Tennessee State University (TSU), the state’s only publicly funded historically Black land-grant university, has signed a landmark agreement with the state of Tennessee to stabilize its financial future.

After months of uncertainty and scrutiny over budget shortfalls and rising operational costs, TSU and state officials finalized a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on Tuesday that allows the university to redirect $96 million in previously earmarked capital improvement funds toward operations over the next three years.

This move comes just days after TSU’s Board of Trustees approved a 6% tuition and fee increase for the upcoming academic year, amounting to a $270 bump per semester for students.

The MOU, signed in partnership with the Tennessee Department of Finance and Administration and the State Comptroller’s Office, activates a new state law that permits TSU to repurpose unspent capital funds for operational costs—under strict conditions. Originally, the state allocated $250 million to TSU for campus infrastructure improvements, excluding dormitory projects, despite TSU’s well-documented student housing crisis.

Under the new agreement, $55 million of the original capital funds will still go toward much-needed campus improvements—such as upgrades to electrical grids and the construction of new buildings—while the remaining $96 million will help fund operational needs, including payroll, student services, and academic programming.

Interim TSU President Dwayne Tucker hailed the deal as a critical step forward.

“It not only provides crucial cash flow to ensure the university’s financial sustainability, but also allows us to invest in enriching the student experience and strengthening our capacity to attract both students and qualified employees,” said Tucker.

Last November, the State Building Commission already approved an emergency $43 million allocation from the capital funds to help TSU meet payroll and finish the budget year.

State Comptroller Jason Mumpower, who has been closely monitoring the university’s financial challenges, expressed confidence in TSU’s new leadership and supported the tuition hike.

“I believe in their ability to understand and navigate the institution’s challenges,” said Mumpower, who previously suggested controversial cost-cutting ideas like selling the university’s Avon Williams Campus and land at John Tune Airport—proposals that TSU firmly rejected.

Tensions between TSU and the state escalated last year after a spike in enrollment strained the university’s resources. At its peak in Fall 2022, enrollment surged to over 8,000 students. To accommodate them, TSU resorted to housing students in nearby hotels and churches, prompting state Senate hearings and eventually contributing to the resignation of then-President Glenda Glover.

The university’s aggressive scholarship program, funded by $37 million in COVID-era federal relief grants, had driven the enrollment boom. But once the federal money dried up, TSU struggled to maintain the same level of support. It relied on other sources, including $19.6 million in tornado insurance funds, to stay afloat.

Amid these financial strains, leadership changes followed. After Glover’s departure, an interim president stepped in but later resigned when it was revealed he had signed two $800,000 consulting contracts with Glover—further shaking confidence in the university’s governance.

Now, with a new agreement in place and fresh leadership at the helm, TSU is aiming for a reset. The university is also advocating for additional funding, pointing to long-standing underfunding issues. A federal study found TSU was shortchanged by $2.1 billion over the past 30 years, echoing a previous state report citing a $544 million gap over a century.

With the new deal, TSU looks to stabilize its finances, improve campus infrastructure, and continue its mission to serve as a vital educational institution for Tennessee’s Black community and beyond.

Just days after former President Donald Trump confidently told a national audience that historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) had “nothing to worry about” when it comes to federal funding, a new budget proposal from his team is telling a much different story.

At the heart of the controversy is Howard University — the only federally chartered HBCU and one of the most influential institutions in Black higher education. Under the proposed 2026 federal budget, Howard stands to lose $64 million in funding, a sharp reduction that has sent ripples through the HBCU community.

The White House claims this rollback reflects a return to “sustainable” funding levels from 2021, noting that the 2025 budget included a one-time, $300 million federal commitment for a new hospital on campus. But to many, including Howard’s administration, the proposed cut feels like more than just an accounting decision — it feels like a betrayal.

Words Don’t Match the Policy

At a recent NewsNation town hall, Trump responded to a question from media personality Stephen A. Smith — a known Trump sympathizer — about whether HBCUs should be worried about funding under his leadership. Trump assured viewers there was no threat, citing his past actions and framing himself as a champion for Black colleges.

However, the stark contrast between those words and this budget proposal is raising alarms, especially considering the broader pattern of attacks on educational equity and diversity initiatives coming from his political circle.

Howard Responds

In a formal statement, Howard University expressed disappointment while reaffirming its mission:

“The University is aware of the Trump Administration’s proposed funding recommendations… As a leading HBCU, Howard has since its founding in 1867 cultivated talent, unlocked opportunity, and contributed mightily to every sector of American life.”

Howard emphasized its ongoing role as a top-tier research institution and as a leader in economic mobility for Black students. “We look forward to engaging with policymakers to sustain the FY 2026 budget at least at the level of FY 2025,” the statement continued, underscoring the school’s readiness to advocate for its future.

A Pattern of Concern

This budget battle is bigger than Howard. HBCU leaders across the country are watching closely, especially amid ongoing concerns about potential threats to the Department of Education and federally supported diversity initiatives.

