Month: January 2022

Explore HBCU – Clark Atlanta University

Staff Writer
January 21, 2022

Clark Atlanta University is a private Methodist historically black research university in Atlanta, Georgia.

Background

Founded soon after the end of the Civil War in 1865, the institution now known as Clark Atlanta University was originally named Atlanta University. 

Atlanta University, the first historically black college and university in the southern United States, was established by James Tate and Grandison B. Daniels, two formerly enslaved individuals who were literate. Tate and Daniels founded the first school in Atlanta for African American children, and over the years the school evolved to become the first institution to award graduate degrees to Black people in the nation.

In turn, Clark University (changed to Clark College in 1940) was a school founded in 1869 by the Methodist Episcopal Church as the nation’s first four-year liberal arts college to serve a primarily Black student population. Eventually, for purposes of economy and efficiency, it was decided that both Clark College and Atlanta University would join and form Clark Atlanta University, one of the top institutions in the Atlanta University Center Consortium.

Programs & Opportunities

In the Atlanta University Center, Clark Atlanta University is the most comprehensive institution with an offering of more than 40 areas of study at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. Its well-known programs include the Whitney M. Young Jr. School of Social Work, which is the first school of social work in the state of Georgia or the School of Business Administration, which is one of the top ten producers of African American business professionals in the nation. 

Internationally recognized as a leading research institution of higher education and learning, the university works to remain a diverse, research-intensive, liberal arts institution that prepares and transforms the lives of its students.

Learn more about Clark Atlanta University’s education opportunities here.

Alumni Affairs

Clark Atlanta University boasts a wide array of extraordinary alumni across numerous industries. Some notable figures include, but are not limited to:

  • Ralph Abernathy, a notable Civil Rights activist who graduated with a Master’s in Sociology from the university when it was known as Atlanta University in 1951.
  • Teneille Gibson, an Emmy award winning journalist and editor who graduated with a degree in Mass Media Arts in 2007.
  • Reatha Clark King, chemist and corporate executive, graduated from Clark College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry and Mathematics.
  • Kenya Barris, the creator and executive producer of ABC’s well-known sitcom Black-ish also graduated with a degree in Media Arts.
  • Valeisha Butterfield Jones graduated in 2000 with a degree in Political Science and is now the co-founder/CEO of the Women in Entertainment Empowerment Network, as well as the Head of Black Community Engagement at Google.

Financial Information

According to US News & World Report, a 90% of full-time undergraduate students at Clark Atlanta University receive some form of need-based financial aid, the average need-based scholarship or grant award being $2,992.

Most recently, Clark Atlanta made headlines by vowing to cancel all student account balances for the Spring 2020-Summer 2021 in recognition of difficulties faced by students during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Conclusion

Located at what is known as the cradle of the Civil Rights movement, CAU’s Atlanta location also serves as an epicenter of modern emerging technology and innovation. Clark Atlanta University remains committed to delivering education that is relevant, transformative, and accessible. 

Learn more about this leading institution of collegiate study with a strong HBCU heritage here.

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Explore HBCU – Florida Memorial University

Staff Writer
January 21, 2022

Florida Memorial University is a private historically black university in Opa-locka North, Miami Gardens Florida. 

Background

Founded in 1879, Florida Memorial University is one of the oldest academic centers in Florida, and the only HBCU in Southern Florida. Though it was originally named the Florida Baptist Institute and located in Live Oak, Florida, in 1892, members of the institution established a separate branch in Jacksonville. Four years after the founding, the heads of the two differing locations combined the two institutions to found the Florida Normal and Technical Institute. 

In 1918, the school moved to St. Augustine, and in 1941 the Live Oak and St. Augustine campuses merged, combining their offers and ultimately becoming a four-year liberal arts institution. In 1963, the school changed its name to Florida Memorial College, just five years before the college relocated to its present site in northwest Miami. In 2006, the institution changed its name to Florida Memorial University in order to reflect its expansion into graduate studies. 

Programs & Opportunities

Today, Florida Memorial University offers more than 30 degree programs, with a wealth of offerings in 28 undergraduate specialties and programs, as well as three master’s programs in business administration, reading/esol specialization, and student education.

