Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have been pillars of higher education, culture, and community for over a century. Their presidents play crucial roles in steering these institutions toward success, fostering innovation, and preserving the rich legacy of HBCUs. Today, we highlight the visionary leaders at the helm of these distinguished schools.

Fun Facts About HBCUs You Might Not Know

The legacy of HBCUs is rich with history, culture, and achievements. Here are some cool facts about a few of these remarkable institutions:

Howard University

• Did You Know? Howard University is often referred to as “The Mecca” because of its pivotal role in African American culture and history. It has produced more African American Ph.D. holders than any other university in the world.

Spelman College

• Did You Know? Spelman College is the oldest historically Black college for women in America. It was originally founded as the Atlanta Baptist Female Seminary in 1881 and later became Spelman College in 1924.

Tuskegee University

• Did You Know? Tuskegee University is home to the famous Tuskegee Airmen, the first African American military aviators in the U.S. Armed Forces. The university also has a National Historic Site, the Tuskegee Institute National Historic Site, on its campus.

Morehouse College

• Did You Know? Morehouse College is the only HBCU dedicated exclusively to the education of African American men. Among its notable alumni are Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., filmmaker Spike Lee, and actor Samuel L. Jackson.

Florida A&M University (FAMU)

• Did You Know? FAMU has one of the top-ranked public pharmacy schools in the nation. The university’s Marching “100” band is also world-renowned and has performed in venues like the Super Bowl and the Grammy Awards.

Xavier University of Louisiana

• Did You Know? Xavier University of Louisiana produces more African American students who go on to complete medical school than any other college in the U.S.

Lincoln University (PA)

• Did You Know? Lincoln University is the first degree-granting HBCU in the United States, founded in 1854. Notable alumni include Langston Hughes, Thurgood Marshall, and Kwame Nkrumah, the first president of Ghana.

North Carolina A&T State University

• Did You Know? North Carolina A&T State University is the largest HBCU in the United States by enrollment. It is also known for its powerful engineering programs and is one of the top producers of African American engineers in the country.

Hampton University

• Did You Know? Hampton University owns the largest free-standing proton therapy cancer treatment center in the world, the Hampton University Proton Therapy Institute.

Bethune-Cookman University

• Did You Know? Founded by Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune with just $1.50 and a mission to educate African American girls, Bethune-Cookman University has grown into one of the most respected HBCUs in the nation.

With support from the NFL Foundation, LISC oversaw the field preparations for the upcoming 2024 football season.

On August 20, 2024, it was announced that four historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) will unveil newly refurbished football fields this fall, thanks to grants exceeding $6.5 million from the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation.

The HBCU Invitational Field Refurbishment Program, an invitational grant initiative, was established to enhance the quality, safety, and accessibility of football fields for students and local community youth groups. Funded by the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation and supported by the NFL Foundation, this program targeted select HBCUs in Georgia and Alabama. The Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), the nation’s leading community development support organization, managed the program. LISC, in partnership with the NFL, has refurbished hundreds of community football fields across the country over the past 25 years.

The grants were allocated as follows:

• Albany State University (Albany, Georgia): Conversion of the natural grass football and soccer field at Albany State University Coliseum to turf.
• Clark Atlanta University (Atlanta, Georgia): Replacement of the current turf at Panther Stadium.
• Miles College (Fairfield, Alabama): Conversion of the natural grass at the practice facility to turf.
• Savannah State University (Savannah, Georgia): Replacement of the turf at Ted Wright Stadium’s football and soccer field.

The grant awards followed a competitive request for proposals process. Construction was managed by The Land Tek Group, Inc., a company with over 40 years of experience in sports facility development, in collaboration with local contractors engaged by the universities.

“The positive impact of athletics is a driving force across our business portfolio,” said Rich McKay, CEO of AMB Sports and Entertainment. “Arthur Blank and his Family Foundation prioritize community impact through sport, and supporting these historic institutions aligns with our values. We’re proud to partner with LISC, the NFL Foundation, and these universities to enhance their playing surfaces, with the shared goal of creating more opportunities for students and the surrounding communities.”

“This program is one of many ways the NFL is deepening its commitment to HBCUs,” said Alexia Gallagher, NFL VP of Philanthropy and Executive Director of the NFL Foundation. “We are thrilled to provide resources that allow student-athletes at these institutions to excel on the football field while fostering equal opportunities for all.”

“Thanks to the Arthur M. Blank Foundation and the NFL Foundation, we can provide capital and technical expertise to institutions that offer immense value to students but may not have the same financial resources as larger universities,” said Michael T. Pugh, LISC President and CEO. “With access to these flexible resources, the schools can make critical updates that benefit not only the institutions but also improve the health and well-being of students and community members.”

About the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation

The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, established by Arthur M. Blank, co-founder of The Home Depot, in 1995, focuses on transforming lives and communities by bringing people together across differences to find common cause. The foundation has granted over $1 billion to various charitable causes, with collective giving areas including Atlanta’s Westside, Democracy, Environment, Mental Health and Well-Being, and Youth Development. For more information, visit www.blankfoundation.org.

