Category: Colleges and Universities

News about HBCU institutions.

Clark Atlanta University President George T. French Jr., Ph.D. Recognized as one of Atlanta’s 500 Most Powerful leaders by “Atlanta Magazine”

Posted on by HCF Communications
Dr. George T. French Jr., Ph.D., 5th President of Clark Atlanta University.

(ATLANTA, GA) – George T. French Jr., Ph.D., the 5th President of Clark Atlanta University (CAU), is recognized as one of Atlanta’s 500 most powerful and influential leaders by Atlanta Magazine.

French was named President of CAU, the largest United Negro College Fund Institution, in 2019. Since taking the helm, he has continued his extraordinary work as a leader and influencer in higher education and policy. Under French’s leadership, Clark Atlanta University received the largest unrestricted donation in the university’s history from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott, totaling $15 million and has received $6.6 million in financial support from the CARES Act. In 2020, French was named one of The Ten Most Dominant HBCU Leaders recipients by the HBCU Campaign Fund.

“I am honored to be recognized by Atlanta Magazine along with so many outstanding and accomplished colleagues in the higher education category,” said President French. “The development of our youth, particularly students in the African-American community, has always been my passion. it is my calling to nurture, grow, develop and create game-changing opportunities for students who attend Clark Atlanta University and other Historically Black Colleges and Universities across the nation. To be recognized for doing something that has a positive impact for the greater good of our society and communities is truly heartwarming.”

According to a press release by the University, French led and continues to lead the institution in the COVID-19 pandemic which required CAU faculty to quickly and successfully transition from on-ground learning to remote learning in the early stages of the global health crisis. His passion for students and their success led to the university purchasing 4,000 laptops from Dell Computers for every financially enrolled CAU undergraduate and graduate student to ensure they were equipped with the resources needed to make the transition to on-line learning during the pandemic.

French also serves as a Chair of the Atlanta University Council of Presidents and chairs the Council of Presidents of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. He is the secretary of member presidents and chair of accreditation for UNCF and vice-chair of the board of directors for the National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education. French is the co-found of the Higher Education Leader Foundation, and he serves on the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACSCOC) Board of Trustees and the National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity.

Atlanta Magazine distributes an annual list of 500 distinguished leaders from nomination it receives from the public, through social media to identify people who are unsung visionaries. The magazine’s extensive selection process involves consulting experts across different sectors as well.

View the full list of Atlanta’s 500 Most Powerful Leaders here.

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About Clark Atlanta University
Clark Atlanta University was formed with the consolidation of Atlanta University and Clark College, both of which hold unique places in the annals of African-American history. Atlanta University, established in 1865 by the American Missionary Association, was the nation’s first institution to award graduate degrees to African-Americans. Clark College, established four years later in 1869, was the nation’s first four-year liberal arts college to serve a primarily African-American student population. Today, with nearly 4,000 students, CAU is the largest of the four institutions (CAU, Morehouse College, Spelman College and Morehouse School of Medicine) that comprise the Atlanta University Center Consortium. it is also the largest of the 37-member UNCF institutions. For more information, visit www.cau.edu.

Denmark Technical College Awards $20K in Scholarships from Ellucian

Posted on by HCF Communications
Denmark Technical College Administration Building on campus. Photo Creds: Division of Communications & Marketing/HBCU Campaign Fund.

(DENMARK, SC) – Denmark Technical College was recently selected by Ellucian as one of 25 Title IV-eligible two-year public community and technical colleges across the United States to receive 2020 PATH Scholarship from more than 160 community college applicants.

PATH, which stands for Progress, Accomplishment, Thriving and Hope, donates scholarship funds to colleges who then award financial support to students experiencing economic hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19 is hitting community colleges particularly hard, which led Ellucian to develop the PATH Campaign and Scholarship Fund in June.

“The pandemic is putting intense economic pressure on some of the most vulnerable student populations. We want to ensure that no student has to put their education on hold as they confront today’s challenges,” said Laura Ispen, Ellucian President and CEO.

Denmark Technical College receive $20,000, which will be distributed among 26 students, with awards ranging from $500 to $2,000. The scholarships will help with tuition, room and board, books, transportation and other costs associated with higher education.

“We are just so thankful to Elluican for their generosity during this difficult time. Thanks to these funds, we have been able to help dozens of students who may not have otherwise been able to pursue their educational goals this coming semester. Ellucian is a valued educational partner and we feel blessed to have their support,” said Dr. Willie L. Todd Jr., President and CEO at Denmark Technical College.

