HBCU ORIGINAL
North Carolina’s HBCUs: Battling Underfunding, Politics, and Leadership Challenges
North Carolina’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are at a crossroads, facing an uphill battle against political shifts, financial inequities, and leadership turnover. In just three years, seven out of ten HBCU leaders in the state have stepped down—an alarming trend fueled by partisanship, longstanding underfunding, and internal governance struggles.
The Political Storm: DEI Under Fire
Harold Martin Sr., Chancellor Emeritus of North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (N.C. A&T), highlights the shifting political landscape as a major hurdle. With efforts to ban Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives gaining traction, HBCU administrators are finding it increasingly difficult to foster inclusive environments.
“The push to eradicate DEI has impacted higher education nationwide, but it’s particularly concerning for HBCUs,” Martin explains. “We are all trying to navigate how this affects our ability to recruit students and create a welcoming atmosphere on campus.”
Two anti-DEI bills introduced in the North Carolina General Assembly—Senate Bill 227 and House Bill 171—threaten to further marginalize these institutions. The former seeks to eliminate DEI in public education, while the latter extends these restrictions to state and local government agencies, even criminalizing the use of public funds for DEI efforts.
Jerry Wilson, Director of Policy and Advocacy at the Center for Racial Equity in Education (CREED), sees this political climate as a driving force behind leadership instability.
“It’s incredibly challenging to serve the students that HBCUs cater to when equity initiatives are under attack,” Wilson notes. “These institutions have long worked to level the playing field, but now even that mission is being scrutinized.”
Federal Threats: What’s at Stake for HBCU Funding?
Beyond state-level politics, HBCUs are also bracing for potential federal funding cuts. Martin warns that if the U.S. Department of Education is dismantled, as proposed by former President Donald Trump, Title III-B funding—critical for minority-serving institutions—could be in jeopardy. These funds support essential services like staffing, technology upgrades, and infrastructure maintenance.
“Losing these funds would be devastating,” Martin emphasizes. “HBCUs rely on them for financial stability, and their absence could put many institutions at serious risk.”
A History of Underfunding
HBCUs have faced chronic underfunding for decades. A 2023 federal analysis revealed that from 1987 to 2020, 16 of the nation’s 19 historically Black land-grant universities were underfunded by a staggering $13 billion. North Carolina alone has a funding gap exceeding $2 billion between its HBCU land-grant institutions and their predominantly white counterparts.
David Sheppard, Chief Business and Legal Officer for the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, underscores the impact of this disparity.
“State governments are simply not honoring their obligations to fund HBCUs equitably,” Sheppard states. “This puts these institutions at a severe disadvantage compared to predominantly white institutions that receive full state support.”
Financial Pressures and Enrollment Challenges
For private HBCUs, financial stability hinges on tuition revenue. Unlike public universities, they don’t receive state funding, forcing them to balance affordability with operational sustainability. Many students depend on federal aid and loans to afford tuition, making any disruptions to funding particularly damaging.
Public HBCUs face a different financial strain: tuition rates are controlled by the University of North Carolina (UNC) System Board of Governors. For nearly a decade, the board has restricted tuition hikes for in-state students, limiting revenue growth. Given that most HBCU students are in-state, this restriction has created financial hurdles.
“The competition for students is intense,” Martin explains. “With a relatively flat high school graduation rate in North Carolina, all universities—both public and private—are fighting for the same pool of students.”
Recognizing these challenges, Martin successfully petitioned to increase N.C. A&T’s out-of-state enrollment cap from 18% to 25% during his tenure. This strategy led to increased enrollment, improved retention, and stronger graduation outcomes. Today, several North Carolina HBCUs have expanded their out-of-state enrollment caps:
- N.C. A&T & North Carolina Central University: 35%
- Elizabeth City State University: 50%
- Winston-Salem State University & Fayetteville State University: 25%
Infrastructure and Technological Gaps
Underfunding extends beyond tuition—it affects campus infrastructure and technology. While predominantly white institutions boast cutting-edge facilities and seamless Wi-Fi access, many HBCUs struggle with outdated buildings and limited digital resources.
“Imagine a college campus where Wi-Fi isn’t a given,” says Harry Williams, President and CEO of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. “It’s a basic necessity for modern education, yet some HBCUs lack reliable access, putting students at a disadvantage.”
Governance Conflicts and Leadership Exodus
A lesser-discussed issue plaguing HBCUs is governance conflict. Increasingly, university board positions are filled with political appointees who may lack higher education experience. According to Sheppard, these board members often overstep their roles, creating friction with university presidents and chancellors.
