Special to The Truth
Central State University proudly represented the excellence of HBCUs at the 2024 White House Initiative National Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Week Conference from Sept. 15-19 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Washington, D.C.
The annual event brings together key leaders from HBCUs across the nation to celebrate the pivotal role these institutions play in shaping the future of higher education, economic development, and workforce preparation.
Morakinyo A.O. Kuti, PhD, president of Central State University, joined a distinguished group of HBCU presidents for an important roundtable with National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan. During this high-profile meeting, discussions centered on how HBCUs like Central State can contribute to national security through research, workforce development, and talent pipelines, particularly in fields like science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
President Kuti highlighted Central State’s leadership in this arena, including the recent $3 million Semiconductor Research Consortium grant awarded by the National Science Foundation (NSF). Central State leads a consortium of seven HBCUs focused on advancing semiconductor research and workforce development. This transformative initiative positions the University as a leader in cutting-edge technology and creates pathways for students from underrepresented communities to enter high-demand STEM careers. This achievement was made possible through strategic seed funding from Intel Inc., which supported the establishment of the Semiconductor Education Program at Central State in 2022.
President Biden praised this groundbreaking achievement during his address to HBCU leaders, underscoring the significant impact Central State is making on the national stage. (Hear Biden’s shoutout beginning at 18:35 of the YouTube video.)
Tony Allen, CEO of Delaware State University who served as the CEO of President Biden’s 59th Presidential Inauguration after having served on the advisory board of the president’s transition team. Allen introduced President Biden, saying in part, “Everyone in this room understands HBCUs have always outperformed by doing more with less. But President Biden knows less is no longer acceptable.”
President Biden has committed a record $17 billion to HBCUs, the most of any administration. The CHIPS and Science Act of 2022 has created “hubs of innovation at HBCUs,” Biden said, empowering researchers to grow a diverse semiconductor workforce.
The National Science Foundation has awarded millions of dollars to HBCUs, fueling semiconductor research development and workforce capacity.
“This is in addition to last week’s announcement of $10.5 million in National Science Foundation grants to facilitate STEM research at more than a dozen HBCUs, including Central State University, a project to build
semiconductor (research and development (R&D) capacity,” Biden said.
Despite representing only three percent of colleges and universities in the U.S., HBCUs graduate 40 percent of all Black engineers, 50 percent of all Black teachers, 70 percent of all doctors and dentists and 80 percent of all Black judges, Biden added.
The conference featured discussions on federal policies, partnerships, and funding opportunities designed to enhance the mission of HBCUs. Leaders from Central State networked with federal agencies, private industry, and fellow HBCUs to explore new opportunities for collaboration and growth.
As part of the University’s ongoing commitment to strengthening its academic programs, workforce development initiatives, and community partnerships, attending the HBCU Week Conference was a testament to Central State’s leadership and vision. The conference not only recognized the historical importance of HBCUs but also reaffirmed their role in driving innovation and excellence in education.
“Central State University remains committed to leveraging opportunities like these to further our mission of transforming lives through education, research, and public service,” Kuti said. “By leading critical conversations at events like the White House HBCU Week Conference, we continue to elevate the voices of our students and faculty on national and global platforms.”
At Central State University, we take pride in being a beacon of innovation, preparing the next generation of leaders in STEM and beyond. Together, we are charting a course toward a brighter future for our students, community, and nation.
For more information, visit centralstate.edu