My Historically Black Colleges and Universities Learnings from Fed Richmond Panel

by Elizabeth (Liz) Duda, November 18, 2020 (York County, SC)

After committing to learning about historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in “Perspectives I Developed of Racial Equity and Ways Forward” introspection, I looked forward to “Historically Black Colleges and Universities in the Rural South” that the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond hosted as part of its Investing in Rural America conference on October 5. I expected to learn HBCU’s key role in serving Black communities and reducing systemic racism by providing accessible, empowering education. Students gain skills, knowledge and networks, and economic and social opportunities. One speaker shared that most Black professionals graduated from HBCUs, which helped create the Black middle class. But I also learned how important these schools are to the local economies in which they operate. I now understand how important it is for the private and public sectors to promote HBCU success through funding and community support.

The views expressed in this article are solely my own and do not necessarily represent the views of my employer or any organizations in which I serve as a volunteer.

In this Richmond Fed “Rural America Week” discussion, regional economist Laura Ullrich welcomed three HBCU leaders: Dr. Makola Abdullah, President, Virginia State University; Dr. Karrie Dixon, Chancellor, Elizabeth City State University (NC); Dr. W. Franklin Evans, President, Voorhees College (SC). Their panel was moderated by attorney, HBCU alum, and author of My Vanishing Country, Bakari Sellers. I was pleased by the panel’s diversity: both female and male leaders; representing institutions from three 5th district states (my home state of SC; NC where I work; and VA where my office is based); and both public and private institutions. All three HBCUs were founded in the late 1800s. Further discussion highlights are below.

Panelists shared that federal funds increased for HBCUs in recent years. Underfunding at HBCUs across the nation led to concerns that Elizabeth City State might have to close in 2014. However, double-digit enrollment growth over the last three years, including 13% during the pandemic, shows that students value the university’s offer of accessible, affordable education. One of three University of North Carolina (UNC) campuses taking part in the “NC Promise” initiative, Elizabeth City State charges $500 per-semester tuition for in-state students; the NC General Assembly supplements the remainder of the tuition. Dr. Dixon noted that CARES Act funding was critical to reimburse students amid the pandemic. The university adjusted to remote learning by giving the students technology to connect to campus.

Elizabeth City State is the smallest UNC institution, serving 1,600 students. It offers 30 academic programs, including a renowned aviation science program which owns 12 airplanes. The university is surrounded by economically distressed counties, and is important to the northeastern NC economy.

Vorhees College serves approximately 500 students, 62% from SC rural and urban areas, most of whom receive financial assistance. It is a private college, affiliated with the Episcopal Church. Vorhees, a very safe campus, is the largest employer in rural Denmark, SC. Touted programs include sports management, biology, business and psychology. Enrollment and revenue declined during Covid when the school went 100% virtual. CARES Act funding was earmarked for technology. In the current environment, they are finding that some industry is donating to HBCUs.

Dr. Abdullah described Virginia State as on the edge of a Virginia metro area, though it looks like a rural campus. It is a land-grant institution with a 412-acre agriculture research facility. Mr. Sellers noted his admiration for the school’s CIAA athletic affiliation. With the pandemic, the university gave $500 to each student to buy needed technology, e.g., a computer or a hot spot. The university also has been focused on students’ and athletes’ mental health. Dr. Abdullah noted that Covid-19 highlighted inequities in healthcare, income and education.

As part of Rural America Week, Richmond Fed president, Tom Barkin, next discussed the importance of HBCUs with North Carolina A&T State University alum and entrepreneur Geoff Foster, founder and CEO of Core Technology Corp. based in Greensboro, NC.

The Fed Richmond recommends reading A UNCF and University of Georgia Report, HBCUs Make America Strong: The Positive Economic Impact of Historically Black Colleges and Universities and viewing PBS Independent Lens, Tell Them We Are Rising, the history of HBCUs in America.