Center for the Study of HBCUs

Check out this story in Forbes about transformative gifts to | https://www.forbes.com/sites/asia-alexander/2025/11/05/the-biggest-billionaire-donors-to-hbcus/?fbclid=IwY2xjawN-LqpleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETF2ZG5Db2tjU2Y2S1Q2elA3c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHoshNd1YC8VprpLvoJqAoHbJlj9R-23PHGlgu0JieDs0mF5tH4PlMZq0LLmq_aem_SaT-u4rvwa0glIsDh56A5Q

MacKenzie Scott, Michael Jordan, Jay-Z: The Biggest Billionaire Donors To HBCUs MacKenzie Scott’s $80 million gift to Howard University this week is the latest—but not biggest—recent billionaire donation to an HBCU. These 9 billionaires have put more than $1 billion into historically Black colleges and universities.

THIS IS NOW!!

🌍 The political, social, and cultural climate in America is shifting fast. What does that mean for the nation’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)?

Join the Center for the Study of HBCUs for an unflinching, forward-looking conversation:

🎓 “The Shifting Political, Social, and Cultural Landscape: Implications for the Future of HBCUs”

🔗 Join FREE: https://lnkd.in/gtpgcH8C

🎤 Featured Speakers:
Dr. Elfred Anthony Pinkard, former President, Wilberforce University — nationally respected higher ed leader and mentor to emerging scholars.

Dr. Everett B. Ward, former President, Saint Augustine’s University — nationally respected leader and advocate for education.

Together, these Presidential Fellows of the CSHBCUs will share insights on:
✅ National trends influencing
✅ Strategies for institutional sustainability and student success
✅ The role of advocacy, policy, and philanthropy in shaping our collective future.

📚 Learn more about the work of HBCUs and their economic and cultural impact: CSHBCU "HBCU Shift Report" https://lnkd.in/eeiUV7uR

Today's webinar with Melva K. Wallace, Ph.D., President & CEO of Huston-Tillotson University, moderated by Dr. Roderick Smothers, EVP/COO/Provost and Executive Director at Virginia Union University, was a major success!

✨ Top 3 Moments from "Securing the Future: A $150M Lesson in Giving" Webinar! ✨

1️⃣ "The Moody Foundation didn’t just write a check; they invested in an idea." – When vision meets trust, greatness happens! 🙌

2️⃣ "Do not believe this is unique to Houston Tillotson University. The blessing is there for every HBCU willing to believe and work for it." – A powerful reminder to seize every opportunity! 💪

3️⃣ "Students must be excellent, prepared, and poised – you never know when donors will walk through your door!" – Excellence opens doors and builds legacies. 🎓

🚨 Happening TODAY! 🚨

Join us for an exclusive conversation with Dr. Melva K. Wallace, President & CEO of Huston-Tillotson University (HTU), as we unpack the story behind a historic $150 million investment — how it happened and what’s next for the future of and higher education.

𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙞𝙨 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙣 𝙖 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙚 — 𝙞𝙩’𝙨 𝙖 𝙢𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩.
Come hear directly from Dr. Wallace about , vision, , and impact at one of the nation’s most inspiring institutions.

🗓️ Today, October 16, 2025
🕐 1:00 PM ET
📍 Hosted by the Center for the Study of HBCUs at Virginia Union University
👉 There’s still time to register and join us live!
https://lnkd.in/gMxjavzP

🔔 Announcing: A Historic Conversation with President Melva Wallace 🔔

We're honored to launch our new "Transformational Gifts Series" with an exclusive, behind-the-scenes conversation featuring Melva K. Wallace, Ph.D., President of Huston-Tillotson University (HTU).

In September 2025, HTU received a monumental $150 million gift from the Moody Foundation — the largest single philanthropic gift ever awarded to an HBCU.

