Higher Education Grants or Gifts of Interest to African Americans

Mississippi State University received a $347,959 grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities for development of a hands-on, research field school for students to help preserve a historic Black cemetery near campus. The cemetery was used by the Black community in Starkville from the late 1800s to the mid-1950s, with the oldest marker dated 1882. Students will learn Geographic Information System and Ground-Penetrating Radar analysis while also delving into archival searches and oral histories within the community. The project is under the direction of Jordon Lynton Cox, an assistant professor of anthropology

Coppin State University, the historically Black educational institution in Baltimore received a $2 million grant from Truist Financial Corporation to establish the Truist Hub for Black Economic Mobility. The hub will enhance the quality of advising, programming, and technology related to educational opportunities and career pathways for Coppin students. The $2 million grant is the largest corporate commitment in Coppin’s history.

Historically Black Fayetteville State University in North Carolina received nearly $400,000 from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services to enhance the Collegiate Recovery Community Program. The funding will create the Bystander and Mental Health First Aid training programs, enhance alcohol/drug-free social activities for students, and increase involvement of student groups and peer mentorship.

Saint Augustine’s University, the historically Black educational institution in Raleigh, North Carolina, received a $490,000 federal grant to fund the Public Health Education Center at the university. The Public Health Education Center will support health and wellness education, student research regarding the long-term effects of COVID-19, and related programs. Funding will also support faculty, establish smart classrooms for students, and purchase research and lab equipment.

The University of Georgia received a $5 million grant from the U.S. Agency for International Development for the implementation of a program entitled Higher Education Conservation Activity in the Republic of Liberia in Africa. The program aims to strengthen forest management and conservation in Liberia through education, training, and technical assistance.

Historically Black Morgan State University in Baltimore was awarded a $420,000 grant by the Army Research Office to conduct pioneering, interdisciplinary research integrating mathematics with computational science, mechanical engineering, and medical research in the study of respiratory conditions and other lung diseases. Using high-performance computing, including mathematical equations, and lung geometry, researchers in the School of Computer, Mathematical and Natural Sciences will pursue simulations of respiratory mechanics that can replicate the condition of lungs, and provide knowledge about respiratory patterns and rates that lead to pulmonary fibrosis, as well as asthmatic, chronic breathing conditions.

New Administrative Duties for Five African Americans in Higher Education

Johnny M. Smith was appointed associate vice chancellor for external affairs at Fayetteville State University in North Carolina. He was vice president for strategic initiatives and community engagement and vice president of student development services at Pitt Community College in Winterville, North Carolina.

Dr. Smith earned a bachelor’s degree in human services from Carson Newman University in Jefferson City, Tennessee. He completed a master’s degree in higher education administration and a doctorate in educational leadership at Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina.

Kori Harris is the new Title IX coordinator at Hampton University in Virginia. Before joining the staff at the university last July,  Harris was a victim advocate in the Office of the Norfolk Commonwealth’s Attorney.

Harris received a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Hampton University. She holds a master’s degree in law and criminal justice from Regent University in Virginia Beach.

Kimberly Woods was promoted to manager of alumni affairs at Rust College in Holly Springs, Mississippi. She joined the staff at the college in 2014 and has served as an administrative assistant for the Office of Alumni Development/ Public Relations and most recently as gifts coordinator.

Woods is a graduate of Rust College, where she majored in communication and broadcast journalism. She holds an MBA from Strayer University.

Jamar Jones is the new chief information officer at Elizabeth City State University in North Carolina. He was the director of information technology at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill School of Government.

Jones holds a bachelor’s degree in computer information systems from St. Augustine’s University in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Annya Lott was appointed associate vice chancellor for development for the University of California, Riverside. She most recently was senior director of philanthropy for Pitzer College in Claremont, California.

Lott received a bachelor’s degree in English from Spelman College in Atlanta. She holds a master’s degree in journalism from Boston University.