About LISC

LISC is one of the largest community development organizations in the U.S., dedicated to creating vibrant, resilient communities. Since 1979, LISC has invested $32 billion to develop affordable homes, community spaces, and employment opportunities, all while working to close systemic gaps in health, wealth, and opportunity and advance racial equity.

About the NFL Foundation

The NFL Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving lives through football, supporting athletes at all levels and the communities that embrace the sport. The foundation, backed by the 32 NFL clubs, focuses on health, safety, and wellness, and has become a leading philanthropic entity, contributing to various causes across the U.S. and beyond. For more information, visit NFLFoundation.org.

In a groundbreaking achievement, Morgan Price has made history by becoming the first athlete from a historically Black college or university (HBCU) to win a national collegiate gymnastics championship. Competing for Fisk University, Price secured the title with an impressive all-around score of 39.225 at the USA Gymnastics’ 2024 Women’s Collegiate National Championships held in West Chester, Pennsylvania.

USA Gymnastics proudly announced, “Morgan Price is the first USAG Collegiate National Champion from an HBCU!” This historic win came amidst fierce competition from athletes representing 12 different college teams.

Price’s journey to this historic victory began in 2023 when she joined Fisk University’s newly formed intercollegiate gymnastics team. Initially, she had committed to the University of Arkansas, but a compelling question from Fisk’s Coach Corrine Tarver—”Do you want to make history?”—led her to switch her allegiance to Fisk University.

Since its inception, Fisk University’s gymnastics team has attracted significant media attention, featured on ESPN, and enjoyed sold-out meets. Reflecting on her experience, Price shared in 2023, “It is enjoyable to be around your culture. Since we are the first, we have a lot of eyes on us, and our support system is excellent. Seeing the fans and little girls cheering us on was super fun.”

Her team celebrated her remarkable win with a triumphant social media post declaring, “THE PRICE IS RIGHT. Etch her name in the HISTORY BOOKS.”

Price’s achievements continue as she is set to compete in the Individual Event finals on Sunday, showcasing her skills on vault, bars, and floor.

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have been instrumental in providing quality education and fostering innovation. Today, they continue to excel, particularly in the fields of technology and science. Here, we highlight 20 HBCUs that are leading the way in these critical areas.

1. North Carolina A&T State University

Renowned for its engineering programs, especially in computer science and electrical engineering. The Center for Advanced Materials and Smart Structures exemplifies its commitment to cutting-edge research.

2. Howard University

Offers strong programs in engineering, computer science, and health sciences. The Howard University Research Centers in Minority Institutions focus on advancing health disparities and technological innovations.

3. Florida A&M University (FAMU)

Known for pioneering research in agriculture, environmental sciences, and engineering. FAMU collaborates with Florida State University to provide joint engineering programs.

4. Tuskegee University

A leader in aerospace science engineering, housing the Tuskegee University Center for Advanced Materials, which develops technologies for the aerospace industry.

5. Morgan State University

Strong in engineering, computer science, and bio-environmental sciences. Home to the National Center for Transportation Management, Research, and Development.

6. Prairie View A&M University

Excels in electrical and computer engineering, hosting the Center of Excellence for Communication Systems Technology Research.

7. Jackson State University

Leading in meteorology, computer science, and environmental science, with research centers focused on climate change and environmental preservation.

8. Hampton University

Offers robust programs in marine and environmental science, atmospheric science, and physics. The Hampton University Proton Therapy Institute provides advanced healthcare solutions.

9. Clark Atlanta University

Known for its biotechnology, computational science, and data analytics programs. The Center for Cancer Research and Therapeutic Development is at the forefront of cancer research.

10. Spelman College

A top liberal arts college for women, with strong emphasis on STEM education and research in environmental sciences and health disparities.

11. Morehouse College

Focuses on producing leaders in STEM fields, with significant research in computer science, physics, and mathematics.

12. Xavier University of Louisiana

Excels in the health sciences, particularly in pharmacy and biomedical research. Known for producing a high number of African American medical graduates.

13. Tennessee State University

Offers strong programs in engineering, computer science, and agricultural sciences. Engages in extensive research in renewable energy and environmental sustainability.

14. Alabama A&M University

Known for its research in agricultural and environmental sciences, as well as strong engineering programs.

15. Southern University and A&M College

Focuses on advanced research in engineering, agricultural sciences, and computer science. Hosts the Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center.

16. Fayetteville State University

Offers robust programs in computer science, cybersecurity, and business technology, preparing students for the digital economy.

17. Bowie State University

Strong in computer science, information systems, and bioinformatics. Houses the Maryland Center for Computing Education.

18. Norfolk State University

Known for its engineering and computer science programs, particularly in cybersecurity and information assurance.

19. Delaware State University

Offers strong programs in biological sciences, agriculture, and natural resources. Engages in significant research in biotechnology and environmental science.

20. Alcorn State University

Known for its agricultural research and biotechnology programs. The Alcorn State University Biotechnology Center conducts cutting-edge research in plant and animal sciences.