amazing opportunity to network and learn about what resources are available for our HBCUs.” The mainstage stayed alive with corporate and educational star- power. Monday afternoon, UNCF CEO Dr. Michael Lomax, who is celebrating 20 years leading the organization, and Xerox CEO Steve Bandrowczak engaged in the first summit “Fireside Chat”, discussing how Xerox specifically, but corporate institutions generally, may support HBCUs. This included creating pathways for internships, job opportunities, skills training, innovation and best practice strategy sharing from larger education institutions and predominantly white institutions (PWIs). That evening, the 1,400+ attendees glittered at the official Opening Gala, and Dr. Lomax delivered the ommencement ddress, which included the incredible work UNCF has done in its 80 years of existence. “In the last four years alone, during a global pandemic, UNCF has raised more money in that four- year period than any other four- year period in its history. We’ve raised over $1.1 billion in four annual campaign years—over a quarter of a billion dollars a year. That’s three times what we were doing prior to the pandemic.” Attendees were back to work Tuesday morning with plenaries featuring Dr. Lomax, Delaware State University President Dr. Tony Allen, and Miles College President Dr. Bobbie Knight discussing funding challenges HBCUs face, and how the federal government has addressed that need during this current administration. Dr.
been by Executive Order, which means the President’s and Vice President’s prerogative. So, who’s in the White House matters.” There were more powerfully informative sessions, including how to raise the research and development status of HBCUs, and relatedly funding. The Path to R1 Status led by Attorney Chinwe Ohanele Agwu of the Michelson Institute for Intellectual
for the Michelson Institute, Ms. Whitley Crawford also shared, “It was a discussion on not only HBCUs needing research, but the support for the staff to not only complete the research but to push out the patent.” Summit attendees had plenty of networking and reconnecting spaces, including the Exhibit Hall, where companies that support UNCF and HBCUs shared their
come for awareness, connecting, networking and meeting with essential funders, and meeting presidents of universities, and sharing information about HBCU arts and the needs that artists have and creatives have.” Dr. Kelli Rainey, senior director, grants management, National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO), and former vice president of Johnson C. Smith University agreed. “This has been a wonderful opportunity for NACUBO to network and reconnect with individuals, not only to support Black higher education but to really help zoom in on how we can think about financial sustainability, scalability and support our HBCUs in really knowing how to move and thrive.” Many attendees were returning participants. Dr. Pernella Rowena Deams, provost- executive vice president for academic excellence and student engagement, Talladega College said, “Last year, I won the UNCF Change Agent Award for driving catalytic transformation, and I am back again. I’m presenting, I’m learning, I’m listening, I’m networking and connecting. And I’m glad to be here.” The consistent theme of growth and development was a key topic on Wednesday during the Fireside Chat featuring Lincoln University President Dr. Brenda Allen; Benedict College President Dr. Roslyn Clark-Artis; Former Tougaloo College President Dr. Beverly Hogan; and Anna Julia Cooper Professor of Women’s Studies and Director of the Women’s Research and Resource Center, Spelman College Dr. Beverly Guy-Sheftall. Dr. Hogan really moved the audience when she stated, “What is of contemporary relevance today is that you cannot rest on your laurels. If your history is greater than your present, you are doomed to fail.
Property featured Doctor Muhsinah Morris of Morehouse College, and Doctors Erica Johnson and Barney Graham of Morehouse School of Medicine. “While R1 is the gold standard among research institutions, there are no R1 HBCUs. This panel highlights research taking place at HBCUs, tech transfer offices and IP policies that can help HBCUs move toward R1 status to support scientists and generate wealth for the Black community.”
products and services, such as grant opportunities with the Michelson Institute, Association of College & University Educators faculty support to become better classroom instructors, OptiMesh industrial WiFi solutions for HBCU campuses, and specifically for students, A.S.K. mental health support and college campus tours. Dr. Jolie Rocke, HBCU arts founder and faculty member at Prairie View A&M University stated, “This [summit] is a wonderful place to
Allen stated that “what was federally funded under the
Biden-Harris Administration was $16 billion dollars to 4.5 million students across the country; even in the midst of the Supreme Court decision and the like, the Biden- Harris Administration has found a way. A lot of what you’ve seen has
Senior program coordinator
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