HBCU Digest Radio

Georgia Sen. Nikema Williams

Norfolk State Professor, Best-Selling Author Curtis Bunn

We talk with Norfolk State University Professor and best-selling author Curtis Bunn about his roots as a journalist, the state of HBCU campus media, and the future of creative arts in an increasingly tech-focused world. 

Digest After Dark - Y'all Just Gonna Let Them Move the Law School?

We discuss the threats against Cheyney, Bennett and other struggling HBCUs, the Texas Southern University Law School controversy, and the historic national increase in HBCU enrollment.

Complete Tennessee Exec. Director Kenyatta Lovett

Dr. Lovett discusses the recent report on the college achievement gaps between white and minority students in Tennessee, and how Tennessee State University is a major component of helping to reduce the statistical disparities.

Miles President George French and Entrepreneur Chuck Faush

Miles College is at the center of a growing HBCU economic development initiative called 'The Yard,' which partners black college campuses, cities and corporations to create skilled professionals and living communities. Miles President George T. French and The Yard Founder Erskine 'Chuck' Faush discuss the initiative, and how it can serve as a blueprint for HBCU communities nationwide. 

Digest After Dark - Y'all Still Standing With Jussie?

We discuss Bennett College's recent accreditation appeal, Jussie Smollett's credibility crisis, Ralph Northam's upcoming visit to Virginia Union University and the state of student housing on HBCU campuses.

Benedict College VP of Institutional Advancement Leandra Hayes-Burgess

Benedict College Vice-President of Institutional Advancement Leandra Hayes-Burgess shares details about a unique family endowed scholarship fund and strategies in cultivating supporters within HBCU culture.

Norfolk State University Board Rector Joan G. Wilmer

Wilmer shares with us her view of becoming the first woman to lead the NSU board in more than 20 years, updates on the university's presidential search, and wisdom on how boards effectively govern while driving the message of a new strategic vision for a campus community.

Digest After Dark - Did Y'all Really Just Save Bennett College?

We discuss Bennett College's historic fundraising campaign, how it will survive beyond the campaign, and the implications its success could have for the HBCU sector at large.

Presidential Series - Allen University's Ernest McNealey

We discuss Allen University's capital enhancement strategy and its ties to Columbia's Black History. We also talk athletics as an institutional driver, and how small private HBCUs can make it in America. 

Presidential Series - Harris-Stowe State President Dwaun Warmack

Dr. Warmack shares updates on HSSU's enrollment and workforce development initiatives, and makes the case for how HBCUs can effectively lobby for funding in volatile state legislative culture. 

Presidential Series - Univ. of the District of Columbia President Ronald Mason

President Mason discusses a new million-dollar partnership with the Pepsi Company, UDC's growing footprint in the District, the federal government shutdown, and how to remedy generational vestiges of racism in education. 

Presidential Series - Winston-Salem State Chancellor Elwood Robinson

We talk with Chancellor Robinson about WSSU's growing profile in healthcare and economic mobility, college rankings, and the next phase of Ram Excellence.

HBCU Voices of STEM Excellence - North Carolina A&T's Howard Conyers

We talk with North Carolina A&T State University alumnus Howard Conyers, who brings knowledge and entertainment to the masses as a NASA rocket scientist, barbecue pit master, and host of PBS' digital series, 'Nourish.'

Wilma Jones Discusses 'Halls Hill' and the Power of Black Communities

Author Wilma Jones discusses her latest book 'My Halls Hill Family,' and the value of HBCUs in the evolution of one black community in Northern Virginia. Purchase the book at HallsHill.com

Will R. Kelly Help Ya'll To Talk About Sex and HBCUs?

We dedicate a full episode to a conversation about the 'Surviving R. Kelly' documentary, and the takeaways, specifically those that black men can bring to improving safety and respect for women on HBCU campuses.

Bennett President Phyllis Dawkins and Bennett NAA President Gwendolyn M. Rice

We talk with Bennett College President Phyllis Worthy Dawkins and Bennett National Alumnae Association President Gwendolyn Mackel Rice about the school's fundraising efforts, how it arrived at a point of concern, and what lies ahead for the institution. Donate to Bennett at bennett.edu/donate

Howard University College of Medicine Dean Hugh Mighty

The Dean of the Howard University College of Medicine talks about the ongoing hospital development proposal in the city and negative impacts it could create without partnership from HU. 

Presidential Series - The Abdullahs Talk HBCU Presidential Family Values

We talk with Virginia State University President Makola Abdullah, his wife and Virginia Union University Center for STEM Diversity Director Ahkinyala Abdullah, and their daughter and soon-to-be Virginia State University Summa Cum Laude graduate Sefiyetu Abdullah about legacy, pressure and expectation in a household led by HBCU leaders.

Former Southern Human Jukebox Director Nathan Haymer

We talk with the former Director of the Human Jukebox about his legacy with the band, campus politics and his plans for the future. 

Presidential Series - Hampton's William R. Harvey Remembers George H.W. Bush

We talk with Dr. Harvey about his reflections on the 41st president and Bush's ties to HBCUs.

Ya'll Thought We Wouldn't Roast Roland Martin?

We discuss last week's social media smoke with journalist Roland Martin, and the future of HBCU media relations. Special Guests - Howard University Philosophy Asst. Professor Dr. Yolonda Wilson and Howard University Political Science Asst. Professor Dr. Keneshia Grant. 

Have Ya'll Heard About This HBCU Lawsuit in Maryland?

We discuss the latest phase of the landmark federal lawsuit involving Maryland's four HBCUs, changes in West Virginia's higher ed oversight structure, and preview upcoming accreditation decisions. 

Digest After Dark - Ya'll Still Haven't Gotten Your Provisional Ballots?

