North Carolina HBCU Student Lives Out His Racing Dreams
By Sheyla Fairley
Winston-Salem State University sophomore Rajah Caruth balances his classes while establishing a racing career at NASCAR. He manages this by having online and asynchronous classes, but that doesn’t leave much room for regular college fun with his already packed schedule.
“I’m kind of separated to an extent from my classmates,” said Caruth. “Which kinda sucks. But at the same time, the friends that I have, they kind of have their feet dipped in whatever avenues they’re interested in being, too.”
Because he has been said to be the third Black driver in NASCAR’s top series, Caruth knows there is a certain level of pressure on him, especially since people will be watching his moves when out on the track.
“I’ve definitely had specific experiences, but it’s not that big of a deal. The way I think about it is I can’t control other people, so I’m just gonna do the best that I can to just … do the best I can,” he said.
For more information, read the full article here.
Shaw University Football Player Invited To HBCU Legacy Bowl
By Sheyla Fairley
Shaw University, Raleigh, NC linebacker Devon Hunt has been selected to play in the HBCU Legacy Bowl.
The HBCU Legacy Bowl will be played on February 19, 2022 at Yulman Stadium on the campus of Tulane University in New Orleans, LA. The game will be broadcasted on the NFL Network.
“It feels good knowing that I’m on the roster with guys who are big-time players from bigger schools,” said Hunt. “I can’t wait to showcase my talents and prove what I can do against other guys who are chasing the dream.”
Hunt has also stated that playing in the HBCU Legacy Bowl would improve his chances of making it to the NFL since he will be playing with the “best of the best in HBCU football” so that the scouts there will know that he can “play pretty good against higher competition.”
For more information, read the full article here.
Agreement Between Alabama HBCUs To Boost The Number Of Teachers
By Sheyla Fairley
On September 28, 2021, representatives from Stillman College and Shelton State Community College, both institutions located in Tuscaloosa, AL, signed an agreement to address the deficiency of teachers in Alabama and make sure students get the best education possible.
In a release by Stillman College, the agreement ensures that it provides “a seamless pathway for Shelton students to transfer to Stillman, while providing Shelton students consistent academic advising and support from Stillman faculty and staff.”
“We know the state of Alabama and the nation in general has a teacher shortage. This partnership allows us to fast-track and support an increased number of teachers in the classroom immediately,” said Stillman College Executive Vice President Derrick Gilmore in a statement.
Jackson State Announces Its Strategic Plan
By Sheyla Fairley
Jackson State University’s, Jackson, MS, new five-year strategic plan “Elevate” will focus on six goals for the university to advance towards, including striving towards student success, and developing its campus and athletic program.
“We really want this plan to elevate the brand and the name and the prestige of the university,” said JSU President Thomas K. Hudson. “The purpose of any strategic plan is to provide brain food for the university to improve … and be considered one of those top universities in the United States.”
The plan seems thorough because not only has it been in development since 2019 but it had input from everyone on the campus, such as the faculty, students, and alumni.
Read the full article, here.
HBCUs Use Funds From CARES Act To Clear Debts For Their Students
By Sheyla Fairley
More than 20 Historically Black Colleges and Universities helped students erase their account balances by using the federal funds from the CARES Act.
This course of action was stated to have eased the stress off of parents, helped with additional out-of-pocket costs, allowed students to register for classes, and allowed students to receive their diplomas.
“I feel like the CARES Act and recent funds given to HBCU students was a great idea. Many college students along with their parents have [gone] through a great deal of financial hardship during this pandemic,” said Alexis Black, a North Carolina A&T State University senior. “Any effort to alleviate those struggles has benefited a lot of people. As a N.C. A&T student, I’m accustomed to coming out of pocket for my books every year, and being granted free books for my last two years was a pleasant surprise and I’m very grateful for the opportunity.”
For more details, read the full article here.