“Some appointees come in with their own agendas, rather than focusing on the institution’s best interests,” he explains. “This interference makes leadership positions untenable, leading to high turnover.”
The Future of North Carolina’s HBCUs
Despite these challenges, Wilson remains firm in his belief that HBCUs are more essential than ever.
“These institutions were founded out of necessity, and their role remains just as critical today,” Wilson says. “At a time when diversity and equity efforts face hostility, HBCUs continue to be the best option for Black students in North Carolina.”
As North Carolina’s HBCUs navigate these turbulent waters, their resilience and commitment to education remain unwavering. However, the path forward demands advocacy, equitable funding, and policies that prioritize their survival—not their suppression.
Evening nursing track pairs flexible scheduling with professional mentoring and a pathway to employment in Southwest Georgia.
ALBANY, Ga. — Working adults interested in becoming registered nurses will have additional support through a partnership between Albany State University and Phoebe Putney Health System beginning in January 2027.
The ASU/Phoebe Associate of Science in Nursing Evening Track will provide participating students with $10,000 in financial assistance, professional mentoring and clinical learning opportunities. Students must agree to work for Phoebe for two years after graduation, with employment following graduation and licensure.
The partnership builds on Albany State’s existing evening nursing track, which has served students for more than a decade. Its evening schedule helps adults pursue a nursing degree while balancing work and other daytime responsibilities. The program can be completed in as little as five semesters.
Up to 30 students will join the January 2027 cohort.
ASU President Dr. Robert Scott said the collaboration reflects the university’s commitment to making healthcare education more accessible. He emphasized that combining academic preparation with financial and professional support can help working adults succeed while strengthening Southwest Georgia’s nursing workforce.
Students will receive support from both organizations throughout their education. Phoebe will provide mentoring from nursing professionals, while Albany State will offer additional tutoring and success coaching.
Participants will also have opportunities to work as nurse externs at Phoebe, practice clinical skills using simulation resources at both institutions and learn alongside Phoebe’s clinical education teams.
To support instruction, Phoebe will fund one full-time faculty position, one part-time faculty position and two clinical instructor positions at ASU.
Phoebe President and CEO Scott Steiner described the partnership as an investment in local residents and the patients they will eventually serve. He said the collaboration will expand nursing education opportunities while helping the health system develop its future workforce.
The initiative adds to Albany State’s longstanding role in preparing healthcare professionals. According to the university, ASU was the first HBCU in Georgia to establish a nursing program. It now offers nursing pathways at the associate, bachelor’s and master’s degree levels, including options for working healthcare professionals seeking to advance their education.
Priority consideration for the evening cohort will go to legal residents of designated Southwest Georgia counties. Applicants from other Southwest Georgia and North Florida counties may be considered if spaces remain.
Tracy Suber, Phoebe’s vice president for education and talent acquisition, said the program’s local focus is particularly valuable. Supporting students who already live and work in the region can help prepare nurses who will continue serving nearby communities.
The announced application deadline for the January 2027 cohort was November 1, 2026. Applicants were required to gain admission to Albany State before completing the program application. Those interested in future opportunities should contact the university for updated admissions information.
For adults considering a career change, the partnership connects an evening education option with financial assistance, hands-on experience and a pathway into the region’s healthcare workforce.
Source: Albany State University news release, October 19, 2026.
Langston University is investing in new ways to help students succeed in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
The university announced a five-year National Science Foundation award totaling $2,249,925 to launch ASCEND, a program combining student explanations of their work with AI-assisted learning analysis.
The initiative focuses on challenging foundational courses, including calculus, general chemistry and physics. Its approach asks students to explain how they solve problems and why their methods work through brief video recordings.
Faculty will use those explanations and learning analysis to identify misunderstandings and provide more targeted support.
The goal is to strengthen students’ reasoning and understanding as they progress through their STEM education. Langston also plans to use the project to support faculty development and undergraduate research.
The award highlights an important area of HBCU innovation: improving the learning experience so more students can stay on track toward completing their degrees.
Support our HBCU schools as they create new opportunities for the next generation of scientists, researchers and technology professionals.
Source: Langston University
Tags: HBCU Original, Langston University, STEM education, National Science Foundation, HBCU research, artificial intelligence, student success, undergraduate research, higher education
Students at participating North Carolina HBCUs and minority-serving institutions have an opportunity to receive financial support for the spring 2027 semester.
The North Carolina Department of Transportation is accepting applications for its $2,500 HBCU/MSI Transportation Scholarship through midnight on November 9, 2026.
