Latest news with #TalladegaCollege
Miami Herald
03-06-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
HBCU coach U-turns back to previous school with AD promotion
In a dramatic twist that could only happen in HBCU hoops, Andre Payne has made a surprise U-turn back to Talladega College, less than two months after being named the new head men's basketball coach at Allen University. Now, he's not just returning to coach - he's taking over as athletic director, too. This spring, Allen University proudly announced Payne as its new head men's basketball coach. It looked like a fresh chapter for the former Mississippi Valley State and Arkansas-Pine Bluff head coach - an opportunity to bring his SWAC-tested experience to a new Division II stage. But that rebuild never began. Fast forward to June, and Payne is back at Talladega College, where he previously coached the women's team for one season. Only this time, he's pulling double duty: returning as head coach of the women's basketball program and stepping into the role of athletic director. A comeback story with a plot twist no one saw coming. "I am thankful and excited about returning to Talladega College," said Payne. "My previous experience at Dega was truly special. It is a great opportunity to reunite with Dr. Todd, who truly understands the importance of athletics on an HBCU campus." Dr. Willie L. Todd Jr., president-elect of Talladega College, didn't hold back his praise for Payne's return. "I am thrilled to welcome Coach Andre Payne back as our head women's basketball coach and new athletic director," said Dr. Todd. "He is highly respected, not only by his fellow coaches, but also by the entire college community." This move brings Payne full circle in record time. While the college sports world is used to coaching changes, it's rare to see one undone so quickly. And with a promotion baked into the return. "One of my main goals is to ensure that our student-athletes will grow holistically," he said. "We want to develop them academically, athletically, professionally, and socially." For Talladega, this is a major coup. For Allen, it's back to the drawing board. And for Payne, it's a second chance to build something special at an HBCU that believes in his vision. The post HBCU coach U-turns back to previous school with AD promotion appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
Miami Herald
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
HBCU gifted $1 million from Law & Order star
Award-winning actress S. Epatha Merkerson has made a generous $1 million donation to Talladega College, an Alabama HBCU, according to multiple media reports. Merkerson served as the keynote speaker for the Alabama-based institution's 150th commencement ceremony, held on May 4. Talladega College is the oldest private historically Black college in the state. Rica Lewis-Payton, chair of the college's Board of Trustees, praised the gift and highlighted its significance. "This contribution will have a profound impact on our college," Lewis-Payton said in a statement to WIAT CBS 42. "It ensures that Talladega remains a beacon in the community-nurturing and developing future generations of leaders. We are truly fortunate to have generous supporters like Ms. Merkerson, who believe in our mission and are committed to investing in our future." In recognition of her contributions and accomplishments, the college awarded Merkerson an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters. Reflecting on her donation, Merkerson shared her motivation. "It's important to give back," she said in a televised interview. "I've had a fortunate career, and during my visit here, I met some incredible people who welcomed me warmly. It felt like home. I'm inspired by what this college has accomplished over the past 150 years." Best known for her long-running role as Lieutenant Anita Van Buren on Law & Order, she appeared in over 390 episodes. Merkerson currently stars as Sharon Goodwin on NBC's Chicago Med. Her acclaimed film roles include Lackawanna Blues, Radio, and Black Snake Moan. She earned an Emmy and Golden Globe for her powerful performance in Lackawanna Blues. A celebrated stage actress, she has also appeared in Broadway productions such as The Piano Lesson. Merkerson's career reflects her depth, versatility, and lasting impact on American entertainment. Merkerson didn't attend an HBCU, she earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. Prior to that, she attended Eastern Michigan University but transferred to Wayne State to focus more specifically on her theater studies. The post HBCU gifted $1 million from Law & Order star appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Talladega College commencement speaker announces $1 million donation to school
