Alabama State University’s long-running NCAA infractions case ended with a reduced classification after the NCAA Division I Committee on Infractions ruled the matter as a Level I Mitigated case instead of the more severe aggravated designation.

The decision carries the minimum financial penalty allowed for a Level I violation: a $30,000 fine plus one percent of the football program’s budget, along with three years of probation. University officials said they accept the ruling and will not file an appeal, though they remain convinced the case never warranted one of the NCAA’s highest classifications.

“This confirms what we have maintained from the outset — this case was improperly elevated,” Alabama State representative Dr. Jason Cable said. “The underlying conduct, tied to the former Sports Information Director and head coach, simply does not justify placement among the most severe cases in collegiate athletics.”

The case centered on the alteration of competition statistics for one student-athlete during the 2019 football season. Alabama State acknowledged that a former sports information director changed the athlete’s statistics on the school’s athletics website, allegedly at the direction of the former head football coach.

However, after a contested hearing, the NCAA Committee on Infractions determined there was not enough evidence to hold the former coach personally responsible for directing the changes. Alabama State said its acceptance of responsibility was based solely on the actions of its employee and not on any finding against the former coach.

University officials also emphasized that the NCAA found no lack of institutional control or failure to monitor within the athletics department.

Despite the reduced classification, Alabama State President Dr. Quinton T. Ross Jr. questioned the consistency of the NCAA’s enforcement process.

“While today’s decision is a downgrade from the Level I aggravated classification, we still believe that the scope of the penalty does not reflect the university’s involvement, or lack thereof, in this matter,” Ross said.

Ross pointed to what he called a significant disparity between Alabama State’s penalties and those issued to the University of Arizona. According to the university, Arizona, which certified the student-athlete’s eligibility and benefited competitively, received a Level III violation and a $500 fine, while Alabama State was assessed a Level I violation despite not certifying the player’s eligibility or receiving a competitive advantage.

“We believe the standards should be applied consistently across all institutions,” Ross said. “This case underscores the importance of fairness and accountability throughout the NCAA governance process.”

Ross also credited Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics and General Counsel Kenneth Thomas for helping secure a reduction in what could have been more severe sanctions.

To address the issues identified during the investigation, Alabama State said it has already implemented several compliance measures, including revised statistical reporting procedures, expanded auditing practices, enhanced postgame reviews, and additional NCAA compliance education for athletics staff.

The university said those measures will remain in place throughout its probationary period.

With the case now officially resolved, Alabama State plans to move forward without an appeal.

“The institution is ready to begin its probationary period, fulfill all associated obligations, and direct its full energy to its student-athletes, its programs, and its future,” the university said.

TUSKEGEE, Ala. Tuskegee University is introducing new student policies focused on professionalism, academic success, and career readiness as the university prepares to welcome its largest incoming class in 32 years.

In a message to parents of incoming students, President Dr. Mark A. Brown announced updated expectations covering student attire, classroom attendance, and cellphone use.

Under the new dress code, students will not be permitted to wear bonnets, du rags, bedroom shoes, or revealing clothing in classrooms, the university cafeteria, or during official campus events, including Convocation. Students attending business meetings and other professional events will also be expected to wear business attire with appropriate footwear.

Brown said the goal is to help students prepare for life after graduation, not to limit their college experience.

“The goal here is not meant to restrict students from enjoying the Tuskegee Experience, but to prepare them with a solid foundation for the workforce they will enter once they leave Tuskegee.”

The university is also strengthening its classroom expectations. Cellphones must remain off during class unless an instructor allows their use, and attendance will be monitored more closely to encourage academic success.

As part of its expanded career readiness initiative, students will be expected to complete internships, identify professional certifications related to their career goals, and build a professional resume before graduation. Tuskegee currently offers more than 30 professional certification opportunities at no additional cost.

The new policies have already sparked conversations throughout the HBCU community. Some believe the changes continue the long standing tradition of preparing students for professional careers, while others question whether banning items such as bonnets and du rags reinforces outdated views of professionalism.

