July 6, 2025

Welcome to our weekly Sunday newsletter. This week we will highlight the digital future of HBCUs and find out which 90s hit show may be returning to your television screen.

Introducing eHBCU: The Digital Future of Black Higher Education

In a landmark move that could reshape higher education access for Black communities, six leading HBCUs have launched eHBCU, the first fully online, degree-granting HBCU consortium. With the backing of major philanthropic organizations Blue Meridian Partners and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, the initiative brings the cultural richness, academic excellence, and sense of belonging of HBCUs into the digital space—making it accessible to students worldwide.

eHBCU is not just another online learning platform—it’s a virtual extension of the HBCU legacy. From student mentorship to culturally relevant programming, the platform ensures that students don’t just learn—they belong. With 33 programs in high-demand fields that include computer science, business, and healthcare, this initiative is designed to prepare students for the future while staying rooted in HBCU values.

“We’re not just moving classes online. We’re making the HBCU experience borderless,” said Terry Jeffries, Executive Director of eHBCU. Enrollment is open now, and the digital campus aims to serve thousands of students in its first year.

🖥️ What You Need to Know — At a Glance:

•• Who’s involved:

▪ Delaware State University

▪ Alabama State University

▪ Southern University and A&M College

▪ Southern University at New Orleans

▪ Southern University at Shreveport

▪ Pensole Lewis College of Business & Design

•• Fields of study include:

▪ Computer Science & IT

▪ Healthcare

▪ Business Management

▪ Accounting

▪ Professional Development

•• Why it matters:

▪ Addresses gaps in access to higher education for Black students

▪ Offers flexible, workforce-aligned education

▪ Builds a digital HBCU experience rooted in mentorship, pride, and community

•• Next steps:

▪ Students can now apply for Fall 2025 enrollment

▪ Virtual student services will include career coaching and academic advising

▪ Plans are underway to add more HBCUs and degree programs in future phases

“This isn’t just education—it’s elevation,” said Dr. Quinton T. Ross, Jr. With eHBCU, the tradition of Black excellence in education enters a bold, digital era.

campus chronicles // hbcu edition

Just a few years ago, Edward Waters College was little known outside of Jacksonville, Florida. Under the bold leadership of President Dr. A. Zachary Faison Jr., who became the youngest HBCU president in the country at age 37, the school has experienced a remarkable transformation. Since 2018, Edward Waters has evolved into Edward Waters University (EWU), with expanded academic offerings, a growing national reputation, and a 30% increase in enrollment.

Faison’s vision has extended far beyond academics. EWU has significantly boosted its athletic profile by joining NCAA Division II, expanding its varsity programs from 8 to 16, and investing in major facility upgrades, including a new stadium and wellness center. The university has also launched its first-ever football classic and added new graduate and undergraduate programs tailored to high-demand fields. With record-breaking applications, increased fundraising, and a newly extended contract through 2032, Faison’s leadership has positioned EWU as one of the fastest-rising private HBCUs in the nation.

black history in quotes 

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culture

Netflix is taking us back to Hillman College with a brand-new sequel to A Different World. The upcoming series will follow the daughter of original characters Whitley and Dwayne as she begins her journey at the iconic fictional HBCU. The pilot, written and executive-produced by Felicia Pride (Grey’s Anatomy, Bel-Air), is currently in development. Casting has not yet been announced, but the anticipation is growing fast.

The reboot follows the original show’s debut on Netflix earlier this year and a 10-city college tour that reunited the cast, kicking off at Atlanta University Center. If the pilot is well-received, Netflix may greenlight a full season—bringing a new generation of Hillman stories to life. Stay tuned!

Our editor, Lisa D. Tinsley, would like to thank you for spending part of your day with KISA News Radio.

See you next Sunday.

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