The University of the District of Columbia (UDC) proudly announces that the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) received the Award for Excellence in the Humanities at the 40th Annual Mayor’s Arts Awards on Sept. 25 at the historic National Theatre. Hosted by Mayor Muriel Bowser, the awards are the District’s most prestigious recognition of outstanding achievement in the arts, humanities and creative industries.
“We are extremely proud to receive this award, which not only honors our college, but also celebrates the power of the humanities to illuminate, to connect and to heal,” said CAS Dean Jeffery Fleming. “At CAS, we believe that the humanities are not a luxury — they are a necessity. They are the heartbeat of a just and thoughtful society, and this award affirms the profound impact of our faculty, staff, students, partners and alumni, who bring that vision to life every day.”
The Award for Excellence in the Humanities honors individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions in literature, history, language, philosophy, anthropology, archeology, religion and the social sciences. UDC’s College of Arts and Sciences was recognized for its sustained commitment to advancing the humanities in the District through teaching, scholarship and community engagement.
“All of us in the UDC community applaud the College of Arts and Sciences for this well-deserved honor,” said President Maurice D. Edington. “This award affirms the college’s extraordinary leadership in advancing the humanities and highlights how these disciplines are essential to civic life. It also reflects UDC’s unique role as the flagship public university serving the nation’s capital — shaping its cultural fabric while also serving as a driver of workforce and economic mobility. In every classroom and on every campus, we are sparking curiosity, fostering innovation and turning potential into power.”
Chief Academic Officer April Massey lauded Dean Fleming’s stewardship of the college’s proud history: “For centuries, colleges of arts and sciences have served as the intellectual heart of higher education institutions – and UDC has upheld that tradition with both honor and innovation. This award recognizes the legacy built by former deans Beverly Anderson and Rachel Petty and the visionary leadership of Dean Fleming, whose infusion of innovation is reigniting the liberal arts core and expanding opportunities for student growth and discovery.
“This recognition is not just a celebration of past achievements — it is a testament to the vibrant future being shaped at UDC.”
The University of the District of Columbia (UDC) is the only public university in Washington, DC, and the second-oldest HBCU in the country, with roots dating back to 1851. Now celebrating 175 years of turning potential into power, the university offers more than 80 academic programs, including a nationally-recognized law school, a vibrant community college and workforce development pathways serving residents across the nation’s capital.
Posted By: Reginald Culpepper
Wednesday, October 1st 2025 at 4:09PM
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