Explore HBCU – Lane College

Staff Writer
June 30, 2022

Lane College is a private, Christian Methodist Episcopal, historically black college in Jackson, Tennessee.

Background

In 1882, the Colored Methodist Episcopal (CME) Church—now known as the Christian Methodist Episcopal (CME) Church—founded what would be called the CME High School. After the appointment of Bishop Isaac Lane who presided over the Tennessee Conference in 1879, Bishop Lane met with the CME denomination’s Tennessee Annual Conference committee to help formulate the school. Bishop Lane also purchased the first four acres of land to be used for the new school, located in the eastern part of Jackson, Tennessee.

The CME High School began its first school session on November 12, 1882, before the school’s name changed to the Lane Institute in 1884 to acknowledge Bishop Lane’s work in establishing the school. Twelve years later, the college department of Lane would be established in 1896, with the Board of Trustees voting to change the name from Lane Institute to Lane College. Lane was approved by the Southern Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools (SACS), as well as full membership admittance to SACS by December of 1961. 

Since then, Lane College has undergone a series of construction projects, significant growth in enrollment, an increase in faculty strength, expanded curricula, and greater financial stability that lends to Lane’s ability to promote student success.

Programs & Opportunities

At Lane College, students are provided with comprehensive, accessible, quality, learning-centered educational opportunities. Lane Colleges boasts a series of three separate colleges with degree offerings of 2-year associate degrees, 4-year bachelor’s degrees, and a variety of career credentials. There is a School of Business, Social and Behavioral Science that offers degree pathways in Business, Criminal Justice, History, and Sociology; a School of Liberal Studies and Education that offers degree pathways in English, French, Mass Communication, Religion, Music, Physical Education, Interdisciplinary Studies, Spanish, Art, and Teacher Education; and a School of Natural and Physical Science that offers degree pathways in Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Mathematics, and Physics.

Additionally, recognizing that the undergraduate experience is not only restricted to the classroom, Lane offers numerous student activities that allow students the opportunity to participate in social, cultural, recreational, and athletic activities.

Learn more about the programming opportunities offered at Lane College here.

Alumni Affairs

At Lane College, there is no belief in being over-prepared—so graduates are career-ready and well-equipped for the future. Whether studying abroad, a transfer student, a veteran, or a dependent of a veteran, students alike are encouraged to think more, better, and faster than ever dreamed of before. 

Some Lane College notable alumni include, but are not limited to:

  • Donald L. Hollowell—attorney and Civil Rights Activist—attended Lane College where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree magna cum laude.
  • Fatima Massaquoi—writer and academic—attended Lane College where she graduated with a degree in sociology before returning home to Liberia where she made significant contributions to the cultural and social life.
  • Jacoby Jones—college football coach and former professional football player—attended Lane College where he became a four-time All-Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) player in his freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior seasons.
  • Chuck Rainey—musician and popular bass guitarist who worked with figures like Aretha Franklin,  Louis Armstrong, Marvin Gaye, and many more—attended Lane College for a period of time beginning in 1959. 

Financial Information

With the assistance of professional financial aid counselors who are trained to meet the financial aid needs of students, Lane College works to provide options and resources needed for proper investment in education. 

For residential students, tuition for full-time undergraduates taking 12-16 credit hours is $4,635 for one semester, totaling to $9,270 for one academic school-year. In addition to textbook, matriculation, technology, student activity, housing, meal plan, and health service fees, total cost of attendance is an estimated $9,700 per semester and $19,400 for an academic school year. For non-residential students taking a full-time 12-16 credit hour semester, while cost of tuition is the same $4,635, total cost of attendance is an estimated $6,245 per semester, or $12,490 for an academic year.

Conclusion

Lane College has been a source of inspiration for countless students, youth and adults alike throughout its tenure. Today, Lane College stands as a pillar of Christian education for people of all faiths and backgrounds, with the vision to transform lives through learning at the forefront of its mission.

Learn more about Lane College here.

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Explore HBCU – Fisk University

Staff Writer
June 23, 2022

Fisk University is a private, historically black university in Nashville, Tennessee.