Join us on October 16, 2025, from 1:00 to 2:00 pm ET (via Zoom) as President Wallace walks us through the journey:
1️⃣ How HTU prepared itself (structurally, culturally, aspirationally) to be a candidate for transformational philanthropy
2️⃣ The leadership posture required to steward bold commitments
3️⃣ How transformational gifts can be deployed — scholarships, capital, infrastructure, institutional capacity
4️⃣ Lessons for other HBCU leaders, funders, nonprofits, and students, to name a few.

WHY THIS MATTERS:
• So often, HBCUs operate under resource constraints — but bold philanthropy can catalyze generational impact.
• This session will give practical insight into how institutions can ready themselves for large-scale gifts.
• For funders and corporations, it is a rare chance to hear from a leader who literally sits at the nexus of mission, community, and sustainable institutional strategy.
• For students and emerging leaders, this is an opportunity to witness how bold vision + disciplined ex*****on can break barriers.

👉 Register for the webinar here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_N_iRLRo9SJSUQ2H-eYpyKA

We invite presidents, campus leaders, funders, executives, and all who believe in the 'presence and power of HBCUs' and broader education to join.

ONE UNIVERSITY. ONE GIFT. ONE CONVERSATION.


Sponsored by the Center for the Study of HBCUs at Virginia Union University

✨ We’re growing our team! The Center for the Study of is now accepting applications for Graduate Assistants (remote and in-person).

Graduate students (master’s or doctoral) from any U.S. institution—including Virginia Union University—are encouraged to apply.

Duties include research, project management, writing, and data analysis, to name a few.

📩 To apply: Send your cover letter and resume/CV (PDF) to [email protected]

We’re excited to announce Dr. Elford Anthony Pinkard as a Presidential Fellow in the Center.

For the full story: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/center4hbcus_were-happy-to-annouce-dr-elfred-anthony-activity-7373768944970579968-VKxF?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_ios&rcm=ACoAAAufdNoBG_u6gL3kI7JYgRaVbsz-0UeY7Go

🚨 FREE WEBINAR TOMORROW! 🚨

“Leading in the Age of AI and Technology: How HBCUs Shape Society, Students, and Solutions”

🗓️ Thursday, July 24, 2025
🕛 12:00 – 1:00 PM ET
📍 Live via Zoom

Join the Center for the Study of HBCUs at Virginia Union University for a timely, thought-provoking conversation on how hashtag are influencing artificial intelligence (AI), emerging technologies, and leadership development across disciplines. This dynamic session will explore how HBCUs are not just adapting to change—but leading it—by shaping society, students, and solutions.

💡 Hear insights on:
1️⃣ The intersection of AI, technology, & education
2️⃣ How HBCUs can drive innovation in tech
3️⃣ What’s next for institutions committed to transformation of students and society

📲 Register FREE and join the conversation by clicking here ➡️ https://lnkd.in/g4sQeU5M
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🗣️ FEATURED PANELIST 🗣️ 𝐃𝐫. 𝐍𝐢𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐬 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐥𝐞𝐩

Brief Bio: Dr. Nicholas D. Hartlep, Ph.D. holds the Robert Charles Billings Endowed Chair in Education at Berea College where he has Chaired the Education Studies Department since 2019. He is currently enjoying a research sabbatical year (2025–2026). For more about Dr. Hartlep, go to: www.nicholashartlep.com

🚨 FREE WEBINAR TOMORROW! 🚨

“Leading in the Age of AI and Technology: How HBCUs Shape Society, Students, and Solutions”

🗓️ Thursday, July 24, 2025
🕛 12:00 – 1:00 PM ET
📍 Live via Zoom

Join the Center for the Study of HBCUs at Virginia Union University for a timely, thought-provoking conversation on how are influencing artificial intelligence (AI), emerging technologies, and leadership development across disciplines. This dynamic session will explore how HBCUs are not just adapting to change—but leading it—by shaping society, students, and solutions.