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About Denmark Technical College
Denmark Technical College is a public, comprehensive, Historically Black, two-year technical college located in rural Bamberg County in South Carolina. The College annually serves approximately 2,000 credit and continuing education students, a mix of traditional, nontraditional, full-time and part-time. As an open-door institution, the College provides affordable, post-secondary education culminating in associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates, to citizens from diverse educational and socioeconomic backgrounds and reaches out to its service area high schools with opportunities for the students. For more information, visit www.denmarktech.edu.

Source:
https://thetandd.com/news/local/denmark-tech-awards-20k-in-scholarships-from-ellucian/article_bbc84d09-982e-59b6-bee1-ce0b0c5b7068.html

Albany State University Launches Centers for Diversity, Inclusion and Social Equity

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(ALBANY, GA) – Albany State University President Marion Ross Fedrick announced the launch of the Albany State University Centers for Diversity, Inclusion and Social Equity (DISE).

“In summer 2020, the University formed a partnership with Fort Valley State University and Savannah State University to “Stand United” against racism, and the social and economic injustices that continue to plague our country. Our institutions have a historic legacy to developing strong leaders who fight at the forefront for equality in education, social justice, and who died for civil rights. DISE is ASU’s opportunity to remain at the forefront of these issues and to affect change,” said President Fedrick.

The tri-part center will educate ASU students and stakeholders about the attributes, behaviors and actions that support people of various races, genders, abilities, ages, sexual orientations, and socio-economic and national backgrounds. In addition, the centers will teach practices that creat and maintain equitable support, engagement and treatment, and full participation for all.

“The aim of the Centers is two-fold; to teach the necessary actions that lead to the normalizing for diversity and inclusion, and to outline the behaviors, constructs and systems that guide and influence equity throughout local and global communities,” said Dr. Wendy Wilson, Vice President for University Relations.

Each of the three centers will have a unique function.

The Center for Diversity will focus on the attributes that make people unique, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender, age, socio-economic class, abilities, educational background, religion, national origin, and political beliefs.

The Center of Inclusion will support all groups of people within a society, recognizing their value and importance.

The Center of Social Equity will promote fairness, access, livelihood, education, and full participation in the political and cultural life of the community. The Center of Social Equity focuses on the institutionalized practices and barriers that thwart and hinder equity.

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About Albany State University
Albany State University (ASU) is one of Georgia’s diverse, educational gems. Committed to excellence in teaching and learning, the University prepares students to be effective contributors to a globally diverse society. ASU offers 13 post secondary certificate programs and 55 associate, bachelor’s and master’s and specialist degree programs, many of which are offered fully online. For more information, visit www.asurams.edu.

Source:
http://albanyceo.com/news/2021/01/albany-state-university-launches-centers-diversity-inclusion-and-social-equity/

Voorhees College Names Dr. Ronnie Hopkins as Interim President

Posted on by HCF Communications
Dr. Ronnie Hopkins

(DENMARK, SC) – Dr. Ronnie Hopkins recently assumed the role of interim president of Voorhees College while the board searches for the institution’s tenth president.

Before serving as interim president, Hopkins served as the institution’s provost and vice president for academic affairs, accreditation liaison, and is a tenured professor of English.

He said as the Board of Trustees commences a search for the 10th president, he is both honored and humbled to serve as interim president of Voorhees College.

“I truly look forward to providing students, faculty, staff, alumni, and all other college constituents with dynamic leadership, guidance, and direction in support of our vision of academic excellence and distinction,” said Hopkins. “I offer my sincere congratulations and blessings for continued success to Dr. W. Franklin Evans, the college’s ninth president as God has enlarged his territory and as he begins a new chapter of his career trajectory. President Evans has been an extraordinary leaders for Voorhees and a remarkable mentor to me.“

Hopkins added, “In the tradition of excellence and ambition instilled by our founder, Elizabeth Evelyn Wright, during my tenure as interim president, I will be highly engaged and my work will be intentional to ensure that Voorhees College continues to rise in its higher education ranks and continues to be a place where students Being. Believe. Become.”

According to Hopkins, Evans will serve as a presidential consultant through the end of January.

In November of 2020, West Liberty University named Voorhees College’s ninth president Dr. W. Franklin Evans as the university’s 37th president. Evans became the first Black president in the 183-year history of the college and assumed the role on January 1, 2021.