The program supports students preparing for careers connected to transportation. Eligible areas extend beyond engineering and include qualifying disciplines in business, communications, computer science, aviation, public policy and other fields.
Applicants must be U.S. citizens and North Carolina residents enrolled full time at a participating institution. Additional requirements include a minimum 2.5 GPA and at least 24 completed undergraduate credit hours or nine graduate credit hours.
Students must submit an unofficial transcript, a resume and one recommendation letter with their application.
Review the participating schools and complete eligibility requirements before applying. Share this opportunity with a student who could use additional support.
Support our HBCU students as they prepare for their next chapter.
Source and application: NCDOT HBCU/MSI Transportation Scholarship
Tags: HBCU Original, HBCU scholarships, NCDOT, North Carolina, college scholarships, financial aid, student opportunities, transportation careers, higher education
Benedict and Kentucky State Bring Region’s Top Two Rankings to SIAC Championship
Benedict and Kentucky State will meet for the SIAC football championship with more than conference bragging rights on the line. The two programs hold the top spots in Super Region Two in the NCAA Division II football NPI rankings released Nov. 8, adding postseason significance to their upcoming showdown.
The Tigers will host the Thorobreds on Saturday, Nov. 14, at 10:30 a.m. ET at Charlie W. Johnson Stadium in Columbia, South Carolina. ESPNU will televise the game nationally.
According to the SIAC’s release, Benedict moved up two positions to take the region’s No. 1 ranking with an NPI of 62.956 and a 9–1 record against Division II opponents. The Tigers also reached No. 7 in the national NPI standings, the highest position held by an SIAC program.
Benedict earned the conference’s top seed and the opportunity to play for the championship at home by defeating Central State 45–38 on Saturday.
Kentucky State secured its championship berth with a 34–10 win over Morehouse. The Thorobreds enter the matchup ranked second in the region and 12th nationally, carrying a 62.150 NPI and an 8–1 record against Division II competition.
The championship arrives just one day before the NCAA Division II Football Selection Show, giving both teams one final opportunity to strengthen their postseason standing.
The SIAC’s presence in the regional rankings extends well beyond its championship participants. Conference programs occupy three of the top four spots and five of the top 10.
Central State sits fourth in Super Region Two with a 58.896 NPI despite its loss to Benedict. The Marauders are also 20th nationally, joining Benedict and Kentucky State among the country’s top 20 programs in the NPI standings.
Edward Waters holds the region’s No. 9 position, while Miles climbed four spots to No. 10. The Golden Bears reached the regional top 10 for the first time this season with a 53.831 NPI and a 5–3 record against Division II opponents.
Here is where SIAC programs stand in Super Region Two following games played through Nov. 7:
| Regional rank | School | Division II record | NPI | 1 | Benedict | 9–1 | 62.956 | 2 | Kentucky State | 8–1 | 62.150 | 4 | Central State | 6–2 | 58.896 | 9 | Edward Waters | 5–3 | 56.121 | 10 | Miles | 5–3 | 53.831 | 12 | Tuskegee | 5–4 | 53.086 | 15 | Albany State | 5–4 | 52.427 | 22 | Allen | 4–5 | 48.771 | 24 | Clark Atlanta | 2–5 | 48.219 | 25 | Morehouse | 3–5 | 47.913 | 27 | Fort Valley State | 2–6 | 44.640 | 29 | Savannah State | 1–7 | 41.875 | 30 | Lane | 1–7 | 41.813 |
|---|
Albany State improved two positions to No. 15, while Allen rose four places to No. 22.
The SIAC release explains that the NPI system, introduced for Division II football in 2026, evaluates results and strength of schedule. It replaces the traditional regional ranking process while providing national and regional standings for championship consideration.
The NCAA Division II Football Selection Show is scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 15, at 6 p.m. ET. Final NPI rankings will be released publicly after the show.
For Benedict and Kentucky State, the immediate focus is Columbia, where the region’s two highest-ranked teams will compete for the SIAC crown. Support our HBCU schools as they prepare for championship weekend and the next step toward the NCAA postseason.
Source: Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, Nov. 8 release.
By HBCU Original | November 9–15, 2026
The postseason spotlight is turning toward HBCU women’s volleyball. The CIAA and SIAC will hold their championship tournaments this week, while MEAC and SWAC programs finish important conference matchups ahead of their tournaments later this month. The HBCUAC’s championship weekend falls just before this preview’s date range, placing that conference at a different stage of its postseason journey.
Here is the conference-by-conference outlook. All listed match times are Eastern.
