Latest news with #TonyAllen
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Delaware State University freezes hiring amid growing uncertainty on public funding
This story was produced by Spotlight Delaware as part of a partnership with Delaware Online/The News Journal. For more about Spotlight Delaware, visit Delaware State University has instituted a year-long hiring freeze amid concerns over federal and state funding support, potentially slowing the decade-long revitalization underway at the state's only historically Black college and university. The freeze will go into effect June 1 and will remain in place through the end of fiscal year 2026, at which time university leaders will reevaluate, according to a memo written by DSU President Tony Allen that was obtained by Spotlight Delaware. The Dover-based school has grown significantly in recent years, including acquiring the former Wesley College in Dover, surpassing an enrollment of 6,000 for the first time, raising millions in private donations and building the first new facilities on the campus in a decade. That growth hasn't come without its challenges though. In his April 25 memo to faculty and staff, Allen noted that DSU 'achieved these results because we have been disciplined,' including enacting mid-year budget course corrections, greater efficiency through automated tools, and cultivation of a mindset focused on students and growth. The university also began a tuition increase schedule for the first time in six years beginning in 2023. Last year, it increased tuition by $250 per semester, or a 5% increase. But those efforts could also be dramatically overtaken by a decrease in federal and, or, state support if program cuts under the Trump administration become the norm for higher education. 'With so much uncertainty in Washington, an ever-changing and often volatile market, and the ongoing challenges to delivering a high-value, low-cost education for our students, I have determined that it is now time to implement a hiring freeze until we have greater clarity on the federal landscape's impact on our state support and a confidence that we can continue on the growth trajectory we have laid out in our strategic plan,' Allen wrote in his memo. 'Today, we enter a new phase.' Delaware State University had 229 faculty members across 17 departments, as of last fall. It is currently operating under a critical hiring process led by Executive Vice President Irene Hawkins and Chief Financial Officer Anas Ben Addi, which requires any new hires to be vetted by the administration for their necessity. Allen said DSU would continue to make staff changes to react to real-time needs, but the 'standard for the hurdle for such investments will be high and consistent across the university.' Grant-related research roles will also be closely monitored. 'To be clear, we are focused on bringing in more talent from grants that give us the latitude to do so, but we are not forecasting any grant-related hires into our financial projections beyond the grant period. We will need all principal investigators to abide by this objective,' Allen wrote. Earlier this year, Delaware State University obtained the R2 research level from the Carnegie Classifications of Institutions of Higher Education – the second highest ranking – making it only the 14th HBCU to achieve that feat. DSU is not alone in seeking to suppress hiring, as the University of Delaware has enacted criteria-driven hiring, which will limit new staff and faculty hires to those that revenue can support. UD estimates that it can save upward of $8 million annually under the strategy. Delaware State University has long contended with a negative net position due to depreciation of its facilities, debt servicing on loans and other long-term pension and benefit liabilities, but has made strides in recent years to build net revenue to help lower that burden. By the end of Fiscal Year 2024, the university had a negative net position of almost $30 million. A review of DSU's most recent audits also finds that the university's recent growth has been significantly supported by an increase in student scholarship and research funding. More than half of all undergrads are currently on federal Pell grants, which provide scholarship support for college students from low-income families, according to DSU. More than 70 percent of all students are Pell-eligible, which exposes their risk to cuts to that program. In comparison, only about 18% of University of Delaware students have Pell grants, according to data compiled by Scholarship360, an analytics and services firm. In Fiscal Year 2024, DSU kept about $45 million from tuition and fee revenue, but also gave $35 million back to students in scholarships. That reliance on support negates, in part, the recent tuition increases at the university. Meanwhile, DSU saw a 2.5% drop in enrollment this past academic year, dropping from its record of 6,451 in the fall of 2023 to 6,280 this past fall. One of the university's most consistent revenue generators in recent years has been federal research grants and contracts, growing nearly 60% from about $25 million a year to nearly $40 million. With the Trump administration cutting those grants and seeking to pare back the available facilities & administrative fees for them, DSU may not be able to rely on that funding for future growth to the same extent. Those factors are combined with DSU's longstanding argument that the state government should consider greater support for the institution. With about $46 million in state funds totaling under 20% of its revenues, DSU ranks No. 34 out of all public HBCUs nationwide. Most of its regional HBCU peers exceed 30% in public support and two even exceed 50%. 'First, we are experiencing significant uncertainty on our level of State funding. We also have significant financial exposure both on federal financial aid, including Pell Grants, and research grant funding. Because of that uncertainty, we have pursued these responsible measures to protect the long-term financial sustainability of Delaware State University. University leadership will continue to consider additional cost-cutting measures, including a reduction in the University's offering of summer camps,' Jonathan Starkey, vice president of government relations at DSU, said in a statement when asked about DSU's financial position. Get stories like this delivered to your email inbox by signing up for the free newsletter at This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Delaware State University freezes hiring amid public funding concerns
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Where Memphis Grizzlies' Jaren Jackson Jr. landed on NBA's All-Defensive team