During Hopins’ productive and progressive career in pubic and higher education for nearly 30 years, Hopkins served in many administrative and instructional positions that involved supervision of faculty, staff, students, budgeting, and strategic planning. He has authored over $30 million dollars in grant awards to advance higher education priorities.

Formerly, he served at Benedict College as the founding dram of the Freshman Institute and the School of Honors. Additionally, he served as the professor of English and chair in the Department of English, Foreign Languages, and Mass Communication. As well as dean of the School of Continuing Education, Graduate Studies and Lifelong Learning.

Hopkins actively serves as an Off-site and On-site Reaffirmation Committee Evaluator for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. He is also a founder and Chief Executive Officer of Possible Worlds Foundation, Inc., a non-profit organization that provides full-service career strategic directions and opportunities in education and employment for disenfranchised citizens impacted by homelessness, incarceration, and HIV/AIDS.

He earned his bachelor’s degree in English with a secondary teaching certification from North Carolina Central University. Also, Hopkins earned a master’s degree and a doctorate in English from Michigan State University. Additionally, he completed postdoctoral studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and received a Doctor of Humane Letters Honoris Causa from Saint Monica University in Buea, Cameroon, Central West Africa.

Hopkins is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Bible Way Church of Atlas Road, and the Class of 2020 Executive Leadership Academy sponsored by the American Academic Leadership Institute for preparation of experienced college executive officers to become successful presidents and chancellors.

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About Voorhees College
Voorhees College is a private historically black liberal arts institution affiliated with the Episcopal Church, whose mission is to produce highly qualified graduates who coalesce intellect and faith in pursuit of life-long learning, healthy living, the betterment of society, and an abiding faith in God. For more information, visit www.voorhees.edu.

NCAA Establishes Dr. James Frank Scholarship Fund at Lincoln University of Missouri

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Dr. James Frank

(JEFFERSON CITY, MO) – In October of 2020, the NCAA donated $10,000 to establish a scholarship in the name of a devoted alumnus and longtime supporter of collegiate athletics. Dr. James Frank Endowed Scholarship Fund honors the only Lincoln University (MO) alumnus to serve as President of Lincoln University. The scholarship will assist full-time undergraduate students with a 2.5 GPA or higher.

Dr. James Frank graduated from Lincoln University in 1953 with a Bachelor of Science in Education. An athlete and athletics fan at heart, Frank, a Pennsylvania native, came to Lincoln on a basketball scholarship. After spending time in military service and completing his graduate degree, Frank returned to Lincoln University in 1956 as an assistant professor and assistant basketball coach. He was named Head Basketball Coach in 1959. His academic and career aspirations led him to Springfield College, Hunter College and Medgar Evers College before his return once again to his alma mater as the 14th President of Lincoln University in 1973.

During his Presidency, Frank was active in the NCAA as a committee member, secretary-treasurer and president, marking his place in history as the first African American and first college president to hold those positions. After then years as President of Lincoln University, he became Commissioner of the Southwestern Athletics Conference (SWAC) serving from 1983 until 1998 and again as Interim Commissioner from 2001 to 2002. Frank passed away in January 2019.

“Dr. James Frank was a friend to many, but to Lincoln University, he was family,” said Jerald Jones Woolfolk, President of Lincoln University. “We thank the NCAA for their recognition of Dr. James Frank for his commitment to collegiate athletics and his devotion to Lincoln University.”

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About Lincoln University of Missouri
Lincoln University of Missouri is a historically black, 1890 land-grant, public, comprehensive institution that provides excellent educational opportunities including theoretical and applied learning experiences to a diverse population within a nurturing, student-centered environment. For more information, visit www.lincolnu.edu.

Miss Talladega College Crowned Miss NBCA Hall of Fame 2020-2021

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Another Crown for Miss Talladega College, Miss NBCA Hall of Fame 2020-2021.

Patria Gatson, Miss Talladega College and Miss National College Alumni Hall of Fame 2020-2021.

(TALLADEGA, AL) – Miss Talladega College 2020-2021 Patria Gatson recently won the title Miss National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame 2020-2021. Although her royal duties have doubled now that she has two crowns, Patria juggles her responsibilities with grace and ease.

The dynamic biology pre-med major, who is a member of Talladega College’s prestigious Presidential Honor Society and numerous campus clubs, has held a plethora of leadership positions on and off campus. Miss Junior and Miss Presidential Honor Society are but two of the titles she has previously held. Patria was also a member of the team that won first place in the Alabama Business Pitch Competition hosted by the Alabama Governor’s Office of Minority Affairs.