Background

On January 9, 1866 shortly after the end of the Civil War, the Fisk Free Colored School opened to further the education of freedmen in Nashville, Tennessee. The school was established by John Ogden, the Reverend Erastus Milo Cravath, and the Reverend Edward P. Smith of the American Missionary Association and named in honor of General B. Fisk of the Tennessee Freedmen’s Bureau. General Fisk provided the new institution with facilities in former Union Army barracks, which also served as the location for the school’s first classes.

Over a year later on August 22, 1867, the school would become Fisk University as its mission changed from primary to higher education. By 1871, however, decay of school property and increasing enrollment created an urgent need for a larger campus. Urged by the possibility of school closure, the nine-member student choir (notably known as the Fisk Jubilee Singers) went on a fund-raising concert throughout the United States and Europe that raised approximately fifty thousand dollars for the school.

The school’s continued expansion through building programs and a curriculum that grew to include liberat arts, theology, advanced training for teachers, and a secondary school, all helped to enhance the university’s reputation. Fisk became the first African-American institution to gain accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools in 1930, and continues on with its prolific academic prowess as it is currently ranked #9 of all historically black colleges and universities according to U.S. News and World Report.

Programs & Opportunities

A Fisk education prioritizes the preparation of students to become beacons of service in the community and industry, as well as well-rounded leaders and scholars in their fields. In order to do so, Fisk offers its students an exceptional dynamic learning environment, access to professionally renowned faculty, and enriched student life programs.

There are over 20 degree pathways offered by Fisk spanning the School of Humanities & Behavioral Social Sciences (Arts & Languages, Behavioral Sciences, History & Political Science, and Elected Science); the School of Natural Sciences, Mathematics & Business (Life & Physical Sciences, Math & Computer Science, Data Science and Bioinformatics, Business Administration and Education); and the School of Graduate Studies (which offers Master’s degrees in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Clinical Psychology). There are additionally over 30 student groups and organizations on campus, including the Jubilee Singers.

Learn more about what Fisk University has to offer here.

Alumni Affairs

Fisk University seeks to produce graduates from diverse backgrounds who exemplify integrity and intellect in the mission to make positive contributions to society.

Some Fisk University notable alumni include, but are not limited to:

  • John Hope Franklin—historian, teacher, and author—received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Fisk University in History.
  • Dr. Etta Zuber Falconer—mathematician and educator—graduated from Fisk University with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics. 
  • Alonzo Fulgham—former acting chief and operating officer of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)—graduated from Fisk University with a bachelor’s degree in business and economics.
  • Nikki Giovanni—award-winning poet, author, and civil rights activist—received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Fisk University in History.

Financial Information

For undergraduate students at Fisk, reported full-time tuition (12-18 credit hours) for an academic semester is $10,464, with tuition rates for a full-academic year totaling $20,928. For students taking more or less than a full-time tuition schedule, per hour rates for a class equal $871 per credit hour. 

For graduate students at Fisk, full-time tuition (9-15 credit hours) for an academic semester is $10,619, with tuition rates for a full-academic year totaling $21,238. For students taking more or less than a full-time tuition schedule, per hour rates for a class equal $1,180 per credit hour. While recurring fees equal $989 and technology access fees equal $362 per semester for all students regardless of classification, other fees such as housing, food, and transportation will determine students’ differing costs of attendance.

Fisk University works hard to ensure educational access by keeping net costs lower than peer institutions, with a net average annual cost to students after institutional financial aid of $19,000. Resources to assist with financial assistance are available in the form of federal aid programs, federal work-study, institutional financial aid forms, loans, scholarships, and grants.

Conclusion

At Fisk University, excellence remains among the university’s top motivations. Fisk seeks to provide schooling measured against the standard of American education at its finest, all while keeping the historic mission to train its students for service to humanity at the forefront of its commitment.

Learn more about Fisk University here.

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Explore HBCU – American Baptist College

Staff Writer
June 16, 2022

American Baptist College is a private, historically black Baptist college located in Nashville, Tennessee. 

Background

American Baptist College has been a Christian college since its opening in 1924. The school was founded after a conversation between national Baptist leaders and Dr. O.L. Hailey nearly 10 years prior sparked the creation of a Southern Baptist Convention committee, which was devoted to the establishment of a seminary for the education of its ministers. 

