Latest news with #HBCU
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Two HBCU students selected for prestegious MIT Fellowship
The post Two HBCU students selected for prestegious MIT Fellowship appeared first on ClutchPoints. North Carolina A&T State University rising seniors Kani'ya Davis and Dasia Garner have been selected as the 2026 HBCU Science Journalism Fellows at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Only 10 students across the country were chosen, including Davis and Garner, who are majoring in mass communication and journalism at the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences. As part of MIT's Knight Science Journalism Program, the fellowship supports journalists in developing their knowledge of science, health, technology, and the environment while promoting scientific journalism for the general public. Davis is the managing editor of the university's student-run newspaper, The A&T Register, and the director of community service for the campus branch of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ). In addition, she serves as the vice president of Black Period Project, a grassroots group that fights period poverty in the state. She is passionate about social and environmental justice and focuses her reporting on how low-income communities of color are affected by climate change in terms of livelihood and health. 'I'm most excited about learning how to research science-related topics and make them accessible to non-scientists,' said Davis. 'As someone who doesn't have a huge science background, I really want to learn how to make important scientific findings understandable for myself and my community.' Garner is executive producer of Aggie News, the student-run news channel at the university, and director of social media for NABJ. Her coverage of nutritional science is centered on the potential of food as medicine and the role integrative medicine plays in promoting a healthy way of living. 'I am excited to connect with science journalists and bring back engaging ways to tell science-based stories to my community,' said Garner. In June, the fellowship year begins with a week-long MIT scientific journalism summer camp. Students will interact with award-winning scientific journalists, take part in practical workshops, and meet editors from prestigious journals. In order to help fellows produce and pitch science-related stories to national and regional publications, expert scientific journalists will coach them one-on-one over the upcoming academic year. The fellowship compensates for all travel-related costs and comes with a $5,000 stipend. For other journalism students looking for similar opportunities, Davis and Garner both advise keeping contact with professors, taking part in extracurricular learning activities, and maintaining confidence in one's journalistic abilities.
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
HBCU administrator named Rutgers University-Newark chancellor
The post HBCU administrator named Rutgers University-Newark chancellor appeared first on ClutchPoints. North Carolina A&T State University Provost and Vice Chancellor Tonya Smith-Jackson has been named the new Chancellor of Rutgers University- Newark. The Rutgers Board of Governors overwhelmingly accepted her nomination, which was jointly announced by incoming President William F. Tate IV and departing President Jonathan Holloway. Dr. Smith-Jackson graduated from North Carolina State University with MS and PhD degrees in Psychology/Ergonomics and Interdisciplinary Industrial Engineering. She earned a BA in Psychology from UNC-Chapel Hill; and graduated from the inaugural class of the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics. Before becoming Chancellor, she served as Department Chair of Industrial and Systems Engineering, as interim director of a cybersecurity center; director of the Human Factors Analytics Lab and co-director of the laboratory for Cyber-Human Analytics Research for the Internet of Things (CHARIoT). She also worked as an assistant, associate, and full professor of Industrial and Systems Engineering at Virginia Tech for 14 years. In addition to teaching in universities and community colleges in North Carolina, New York, Virginia, and Germany, she was an engineer at IBM and Ericsson Mobile Communications. Dr. Jackson describes herself as 'first-generation, low-income student.' 'My lived experience taught me that higher education was not necessarily designed for everyone,' Smith-Jackson said. 'It's our challenge to continue to reimagine and redesign these important ecosystems that we build around the learners that we serve so that everybody can be successful,' she said. According to Rutgers, Dr. Smith-Jackson has spearheaded the development of three new doctoral programs, the first artificial intelligence bachelor's degree program in the state, and significant increases in graduate assistants and research staff at North Carolina A&T, the largest HBCU in the country. In addition, some of Dr. Smith-Jackson's recent research has been on helping formerly incarcerated individuals find employment and training in information technology. She has also written about the value of introducing undergraduates to STEM research. Dr. Smith-Jackson's appointment with Rutgers will take effect on August 1, 2025. As part of her agreement, she will receive $515,000 annually in base pay, along with an additional $25,000 to $77,000 per year in incentive compensation, with a guaranteed minimum of $51,500 in her first year. She will also receive $30,000 annually in deferred compensation.
