themselves.

    “This act of grace by Alfred Street Baptist Church is nothing short of transformative for our students and our institution,” said SAU Interim President Dr. Marcus H. Burgess. “We are immensely grateful for this demonstration of faith and partnership.”

    The donation comes at a critical time when many small private colleges and HBCUs face financial challenges. The university had initially informed the entire graduating class that students with unpaid tuition balances could not participate in the commencement ceremony. While more than half of SAU’s graduating class managed to settle their balances independently, 11 students still needed assistance.

    “This is what ministry looks like,” said Rev. Dr. Howard-John Wesley, Senior Pastor of Alfred Street Baptist Church. “We believe in investing in students, in HBCUs, and in a future where financial hardship should never be a barrier to graduation.”

    This isn’t the first time Alfred Street Baptist Church has stepped up to support HBCU students. In 2019, the church raised $150,000 in a single weekend to pay off account balances for 34 graduating seniors at Howard University while also contributing $50,000 to assist Bennett College.

    The connection between SAU and Alfred Street was nurtured by SAU alumni Gilbert and Carolyn Knowles, who are members of the church.

    “When my wife and I discovered that our church, Alfred Street, approved the donation and the amount they would give to SAU, we cried tears of joy out of love for our church and our alma mater,” said Gilbert Knowles, a 1976 graduate.

    For students like SGA President Tillia Leary, a graduating senior from The Bahamas majoring in accounting, the donation has been life changing. “This incredible act of kindness lifted a major burden and affirmed my belief in the power of community and faith,” said Leary, who plans to attend Ball State University for her master’s degree.

    The timing of this gift coincides with SAU’s efforts to overcome recent challenges and chart a course forward. Representatives from Alfred Street Baptist Church will attend SAU’s commencement ceremony to celebrate with the students whose burdens they’ve helped lift.

    While this donation covers 11 seniors’ debt, many other SAU students still face financial hurdles totaling approximately $230,000. The university is calling on others moved by the church’s act of philanthropy, to contribute to their student relief funds or scholarship programs.

    Source link

  • August Recess Roundup: Congressional and Regulatory Updates – CUPA-HR

    August Recess Roundup: Congressional and Regulatory Updates – CUPA-HR

    by CUPA-HR | August 22, 2022

    When August arrives, Congress leaves D.C. and heads to their home districts for the annual August recess period. To keep CUPA-HR members apprised of recent and future actions on the Hill and in federal agencies, here are highlights of the latest actions by Congress, nominations they’ll have to consider when they return, and regulations that may be issued throughout the month.

    Legislative Updates

    On August 16, President Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act into law following its passage, along partisan lines, in both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. The Inflation Reduction Act, which is a slimmed down version of the reconciliation bill Democrats have been pushing for, focuses on policies to mitigate the impacts of climate change, reduce healthcare costs and increase tax revenue to reduce the federal budget deficit. This reconciliation bill was narrowed down from the “Build Back Better” agenda, a step necessary to gain support from Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ) to get the bill over the 50-vote threshold. Notably, the final package did not include “Build Back Better” provisions like paid leave, universal community college and childcare.

    Additionally, on August 9, President Biden signed the CHIPS and Science Act, which provided new funding to boost U.S. investments in research and manufacturing of semiconductors. With respect to the research investments, the bill includes a five-year, $81 billion authorization of the National Science Foundation to go toward research funding. Additionally, the bill provides new funding to historically black colleges and universities and other minority-serving institutions, and for STEM programs at colleges and universities.

    Nominations Awaiting Confirmation

    On July 27, President Biden announced Jessica Looman as the new nominee for the Department of Labor (DOL)’s Wage and Hour Division Administrator. Looman has been serving as acting administrator for the agency since June 2021. Her nomination replaces Biden’s previously withdrawn nomination of David Weil, who failed to garner enough support in the Senate to be confirmed. Looman’s nomination will have to go through the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee prior to going to the Senate floor for a full vote. Timing on both votes are uncertain at this point.

    Additionally, Kalpana Kotagal’s nomination for the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) continues to be held up in the Senate. In May, the Senate HELP Committee deadlocked on a vote to move her nomination to the full Senate, which means the full Senate will have to vote to advance her nomination out of committee — a logistical hurdle in a 50-50 Senate with sparse time on their legislative calendar. The result of this hold up means the EEOC will continue to operate with a Republican majority as federal statute allows Republican Commissioner Janet Dhillon, whose term expired in July, to remain an active member of the EEOC while her successor’s nomination is pending. If and when nominee Kotagal is confirmed, she will replace Commissioner Dhillon and tip control of the EEOC to a 3-2 Democratic majority. Her confirmation vote is also uncertain at this point.

    Regulatory Updates

    Though not guaranteed, there may be several proposals and final regulations that may be released by the Department of Education, the DOL and other relevant agencies throughout the month. Some of these include the expected proposed rule on Form I-9 remote verification flexibilities from the Department of Homeland Security, which has already had its review completed by the White House; a proposed rule on independent contractor classification, which was sent to the White House for review in July; and a final rule on the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which has a target release date set for August.

    In addition to these proposed and final rules CUPA-HR is waiting to be released, the Department of Education is still undergoing its notice-and-comment period for the Title IX proposed rule that was released in June. CUPA-HR is assessing the proposal and will put together comments in response to the proposed rule. Comments are due September 12.

    CUPA-HR will keep members apprised of legislative and regulatory actions as August recess continues and we move into the fall.



    Source link