Founded in 1881, Tuskegee University has built a legacy of developing leaders in business, education, science, engineering, the military, and public service. University leaders say these updated expectations are intended to strengthen that tradition while helping students transition successfully into the workforce.

As students return to campus this fall, many will be watching to see how the new policies shape the student experience and whether they become a model for other HBCUs across the country.

The rhythm is about to get even hotter at Miles College as the institution proudly announces Class of 2025 powerhouse Daja Gratton as the newest instructor for the legendary Steaming Flags!

From 2021 through 2025, Gratton brought unmatched fire and precision to the field as a standout performer with both the Purple Marching Machine and the Steaming Flags. Throughout her dynamic collegiate career, she mastered the complex art of color guard performance while representing Miles College with fierce pride and undeniable excellence. Her journey stands as a testament to elite discipline, synchronized teamwork, and the gold standard of the university band program.

During her time as a student performer, Gratton was the heartbeat of one of the most thrilling traditions at Miles College. Her work with the Steaming Flags injected high energy, stunning visual artistry, and pure school spirit into halftime shows and competitions that mesmerized crowds and uplifted the entire campus community.

Now, she steps into a leadership role ready to ignite the next generation of performers! Gratton brings a deep passion for mentorship and coaching, transforming her direct field experience into powerful instruction. She is dedicated to building confidence, elite sportsmanship, and sharp technical skills in aspiring auxiliaries, proving her impact extends far beyond the stadium lights.

Miles College celebrates Daja Gratton for her phenomenal accomplishments and welcomes her back to lead the Steaming Flags into an unforgettable new era of excellence!

About the Miles College Steaming Flags

The Steaming Flags serve as the official color guard and visual auxiliary unit for the famous Miles College Purple Marching Machine in Fairfield, Alabama. They are widely celebrated as one of the most dynamic and visually captivating performance groups in collegiate marching band culture.

• Visual Heartbeat of the Band: The Steaming Flags transform the musical power of the Purple Marching Machine into synchronized physical art. They add vibrant color, motion, and theatrical flare to every halftime show, parade, and stadium performance.

• Dynamic Performance Style: In the celebrated tradition of historically Black colleges and universities, the Steaming Flags go far beyond standard flag spinning. Their routines blend intricate flag manipulation, rapid tosses, sharp marching techniques, and expressive dance choreography that matches the driving tempo of the band.

• Elite Training and Tradition: Performing with this unit requires intense stamina, rhythm, technical precision, and flawless coordination. Members undergo rigorous conditioning to execute complex visual routines while maintaining peak energy and showmanship from the first beat to the final whistle.

• Leadership and Pride: As premier ambassadors for Miles College, the flag line embodies school spirit and cultural pride. The unit fosters lifelong sisterhood and leadership development, making experienced alumni instructors like Daja Gratton essential for preserving their rich standards of excellence.

RALEIGH, N.C. — Shaw University Divinity School is expanding access to theological education with the support of a $1 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. The five year grant will help the Divinity School create a statewide network of digital academies designed to bring graduate level theological education directly to churches and ministry leaders throughout North Carolina.

The funding comes through Lilly Endowment’s Thriving Congregations Initiative and will support partnerships with more than 40 congregational associations to establish local digital learning communities. The program will provide church leaders with accessible opportunities for ministry training, leadership development, certificate programs, and congregational renewal.

Through an advanced online learning platform, participants will have access to live instruction, self paced courses, peer discussions, and practical resources while continuing to serve within their local congregations.

Over the next five years, the initiative is expected to engage between 800 and 1,000 church leaders while creating pathways for participants to continue their education through advanced graduate programs at Shaw University Divinity School.

“A localized digital academy approach to accessible theological training will help strengthen congregations as future learning communities,” said Dr. Mark G. Harden, dean of Shaw University Divinity School.

The initiative reflects Shaw’s continued commitment to preparing faith leaders with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to serve evolving communities while expanding educational opportunities beyond traditional classroom settings.