The deeper worry is that if a school as prominent as Howard can have its funding threatened, what might be in store for smaller HBCUs that don’t have the same level of visibility or federal status?

The Bottom Line

For HBCU advocates and alumni, the latest budget proposal is a sobering reminder that promises on the campaign trail don’t always survive in Washington. As this debate unfolds, HBCU Original will continue to follow the money — and the message — to ensure our community stays informed and empowered.

Florida A&M University, the state’s only public historically Black university, is entering a new chapter as its Board of Trustees voted Friday to appoint telecom executive Marva Johnson as its next president. Johnson, a vice president at Charter Communications and a former appointee of Gov. Ron DeSantis to the Florida Board of Education, secured the role with an 8-4 vote—despite intense opposition from students, alumni, and faculty.

Her appointment follows a highly charged and divisive search process that many critics say lacked transparency and community input. Johnson’s limited experience in higher education and her political ties to DeSantis—whose administration has drawn fire for rolling back diversity initiatives and restricting African American history instruction—have fueled protests on campus and beyond.

Supporters argue that Johnson’s political connections could prove strategic, helping FAMU navigate Tallahassee’s Republican-controlled legislature at a time of funding uncertainty. Critics, however, question whether those same ties will compromise the university’s core mission as an HBCU.

“I’m not a Trojan Horse,” Johnson told a skeptical audience at a public forum earlier this week. “I was not sent here to dismantle FAMU.”

If confirmed by the state’s Board of Governors, Johnson could earn up to $750,000 annually—more than $150,000 above her predecessor’s salary. That figure has only added to concerns about the direction of the search and what it signals about university leadership priorities.

Board Chair Kristin Harper, who voted against Johnson’s selection and was later removed from leading contract negotiations, expressed disappointment in the process. “There was a lack of intellectual depth and a gap in cultural connection that was just painfully blatant,” she said.

Johnson’s appointment also comes amid broader efforts by Gov. DeSantis to reshape Florida’s higher education system, often favoring politically aligned candidates over those with academic credentials. If confirmed, Johnson will join a growing number of university leaders in Florida with close ties to the governor.

Jamal Brown, the board’s faculty representative who voted in favor of Johnson, defended the decision: “Our survival depends on how we navigate those systems. If we don’t have leadership that can operate within it, we fall further behind.”

Still, resistance within the FAMU community remains strong. More than 13,000 individuals signed a petition opposing Johnson’s nomination ahead of the board’s vote. During public comment, speakers warned that donor support could be jeopardized, and accused the board of disregarding student and alumni voices.

Prominent FAMU alumnus and film producer Will Packer called the decision “a recipe for disaster,” adding that other notable alumni—including rapper Common, singer K. Michelle, and comedian Roy Wood Jr.—also oppose the appointment.

FAMU’s new student body vice president, Kennedy Williams, echoed the sentiment. “The students are the heart and soul of FAMU and it’s important that they feel as if they’re heard,” she said. “Unfortunately, they weren’t today.”

Concerns about political interference heightened last month after a leaked list of finalists circulated, sparking speculation that Johnson was added late in the process. Tensions escalated further when Trustee Earnie Ellison resigned after calling for a pause in the search to address community concerns. The day before Friday’s vote, Alan Levine—a DeSantis ally and member of the search committee and Board of Governors—nominated a local McDonald’s franchise owner to fill a board vacancy, prompting further scrutiny.

Leon County Commissioner and FAMU instructor Al Lawson criticized the process, calling it “hanky panky.”

Levine, in an interview, denied any political interference, calling rumors about Johnson’s last-minute inclusion “patently false.” He defended her qualifications and cited successful presidencies by other nontraditional candidates, including former Florida State University President and House Speaker John Thrasher.

FAMU continues to recover from past leadership turmoil, including a national scandal involving a fake $237 million donation under Johnson’s predecessor, Larry Robinson, who resigned last year.

State Senator and FAMU alumnus Shevrin Jones urged unity despite lingering frustrations. “FAMU is not a Fortune 500 company,” he said, “but if Johnson can use her political background to address historic underfunding, it may offer some benefit.” Still, he cautioned that political access must not come at the cost of cultural understanding or academic leadership.

“FAMU has survived far worse than this,” Jones said. “As Marva comes in, the first order of business for her is to unite the university.”

Whether you’re repping your Greek letters, planning a student org trip, or making memories with your HBCU family—HBCU Original curated the top amusement parks across the country organized by region for easy trip planning!

