National HBCU Business Deans Roundtable

Celebrating Excellence in Leadership: Jennifer Neal from KPMG US and Aliya Redmon from Deloitte are honored with the Bernard Milano Award at the 21st Annual National HBCU Business Deans Roundtable Summit. Their exceptional contributions to diversity and inclusion in the business community shine as a beacon of inspirational leadership. #Leadership #DiversityInclusion #HBCUBusinessDeans

We are delighted to share the reflections of Jocelyn Kinnie, a student from Tennessee State University, who recently participated in the 2024 National HBCU Business Deans Roundtable Student Summit. Hosted by ETS in Princeton, New Jersey, this event provided Jocelyn and other students from various HBCUs the opportunity to engage deeply with business leaders and develop invaluable networks. Jocelyn's experience highlights the impactful role our roundtable plays in nurturing the next generation of business leaders by connecting them with critical resources and opportunities. Jocelyn's summer also included attending the 2024 NABA convention in Las Vegas, where she expanded her professional knowledge through workshops and networking. Her experiences exemplify the enriching opportunities the HBCU Business Deans Roundtable seeks to provide for our students, helping them to grow, learn, and succeed in their chosen fields. We extend our gratitude to all the sponsors and partners who make these life-changing experiences possible for our students. #HBCUExcellence #BusinessLeadership #ProfessionalDevelopment

We are excited to announce that Dean Donald Andrews of Southern University is the distinguished recipient of the 2024 Milton Award! His exceptional leadership and steadfast commitment to academic excellence truly embody the pioneering spirit of Dr. Milton Wilson. This recognition highlights the profound impact and legacy that HBCU business programs have on the academic community and beyond. Congratulations, Dean Andrews, on this well-deserved honor! #Leadership #ExcellenceInEducation #HBCUPride

We're thrilled to share that the National HBCU Business Deans Roundtable is spotlighting transformative strategies from seasoned Black entrepreneurs to empower the next generation. These insights are crucial for navigating the unique challenges faced by Black business owners and pave the way for future success. Dive into our latest article to discover how embracing risks, leveraging community support, and fostering resilience are shaping tomorrow's leaders. Join us in this journey of learning and empowerment! #HBCUBusinessDeans #Entrepreneurship #Innovation #Leadership

The National HBCU Business Deans Roundtable proudly recognizes Morehouse College for its significant achievement in securing a transformative $20 million endowment from an anonymous donor. This substantial gift is earmarked for expanding academic programs and creating new professorships, heralding a new era of academic excellence and faculty development at Morehouse. Dr. David A. Thomas, President of Morehouse College, expressed that the donation is crucial as it allows the institution to enhance its cadre of distinguished faculty amidst the transitioning of veteran professors. The funding is designated to support six endowed professorships across the college’s primary academic divisions: Business and Economics; Humanities, Social Sciences, Media, and the Arts; and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, including the Office of Health Professions. This monumental gift forms part of Morehouse's ambitious “Making Men of Consequence” campaign, which has successfully raised $290 million to date. The campaign’s objectives include boosting scholarship support, faculty recruitment, academic program enhancement, and campus infrastructure improvements, all aimed at fortifying Morehouse's legacy of cultivating leaders and innovators. Provost Dr. Kendrick Brown emphasized the strategic importance of this investment. He highlighted that developing 21st-century leaders requires not only advanced technology and resources but also a profound investment in attracting and retaining accomplished educators who can elevate the academic stature of Morehouse. This initiative exemplifies the powerful impact that private funding can have on HBCUs, serving as a catalyst for further educational advancements and collaborations. It underscores the critical role that business communities can play in supporting the mission of HBCUs, thereby driving broader economic and societal benefits. By fostering such partnerships, we can amplify the contributions of HBCUs to the educational landscape and the global business environment.