Although Patria began honing her leadership skills prior to college, and was even named prom queen in high school, she credits Talladega College for helping her understand exactly how much she is capable of achieving.

“Talladega College gave me the reassurance that I am capable of accomplishing whatever I want to accomplish. I feel that I can reach my goals and fulfill my dreams because my HBCU told me that I can,” said Patria. “I always take a heavy course load, and I understand the importance of balancing my studies, homework, and meetings. I take at least 18 credit every semester and I am involved in many clubs and organizations.”

Prior to becoming Miss Talladega College, Patria was not very social media savvy. Winning her crown in the midst of a deadly pandemic forced her to quickly learn how to communicate with, inspire and uplift Talladega’s student body via social media and virtual events.

“Through my platform, Aspire to Inspire, I’ve tried to inspire and encourage people to be hopeful and aim high despite the current situation. Inspiration is important because before you can do something, you have to believe you can do it,” said Patria. “I’ve had to work hard to reach people on social media, but the effort is paying off. Sometimes people I don’t even know thank me for inspiring them. It’s very fulfilling to know that I’m making a difference.”

The skills Patria learned as Miss Talladega College have helped prepare her for her role as Miss National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame. Since gaining the national title, she has been featured on television and radio and sought after for interviews. She talks passionately about mental health, creativity, and success.

Talladega College President Dr. Billy C. Hawkins stated, “Patria has always shown outstanding leadership skills on and off campus. I am impressed by her ability to inspire students at Talladega and throughout the national during this unprecedented season. She and her advisor, Mr. Anthony Jones, have managed to produce virtual versions of practically every Miss Talladega activity that couldn’t be held in-person due to the pandemic. Through social media, radio and TV, Patria continues to demonstrate excellence and creativity in everything she does.”

“COVID-19 forced colleges to find creative ways to maintain their cherished traditions. Our Miss Talladega College 2020-2021 Coronation was held outdoors, and Patria arrived in a horse-drawn carriage wearing a face shield,” he added. “Many people through the outdoor event was among our most beautiful coronations ever and said the horse-drawn carriage added an extra-special touch. Some suggested that we hold future coronation ceremonies outside. In the midst of the pandemic, measures initially taken as health and safety precautions may actually inspire many colleges to form new traditions.”

Patria feels that being an HBCU queen during the pandemic has forced her to think outside the box. Instead of using the pandemic as an excuse to do less, she has opted to make the most of her reign by instilling hope in students and anyone else who hears her uplifting messages. Standing on the shoulders of the many trailblazing queens who came before her, she is motivating thousands to reach their full potential.

Mr. Jones, who has served as the Miss Talladega College advisor for over 20 years, said, “Patria is a sheer inspiration to work with. She rises to every occasion and never ceases to shine. As a queen, she is always ready to represent and she represents so well.”

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About Talladega College
Talladega College, Alabama’s first private historically black college, is consistently ranked among the best southeastern colleges and top HBCUs in the nation. It was founded in 1867 by two former slaves, William Savery and Thomas Tarrant, and is the home of the renowned Hale Woodruff Amistad Murals. For more information, visit www.talladega.edu.

Talladega College President Billy C. Hawkins Finally Presented with Top Dominant Leader Award

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Talladega College President Dr. Billy C. Hawkins (left) is presented a plaque in recognition of being named No. 1 among the 10 Most Dominant HBCU Leaders for 2020 by the HBCU Campaign Fund. Demetrius Johnson Jr., Fund president and CEO, made the presentation.

(TALLADEGA, AL) – When the HBCU Campaign Fund (HCF) named Talladega College President Dr. Billy C. Hawkins No. 1 among the 10 Most Dominant HBCU Leaders for 2020, the Fund’s president and CEO, Demetrius Johnson Jr., planned to hand deliver a commemorative plaque to the honoree.

Due to the pandemic, Johnson postponed his trip to Talladega College for nearly 10 months.

Fortunately, he was recently able to present the prestigious award to Hawkins and tour the college campus. Johnson said the positive changes on campus were among the reasons Hawkins was named the No. 1 Most Dominant HBCU Leader for 2020.

“The top 10 leaders were chosen for their influence and their continuous progress moving their institutions forward,” said Johnson. “Dr. Hawkins was named first on our list become of the way in which he has transformed Talladega College.“

“Under his leadership, the college has achieved record-high enrollment for three consecutive years, constructed three new buildings and launched its first-ever graduate program — a Master of Science in computer information systems,” Johnson continued.