🔹 SOUTHEAST REGION

Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Alabama, Mississippi

🎡 1. Walt Disney World – Orlando, FL

• Nearby: FAMU, Bethune-Cookman, Edward Waters

🎬 2. Universal Orlando – Orlando, FL

• Nearby: Same as above

🌊 3. Myrtle Waves Water Park – Myrtle Beach, SC

• Nearby: South Carolina State, Claflin, Allen University

🎢 4. Six Flags Over Georgia – Atlanta, GA

• Nearby: Spelman, Morehouse, Clark Atlanta, Fort Valley State

🎠 5. Wild Adventures – Valdosta, GA

• Nearby: Albany State, Savannah State

🌀 6. Island H2O Water Park – Kissimmee, FL

• Nearby: FAMU, BCU

💦 7. Geyser Falls – Choctaw, MS

• Nearby: Jackson State, Alcorn State, Mississippi Valley State

🔸 MID-ATLANTIC REGION

Maryland, Washington DC, Virginia, Delaware, Pennsylvania

🎢 1. Six Flags America – Upper Marlboro, MD

• Nearby: Bowie State, Howard, Morgan State, Coppin State

🏰 2. Busch Gardens – Williamsburg, VA

• Nearby: Hampton University, Norfolk State

🎡 3. Kings Dominion – Doswell, VA

• Nearby: Virginia State, Virginia Union

🍫 4. Hersheypark – Hershey, PA

• Nearby: Cheyney University, Lincoln University (PA), Delaware State University

🔹 SOUTHWEST REGION

Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Arkansas

🎢 1. Six Flags Fiesta Texas – San Antonio, TX

• Nearby: Prairie View A&M, Texas Southern, Huston-Tillotson

🎠 2. Kemah Boardwalk – Kemah, TX

• Nearby: Texas Southern University

🤠 3. Frontier City – Oklahoma City, OK

• Nearby: Langston University

🏖️ 4. Magic Springs Theme & Water Park – Hot Springs, AR

• Nearby: Philander Smith, Arkansas Baptist, UAPB

🔸 MIDWEST REGION

Ohio, Missouri, Illinois, Michigan

🎡 1. Cedar Point – Sandusky, OH

• Nearby: Central State, Wilberforce University

🎢 2. Six Flags St. Louis – Eureka, MO

• Nearby: Lincoln University (MO), Harris-Stowe State University

🔹 NORTHEAST REGION

New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts

🧀 1. Nickelodeon Universe – American Dream, East Rutherford, NJ

• Nearby: Lincoln (PA), Cheyney, Delaware State (road trip)

🎁 BONUS TRAVEL TIPS (from HBCU Original):

• 🎓 Look out for HBCU Day and College Nights at theme parks

• 🧳 Organize student group or alumni chapter rates early

• 📸 Don’t forget to tag your trip: #HBCUOriginalTravels #DivineNineOnTheMove #HBCUFamilyTrips

• 🎟️ Ask about Greek Discounts and Spring Break Specials

• 🚐 Perfect for student orgs, youth programs, and summer mentorship camps

By Mary Boyte | Mississippi Clarion Ledger | May 7, 2025

Jackson State University is once again facing leadership upheaval. President Marcus Thompson has officially resigned, becoming the second JSU president to step down in just two years.

The Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL) confirmed Thompson’s immediate resignation in a brief statement released Wednesday, May 7. No reason for his departure was given.

Thompson, the university’s ninth president in the past 15 years (including interim roles), leaves amid continued turbulence at Mississippi’s largest HBCU. His predecessor, Thomas K. Hudson, also resigned in 2023 following a faculty vote of no confidence and a period of administrative leave.

Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Denise Jones Gregory, has been appointed interim president.

A Controversial Appointment

Thompson’s path to the presidency sparked controversy from the beginning. Promoted internally by the IHL—where he previously served as Deputy Commissioner and Chief Administrative Officer—his appointment bypassed the national search process. This decision drew criticism from JSU faculty and alumni who favored Dr. Elayne Hayes-Anthony, the acting president at the time.

During the November 2023 IHL board meeting, Thompson’s appointment was made behind closed doors, followed by unannounced applause. It was only later revealed that he had been named the university’s 13th permanent president, despite not being one of the 79 official applicants.

That same day, JSU Chief of Staff Debra Mays-Jackson filed a federal lawsuit alleging sex discrimination after being denied an interview. She later filed a second suit in May 2024, claiming Title VII violations and stating that the IHL’s internal hiring practices have only benefited male candidates.

Court filings also alleged misconduct involving former president Hudson, including that he sent an explicit image to a female staff member. Mays-Jackson claimed that Thompson—despite being friends with Hudson—led the investigation but failed to interview the employee involved.

Thompson’s Perspective

In a February 2024 interview with the Clarion Ledger, Thompson defended his internal promotion, stating, “Every time an internal promotion has occurred, great things have happened.” He expressed no concerns about the appointment process or bypassing a national search.

Thompson’s resignation comes just days after JSU’s spring commencement.

His departure is another reminder of the challenges facing the university and the IHL’s presidential appointment process. Denise Jones Gregory now steps into the interim role as JSU prepares for another search—and possibly more scrutiny.