We recap the 2018 midterm elections, discuss the responsibility of HBCU alumni in advocacy for our schools, and debate the future of Cheyney University

Digest After Dark - Ya'll Know Alabama BBQ is Trash...

We talk the role of the HBCU community in midterm elections, an exclusive interview with Morehouse Drum Major Lila Grant on her pursuit of pay equity in the band ranks, and which HBCU city as the best BBQ.

TMCF Leadership Institute

Exclusive interviews with leaders, participants and sponsors from Thurgood Marshall College Fund's annual Leadership Institute. 

Philander Smith College President Roderick Smothers

Digest After Dark - Ya'll Crazy as Hell Down in Daytona Beach

We discuss the latest in the Bethune-Cookman University crisis, and detail the ways in which the institution survives. 

Perkins Management Services Company Inc CEO Nicholas Perkins

We talk with Perkins Management Service Company Inc Founder and CEO Nicholas Perkins on the 13th anniversary of his company, lessons from competition against billion-dollar companies, and what future success looks like. 

Ya'll Know These Football Games Ain't Free, Right?

We talk with HBCUMoney.com Editor William Foster about the nuts and bolts of HBCU finance, and debate if athletics can be the biggest marketing vehicle for our institutions. 

I Hope Ya'll Are Following the Marching Force on IG This Year...

We talk with Hampton University Director of Bands Dr. Thomas Jones, discuss the HBCU perspective on the Brett Kavanaugh hearings, and round out with comparisons of PWI and HBCU drinking culture. 

Education Trust Director of Higher Ed Policy Tiffany Jones

Dr. Tiffany Jones, Director of Higher Education Policy at the Education Trust, discusses how new college recruitment movements and policymaking may impact HBCUs nationwide. 

Did Ya'll Just See That HBCU Trustee Pull Up on Me in the Lobby?

We talk with Winston Coffee from Detroit's Midnight Golf Program about their efforts to recruit and graduate future HBCU stakeholders. We also talk about ratchet HBCU homecoming memories, and Jarrett's run-in with a former HBCU trustee.

Inaugural HBCU Sustainability Summit

We talk with organizers from the inaugural HBCU Sustainability Summit held in Atlanta, GA. Guests include Benedict College President Roslyn Clark Artis, 100 Black Men Chairman Thomas Dortch, Florida A&M University Board of Trustees Chairman Kelvin Lawson, Alabama State University Foundation Executive Director Jennifer S. Anderson, and Microsoft Sr. Program Manager Damon House. 

Alabama A&M University President Andrew Hugine

Dr. Hugine discusses AAMU's gains in enrollment, philanthropy and research and why his quiet leadership approach works well for the campus.

Ya'll Do Know What the Opposite of Black Excellence Is, Right?

We discuss the academic, social and infrastructural challenges that can lead to poor performance of HBCU students.

Ya'll About to Transfer? For Real?

We talk about the process and benefits of transferring between or into HBCUs, adjusting to different campus cultures, and the differences between PWIs and HBCUs.

Ya'll Really Believe in These Rankings, Ha?

We discuss the recent US News & World Report rankings, and the latest HBCU to sign up with Nike.

Kentucky State University President M. Christopher Brown II

Kentucky State University President M. Christopher Brown II discusses the school's political and social realities, and the challenges and opportunities for the HBCU sector at large. 

Tennessee State, Alpha Kappa Alpha President Glenda B. Glover

Tennessee State University and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc President Glenda Baskin Glover announces a $1 million fundraising campaign to benefit HBCUs. 

Howard President Wayne Frederick Talks US News Rankings

Dr. Frederick discusses Howard's jump in the US News and World Report rankings, the work of balancing access and competitiveness in student achievement, and defining Howard's true role in the higher ed landscape. 

TMCF Advocacy Series - Strada, TMCF Announce $1.8M HBCU 'Boot Camp' for HS Seniors

We talk with Strada Education Senior Vice President Daryl Graham and TMCF CEO, President Harry Williams about a new partnership that will give immersive academic and professional training to rising high school seniors on HBCU campuses. 

HBCU Voices of STEM Excellence - PrairIe View A&M Engineering Dean Pamela Obiomon

We talk with Dr. Obiomon about her recent appointment as Dean of the PVAMU College of Engineering, and life as one of more than 30 relatives to have graduated from the institution. 

But Ya'll Will Read About Somebody's Mama Twerking In the Stands...

We discuss media culture and HBCUs, consumption habits, and how to engage HBCU stakeholders to care about responsible reporting. 

Ya'll Better Get a Piece of This Gentrification

We discuss housing challenges on HBCU campuses and examine the ways that HBCUs can approach becoming true anchor institutions in black communities.

Digest After Dark - Whose Mama is That Up in the President's Office?

We talk with Tiffany's mother, Rosita, about being an HBCU parent in the 21st century. 

Digest After Dark - Ya'll Better Pray for Omarosa

We talk about the synergy between the black church and HBCUs and how its stronger than most may realize, and discuss Omarosa's shenanigans and if she was more valuable to the sector than meets the eye. 

Digest After Dark - So What Are Ya'll Really Going To Do About Hazing?

We discuss the culture of hazing at HBCUs, and implications for students, administrators, campuses and legacy. 

Fayetteville State Chancellor James Anderson

Dr. Anderson discusses FSU's recent $10,000 online degree initiative, outreach initiatives with military learners, and how HBCUs can stay ahead of negative trends in higher education.

Digest After Dark - Ya'll Know Those Nigerian Professors Love Us

We discuss the differences between the undergraduate and graduate HBCU experience, culture clashes between international faculty and students, and if HBCU culture has changed to accommodate millennials.