Dear Faculty, Staff, Students, and Alumni,
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have received unprecedented media attention this week thanks to the opportunities provided through the Thurgood Marshall College Fund and the White House. As President of Langston University, it was my distinct pleasure to represent our institution in these important conversations with federal constituents including members of Congress and President Trump.
The opportunities afforded to HBCUs this week represent a positive first step in assuring greater recognition and funding for our institutions. We presented three primary requests during our meetings with lawmakers:
•Protect and strengthen Pell Grants by providing increased funding and to reinstate year-round Pell Grants;
•Invest an additional $25 billion in HBCU facilities and infrastructure; and
•Invest additional funding into HBCU centers of research innovation.
Now the work begins for us to hold President Trump, his executive team and Congress accountable for the promises they have made to HBCUs. Our conversations with President Trump and his team focused on the under-funding of HBCUs and possible remedies; though no firm commitments for action were made by the administration. While I had hoped that the executive order signed by President Trump would contain greater detail and assurances for HBCUs, the signing of this document is the opening step to continued dialogue, engagement, and accountability. I will remain involved in efforts to advance the progress of these initiatives. We are hopeful that the increased visibility for HBCUs garnered through this opportunity will better position our institutions to be prioritized in the federal budget and critical jobs initiatives. I remain cautiously optimistic regarding any outcome this executive order will bring for HBCUs, and specifically for Langston University.
For over 150 years, HBCUs have educated individuals seeking the opportunity to create a brighter future for themselves and their families. Institutions like Langston University provide critical access to quality education at an affordable cost. It is important to keep in mind that HBCUs have consistently been inclusive institutions, providing instruction for a diverse and often underserved population, even when other institutions were not.
As a two-time HBCU graduate and now the president of an HBCU, I am ever mindful of the struggles and historic lack of funding faced by our institutions. It will require a collective effort from all of us to advocate locally, regionally, and nationally to ensure greater funding for HBCUs.
Thank you for your continued support of Dear Langston and all HBCUs!
Sincerely,
Kent J. Smith Jr., Ph.D.
President
LUNAA Life Member #864
O: (405) 466-3201
C: (740) 818-8700
president@langston.edu
www.facebook.com/kentsmithjr www.twitter.com/LUPrez16
Posted By: How May I Help You NC
Thursday, March 2nd 2017 at 3:19PM
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