💡 Hear insights on:

1️⃣ The intersection of AI, technology, & education
2️⃣ How HBCUs can drive innovation in tech
3️⃣ What’s next for institutions committed to transformation of students and society

📲 Register FREE and join the conversation by clicking here ➡️ https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_6A-lgDWARUyWm3cIo5KzYQ

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🗣️ FEATURED PANELIST 🗣️ 𝐃𝐫. 𝐄𝐫𝐢𝐧 𝐋𝐲𝐧𝐜𝐡

Brief Bio: Dr. Erin Lynch, CRA, leads LEC and serves as President of QEM, supporting 900+ MSIs. A nationally recognized scholar and strategist, she’s secured $66M+ in funding, founded WeHBSeeU TV, and shaped policy through national committees. Her dual doctorates and leadership bridge equity, innovation, and research across higher education and STEM. For more about Dr. Lynch, go to: https://www.ieeebice.org/keynote-speakers/dr-erin-lynch

🚨 FREE WEBINAR TOMORROW! 🚨

“Leading in the Age of AI and Technology: How HBCUs Shape Society, Students, and Solutions”

🗓️ Thursday, July 24, 2025
🕛 12:00 – 1:00 PM ET
📍 Live via Zoom

Join the Center for the Study of HBCUs at Virginia Union University for a timely, thought-provoking conversation on how are influencing artificial intelligence (AI), emerging technologies, and leadership development across disciplines. This dynamic session will explore how HBCUs are not just adapting to change—but leading it—by shaping society, students, and solutions.

💡 Hear insights on:

1️⃣ The intersection of AI, technology, & education
2️⃣ How HBCUs can drive innovation in tech
3️⃣ What’s next for institutions committed to transformation of students and society

📲 Register FREE and join the conversation by clicking here ➡️ https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_6A-lgDWARUyWm3cIo5KzYQ

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🗣️ FEATURED PANELIST 🗣️ 𝐃𝐫. 𝐉𝐨𝐚𝐧 𝐉𝐨𝐡𝐧𝐬𝐨𝐧

Brief Bio: Dr. Joan Johnson is a seasoned advocate for teacher education with over two decades of leadership in academic administration. She currently serves as Dean of the Evelyn Reid Syphax School of Education at Virginia Union University. Prior to this appointment, Johnson served the Virginia Department of Education as the Assistant Superintendent of Teacher Education and Licensure. She has also held leadership roles at Norfolk State University, Regent University, and Virginia Commonwealth University. For more about Dr. Johnson, go to: https://www.vuu.edu/news/virginia-union-university-welcomes-dr-joan-b-johnson-as-dean-of-education

🚨 FREE WEBINAR TOMORROW! 🚨

“Leading in the Age of AI and Technology: How HBCUs Shape Society, Students, and Solutions”

🗓️ Thursday, July 24, 2025
🕛 12:00 – 1:00 PM ET
📍 Live via Zoom

Join the Center for the Study of HBCUs at Virginia Union University for a timely, thought-provoking conversation on how are influencing artificial intelligence (AI), emerging technologies, and leadership development across disciplines. This dynamic session will explore how HBCUs are not just adapting to change—but leading it—by shaping society, students, and solutions.

💡 Hear insights on:

1️⃣ The intersection of AI, technology, & education
2️⃣ How HBCUs can drive innovation in tech
3️⃣ What’s next for institutions committed to transformation of students and society

📲 Register FREE and join the conversation by clicking here ➡️ https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_6A-lgDWARUyWm3cIo5KzYQ

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🗣️ FEATURED PANELIST 🗣️ 𝐃𝐫. 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞 𝐋𝐚𝐰𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 II

Brief Bio: Dr. Stevie L. Lawrence II currently serves as Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at Winston-Salem State University. Prior to this role, Dr. Lawrence served as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Lincoln University of Missouri. He has also held other leadership roles in higher education at the Southern Regional Education Board and Fort Valley State University. For more about Dr. Lawrence, go to: https://www.wssu.edu/about/news/articles/2025/05/wssu-names-dr-stevie-l-lawrence-ii-as-next-provost-and-vice-chancellor-for-academic-affairs.html