The Black College Fund

As diversity, equity and inclusion programs in education are challenged in the U.S., the Black College Fund, administered by GBHEM, is continuing and expanding its support of the 11 United Methodist-related HBCUs, including Philander Smith University in Little Rock, Arkansas.

With enrollment at 725 and a goal of 925 in three years, Philander Smith is using BCF dollars to improve school programs and infrastructure, following President Maurice Gipson's vision of Philander Smith as a leader in health professions, entrepreneurship, and technology.

Learn more about Philander Smith University: https://www.gbhem.org/news/united-methodist-support-helps-philander-smith-build-health-programs-and-hope/

As diversity, equity and inclusion programs in education are challenged in the U.S., the Black College Fund, administered by GBHEM, is continuing and expanding its support of the 11 United Methodist-related HBCUs, including Meharry Medical College .

Located in Nashville, Tennessee, Meharry is driven by a spirit of faith and service, with eighty percent of alumni working in underserved communities, and some of its BCF dollars being used to fund a mobile dental clinic that travels to rural Tennessee communities that lack dental care.

Learn more about Meharry Medical College: https://www.gbhem.org/news/meharry-medical-college-faith-and-funding-fuel-health-equity/

As diversity, equity and inclusion programs in education are challenged in the U.S., the Black College Fund, administered by GBHEM, is continuing and expanding its support of the 11 United Methodist-related HBCUs, including Huston-Tillotson University in Austin, Texas.

Huston-Tillotson, the top private HBCU in Texas, has used BCF support to enhance student success and experience through planned housing construction, campus accessibility infrastructure, and educational opportunities like its African Male Teachers Initiative.

Learn more about Huston-Tillotson University: https://www.gbhem.org/news/huston-tillotson-university-marks-150-years-of-impact/

As diversity, equity and inclusion programs in education are challenged in the U.S., the Black College Fund, administered by GBHEM, is continuing and expanding its support of the 11 United Methodist-related HBCUs, including Wiley University.

Located in Marshall, Texas, once known for one of the state’s highest lynching rates, Wiley is centered on producing “whole, responsible human beings,” using BCF dollars to expand access and opportunities for its students, including technological upgrades and additional scholarships.

Learn more about Wiley University: https://www.gbhem.org/news/wiley-university-uses-black-college-funds-to-help-break-cycles-and-build-opportunity/

Time is running out to submit your nominations for GBHEM's 2026 Exemplary Teacher of the Year Award! ⏰

This annual award honors faculty members at United Methodist-related schools, colleges, and universities who have shown exceptional teaching, leadership, and dedication to value-centered education.

Submit your nominations by April 17, 2026. Learn more: bit.ly/etoty2026

Today, Higher Education and Ministry joined the Bethune-Cookman University community in celebrating a historic moment — the investiture of Rev. Dr. Albert Mosley as its eighth president!

Representing GBHEM were the Rev. Dr. Tammy Gieselman, director of education, and Dr. Crystal Banks, director of the Black College Fund, alongside partners and leaders from across The United Methodist Church. Bethune-Cookman is one of 11 United Methodist HBCUs in Daytona Beach, Florida.

Join us in celebrating in the comments below!

As diversity, equity and inclusion programs in education are challenged in the U.S., the Black College Fund, administered by GBHEM, is continuing and expanding its support of the 11 United Methodist-related HBCUs, including Bennett College.

As enrollment surges, interim president Dr. Teresa Hardee is using support from the BCF to improve and renovate key campus infrastructure, strengthening Bennett's calling to "prepare young women to lead, to change and to succeed."

Learn more about Bennett College: https://www.gbhem.org/news/bennett-college-leverages-church-support-to-expand-opportunities-for-wome...

As diversity, equity and inclusion programs in education are challenged in the U.S., the Black College Fund, administered by GBHEM, is continuing and expanding its support of the 11 United Methodist-related HBCUs, including Dillard University.

Founded 155 years ago, Dillard University has long stood as a faith-based beacon for Black higher education, with notable programs in nursing, criminal justice and public health.

Learn more about Dillard University: https://www.gbhem.org/news/black-college-fund-support-helps-sustain-dillard-universitys-mission-and-...

As diversity, equity and inclusion programs in education are challenged in the U.S., the Black College Fund, administered by GBHEM, is continuing and expanding its support of the 11 United Methodist-related HBCUs, including Clark Atlanta University.

Founded in 1988 through the historic consolidation of Atlanta University (1865) and Clark College (1869), Clark Atlanta is channeling its legacy into a future defined by research, innovation and student empowerment. 

Learn more about Clark Atlanta University: https://www.gbhem.org/news/from-stability-to-innovation-how-the-black-college-fund-propels-clark-atlanta-forward/

As diversity, equity and inclusion programs in education are challenged in the U.S., the Black College Fund, administered by GBHEM, is continuing and expanding its support of the 11 United Methodist-related HBCUs, including Claflin University.

For over 156 years, Claflin has held firm to its United Methodist identity, utilizing the connectional nature of the UMC to elevate students' lives on campus and uplift the local community of Orangeburg, South Carolina.

Learn more about Claflin University: https://www.gbhem.org/news/black-college-fund-bolsters-claflin-universitys-mission-and-reach/