The National HBCU Business Deans Roundtable is thrilled to share the remarkable journey of Jessika Gbai, a Howard University alumna, from an under-the-radar “Philly girl” to an Olympic athlete representing Ivory Coast in the 2024 Paris Olympics. Jessika’s story is not just about athletic prowess; it’s a powerful narrative on the pivotal role of HBCUs in nurturing talent that transcends the boundaries of academics and sports. Jessika, who graduated in 2022 with degrees in biology and political science, had a stellar track career at Howard, becoming a two-time All-American. Her journey underscores the unique environment HBCUs provide, fostering not only academic and athletic excellence but also profound personal growth and resilience. Howard University's commitment to supporting all facets of student development is evident in how they embraced Jessika’s aspirations, propelling her to the global stage. This story is particularly significant for the business community and HBCUs as it highlights the potential for universities to serve as catalysts for broad societal impact. Jessika’s rise from Howard to the Olympics exemplifies how HBCUs are not only centers of academic excellence but also launchpads for global influencers in sports, politics, science, and more. Furthermore, her journey accentuates the importance of supporting diverse talents within our communities. For business leaders and HBCU partnerships, there is a tremendous opportunity to invest in programs that identify and nurture diverse talents like Jessika's. These investments help in crafting leaders who are not only successful in their fields but are also dedicated to making a significant impact on the world stage. Jessika Gbai’s story from Howard University to the Olympics is a powerful reminder of the critical role HBCUs play in transforming individual lives and by extension, the broader global community. It is a call to action for continued support and investment in these vital institutions, ensuring they remain at the forefront of developing the next generation of leaders. For more insights on how partnerships with HBCUs can lead to remarkable stories like Jessika’s, visit our website and join the conversation on how we can collectively support and celebrate HBCU excellence.

Jackson State University (JSU) is strategically expanding its student housing options into downtown Jackson, a move recently approved by the Board of Trustees of the State Institutions of Higher Learning. This expansion will not only provide accommodations for 276 students at the Courthouse and Walthall Lofts but also signify a pivotal growth phase for the university and the local business community. Under the leadership of President Dr. Marcus Thompson, JSU is actively responding to an increasing demand for student housing. This initiative includes securing modern spaces at the Courthouse and Walthall Lofts, equipped with high-end amenities such as in-room laundry facilities, recreational areas, a swimming pool, and a parking garage. These features are set to enhance the residential life of students while also increasing the attractiveness of the university’s offerings. This development is more than just an expansion of physical space; it represents a significant investment in the local economy. By integrating student housing within the downtown area, JSU is poised to bring a vibrant, youthful energy into the heart of Jackson. Local businesses stand to benefit from the increased foot traffic and the economic boost that a concentrated student population typically brings. Restaurants, retail shops, and service-based businesses will find a consistent customer base in the students who will be living and spending their time downtown. Moreover, the strategic location of these new housing facilities opens up unique partnership opportunities for local and national businesses. Companies can engage with JSU through internships, joint ventures, and community projects that align with the university’s academic and social goals. These partnerships can also extend to other schools within the HBCU network, creating a template for urban university expansions that foster community integration and mutual growth. Dr. Jonas Vanderbilt, Vice President of Student Affairs, noted the significant interest from students excited about the new living options, reflecting the broader appeal of urban campus life. JSU's initiative ensures that students not only have access to quality education but also a dynamic living environment that supports their academic and personal growth. President Thompson's vision for the university’s expansion, including the latest housing projects, will be detailed further at his upcoming investiture ceremony. This ceremony will outline the broader impact of JSU's initiatives on the university’s infrastructure and the local business landscape. JSU's move downtown is a transformative development for both the university and the city of Jackson, promising to enhance student life, stimulate local businesses, and strengthen the ties between the educational and business communities. This initiative exemplifies how strategic urban planning and educational investment can collectively foster a thriving, symbiotic community.