By 1937, the union between the Southern Baptist Convention and the National Baptist Convention created a unique opportunity for the preparation of students and broader church leaders to meet the challenges presented during the Civil Rights movement. Through the provision of scholarships and financial support within the operation of the American Baptist College, the Southern Baptist Convention significantly contributed to the education of men and women for Christian service. The Southern Baptist Convention continued to support the institution until the decision to turn over assets to the Board of Trustees of American Baptist College in 1996. 

At present, American Baptist College continues in the tradition of a guiding scripture that aims “to do justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly before God.” With a liberal arts emphasis, American Baptist College seeks to educate, graduate, and prepare diverse students for Christian leadership, service, and social justice in the world.

Programs & Opportunities

At American Baptist College, a targeted curriculum designed with the intent to advance students as moral leaders stretches across associate and baccalaureate degree offerings. Students have the chance to earn Associate of Arts Degrees on a general studies or music and arts track, as well as Bachelor of Arts Degrees on a Behavior Studies (addiction studies, child welfare, or mental health), Bible & Theology, or Entrepreneurial Leadership track.

Learn more about American Baptist College’s offerings and opportunities here.

Alumni Affairs

At American Baptist College, a large focus is placed on the training of students to become agents of positive change and advocates for social justice in their careers and in the world. 

Some notable alumni include, but are not limited to:

  • Robert K. Hoggard—philanthropic advisor, educator, & strategist—earned a Bachelor of Arts in Theology with a special focus on Community & Non-Profit Leadership from American Baptist College.
  • Althera Brown—Education Management Professional—earned a Bachelor of Arts in Theology/Theological Studies from American Baptist College. 
  • David Augustin Hodge—Associate Director of Education and Associate Professor at the National Center for Bioethics in Research and Healthcare at Tuskegee University—earned a Bachelor of Arts in Bible, Theology, and English at American Baptist College.

Financial Information

At American Baptist College, while additional fees and expenses differ based on student circumstance, credit hours up to and including 11 credit hours in a given term are $500 per hour. Alternatively, credit hours for 12 or more credit hours in a given term are $465 per hour. 

For students unable to meet the total cost of admittance or who demonstrate financial need, assistance through the American Baptist College Financial Aid Office is available with aid available in the form of federal, state, and institutional loans, grants, scholarships, and work study programs.

Conclusion

American Baptist College is a historically black college with a focus that stands at the intersection of Christian leadership, service, and social justice. At ABC, students are educated to become leaders in the professions of their choosing, instilled with the passion to advance God’s mission of justice, compassion, and reconciliation.

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Explore HBCU – Tougaloo College

Staff Writer
June 9, 2022

Tougaloo College is a private, coeducational, historically black liberal arts college in Jackson, Mississippi. 

Background

In 1869, the American Missionary Association of New York purchased five hundred acres of land to establish a school for the training of young people “irrespective of religious tenets and conducted on the most liberal principles for the benefit of our citizens in general.”

The Mississippi State Legislature granted the institution a charter, and Tougaloo University was established in 1871. The institution functioned as a teacher training school until 1892, at which point the college no longer received financial support from the state. Courses for college credit began to be offered first in 1897, and by 1916 Tougaloo University’s name was changed to Tougaloo College. 

In 1954, Tougaloo College merged with Southern Christian Institute (SCI) in Edward, Mississippi—due to the determination that both schools shared similar missions and goals—to become a new institution named Tougaloo Southern Christian College. In 1962, the college’s Board of Trustees voted to revert the name to Tougaloo College. Tougaloo remained at the forefront of the Civil Rights Movement in 1960s Mississippi, serving as a safe haven for those who fought for equality and justice. In addition to its strong commitment to social responsibility, Tougaloo College continues its mission to create an environment of academic excellence.

Today, Tougaloo College sits on the northern edge of Jackson, Mississippi, where the institution sits at the intersection of rich legacy and accessible undergraduate and graduate programming and opportunity. 

Programs & Opportunities

Tougaloo College offers 29 majors spanning the four academic schools of education, humanities, natural science, and social science, with six degree pathways that allow students to add or modify course emphases such as Accounting, Business Administration, Community Health, Computer Science, Health Education, Journalism, Recreation for Special Populations and Social Work. Within the School of Education, students can obtain associate, bachelor, and master’s degrees. 