Johnson also praised Hawkins for his leadership he has provided for other HBCUs.

Hawkins serves as chair of the 37 presidents of member institutions for the UNCF (United Negro College Fund) board of directors and also serves as UNCF chair of the executive committee of member institutions, vice chair of the corporate board and vice chair of the corporate board executive committee.

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About Talladega College
Talladega College, Alwww.hbcucampaignfund.orgabama’s first private historically black college, is consistently ranked among the best southeastern colleges and top HBCUs in the nation. It was founded in 1867 by two former slaves, Williams Savery and Thomas Tarrent, and is the home of the renowned Hall Woodruff Amistad Murals. For more information, visit www.talladega.edu.

About HBCU Campaign Fund (HCF)
The HBCU Campaign Fund (HCF) was founded in 2012 and is a nonprofit educational organization that remain as a strong advocate for students and higher education. HCF mission is to support the significance and raise funds for scholarships, programs, and private and public Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs). For more information, visit www.hbcucampaignfund.org.

Lilly Endowment Invest $1M in Philander Smith College to Strengthen Ministries in Black and Small Churches

Posted on by HCF Communications
The campus of Philander Smith College in Little Rock, Arkansas. Photo credits: Division of Communications and Marketing/HBCU Campaign Fund.

(LITTLE ROCK, AR) – Philander Smith College is the recipient of funds totaling $1,049,130 to help establish the Strengthening Ministries in Black and Small Churches in Central Arkansas program. It is part of Lilly Endowment Inc.’s Thriving in Ministry, an initiative that supports a variety of religious organizations across the nation as they create or strengthen programs that help pastors build relationships with experienced clergy who can serve as mentors and guide them through key leadership challenges in congregational ministry.

Earlier in the year the College received a $50,000 award from Lilly Endowment to support the development of the Thriving in Ministry grant submission. That planning grant, combined with the full award of $999,130, represents a total of $1,049,130 investment to strengthen the pastors serving small churches in Arkansas and nearby states.

Thriving in Ministry seeks to help pastors develop meaningful relationships with wise colleagues who can help guide them through key leadership challenges, especially during transitions in their ministerial careers. The initiative builds upon recent studies that have examined the importance of colleagues and mentors who help pastors face and overcome common professional challenges. These studies include research from the Endowment-funded Flourishing in Ministry project.

“Philander Smith College has a legacy of developing clergy who have become leaders and mentors to generations of ministers and pastors,” said Dr. Roderick L. Smothers, President of Philander Smith College. “Our alumni have broken barriers, published extensively in the field of religious studies, and blazed spiritual trails for a new cohort of preachers and scholars. Funding from Lilly Endowment will help us to continue to build upon this sacred foundation.”

“Leading a congregation today is multi-faceted and exceptionally demanding,” said Christopher Cobe, Lilly Endowment’s Vice President for Religion. “When pastors have opportunities to build meaningful relationships with experienced colleagues, they are able to negotiate the challenges of ministry and their leadership thrives. Promising efforts in this initiative including the Philander Smith College program, will help pastors develop these kinds of relationships, especially when they are in the midst of significant professional transitions.”

The grant period at Philander Smith College will run from December 2020 through December 2025.

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About Philander Smith College
Founded in 1877, Philander Smith College is a small, privately supported, historically Black, four-year liberal arts institution related to the Board of Higher Education and Ministry of the United Methodist Church. The College’s mission is to graduate academically accomplished students, grounded as advocates for social justice, determined to change the world for the better. For more information, visit www.philander.edu.

Bluefield State College to Acquire Bluefield Regional Medical Center Property

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Bluefield Regional Medical Center.

(BLUEFIELD, Va.) – The Board of Directors of Princeton Community Hospital and the Board of Governors of Bluefield State College have agreed that Bluefield State will acquire ownership of the Bluefield Medical Center to expand its Health Science programs, while Princeton Community Hospital maintains its Emergency Division and related medical services at the facility.

“This is a new day for the people of Bluefield as well as the college,” said Rev. Garry Moore, Bluefield State College Board of Governors Chairman. “This underscores our commitment to the educational and economic well-being of Bluefield, Mercer County and the Two Virginians region.”

This agreement follows from a Memorandum of Understanding announced by the college and the hospital on September 1, 2020.