Miami Herald
13 hours ago
- Miami Herald
Mother and son overcome obstacles to graduate together at HBCU
When graduates crossed the stage at North Carolina Central University (NCCU) on May 10, one moment stood out as a testament to perseverance and family: Tamika Stanton and her son Tomantae Stanton-Jones both received degrees in a rare and emotional joint milestone at the Durham, NC HBCU. Stanton, already a proud NCCU alumna, earned her Master's degree in Social Work, officially becoming a "Double Eagle"-a title reserved for those who earn both undergraduate and graduate degrees from NCCU. Meanwhile, her son Tomantae graduated summa cum laude from NCCU's School of Law. Their inspiring academic journey began nearly 20 years ago. Stanton was just 15 years old and a student at Hillside High School in Durham when she became pregnant with Tomantae. She recalled the experience as a life-altering moment. 'Being in high school and pregnant was very challenging for me. It was my first real adult decision,' Stanton told WTVD (ABC11). The journey wasn't easy. Tomantae's father, Leniel Jones, moved with his family to Connecticut and was later incarcerated, serving a three-year sentence. For much of his early childhood, Tomantae never met his father. 'When I was 8 years old, I met my dad for the first time,' Tomantae shared with WTVD. Despite the challenges, Stanton raised her son with unwavering support from her family and community. After his release, Jones stepped up to co-parent their son and make up for lost time. 'When I came home, that's when I really wanted to be in his life,' Jones said. 'I was young, so I wasn't thinking as far as how important it was.' Their hard work and dedication paid off. Tomantae graduated from Hillside High School-just like his mother-and was named a Gates Scholar before attending the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. While Tomantae thrived at Chapel Hill, Stanton pursued her own academic goals at NCCU, first earning a bachelor's degree and later enrolling in the master's program in social work. 'My ultimate goal was to be finished before he finished school because I was like, 'Oh, he is killing it. I got to show him that I can do it,'' she said. Their graduation day marked a powerful full-circle moment. Both mother and son walked the stage at NCCU, proud of each other's accomplishments. 'It's been a long journey. I'd say I'm super proud of my mom,' Tomantae said. Jones, now an entrepreneur and nonprofit founder, watched proudly from the audience. He owns two restaurants in Connecticut and runs a nonprofit mentoring at-risk youth. 'That's why we're here now, because this is a story for everyone to see,' Jones said. 'We were young. She was 15. I was 16. And he had every reason to not be where he is right now. And he didn't let that happen. And she didn't let that happen. It's never too late.' The post Mother and son overcome obstacles to graduate together at HBCU appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
Miami Herald
13 hours ago
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Duke basketball brings back alum after HBCU stint
Duke basketball head coach Jon Scheyer is bringing a familiar face back to Durham: former Blue Devil Tyler Thornton will join the coaching staff as an assistant. Thornton, who played at Duke from 2010 to 2014, returns after a successful coaching stint at Howard University, an HBCU where he served under fellow Duke alum Kenneth Blakeney. Thornton joined Howard's men's basketball program in 2019 and played a pivotal role in the Bison's resurgence. During his tenure, Howard achieved back-to-back MEAC tournament championships in 2023 and 2024, marking their first NCAA tournament appearances since 1992 . In the 2022–23 season, the Bison finished with a 22–13 overall record and an 11–3 mark in conference play, clinching the MEAC regular-season title . They secured the tournament championship with a gritty 65–64 victory over Norfolk State. Thornton's impact at Howard extended beyond team achievements. In his first season, he coached Charles Williams, the MEAC's all-time leading scorer, to All-MEAC honors. He also guided Wayne Bristol Jr. to the 2019–20 MEAC Rookie of the Year award. In the 2020–21 season, Thornton was instrumental in the recruitment and development of Makur Maker, who became the first five-star recruit to commit to an HBCU since ESPN began ranking prospects in 2007. Thornton's return to Duke basketball brings valuable experience from his time at an HBCU, where he contributed to significant program milestones. His coaching journey, marked by player development and championship success, positions him as a promising addition to Scheyer's staff. As Duke basketball continues to evolve under Scheyer's leadership, the inclusion of coaches like Thornton, who have demonstrated success at HBCUs, underscores the program's commitment to excellence. The post Duke basketball brings back alum after HBCU stint appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
Miami Herald
15 hours ago
- Sport
- Miami Herald
DeSean Jackson, Clinton Portis hype for first Mega Camp
Delaware State is looking to flip the East Coast recruiting scene on its head. Former NFL stars DeSean Jackson and Clinton Portis are turning up the heat as they gear up to host their first-ever HBCU Mega Camp at Alumni Stadium on June 7-and they're not just promising drills and daps. They're promising scholarships. "Mega Camp, all high schoolers, all ballers," Jackson said in a recent video from the DSU field. "We got the fastest 40 man, we wanna see who's the fastest dude in Delaware, Florida, California. Wherever y'all from, come get it in right here, on DSU, man." Portis, never one to back down from the spotlight, matched the energy. "Scholarship offers on deck, DMV come out and represent." Mega camps are large-scale football showcases where prospects can demonstrate their skills in front of numerous college coaches. These events are crucial for athletes seeking scholarships and roster spots. Offering direct evaluation by decision-makers from various programs. These massive showcases bring in prospects from multiple graduating classes-2026, 2027, 2028, and even JUCOs and transfers-for a shot at impressing college coaches from all over. It's exposure meets opportunity, and for players who might be flying under the radar, it could be a game-changer. Jackson State is teaming up with 247Sports to host the biggest HBCU Mega Camp in the country, drawing 40+ schools to Mississippi. Delaware State's camp is making its own noise. With two NFL legends on the sidelines, it's shaping up to be the destination for top talent in the Northeast. Power 4 schools like Colorado (Pac-12), Syracuse (ACC), and Maryland (Big Ten) will be in attendance. Similarly, HBCU schools such as Morgan State (MEAC), Bowie State (CIAA), and Livingstone College (CIAA) will also have coaches in attendance. DeSean Jackson, who capped a 15-year NFL career with over 11,000 all-purpose yards, took the reins at Delaware State in late 2024 with a mission. To elevate the program and the HBCU recruiting footprint in the area. Clinton Portis joined his squad in early 2025, bringing the same edge that made him a two-time Pro Bowler and nearly a 10,000-yard rusher in the league. Now they're leveraging their star power for the next generation of HBCU football players. Delaware State's HBCU Mega Camp isn't just a showcase. It's a level up for HBCU football recruiting on the East Coast. For recruits dreaming of the next level, it's time to lace up, show out, and secure the bag. The post DeSean Jackson, Clinton Portis hype for first Mega Camp appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