At Tougaloo College, in order to aid in the advancement of a fully-rounded education, students are also encouraged to participate in student life activities that promote leadership development, political & social awareness, holistic health, inclusive empowerment, and spirit and flair.  

Learn more about Tougaloo College’s programming here.

Alumni Affairs

At Tougaloo College, faculty and administrators hope to challenge students to become leaders who will create change and be prepared to take advantage of opportunities available through the global economy.

Some notable alumni of Tougaloo College include, but are not limited to:

  • Joyce Ladner, PhD—sociologist, civil rights activist, author, former interim president of Howard University—earned her bachelor’s degree in sociology from Tougaloo College.
  • Dr. Hakeem M. Oluseyi, PhD—astrophysicist, author, educator, inventor—attended Tougaloo College where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Physics and Mathematics.
  • Aaron Shirley, MD—physician, founder of Jackson Medical Mall, and MacArthur award recipient—completed his undergraduate degree at Tougaloo College. 
  • Karen Williams Weaver, PhD—psychologist and politician who serves as mayor of Flint, Michigan—earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Sociology from Tougaloo College.

Financial Information

At Tougaloo College, tuition rates are $455 per credit hour for undergraduate traditional students and $318 per credit hour for non-traditional students. For graduate students, tuition rates for per-hour credits are $591. Tougaloo College’s Office of Student Financial Aid is committed to assisting students and their families in obtaining financial support and resources to achieve educational goals.

Conclusion

Tougaloo College’s mission statement is steeped in being an institution that prepares its students to become lifelong learners who are committed to leadership and service through its diverse range of programs. 

Learn more about Tougaloo College here.

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Explore HBCU – Rust College

Staff Writer
June 2, 2022

Rust College is a private, historically black college located in Holly Springs, Mississippi.

Background

Established in 1866 by the Freedman’s Aid Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church, missionaries from the northern United States opened a school in Asbury Methodist Episcopal Church that would accept adults of all ages and children for instruction in elementary subjects. 

In 1870, the school was chartered as Shaw University in honor of the Reverend S.O. Shaw who donated $10,000 to the institution. In the years after, the name was changed from Shaw University to Rust University in order to avoid confusion with another Shaw University, simultaneously a tribute to Richard S. Rust who was the Secretary of the Freedman’s Aid Society. The name was again changed to its present namesake of Rust College in 1915. As students progressed and the curriculum was expanded, the grade school was discontinued in 1930 and the high school in 1953.

Programs & Opportunities

Rust College offers targeted baccalaureate and two-year degree programs, with twenty bachelor degree offerings and two associate degrees. Spanning the major areas of study within Rust College’s division of Business, Education, Humanities, Science and Mathematics, and Social Sciences, there are many course routes of study available.

In order to promote an inclusive community along with the development of leadership, critical thinking, and self-advocacy, Rust College employs the use of an interconnected Student Service initiative that provides programs and extracurricular activities.  

Learn more about programs offered at Rust College here.

Alumni Affairs

At Rust College, students prepare for careers while studying in an environment that nurtures academic and personal development inside and outside of the classroom.

Some notable alumni of Rust College include, but are not limited to:

  • Dr. Leslie B. McLemore, civil rights activist, attended Rust College to study economics and social science.
  • Anita Ward, Grammy-nominated artist and 2019 National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame Entertainment inductee, received a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Rust College.
  • Dembo M. Badjie, retired Gambian civil servant and diplomat, studied Political Science and Economics at Rust College.

Financial Information

At Rust College, tuition for an academic year is an estimated $9,900 for full-time students, with room & board for on-campus housing totaling to an approximated $4,300 per academic year. Tuition overload per credit hour is $421 per hour, while part-time students are similarly charged $421 per credit hour.

Financial aid opportunities offered through Rust College seek to make academic enrollment more likely, the motto being “If you meet the criteria to attend Rust College, we’ll help you find a way to pay for it!”

Conclusion

Rust College comprises students, faculty, and staff dedicated to a successful college experience. Quality programs offered in business, education, humanities, science and math, and social science culminate in the advancement of a student body dedicated to leadership and service.

Learn more about Rust College here.

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