With its comprehensive selection of majors and extracurricular activities, Florida Memorial University is committed to a comprehensive education and advancement of its students’ skills within public service, academics, and leadership.  

Notable Alumni

A few of Florida Memorial University’s more well-known alumni include, but are not limited to:

  • Nelis J. Saunders—former member of the Michigan House of Representatives—earned her associate’s degree from Florida Memorial College 
  • Barrington Irving—a Jamaican-American aircraft pilot who previously held the record for the youngest person to pilot a plane around the world alone in 2007—earned his undergraduate degree and studied aerospace science at Florida Memorial. 
  • Freddie Lee Peterkin—multi-hyphenate actor, ordained Minister, singer-songwriter, and published author—earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management & Airway Science with Minors in Education.
  • Christopher Benjamin—attorney and member of the Florida House of Representatives—graduated from Florida Memorial University with a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration and Political Science

Financial Information

At Florida Memorial University, tuition comes out to a total of $16,236, with an average of 86% of students on the receiving end of financial assistance, most of which is scholarships and grants. In fact, it’s estimated that over 90% of the complete student population get grants, the approximate amount per student being over $10,000.

Conclusion

At Florida Memorial University, students grow to become fully equipped to pursue their dreams and disrupt the world for good. With access to leading professionals and a hands-on learning environment, FMU students are especially primed to be positive change makers within their communities and the global environment.

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Explore HBCU – Albany State University

Staff Writer
January 21, 2022

Albany State University is a public historically black university in Albany, Georgia.

Background

Albany State University was founded as the Albany Bible and Manual Training Institute by educator and author Joseph Winthrop Holley in 1903. Over the next 40 years, the institute would evolve to become a state-supported, two-year agricultural and teacher training college named The Georgia Normal and Agricultural College, part of the University System of Georgia, and granted four-year status before being renamed Albany State College. 

In addition to its expanded four-year course curriculum, the first graduate program of the school was established in 1981. Twelve years later, a flood caused such extensive damage to the college grounds, the campus needed to be expanded. Not long after the expansion, the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia granted Albany State College’s status change from college to university, and Albany State University became the school we know today.

Most recently, Darton State College and Albany State University consolidated to become one university under the University System of Georgia.

Programs & Opportunities

Spanning associate, undergraduate, certificate, graduate, and online programs, Albany State University’s curriculum offerings are extensive. The university boasts a total of over 40 distinct undergraduate degrees and over 100 degree-specific concentrations. 

Learn more about the numerous degree and course offerings at Albany State University here.

Alumni Affairs

Albany State University is dedicated to excellence in teaching and learning in order for students to become effective contributors to a globally diverse society. Notable alumni who have been a part of this mission include, but are not limited to: 

  • Shirley Sherrod, former Georgia State Director of Rural Development for the US Department of Agriculture, graduated with a bachelor of arts in sociology. 
  • Dr. A. Zachary Faison, Jr., attorney and academic administrator, graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor of arts in English. 
  • Bernice Johnson Reagon, social activist, composer, and scholar studied music at Albany State University
  • Jo Marie Payton, popular singer, actress, and philanthropist graduated from Albany State University. Through the “Frankie Payton Scholarship Fund” named after her mother, Jo Marie Payton has helped to send hundreds of students to college on scholarships. 

Financial Information

Albany State University is an institution committed to increasing opportunities for student access and success, and as such the university reportedly has an 81% first-year student population that receives federal grant aid for an average of $5,538 per person. This is most of the university’s in-state tuition sticker price, which totals to a reported $5,934; out-of-state tuition totals to $16,656. 

Conclusion

Albany State University is an HBCU that places its innovative and creative delivery of educational programs, public service, creative scholarship, broad-based community engagement, and applied research at the helm of its educational vision.

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Black Officials in Government

Staff Writer
January 21, 2022

In the realm of United States political leadership, Black Americans have worked to make gains and legislative progress, continuously inhabiting governmental spaces to increase representation and work toward equality. 