(This article was updated because an earlier version included an inaccuracy.) Memphis Grizzlies big man Jaren Jackson Jr. secured his third career All-Defensive team selection on May 22. Jackson, 25, was selected as a second-team All-Defense member after a strong 2024-25 season. This was his first time being a member of the second team. Advertisement Jackson was first named a member of the All-Defensive first team after the 2021-22 season. He followed up that campaign by winning the NBA's Defensive Player of the Year award during the 2022-23 season and making the All-Defensive first team again. Former Grizzlies wing Tony Allen holds the franchise record for most first-team All-Defensive finishes (three) and total All-Defensive finishes (six). Memphis finished 10th in defensive rating this season. When Jackson was in the game, those numbers were even better. According to NBA stats, the Grizzlies' defensive rating was 4.2 points better when Jackson was on the floor. As in recent years, the Grizzlies prided themselves on building a playmaking defense. Memphis finished third in blocks per game and seventh in steals. Advertisement Jackson's hands were all over that success. In 74 games, Jackson averaged 1.5 blocks and 1.2 steals per contest. He also ranked sixth in the NBA in stocks (steals and blocks combined) per game. Memphis was one of the NBA's elite defenses in the first half of the season, but its numbers drastically slipped in the second half. In late February, Jackson was a slight favorite over Cleveland Cavaliers big man Evan Mobley for the Defensive Player of the Year award. Mobley went on to win the award, while Jackson finished seventh in voting. Jackson received 21 votes for the first team and 65 second-team votes among a panel of 100 media members for the All-Defensive teams. Another announcement with major implications for Jackson and the Grizzlies will take place May 23. The NBA will announce the three All-NBA teams. Advertisement If Jackson is named as a member of an All-NBA team, he will become eligible for what is often referred to as the "supermax" extension. This would be a five-year contract that could potentially make Jackson the highest-paid player in NBA history. If Jackson misses out on All-NBA he could still receive a contract extension this summer, but it would be capped at 10% above his current salary. Damichael Cole is the Memphis Grizzlies beat writer for The Commercial Appeal. Contact Damichael at Follow Damichael on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DamichaelC. This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis Grizzlies' Jaren Jackson Jr. makes All-Defensive team
USA Today
13-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Tony Allen on how defense helped the Boston Celtics win it all in 2008
Tony Allen on how defense helped the Boston Celtics win it all in 2008 The Boston Celtics got a big boost for their 2008 NBA title from the lockdown defense of guard Tony Allen. The Grindfather had not yet built the iconic reputation he now has at that stage of his career, but even in those days, he was widely known as a matchup nightmare anywhere on the parquet. The Boston alum sat down to tell the story of his path to the NBA from Oklahoma State to being picked up with the 25th overall pick of the 2004 NBA draft by the Celtics to the Ubuntu-era title and beyond to his tenure with the Memphis Grizzlies. On an episode of the Players Tribune "Knuckleheads" podcast, Allen gave us the contours of an iconic career in the league, with plenty of stories you likely have not heard. Take a look at the clip embedded below to hear what they had to say about the Grindfather's NBA journey.
Associated Press
16-03-2025
- Sport
- Associated Press
Grizzlies retire 'Grindfather' Tony Allen's No. 9 jersey
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Tony Allen, whose defensive prowess and unique verbiage created the Memphis Grizzlies' Grit 'n Grind era, was honored Saturday night with the retirement of his No. 9 jersey. He is just the third Memphis player to receive the honor, joining Core Four brethren Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol, both of whom were in attendance on Saturday. Mike Conley, the fourth member of the quartet to bring the franchise its highest success, is still active with the Minnesota Timberwolves. 'I'm very thankful for this moment,' Allen said. 'I'm going in the rafters. A lot of people don't get this moment.' During a first-quarter timeout, the team showed a smiling Allen, bringing the Memphis faithful to their feet. Allen, drafted by the Boston Celtics out of Oklahoma State, came to the Grizzlies as a free agent in 2010. The start to his Memphis career was less than stellar. It wasn't until a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder when Allen was thrust into the role of covering Kevin Durant that he solidified his reputation. And, after the game — a win — Allen uttered the phrase: 'All heart. Grit. Grind.' A team slogan and an attitude was born, along with his nickname, 'the Grindfather.' Allen said the mantra just came from his passion in a postgame interview, but it became a trademark for the city and a franchise. 'Tony Allen's toughness, competitive spirit and defensive intensity energized his teammates and our fans and helped set a standard of defensive excellence that defined an era of Grizzlies basketball,' Grizzlies owner Robert Pera said in a statement. While his shooting was erratic, leading teams to back away from him on offense, his defense was his calling card. He earned All-Defensive honors six times, and many a star player, such as the late Kobe Bryant, said Allen was among the toughest defenders they faced. His frenetic pace, sometimes crazy antics and a preparation to details were a change from the offensive-minded approach that gets most players noticed. He hung his hat on the defensive end, changing his game to fit what was needed. 'They like a little bit of crazy,' Allen said of the fans. On the road, he was likely to wander into the home team's dance troupe during a timeout, or toss his towel onto the court during play. He would sprawl out on the court after interrupting an offensive set. 'It felt good to get the game-winning stop, even if I didn't get the game-winning shot,' Allen said. 'That was just as valuable. A lot of times people don't highlight those things, but it was fun for me. ...That was my value on the court.' Allen played half of his 14-year career in Memphis, and stayed in the city after he retired following a season in New Orleans. He continues to live in Memphis. 'I want to share this with everybody,' Allen said. 'I want this to not just be about me, but I want all of us to embrace this because I just think this is a dream come true.'