TALLADEGA, Ala. (WIAT) — Actor, humanitarian and philanthropist S. Epatha Merkerson delivered the commencement address at Talladega College Sunday. Following her speech, she announced that she was making a $1 million donation to the school. 'This transformative gift from S. Epatha Merkerson sets a powerful example of philanthropy and will have a profound impact on Talladega College,' Rica Lewis-Payton, chair of Talladega's Board of Trustees, said in a statement. 'It ensures that this institution remains a beacon of light in the community that fosters the development of future leaders for generations to come. We are privileged to have generous friends and donors, such as Ms. Merkerson, who believe in the mission of our historic institution and who are willing to invest in its future.' Merkerson, known for her work on 'Chicago Med' and 'Law and Order,' is also an advocate for diabetes awareness, cancer prevention and tobacco-free initiatives. She has also worked with organizations dedicated to mentoring young women, like Shaping Her Earth and Step Up. During her commencement address, Merkerson discussed her appreciation for Talladega College and the legacy of the school. She was conferred an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
CBS News
31-03-2025
- Entertainment
- CBS News
After Temple gymnast Kyrstin Johnson's routine went viral, her journey to success continues to inspire fans
In January, Temple University gymnast Kyrstin Johnson's floor routine to Kendrick Lamar's hit song "Not Like Us" went viral on social media. But the sophomore is inspiring others with more than just her incredible moves on the mat. Johnson said people come to see her perform simply for the routine. With it, she's able to show the world who she is. "I am able to show my personality and have fun and just take it in the moment," Johnson said of her performances. Johnson started competing in gymnastics at 10 years old. She says she's considered a late starter. Far from being discouraged, the young gymnast made strides in other ways. She earned a full ride to Talladega College in Alabama, one of just two historically Black colleges with a gymnastics program. "I never had that experience with girls that look like me on the team," Johnson said. "I had an African American coach that was female. I could relate to her." Johnson made history as the first and only HBCU gymnast to win a national vault title. She's a vault champion and four-time All-American, but her historic year was met with a heartbreaking end after the university cut gymnastics due to funding. "I had to make a big decision in a short amount of time," Johnson said. Johnson left her scholarship behind, moved to Philadelphia and walked on to a new team at Temple. "Why let someone take something from me when I can continue somewhere else?" Johnson said. Johnson's transition to join the Owls wasn't easy. She said she experienced some culture shock but was welcomed with a lot of support. Johnson's future is bright. She's looking forward to continuing to grow with her team, but professionally, she aspires to be a veterinarian.
Yahoo
26-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Special collections librarian highlights Talladega College's legacy
Perry H. Trice, special collections librarian at Talladega College, shared insights into the college's legacy at the Rotary Club of Calhoun County on Tuesday in honor of Black History Month. Trice, who has been with Talladega College since the pandemic, told members how the institution has helped shape his personal journey. 'Talladega College has meant so much to me. I ended up there during the pandemic just as a volunteer, and I never left,' he said. 'It really has become my home away from home. And it's true for a lot of the students that go there as well.' Trice delved into the college's historical roots, tracing its origins to the aftermath of the Civil War. 'You have to go back a little bit further to … the Amistad mutiny,' he said, referring to the Supreme Court case that led to the creation of the American Missionary Association, which helped establish Talladega College in 1867. He also told the story of the college's founders, William Savery and Thomas Tarrant, who were formerly enslaved men that walked 450 miles to Mobile to seek resources to create a school for their community. Trice shared the college's legacy of notable alumni and the institution's success despite its smaller size. 'Before 1972, we graduated more students that went on to earn medical degrees, dental degrees, masters and PhDs, than any other HBCU (historically Black college or university) in the country,' he said. Notable figures include Joseph Fanning Drake, the namesake of Drake State Community and Technical College in Huntsville; Jane Ellen McAllister, the first African American woman to earn a PhD in education; and Arthur Shores, who represented Autherine Lucy in the integration of the University of Alabama. 'Talladega has never had a student body that has totaled more than 900 students,' Trice said. 'And to have had this many notable alumni that have graduated and had such an important impact on social justice and legislation and science and the arts, it really is worth coming and having a look to see what is so special that is happening in Talladega.' Trice extended an invitation for the public to explore the college's historical archives, including its art collection, which features Hale Woodruff's Amistad Murals, valued at $59 million. 'I would invite you to come and view our historical archives,' he said. 'It's right there in your backyard, and it's always free to the public. I would encourage you to come and see the miracle in Talladega, which is Talladega College.'