To highlight the work of these officials, below we are highlighting current Black political leaders within the legislative and executive branches of government who attended Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

House of Representatives:

  • Alma Adams represents North Carolina’s 12th congressional district. She earned both her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Art Education from North Carolina A&T State University.
  • Joyce Beatty serves as the US Representative for Ohio’s third congressional district. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree in speech from Central State University.
  • Sanford Bishop is the US representative for Georgia’s 2nd congressional district. He obtained his Bachelor of Arts from Morehouse College where he studied Political Science and English.
  • G.K. Butterfield serves as the US Representative for North Carolina’s 1st congressional district. He is a two-time North Carolina Central University grad where he obtained his Bachelor of Arts and JD.
  • Troy Carter serves as the US Representative for Louisiana’s 2nd congressional district. He obtained his Bachelor of Arts from Xavier University of Louisiana.
  • Emanuel Cleaver is now serving a ninth term representing Missour’s Fifth Congressional District. He graduated from Prairie View A&M University where he obtained his Bachelor of Science in Sociology.
  • Jim Clyburn is a representative for South Carolina’s Sixth District. He graduated from South Carolina State University with a Bachelor of Arts in History.
  • Danny K. Davis is the Illinois US Representative, elected in 1996. He graduated from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff with a Bachelor of Arts in history before obtaining his Masters in guidance from Chicago State University.
  • Byron Donalds currently represents Florida’s 19th congressional district. He attended Florida A&M University.
  • Al Green has served in Congress as the Representative for Texas’s 9th congressional district since 2005. He has attended Florida A&M University, Tuskegee University, and Texas Southern University where he obtained his JD. 
  • Hank Johnson is the US Representative for Georgia’s fourth congressional district. He attended Clark Atlanta University for his undergraduate Bachelor of Art degree before going to Texas Southern University where he obtained his JD.
  • Alfred James Lawson Jr. is a US Representative for Florida’s 5th congressional district. He obtained his bachelor’s degree in political science from Florida A&M University.
  • Lucy McBath is the US Representative for Georgia’s 6th congressional district. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts in political science from Virginia State University (BA).
  • Gregory Meeks has served as a US Representative from New York since 1998. He obtained his JD from Howard University.
  • Kweisi Mfume currently serves as the US Representative for Maryland’s 7th congressional district. He attended Morgan State University where he obtained a Bachelor of Science before graduating magna cum laude.
  • David Scott represents Georgia’s Thirteenth Congressional District. He graduated from Florida A&M University with a Bachelor of Arts in Finance.
  • Marilyn Strickland is the US Representative for Washingotn’s 10th congressional district. She obtained her Master’s in Business Administration from Clark Atlanta University.
  • Bennie Thompson has served as the US Representative for Mississippi’s 2nd congressional district since 1993. He graduated from Tougaloo College with a bachelor’s of art in political science, then a Master of Science in educational administration from Jackson State University.
  • Nikema Williams serves as the representative for Georgia’s 5th congressional district. She obtained her Bachelors of Arts in biology from Talladega College.
  • Frederica Wilson represents Florida’s 24th congressional district. She obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education from Fisk University.

The Senate: 

  • Raphael Warnock serves as the junior US senator from Georgia. He attended Morehouse College where he obtained his Bachelor of Arts in psychology. 

The Executive Branch

  • Kamala Harris attended Howard University where she obtained her Bachelor of Arts in political science and economics. Today she serves as President of the Senate and Vice President of the United States.

The Cabinet: 

  • Michael Stanley Regan currently serves under the Executive Branch of Government in the Cabinet as the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. He is the first black man to serve in the role, and he graduated from North Carolina A&T State University with a Bachelor of Science in Earth and Environmental Science.

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Explore HBCU – Edward Waters University

Staff Writer
January 21, 2022

Edward Waters College is a private, Christian, Historically Black College and University in Jacksonville, Florida.

Background

Edward Waters University was founded in 1866 by members of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, and was originally named the Brown Theological Institute. Due to financial difficulties, the school shut down for most of the 1870s, but reopened in 1883 as East Florida Conference High School—all the while, the curriculum and the name continued to change and evolve, eventually being named for Bishop Edward Waters of the AME Church. 

