by Kelly A. Cherwin
The 15th Annual HBCU Philanthropy Symposium being held from July 6-10 has brought together a dynamic and inspiring community of higher education professionals united by a powerful message: Partnership, Progress, and Purpose. With over 350 attendees — and representation from more than half of the nation’s 107 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), as well as over 26 corporations and 23 non-profit organizations — this year’s symposium served not only as a conference, but as a movement of solidarity in strength.
“The symposium is the only convening in the HBCU ecosystem focused on philanthropy,” said Dr. Tony Allen, president of Delaware State University. It was founded 15 years ago by Dr. Vita Pickrum, retired senior vice president for institutional advancement and external affairs at Delaware State University, and has since grown into a major gathering space for sharing insights, building alliances, and reaffirming the mission of HBCUs. This year’s gathering began with a passionate welcome from Congresswoman Alma Adams of North Carolina, a longtime advocate for HBCUs. “It’s not just a symposium,” she declared. “It’s a movement, not just a meeting.” She reminded attendees that HBCUs were “not built for comfort — they were built for purpose.”
“This Is Our Moment”
Dr. Harry Williams, president & CEO of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, set the tone in the opening plenary, “This Is Our Moment,” reminding everyone that HBCUs have been transforming lives and shaping leaders for over 180 years. “We don’t operate from a deficit,” he said. “We unapologetically operate from a place of strength and pride.” His message reflected one of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund’s guiding principles: “We change the world one leader at a time.”
That spirit of purpose and collaboration was heard throughout various sessions. Florida Senator Shevrin Jones stated, “Don’t move scared, move strategically,” which reminds our HBCUs to lead with strength, not fear.
While HBCUs represent just 3% of colleges and universities nationwide, the symposium emphasized that their collective impact far exceeds that figure, and now is the time to lean into that influence with strategy and unity.
“Our institutions are tired of being recognized for ‘doing more with less’ even though we are considered the best return on investment in higher education,” Allen remarked. “The moment demands more.”
Presidential Panel: The Future of HBCUs
A highlight of the symposium was an esteemed panel of HBCU presidents moderated by Dr. Patricia Ramsey of Medgar Evers College. Panelists included:
- Dr. Heidi Anderson, University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES)
- Dr. Tony Allen, Delaware State University
- Dr. Mautra Jones, Oklahoma City Community College
- Dr. D’Wayne Edwards, Pensole Lewis College
Their discussion opened with the collaborative launch of eHBCU, a first-of-its-kind digital portal that connects students globally to the pride, legacy, and academic offerings of HBCUs. “We’re better doing things together,” Edwards noted, framing eHBCU as a model for innovation through partnership.
The panel discussion didn’t shy away from talking about challenges. Ramsey asked directly, “Given the current political climate, what is the future of HBCUs?” The responses underscored both strategy and optimism.
Anderson spoke of expansion and innovation, sharing that her institution is launching a College of Veterinary Medicine — becoming the sixth school in her system and one that fills a national need. Her advice? “Join forces and play to your strengths.”
Ramsey added a critical clarification: “HBCUs have nothing to do with race — they are based on mission.” She emphasized the importance of HBCUs owning their stories, educating the public about their stories, highlighting their critical mission and benefits, and staying up to date on policy advocacy.
Supporting Students with Strategy and Care
Retention and graduation remain core concerns. Presidents shared concrete strategies they’ve implemented:
- Jones described numerous resources, such as on-demand tutoring, 24/7 mentorship, mental health resources, and a food pantry. “Yes, it’s expensive — but it’s worth it,” she said.
- Allen highlighted a required course taught by industry practitioners, offering students real-world insight that often becomes a lasting mentorship.
- Anderson described an early alert system adopted by over 80% of faculty to identify and support students facing challenges ranging from attendance to food insecurity.
The takeaway? Success isn’t solely about preparing students academically; it’s about preparing colleges to support students holistically. Ramsey described an initiative offering full financial support for students who commit to maintaining their GPA, while also partnering with vetted companies to provide paid work opportunities. “We must uplift students and remove as many barriers as possible,” she said.
Jones stressed the importance of outreach. “Don’t assume everyone has access to your message,” she said, especially when technology gaps still impact many communities.
Health and Wellness: For Students and Staff
Mental health, for both students and staff, was another key theme. Institutions are expanding wellness benefits and leadership development opportunities. Allen offered a note of caution that resonated: “We don’t always need to chase the next shiny new program. Instead, invest in what we’re already doing well — and make it even stronger.”
Moving Forward — Together
The 2025 HBCU Philanthropy Symposium has a clear message: the strength of HBCUs lies in their shared mission, lived legacy, and collective voice. In a time of both opportunity and uncertainty, the call to action is clear. The HBCU community and entire academic community must collaborate, uplift, and lead with intention.
The work ahead is complex, but as the leaders at this symposium made it clear, the future of HBCUs will be written not in isolation, but in collaboration. With a focus on partnership, progress, and purpose, HBCUs continue to serve as powerful engines of educational equity and national transformation.
