HBCU News, Commentary and Information
Friday
May 2013
COMMENTS
Written by HBCU Digest, Posted in Elizabeth City State University, Leadership, North Carolina
Willie Gilchrist today resigned from his post as chancellor of Elizabeth City State University, leaving behind a trail of unanswered questions about campus crime and poor police follow-up that have rocked the North Carolina HBCU.
Wednesday
May 2013
COMMENTS
Written by HBCU Digest, Posted in Crime, Elizabeth City State University, North Carolina
WTKR yesterday reported on inconsistent crime logs, missing reports on campus offenses, and an outright lack of reporting on alleged sexual assaults all dating back to 2009.
The report comes weeks after two alleged sexual assaults by a former campus employee have led to the resignation of ECSU Police Chief Sam Beamon, and mounting questions for ECSU administration.
Tuesday
May 2013
COMMENTS
Written by HBCU Digest, Posted in Alcorn State University, Delaware, Delaware State University, Dillard University, Fisk University, Florida, Florida A&M University, Georgia, Hampton University, Howard University, Jackson State University, Lincoln University (Pa.), Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Morehouse College, North Carolina, North Carolina A&T State University, Pennsylvania, Savannah State University, South Carolina, South Carolina State University, Spelman College, Tennessee, Tennessee State University, University of the District of Columbia, Virginia, Virginia State University, Xavier University of Louisiana
A partnership between the United States and Brazil will bring more than 150 Brazilian college students to the United States this fall to study at historically black colleges and universities.
The partnership is a part of the HBCU-Brazil Alliance, a program created to increase the number of minority graduates and professionals in the industries of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, while exposing Afro-Brazilian students and faculty to successful research, economic development and social advancement within a context of historical and systemic racism and discrimination.
The Alliance is an arm of the US-Brazil Joint Action Plan on Racial Equality, developed by the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities and managed in partnership with the Brazilian Federal Agency for Support and Evaluation of Graduate Education (CAPES’).
‘This partnership is just one example of the Alliance’s commitment to diversity, cultural sensitivity and to providing a world-class education to an eager pool of student talent from throughout Brazil,” said Dr. T. Joan Robinson, Chair of the HBCU-Brazil Alliance and Provost and Vice-President of Academic Affairs at Morgan State University. “We are honored to represent and build upon the collaborative interests of the United States through international engagement and academic support.”
More than 20 HBCUs will welcome Brazilian exchange students for a one-year exchange program. Students will live on campus and study in a variety of undergraduate degree programs with a S.T.E.M. focus, with all tuition, fees and room and board covered by the Brazilian government. The program’s goal is to eventually welcome 1,000 Brazilian students to HBCU campuses. Participating HBCUs include:
Tuesday
May 2013
COMMENTS
Monday
May 2013
COMMENTS
Written by HBCU Digest, Posted in Crime, Elizabeth City State University, North Carolina
The Virginian-Pilot today reports on more trouble for Elizabeth City State University, as revelations of more than 100 campus crime reports going unreported surface just days after the resignation of its police chief Sam Beamon.
The story comes as the university faces tough questions about its response to two alleged sexual assaults in March and April on the campus earlier this year by a former employee. The Pilot reports that the 126 total unchecked cases dating back to 2007 have caused the campus to hire off-duty Elizabeth City police officers to help its campus police department, which is down to five full-time officers.
Among the 126 cases, 18 were classified as sexual assaults. Elizabeth City police officials say that the extra help from city officers have helped to solve 40 of the 126 reports.
Friday
May 2013
COMMENTS
Written by HBCU Digest, Posted in North Carolina, Shaw University
Shaw University President Dorothy Cowser Yancy yesterday signed a Strategic Alliance Memorandum with the Small Business Administration, making the university the first HBCU in North Carolina and one of 10 nationwide to enter into partnership to spur entrepreneurship and economic development in its surrounding community.
“The SAM agreement is a tremendous opportunity for Shaw students to learn more about entrepreneurship and to one day develop their own businesses that will contribute to the nation’s economy,” Dr. Yancy said. “We thank the SBA for embracing education, innovation and the importance of supporting our young men and women in their business endeavors.”
The partnership will help Shaw in offering conferences, training and information to members of the campus and surrounding community in creating small businesses and strengthening entrepreneurial skills. The two-year agreement is one of 59 the SBA plans to develop at HBCUs over the next few years.
Friday
May 2013
COMMENTS
Written by HBCU Digest, Posted in North Carolina, Saint Augustine's University, Saint Paul's College, Virginia
Saint Augustine’s University today announced that it will not move forward with plans to acquire Saint Paul’s College in Lawrenceville, VA. SAU had initially hinted in late 2012 that it would consider taking on Saint Paul’s, which was struggling with low enrollment and questions surrounding its accreditation.
“This was a very difficult decision to make. We explored several options to in an effort to make the acquisition viable for Saint Augustine’s University. However, after completing our due diligence, we concluded that the acquisition of Saint Paul’s College, at this time, would significantly challenge the fiscal stability of Saint Augustine’s University,” said Saint Augustine’s University president, Dianne Boardley Suber.”