Unfortunately, the original Edward Waters campus was destroyed in the Great Fire of 1901, but just three years later the college was able to obtain new land and begin work on a new campus. Edward Waters became accredited as a junior college in 1955 before putting into place a four-year curriculum five years later.

Starting in 1979, the school was fully-accredited as a four-year institution by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACSCOC) and began awarding bachelor’s degrees.

Programs & Opportunities

Until recently, Edward Waters University was widely known as Edward Waters College—the name change occurred at the same time the regional accreditation agency approved the institution’s level change from a baccalaureate to master’s level degree granting entity. This change allowed EWU the opportunity to offer graduate programs for the first time in the school’s history. 

Now, in addition to the previously offered undergraduate curriculum offerings in communications, music, psychology, criminal justice, biology, education, math, or business administration—Edward Waters continues to grow its educational programs. 

Notable Alumni

Some of their notable alumni include, but are not limited to, the likes of Nathaniel Glover Jr., who graduated with a bachelor’s of science degree in 1966 and went on to serve as the President of Edward Waters College from 2010 until 2018; Willye Dennis, the multi-hyphenate civil rights activist, Florida state legislator, and most famously librarian; and Alvin Brown, Jacksonville’s first African American mayor.

Financial Information

For both in-state and out-of-state students, the cost of tuition and expenses at Edward Waters is the same—ringing in at a total of $14,878 for total tuition. Approximately 99% of those attending Edward Waters receive financial aid—the average amount of federal, state, or local aid reportedly being $20,104, while the average amount of student loans is $6,925.

Conclusion

Edward Waters University is a historically black institution dedicated to serving and assisting students who are admitted and who will benefit from the college’s academic and social experiences.

With a distinguished higher education lineage spanning over 150 years, EWC is primed to continue its legacy as a premier urban, Christian, liberal arts, historically black institution–primed to advance its close-knit, holistically prepared student population. 

Learn more about the Emerging Eminence of Edward Waters University here.

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Explore HBCU – Bethune-Cookman University

Staff Writer
January 21, 2022

Bethune-Cookman University is a public 4-year or above Historically Black University located in Daytona Beach, Florida.

Background

Bethune-Cookman University began as the Daytona Educational and Industrial Training School for Negro Girls in 1904, founded by philanthropist, educator, and civil rights activist Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune. Over the years the school went through many stages of change and development, ultimately merging with the Cookman Institute for Boys—founded in 1872 by Rev. D.S. Darnell—and officially becoming the Daytona Cookman Collegiate Institute in 1923. By 1931, the school was a junior college, and just 10 years after that the institution officially became a four-year college when the Florida Department of Education approved a four-year degree in liberal arts and teacher training.

The name of the school was subsequently changed to Bethune-Cookman College, until 2007 when the Board of Trustees approved a name change to Bethune-Cookman University (B-CU).

​​Programs & Opportunities

Since its inception, Bethune-Cookman University has continued to grow and expand its curricula offerings, at first focusing on education and today spanning 59 degree program offerings, in both undergraduate and graduate study. 

B-CU’s extensive academic offerings rival only that of its tight-nit student community, with the university hosting more than 80 student organizations on campus—including community service groups, international and religious organizations, academic and honor societies, fraternities and sororities, leadership groups, and performance groups.

Speaking of which, the largest student organization on campus is the school’s marching band, The Marching Wildcats. So renowned is the school’s marching band, they starred in the Netflix series “Marching Orders.”

Financial Information

B-CU values its students’ overall educational experience, both academic and social. In hopes of making the experience more accessible without the pressure of financial constraint, the institution offers 99% of its students financial aid, leading to a drastic reduction for many in expenses and tuition—identical for all in-and-out-of-state residents at a reported $14,814 yearly tuition rate.

Conclusion

At Bethune-Cookman University, its smaller student population offers a relatively low student to faculty ratio, often resulting in specialized educational care.

B-CU works to produce responsible solution seekers and productive citizens of society—all through the promotion of faith and scholarship, creative opportunities, leadership, and service.

Learn more about Bethune-Cookman University here.

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