Princeton Community Hospital Board of Directors President James “Rusty” Sarver said, “The decision by both board represents a timely convergence of interests and needs. We are delighted that Bluefield State College appreciates the campus for the asset it is.”

Bluefield State President Robin Capehart said, “Acquiring this facility permits Bluefield State to expand its campus, course offerings and student housing.” The new campus is located just one mile from BCS’s main campus.

Capehart added that the college would begin its due diligence immediately with the intention of closing on the purchase as soon as possible.

PCH Interim CEO Frank Sinicrope said, “The national shortage of nurses is acutely felt locally. BSC’s acquisition of the former BRMC will enable them to train many more students to help fill the demand for highly skilled, well-paid health care professionals at Princeton Community Hospital. We are excited by the educational and economic benefits this partnership will bring to our area.”

The college intends to lease back portions of the building for Princeton Community Hospital to maintain its Emergency Department and related services.

The sale includes nearly 68 acres and all the existing buildings.

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About Bluefield State College
Bluefield State College mission is to provide students an affordable, accessible opportunity for public higher education. An historically black institution, Bluefield State College prepares students for diverse professions, graduate study, informed citizenship, community involvement, and public service in an ever-changing global society. The College demonstrates its commitment to the student’s intellectual, personal, ethical, and cultural development by providing a dedicated faculty and staff, quality educational programs, and strong student support services in a nurturing environment. For more information, visit www.bluefieldstate.edu.

Bluefield State College Hires Five New Head Coaches

Posted on by HCF Communications

(BLUEFIELD, WV) – On Sunday, August 16 Bluefield State College announced the addition of 12 new sports, in a matter of four months the Interim Director of Athletics, Derrick Price, and his administrative team have managed to hire five out of the seven new head coaches.

To achieve this task in a short period of time, the athletics department enlisted assistance from the campus community. Each hiring committee formulated its process to identify the unique characteristics of the coach that was needed for each individual sport.

To Kick off the new hires, Bluefield State was excited to announce Tony Coaxum as the Head Football Coach. Coaxum comes to BSC from the University of Northern Colorado where he was the special team’s coordinator and defense backs coach. Coaxum also coached for the Denver Broncos from 2015-2017 as an assistant special team’s coordinator, during which the Broncos won the 2016 Super Bowl.

Following Coaxum, Daulton Cooper was brought on as the Head Women’s Bowling Coach. Hailing from Dayton, Ohio where he studied education at Urbana University. During his time at Urbana, he finished in the top ten in the country every year including a runner-up finish in 2013-2014. He was also an Academic All-American 2013-2015.

Our next hire was the Head Wrestling Coach, Blaze Smith. Coming from the University of North Carolina Pembroke, Shade coached six Division II All-Americans, 1 Division II National Finalist, 18 Division 11 national qualifiers, 16 NWCA All-Americans, two Conference Championship Teams, and one Super Region II Championship team. Blaze’s wrestling career accomplishments consist of being a four-time Division II national qualifier, a three-time Division II All-American, and a two-time Division II National Finalist. He was also a two-time First Team All-Conference in the East Coast Athletic Conference (ECAC) and the ECAC Wrestler of the Year in 2015-2016.

Tumbling in from King University is the Head Acrobatics and Tumbling Coach, Olivia Kincaid. She was awarded National Collegiate Acrobatics and Tumbling Association (NCATA) All-Conference in the Conference Carolinas and nationally ranked All-Academic Team in 2020. Kincaid is excited to lead the only Historically Black College Acro and Tumbling team in the nation.

Wrapping up the first wave of new head coaches is the Head Women’s Soccer, Scott Forster. Coach Forster will be joining BSC from Montana State University Billings. During his time as the Assistant Coach at MSUB the program become an academic powerhouse ranking 6th in the NCAA Division II for academic success placing 15 players as Academic All-Conference. Prior to MSUB, Forster guided the San Jose State Men’s club soccer team to the most successful season in their history with the capture of the West Coast Soccer Associations Open Cup. Academically Forster has completed his Ph.D. and Honors degree in Biological Sciences form the University of Exeter, UK.

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About Bluefield State College
Bluefield State College is to provide students an affordable, accessible opportunity for public higher education. An historically black institution, Bluefield State College prepare students for diverse professions, graduate study, informed citizenship, community involvement, and public service in an ever-changing global society. The College demonstrates its commitment to the student’s intellectual, personal, ethical, and cultural development by providing a dedicated faculty and staff, quality educational programs, and strong student support services in a nurturing environment. For more information, visit www.bluefieldstate.edu.