Posted inWashington D.C. News

UDC launches School of Education and Learning Sciences

The University of the District of Columbia is reinvigorating its founding mission of training educators with the launch of the School of Education and Learning Sciences (SELS). The new school will offer bachelor’s and master’s degrees and aims to strengthen the District’s teacher pipeline while preparing a diverse generation of educators for every classroom.

Posted inEducation

Black students are the fastest growing group of college applicants

Black students are the fastest-growing group of college applicants in the U.S., with applications rising 11 percent in fall 2025 compared to the previous year, according to the Common Application. This surge shows that, despite rising tuition and the Supreme Court ending affirmative action, Black students continue to pursue higher education at record rates, particularly in the Southwest and in states like Mississippi.

Posted inAfro Briefs

Morris Brown College President Dr. Kevin James removed by board

Dr. Kevin James was removed from his role as president of Morris Brown College after seven years, with the Board of Trustees citing gratitude for his service but providing no specific cause. Nzinga Shaw, a current trustee and co-chair of the Board’s Facilities Committee, will serve as interim president, while James criticized the timing and governance of the decision in a LinkedIn statement.

Posted inBaltimore News

Morgan State University celebrates student excellence at the annual MLK Scholarship Breakfast

Morgan State University hosted the 41st annual Martin Luther King, Jr. scholarship breakfast on Jan. 10 at the Calvin and Tina Tyler Ballroom. The event focused on a theme of “empowering the dream of growing our future,” and featured a keynote address by the Rev. Dr. Robert Richard Allen Turner of The Empowerment Temple African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church.

Posted inEducation

Funding concerns rise after nursing loses professional degree label

The Department of Education’s move to reclassify nursing graduate programs as academic rather than professional degrees is raising concerns about access and equity. Perinatal nurse Keira Wise said the change could deter students from marginalized communities, while public defense attorney Lauren Corbin warned it may deepen financial barriers that already limit Black students pursuing advanced professional training.

Posted inMental Health

How to support college students this holiday season

By Fajr Eutsey College is a time of significant transitions. Students are stepping out of their comfort zones, making hard decisions and learning to balance independence with responsibility. That growth can be exhilarating, but it can also be overwhelming. The holiday season, with its mix of family expectations, financial pressures and cultural traditions, often magnifies […]

Posted inBaltimore Community

Rooted in community: Coppin State University’s ‘tiny but mighty’ theatre program

Coppin State University’s small but powerful theatre program blends artistic training with community engagement, using productions and post-show discussions to address issues that impact West Baltimore. Students and alumni say the program nurtures their growth, offering interdisciplinary opportunities, close mentorship, and a strong sense of belonging.

Posted inPrince George's County News

Bowie State University awarded 50 million from MacKenzie Scott

By Deborah BaileyAFRO Contributing Editor Bowie State University received notification of a $50 million grant from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott  on Nov. 14. The unrestricted grant represents the largest philanthropic gift in Bowie State’s history and doubles the size of a $25 million gift Scott granted to Bowie in 2020.  “Her generosity arrives at a pivotal moment […]

Posted inCommentary

Homecoming and the spirit of unity: What HBCUs teach America

Dr. Javaune Adams-Gaston is president of Norfolk State University, chairwoman of the Mid Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) and a member of the Board of Governors for the NCAA; and Dr. Tony Allen is president of Delaware State University, vice chairman of MEAC, and the chairman emeritus of the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities. In their joint commentary, the pair celebrates the spirit and legacy of HBCU homecomings as more than festive gatherings—they are affirmations of cultural pride, resilience and unity.

Posted inCollege

Morgan State alum launches platform to level NIL playing field for underrepresented athletes

By Megan SaylesAFRO Staff Writermsayles@afro.com Since the NCAA lifted its ban on name, image and likeness (NIL) deals in 2021, the industry has grown to be worth nearly $1.67 billion, according to a report from Opendorse, a leading NIL marketplace and technology company. But, it’s far from a fair playing field.  Division I men’s basketball […]

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