Saint Paul’s will be able appeal to the Saint Augustine’s Board of Trustees at its meeting on May 31 to reconsider its decision.
Thursday
May 2013
COMMENTS
Monday
May 2013
COMMENTS
Written by HBCU Digest, Posted in Bennett College for Women, Leadership, North Carolina
Bennett College for Women today announced the appointment of Rosalind Fuse-Hall as its new president. Fuse-Hall will begin her tenure on July 1, replaces Dr. Esther Terry, who this week had the interim title removed from her presidential tenure, but will end her time at the college on June 30.
Fuse-Hall is an alumna of UNC-Chapel Hill, and as served in executive appointments at Florida A&M University and North Carolina Central University.
Monday
May 2013
COMMENTS
Monday
May 2013
COMMENTS
Written by HBCU Digest, Posted in Fayetteville State University, North Carolina, Sports
The Fayetteville Observer today profiles Fayetteville State University head men’s basketball coach Alphonza Kee, who recently graduated several members of his team and a graduation rate exceeding 80 percent – well beyond the national average.
“If you don’t get it done in the classroom, you don’t play,” (former Bronco player and current FSU Assistant Coach Jarmel) Baxter said. “He does a lot of things to help us, like study hall four days a week. He demands that our players sit in the first two rows of the classroom.”
“He periodically checks classes to make sure we are attending. If people miss classes, there is a price to pay – everybody runs. You don’t want to be the guy who causes everybody to do extra running.”
Friday
May 2013
COMMENTS
Written by HBCU Digest, Posted in Bennett College for Women, Finance, North Carolina
Bennett College for Women will implement six furlough days for faculty and staff over the next two months, in an effort to manage financial deficits in its budget. The Associated Press reports that the furloughs will be mandatory unpaid leave of two days in May and four days in June.
Bennett officials would not comment on the amount of the deficit, or the timing of the announced cost-saving measure.
Friday
May 2013
COMMENTS
Written by HBCU Digest, Posted in Health, North Carolina, Shaw University
A Shaw University student was diagnosed with tuberculosis earlier this week, prompting a campus-wide testing of students, faculty and staff on the Raleigh campus. Nurses from the Wake County Health Department conducted testing on the campus on Tuesday, and say that the disease can only be spread through close contact.
The student was an off-campus resident, and officials from the school and health department have not confirmed any other cases from the university.
Friday
May 2013
COMMENTS
Written by HBCU Digest, Posted in North Carolina
By: Laurie D. Willis
Special to the HBCU Digest
There’s no question Historically Black Colleges and Universities are still relevant; however, they must adapt to changing times if they want to compete in the 21st Century.
That was the message from top administrators at some of North Carolina’s HBCUs last Thursday at a public forum to kickoff the Sixth District Annual Meeting of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Held at the Sheraton in downtown Raleigh Thursday through Sunday, the meeting had more than 700 registrants and brought more than 1,000 people to the state’s capital.
“These institutions were established primarily to educate the children of the just-freed slaves,” said Dr. Jimmy R. Jenkins, Sr., president of Livingstone College. “Education is the surest vehicle for upward mobility in the world. The need that existed then is still a need today. That’s why I’m absolutely convinced HBCUs are still relevant, although we may have to reinvent ourselves.”
Thursday
May 2013
COMMENTS
Written by HBCU Digest, Posted in Johnson C. Smith University, North Carolina
Johnson C. Smith University today announced Perkins Management Services Company, Inc. as its new campus food service provider. The announcement comes as the university prepares to reveal plans for its revitalization project for the Northwest Corridor and Charlotte’s West End, beginning with healthier food options owned and operated by Perkins Management.
“Perkins Management Services is ecstatic about the opportunity to provide campus dining services for JCSU,” said company President Nicholas Perkins. “We are committed to delivering innovative and high quality service. Our vision aligns with the University’s, and we are pleased to partner with JCSU in building and sustaining healthy assets in the Northwest Corridor and the Historic West End.”
According to the release, Perkins will this summer début a Red Mango Frozen Yogurt, Salad Works and Blu Bayou at Mosaic Village. The Blu Bayou Restaurant will be a full service restaurant, bar and lounge concept featuring live Jazz, custom-framed original and limited edition African-American art.
Campus dining options will now include Burger King and Papa John’s Pizza.
Tuesday
April 2013
COMMENTS
Written by HBCU Digest, Posted in Georgia, North Carolina, North Carolina A&T State University, South Carolina, South Carolina State University, Sports
North Carolina A&T will face South Carolina State University in the 2013 Atlanta Football Classic on Oct 5. in the Georgia Dome. It will be the first classic in 15 years to not feature Florida A&M, and will be the first appearance in the Classic for the Aggies.
It will be the seventh appearance for South Carolina State in the game, and first since 1997 when the Bulldogs defeated Tennessee State 34-28.
