SECTOR NEWS
What one HBCU credits for record surge in applications
It has been a bittersweet past year for even the most successful higher education research institutions, tempered by the yearlong struggles of remote academic work and operations during the pandemic.
But there have been bright spots, including a few recently at Morgan State University in Baltimore. The largest Historically Black College and University (HBCU) received two transformative gifts from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott and Calvin and Tina Tyler totaling $60 million and had millions of dollars in debt eliminated by the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act. (University Business)
Department of Energy awards $17.3 million for student and faculty research opportunities
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced $17.3 million for college internships, research opportunities, and research projects that connect talented science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) students and faculty with the world-class resources at DOE’s National Laboratories. Awardees represent academic institutions from all across America—including Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and other Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs)—highlighting DOE’s commitment to supporting a highly-skilled, diverse workforce that is equipped to tackle the science, energy, environmental, and national security challenges of today and tomorrow. (U.S. Department of Energy)
What a $577 million settlement will mean for Maryland HBCUs
It’s been 15 years since a group of alumni from Maryland’s historically Black colleges and universities sued the state over inequality in public higher education. Their lawsuit argued that the state had underfunded its four HBCUs and permitted traditionally white institutions to replicate programs pioneered and offered by HBCUs. After a series of legal fits and starts, including a stall in negotiations with the state, last week, Maryland finalized a $577 million settlement to resolve the issue. The money will be paid out over a decade and used to support scholarships, faculty recruitment and expand academic programs and marketing. (NPR)
No HBCU players chosen in 2021 NFL Draft
The 2021 NFL Draft has come and gone and zero HBCU players were drafted, this marks the ninth time since 2000 there have been no players selected from HBCUs. (HBCU Gameday)
INDUSTRY NEWS
College enrollment declines highlight the need for Biden’s tuition-free community college plan (Kresge Foundation)
California needs a new master plan for higher education (Cal Matters)
Missouri lawmakers tack on COVID-19 amendments to higher education bill (Missourian)
Pennsylvania consolidation plan could cost 1,500 jobs (Inside Higher Ed)