CIAA: Eight Teams Chase the Championship in Rocky Mount
The 47th CIAA Volleyball Championship runs November 9–11 at the Rocky Mount Event Center in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. Fayetteville State secured the No. 1 seed after a three-way tie with Virginia State and Livingstone required the conference’s tiebreaking procedures. Virginia State enters second and Livingstone third.
That tightly contested finish sets up a tournament where the top seed comes with opportunity, but little room for comfort.
| Monday, Nov. | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 quarterfinal | Time | No. 4 Elizabeth City State vs. No. 5 Winston-Salem State | 11 a.m. | ||||||||||
The semifinals are Tuesday, November 10, at 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. The championship match follows Wednesday, November 11, at noon. Admission is free, with parking listed at $10.
SIAC: Fort Valley State Hosts a Championship Challenge
The SIAC tournament takes place November 10–12 at Fort Valley State University in Fort Valley, Georgia. The host school confirmed the three-day event following the conclusion of its regular season.
Spring Hill enters as the No. 1 seed after finishing conference play 19–0. Albany State follows with an 18–1 conference record, while Miles finished 15–4. Those records make the top of the bracket compelling, but all eight qualifiers have an opportunity to extend their seasons.
| Tuesday, Nov. | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 quarterfinal | Time | No. 4 Edward Waters vs. No. 5 Tuskegee | Not yet verified | No. 1 Spring Hill vs. No. 8 Benedict | 1:30 p.m. | ||||||||
Benedict’s official tournament preview confirms these pairings and the three listed start times. It also identifies a Wednesday semifinal at 1 p.m. for the winners of Spring Hill–Benedict and Edward Waters–Tuskegee. Matches are scheduled to stream on the SIAC Network.
Spring Hill is an SIAC member, although it is not an HBCU; its inclusion reflects coverage of the full conference tournament.
MEAC: Friday Night Features All Eight Programs
The MEAC’s November 13 schedule brings four conference matchups, including Coppin State’s trip across Baltimore to face Morgan State. Howard welcomes Norfolk State, Delaware State hosts Maryland Eastern Shore, and South Carolina State faces North Carolina Central.
| Friday, Nov. | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13 matchup | Location | Time | Coppin State at Morgan State | Baltimore, Maryland | 6 p.m. | |||||||||
| 6 p.m. | ||||||||||||||
The home schools’ schedules confirm these listings. Both Delaware State and Maryland Eastern Shore list 7 p.m., superseding the 6 p.m. time in the MEAC’s earlier broadcast announcement.
The MEAC championship tournament is scheduled for November 20–22 at Coppin State in Baltimore, according to the conference’s championship calendar. This Friday’s action offers teams another opportunity to build momentum before tournament play.
SWAC: A Full Weekend Before the Tournament
The SWAC’s upcoming slate includes six matches Friday and six Sunday. Florida A&M and Bethune-Cookman host Jackson State and Mississippi Valley State, while the Texas and Alabama campuses welcome visiting conference opponents.
| Friday, Nov. | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13 matchup | Time | Mississippi Valley State at Florida A&M | 6 p.m. | ||||||||||
Friday’s listings are supported by official school schedules, with Central times converted to Eastern.
| Sunday, Nov. | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 matchup | Time | Jackson State at Florida A&M | Noon | Mississippi Valley State at Bethune-Cookman | Noon | Alcorn State at Alabama A&M | Time requires confirmation | Southern at Alabama State | 1 p.m. | ||||
The host schedules support the listed Sunday times. Alabama A&M lists its Alcorn State match at 11 a.m. Central, or noon Eastern; Alcorn lists noon Central, or 1 p.m. Eastern. Fans should confirm that start time with the host before traveling.
The SWAC tournament follows November 20–22 at Alabama State University in Montgomery, Alabama.
HBCUAC: Conference Tournament Falls Before This Week’s Window
The HBCUAC scheduled its championship tournament for November 6–8 at Bossier Parish Community College’s Billy Montgomery Gymnasium in Bossier City, Louisiana. Its semifinal slate featured Fisk against Paul Quinn and Talladega against Dillard, with the final scheduled for Sunday, November 8. The official tournament page reviewed for this preview had not yet posted a verified championship result.
That means the HBCUAC championship should not be listed as an upcoming November 9–15 event. The next national postseason dates to watch are the NAIA selection show on November 16 and opening-round matches on November 21. Qualifiers and opponents will depend on the official national field announcement.
Across the five conferences, this week brings championship opportunities, familiar opponents and the final preparations for tournament volleyball.
Who is your pick to make a postseason run? Represent your school and let HBCU Original know.
Information checked November 8, 2026. Match times remain subject to change; unresolved listings are identified above.
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