Nearly $10 Million NIH Grant Helps Tuskegee Advance Genomics Research, Real-World Applications in the Black Belt

Tuskegee University has entered the second phase of its National Human Genome Research Institute award for the Carver Genomic Research Center, moving from planning and capacity building into five years of full research operations supported by nearly $10 million from the National Institutes of Health. The center will expand genomic research capacity at Tuskegee while focusing on cancers that disproportionately affect Black communities across Alabama’s Black Belt region.

UE Students Use AI to Improve Accessibility for Evansville Sidewalks

University of Evansville students are putting artificial intelligence, robotics and data science to work on a community challenge: making sidewalks more accessible. Through the interdisciplinary Sidewalks4All project, students built a GPS-equipped sidewalk-scanning robot that uses AI and computer vision to identify curb ramps, crosswalks, obstacles and surface conditions. The project combines classroom learning with community impact while giving students hands-on experience with emerging technologies.

Hood’s Frederick Food Security Network Awarded $29,859 Grant to Expand Year-Round Fresh Food Production

Hood College’s Frederick Food Security Network has received a $29,859 grant from the Frederick County Community Foundation to expand year-round hydroponic food production at the Scott Key Center Greenhouses. The Food Equity and Emergency Distribution initiative will create a 200-unit hydroponic system capable of producing tomatoes, peppers, leafy greens and other fresh vegetables throughout the year. Hood students will gain hands-on experience with urban food systems while helping increase access to fresh produce for Frederick County residents.

Cracking Down on Food Waste: Expanding Composting Efforts at Batten University

A grant from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality is helping Batten University turn years of student-led sustainability work into a broader campus initiative. Batten has already diverted more than 10,000 pounds of material from landfills through composting efforts. The three-year grant will support expanded collection, education and food-waste prevention efforts, with the university ultimately aiming to divert 90 percent of its food waste.

University of New Haven – Riyadh and Tuwaiq Academy Collaborate to Develop Saudi Arabia’s Executive Leaders

The University of New Haven – Riyadh and Tuwaiq Academy are collaborating to provide specialized executive education for business leaders in Saudi Arabia. University of New Haven experts and instructors will teach programs through Tuwaiq Executive designed to combine global perspectives with practical preparation for the workplace. The collaboration comes shortly after University of New Haven – Riyadh welcomed its first undergraduate and graduate students in August.

Notes From President Pribbenow: What Does a University President Do?

Augsburg University President Paul Pribbenow reflects on a question he often hears from students: What exactly does a university president do? Beyond the familiar responsibilities of leading an organization, fundraising and representing the institution, Pribbenow describes himself as an “educator-president.” Drawing on his experience co-teaching a course last spring, he explores what today’s students have taught him about adapting pedagogy to learners and valuing the perspectives and experiences students bring to the classroom.

Brian Jersky Named Interim Provost at University of La Verne

The University of La Verne has named Brian Jersky interim provost. Jersky brings experience as a faculty member, dean and academic leader at both public and private institutions, including previous service as provost and senior vice president for academic affairs at California State University, Long Beach. During his interim appointment, he will focus on academic structures, strategic planning and student success while the university conducts a national search for its next permanent provost.

Drury’s Hammons School of Architecture Looks to Build on Impressive Fall Enrollment

Drury University’s Hammons School of Architecture welcomed a record-setting fall class of 78 new architecture students and is using that momentum to rethink its approach to recruitment. School leaders are becoming more intentional about enrollment growth while emphasizing a distinctive feature of Drury’s architecture program: its place within a liberal arts university, where students can connect architecture and design with disciplines ranging from philosophy and religion to writing and graphic design.

Batten University President Highlights Historic Growth, Unveils Major New Initiatives

Batten University President Scott D. Miller highlighted a period of significant institutional growth during his State of the University address, including record enrollment and philanthropy. He also outlined major initiatives shaping the university’s future, including the integration of Sentara College, plans for a $35 million Health Sciences Center and the new Gilbert T. Bland Center. The developments reflect Batten’s continued expansion of its academic programs, facilities and community partnerships.