Church and ministry leaders interested in participating in the program can contact Rev. Dr. Saundra Williams at saundra.williams@shawu.edu.

About Shaw University

Founded in 1865, Shaw University is the first Historically Black College and University established in the South. The university’s mission is to advance knowledge, support student achievement, strengthen spiritual and ethical values, and prepare a diverse community of learners to become future global leaders. Shaw University is led by President Dr. Paulette R. Dillard.

About Shaw University Divinity School

For more than 90 years, Shaw University Divinity School has prepared spiritual and ethical leaders for service in churches, nonprofit organizations, education, healthcare, business, and public life. The Divinity School offers the Master of Divinity, the Master of Arts in Theology and Ministry, and beginning in Spring 2027, the Doctor of Education in Artificial Intelligence and Moral Agency.

BOWIE, Md. Hip hop pioneer and Bowie State University professor MC SHA ROCK will receive one of North Carolina’s highest musical honors this fall as she is inducted into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame Class of 2026.

Known off the stage as Sharon Jackson, MC SHA ROCK made history as hip hop’s first female MC and helped shape the culture during its earliest days. Growing up in Wilmington, North Carolina, she had no idea she was becoming part of music history. She simply loved performing. Nearly five decades later, her groundbreaking contributions continue to be recognized around the world.

She will join an impressive class of inductees that includes go go music pioneer Sugar Bear (Gregory Elliott), legendary jazz composer Billy Strayhorn, and George Clinton, founder of Parliament Funkadelic and recipient of the Hall of Fame’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

Today, Jackson is inspiring a new generation as an adjunct professor in Bowie State University’s Visual Communication & Digital Media Arts (VCDMA) program. She also serves as one of the architects behind the university’s Hip Hop Studies & Visual Culture minor, the first academic program of its kind at any Historically Black College or University.

As a founding member of the legendary Funky 4 + 1, MC SHA ROCK helped establish many of the performance techniques that define hip hop today, including microphone control, lyrical delivery, and stage presence. In 1981, the group became the first hip hop act to perform on national television when they appeared on Saturday Night Live, introducing the emerging culture to audiences across America.

“My induction into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame is more than a personal honor,” Jackson said. “It recognizes a history that helped shape a culture heard and felt around the world. As hip hop’s first female MC, I have dedicated my life to preserving our story and ensuring the pioneers who built this movement are never forgotten.”

Bowie State faculty say Jackson’s influence extends well beyond music.

“We are proud to celebrate Professor Jackson’s induction into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame,” said Tewodross Williams, professor and coordinator of the Visual Communication & Digital Media Arts program. “She has made extraordinary contributions to hip hop culture, education, and the creative industries while inspiring the next generation of artists and scholars.”

Since launching its Hip Hop Studies & Visual Culture minor in 2016, Bowie State has become a national leader in hip hop scholarship, treating the culture as a serious academic discipline that explores history, creativity, entrepreneurship, and social impact.

Outside the classroom, MC SHA ROCK continues to influence hip hop through media and public speaking. She co hosts the daily SiriusXM show “That’s the Joint” on LL COOL J’s Rock the Bells Radio alongside fellow hip hop legend Grandmaster Caz. She has also spoken at national conferences on entrepreneurship, emphasizing ownership, intellectual property, and building generational wealth within Black communities.

Despite the numerous awards and accolades, Jackson says the recognition is about honoring everyone who helped build hip hop from the ground up.

“Hip hop has become a global language, but its roots remain grounded in the communities and innovators who created something the world had never seen before,” she said. “This honor celebrates not only my journey, but the countless women and pioneers whose contributions shaped the foundation of this culture. Our responsibility is to preserve that history and pass it on to the next generation.”

For Bowie State students, learning from Professor Jackson means hearing the story of hip hop from someone who helped write it. Her legacy continues not only through music but through education, ensuring the culture’s history and impact will inspire generations to come.