Today, as we observe World Relaxation Day, the National HBCU Business Deans Roundtable invites our community and business partners to recognize the critical role relaxation plays in fostering a productive and healthy business environment. In the fast-paced realm of academia and business, taking time to relax is not just a personal luxury—it is a strategic necessity. For HBCU students and faculty, the benefits of relaxation extend beyond mere stress relief; it is essential for creativity, long-term cognitive function, and emotional resilience. Encouraging moments of relaxation can lead to more profound innovations and improved decision-making within our business communities. By supporting practices that promote wellbeing, we invest in a more dynamic and sustainable future for our institutions and the broader business landscape. On this World Relaxation Day, let's commit to embedding these principles into our educational frameworks and business practices, ensuring that our future leaders can thrive in all aspects of life and work.

The National HBCU Business Deans Roundtable is thrilled to highlight an exciting event that showcases the talents of young Black filmmakers from our esteemed Historically Black Colleges and Universities. The inaugural HBCU Student Invitational Film Competition and Festival is set to dazzle audiences on August 23rd at the iconic Michigan Central Station in Detroit, now home to the innovative New Lab space. This groundbreaking festival, cofounded by the Detroit Office of Arts, Culture & Entrepreneurship and produced by Autumn Sun—a grassroots organization championing young Black artists—aims to bring the creative prowess of HBCU students into the spotlight. Attendees will experience a vibrant showcase of films and visual art, all crafted by the talented students of HBCUs. The highlight of the festival is the competitive aspect, where the winning filmmaker will be honored with a Jury Award, including a $10,000 prize, announced the day following the festival's conclusion. This significant award not only celebrates the artistic achievements of HBCU students but also supports their future endeavors in filmmaking. In addition to film screenings, the festival will feature free panel discussions on filmmaking and artistic direction, requiring registration. These panels are a fantastic opportunity for aspiring filmmakers to glean insights from industry experts and connect with peers from across the country. Tickets for the award ceremony and the subsequent gala are available at two price points, ensuring accessibility for all attendees. Detroit, chosen for its rich arts culture and as the hometown of festival founder Bruce Clifton, serves as the perfect backdrop for this celebratory event. The city's commitment to nurturing every genre of the creative arts makes it an ideal host, promising a weekend filled with inspiration and creativity. The HBCU Student Film Festival not only celebrates the remarkable talents of HBCU students but also reinforces the importance of diversity and innovation in filmmaking. As these young filmmakers take the stage, they not only represent their individual creativity but also the bright future of the film industry. This festival is a testament to the power of partnerships and community support in amplifying the voices and visions of HBCU students. It underscores the critical role that HBCUs play in fostering talent and providing platforms for young Black artists to shine. We look forward to seeing the impact of this festival on the students involved and the broader community, as it highlights the significant contributions of HBCUs to the fields of art and entertainment.

The National HBCU Business Deans Roundtable is proud to reflect on the recently held Black Wall Street Black Business Expo in Atlanta. Organized by The Financial Literacy Institute Inc., the event was a monumental gathering aimed at revitalizing the legacy of the historical Black Wall Street through promoting group economics, business acumen, and community empowerment. This year’s expo was particularly poignant as it featured Mother Viola Fletcher, one of the last living survivors of the Tulsa Massacre. Her presence underscored the resilience and enduring spirit of the Black community, making the event not only a learning experience but also a significant cultural moment. Participants engaged in various sessions that focused on crucial aspects such as corporate social responsibility, spending patterns, and creating sustainable business models. These discussions were designed to empower and educate attendees on creating and sustaining economic prosperity within their communities. Furthermore, the expo celebrated the graduates of The Financial Literacy Institute's GAP program, who completed an eight-week boot camp aimed at fostering successful entrepreneurial ventures. This aligns closely with our HBCU missions of nurturing knowledgeable, skilled graduates ready to lead and innovate. The success of the expo underscores the importance of such platforms for dialogue, learning, and networking. It serves as an excellent example of how historical awareness and community-focused economic strategies can foster significant growth and unity. Let's continue to support and participate in similar initiatives that not only honor our past but also pave the way for a prosperous and equitable future.