HBCU ORIGINAL
New HBCU on the Block!
Huston-Tillotson University Launches New HBCU Hub in California
Huston-Tillotson University, a prominent Historically Black College and University (HBCU) based in Austin, Texas, has made a groundbreaking move by establishing a new HBCU hub in California. This initiative aims to expand educational opportunities, foster innovation, and build a robust community network for students and alumni on the West Coast.
A Vision for Expansion
The new HBCU hub in California is designed to serve as a comprehensive center for education, research, and community engagement. By extending its reach beyond Texas, Huston-Tillotson University seeks to provide more students with access to its high-quality academic programs and resources, while also creating a space for cultural exchange and professional development.
“Expanding to California allows us to better serve our students and alumni to who are spread across the country,” said Dr. Colette Pierce Burnette, President and CEO of Huston-Tillotson University. “This hub will enable us to offer more opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and community building, which are core to our mission.”
Programs and Initiatives
The California hub will host a variety of programs aimed at supporting students academically and professionally. Key initiatives include:
- Academic Support and Tutoring: Providing academic resources and tutoring services to help students excel in their studies.
- Career Development: Offering workshops, internships, and networking events to prepare students for successful careers in various fields.
- Community Engagement: Organizing cultural events, community service projects, and public lectures to foster a sense of community and social responsibility.
- Research and Innovation: Facilitating research projects and partnerships with local businesses and organizations to drive innovation and address regional challenges.
Strategic Location
California was chosen for the new hub due to its diverse population and strong economy, which offers ample opportunities for partnerships and growth. The state is home to a significant number of HBCU alumni and students, making it an ideal location for expanding Huston-Tillotson’s presence and impact.
The hub will be located in the Greater Los Angeles area, a strategic choice that provides easy access to major industries, cultural institutions, and other educational establishments. This location will enable Huston-Tillotson to build meaningful connections with local communities and stakeholders.
Strengthening the HBCU Network
The establishment of the California hub is part of a broader effort to strengthen the HBCU network across the United States. By creating additional hubs in key regions, Huston-Tillotson University and other HBCUs can collaborate more effectively, share resources, and amplify their collective impact.
“The creation of this hub is a testament to our commitment to expanding the reach and influence of HBCUs,” said Dr. Wayne A. I. Frederick, President of Howard University. “By working together and supporting each other, we can ensure that our students receive the best possible education and opportunities, no matter where they are located.”
Community and Alumni Support
The response from the community and alumni has been overwhelmingly positive. Many see the new hub as a crucial step in providing more comprehensive support to current students and engaging alumni in meaningful ways.
“This hub is a game-changer for our alumni on the West Coast,” said Jacqueline Jones, a Huston-Tillotson alumna based in San Francisco. “It gives us a place to connect, collaborate, and contribute to the success of our alma mater and the next generation of students.”
Looking Ahead
As Huston-Tillotson University prepares to launch its new California hub, the excitement and anticipation are palpable. This initiative promises to bring new opportunities for students, foster innovation, and strengthen the sense of community among HBCUs.
The launch event, scheduled for later this year, will feature keynote speakers, panel discussions, and networking sessions, highlighting the hub’s mission and vision. This milestone marks a new chapter in the university’s history, underscoring its commitment to excellence, inclusivity, and community engagement.
The SWAC delivered one of the biggest championship storylines of the season as Jackson State and Florida A&M claimed the 2026 outdoor track & field titles.
Jackson State shocked the conference by capturing the men’s championship, powered by explosive sprint performances and clutch relay execution. The Tigers built momentum throughout the meet and held off late pushes to secure a historic breakthrough title.
On the women’s side, Florida A&M continued its championship tradition, controlling the meet with consistent scoring across sprints, hurdles, and field events. The Rattlers’ depth once again proved decisive as they stayed ahead of a competitive field to claim another SWAC crown.
Two different stories — one breakthrough, one dynasty — defined the SWAC season.
The SIAC championships belonged to Morehouse and Tuskegee as both programs delivered complete team performances to claim the 2026 outdoor track & field titles.
On the men’s side, Morehouse controlled the meet from start to finish, scoring consistently across sprints, distance, and field events to build separation early. The Maroon Tigers maintained their advantage through the final events, sealing another conference championship built on depth and execution.
On the women’s side, Tuskegee continued its dominance with a back-to-back SIAC championship performance. The Golden Tigers delivered strong scoring across sprints, relays, and field events, holding off the field once again to repeat as conference champions.
Together, Morehouse and Tuskegee set the standard in SIAC track & field heading into postseason competition.
The HBCUAC championship meet marked a new era as Voorhees and Dillard claimed the 2026 outdoor track & field titles in defining early conference performances.
Voorhees secured the men’s championship through consistent scoring across sprints, middle distance, and field events, proving to be the most complete team in a tightly contested meet.
Dillard followed on the women’s side with a strong all-around effort, highlighted by relay execution and key individual performances that helped them control the championship race from start to finish.
The HBCUAC now begins its competitive identity with two early benchmark programs setting the standard.
HBCU ORIGINAL
OVC Outdoor Track & Field — Eastern Illinois & Southeast Missouri Take Control, Tennessee State Battles in the Mix
The Ohio Valley Conference delivered a high-level championship meet in Little Rock as Eastern Illinois and Southeast Missouri claimed the 2026 outdoor track & field titles, while Tennessee State fought to stay inside the top tier.
Eastern Illinois captured the men’s championship with a powerful overall team performance, using depth across sprints, distance, and field events to hold off a competitive field. Southeast Missouri stayed right behind the pace, finishing runner-up behind a balanced scoring attack that kept pressure on throughout the meet.
On the women’s side, Southeast Missouri dominated the field to secure the OVC crown, led by consistent scoring across multiple event groups and a strong closing push in the final sessions. Eastern Illinois again finished near the top, locking in runner-up status and showing its program-wide strength on both sides of competition.
Tennessee State was the key HBCU presence in the conference, finishing in the middle of the standings on both the men’s and women’s side. The Tigers showed flashes in sprints, hurdles, and relays, but lacked the depth needed to break into the championship tier against the OVC’s top programs.
The meet reinforced Southeast Missouri’s growing conference dominance while Eastern Illinois remains a consistent championship contender on both sides.
The MEAC once again ran through two familiar powers as Norfolk State and Howard claimed the 2026 outdoor track & field championships in dominant fashion.
On the men’s side, Norfolk State continued its conference dynasty, securing its fifth straight MEAC outdoor title. The Spartans delivered across sprints, hurdles, and relays, using depth and execution in the final events to separate from the field and close out another championship run.
On the women’s side, Howard extended its own reign of dominance, stacking points across distance races, field events, and relays to secure another MEAC crown. The Bison’s balance and consistency across all disciplines once again proved too much for the rest of the conference.
MEAC dominance remains firmly in the hands of Norfolk State and Howard heading into postseason competition.
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