HBCU Digest

Search Begins For Mississippi Valley State President

HBCU Digest — Sun, 19 May 2013 00:25:53 +0000

The Associated Press today reports that the College Board will begin the search for the next president of Mississippi Valley State University. The search begins seven months after the Board declined to extend the contract of former president Donna Oliver. From the AP:

Alfred Rankins Jr., the College Board’s associate commissioner for academic and student affairs, has been acting president since. The board tried to hire an interim president in January, but the candidate backed out. After that, board members said they were in no hurry to name a permanent president at Valley, saying the school needed administrative reforms.

Michelle Obama Encourages Bowie State Graduates

HBCU Digest — Sat, 18 May 2013 11:54:22 +0000

US First Lady Michelle Obama yesterday inspired the Class of 2013 of Bowie State University, encouraging more than 600 new alumni to spread the value of education in the African-American community.

FAMU Memes Leads the Way in HBCU Viral Humor Movement

HBCU Digest — Sat, 18 May 2013 01:30:06 +0000

One of the crudest, most clever HBCU-related online viral efforts in a while, FAMU Memes is a must ‘like’ for Rattlers and HBCU supporters who like a little tart in their daily Internet distractions. A sample:

Amidst Campus Crime Scandal, Elizabeth City State Chancellor Willie Gilchrist Resigns

HBCU Digest — Sat, 18 May 2013 00:59:40 +0000

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.

Morehouse President John Wilson Discusses Controversy, Eye Towards Future

HBCU Digest — Fri, 17 May 2013 03:07:30 +0000

Morehouse College Presiden John Wilson discusses his vision for Morehouse’s future. The interview comes shortly after Morehouse announced that Rev. Dr. Kevin Johnson would be restored as the sole baccalaureate speaker for the College’s commencement weekend.

Digest Radio – What HBCUs Do Well

HBCU Digest — Fri, 17 May 2013 01:47:24 +0000

Tonight’s episode covered the things historically black colleges and universities do exceptionally well. Special appearance by Dr. Crystal deGregory, Founder of HBCUStory Inc.

Listen to internet radio with HBCU Digest on BlogTalkRadio

Delaware State Football Player in Serious Condition After Car Crash

HBCU Digest — Fri, 17 May 2013 01:34:36 +0000

Delaware State University senior football player Jadira Green is in serious condition after his car was rear ended on Route 1 at approximately 4:00 a.m. this morning.

Digest Five – Top Web Series Produced by HBCU Students, Alumni and Faculty

HBCU Digest — Fri, 17 May 2013 01:18:32 +0000

There’s a deficit of compelling storytelling in today’s Hollywood, particularly from the African-American perspective. Fortunately, students, alumni and faculty at historically black colleges and universities are working to fill in the gaps. Here’s five projects and series that should make your weekly web playlists.

1. HERAdventure – Dr. Ayoka Chenzira, Spelman College – An interactive video game that blends culture, science fiction and social themes, HERAdventure is an innovative project within the exploding culture of black women creating original series and shows online.

2. HBCU Sports Nation – Heritage Sports Radio Network – One of the best and most consistent web series covering sports figures and contests at historically black colleges and universities.

3. The Yard – Think ‘Adult Swim’ meets North Carolina A&T State University. Literally.

4. Quarter Century – An original series developed by Florida A&M graduate Shayla Raquel, following the lives of four college graduates quickly closing in on 30. *WARNING* Explicit Language

5. The Student Body – A fictional depiction of the lives and drama intertwined at an HBCU. *WARNING* Explicit Language

FAMU Opens National Alumni Convention with ‘Unified Purpose’ as Key Theme

HBCU Digest — Fri, 17 May 2013 00:18:17 +0000

The Florida A&M University National Alumni Convention began today in Fort Lauderdale, with the theme of ‘Transitioning into a New Era with Unified Purpose.’ Among the items for discussion between Rattler graduates and leadership, new changes in administration and athletics, an introduction to the new director of the Marching 100, and a town hall meeting to discuss the future direction of FAMU. From the release:

“We are excited that the Florida Region along with the Broward County Chapter will serve as our hosts,” said Gregory Clark, 1st Vice President for the FAMU-NAA and Convention Chairman. “We invite the entire FAMU community to come and meet the officers of FAMU National Alumni Association, the current university administration and fellowship with Rattlers from across the country. It is imperative that we get involved and play an integral role in the future of the National Alumni Association and our illustrious university.”

Bowie State Student Newspaper Editor Commentary Ends the Hype on UMD Graduation Controversy

HBCU Digest — Wed, 15 May 2013 21:19:57 +0000

In one of the more eloquent, thoughtful and insightful undergraduate editorials you’ll ever read, Bowie State University graduating senior and editor of the Spectrum Newspaper Auburn Mann puts an end to the controversial division of the university hosting its commencement ceremony on the campus of the University of Maryland. A sample from his column in the Washington Post:

Bowie State’s relationship with College Park is complicated. Bowie State, just as the other schools in the University System of Maryland, relies on the flagship campus for resources, such as library access and hand-me-down gym equipment. Like the perpetual dependence of developing countries on the more industrialized areas of the world, the smaller schools in the state system have been forced to rely on College Park for resources. The fact that we are scheduled to use their lavishly funded and spacious Comcast Center reflects this reality.

On the other hand, this year’s commencement ceremony at College Park could be viewed as a sign of triumph over the policies of yesteryear and a validation of their extinction. We will gather at a place that at one time prohibited our instruction and edification. This setting will be transformed into a place where we will symbolically complete this level of education.