Stories & Commentaries

Oakwood University President to Attend Special Meetings in Washington, D.C.

President Donald Trump's administration invites HBCU presidents to White House during Black History Month; new executive order on HBCUs is promised

February 22, 2017 | Huntsville, AL | Leslie N. Pollard

On Feb. 6, 2017, I had an important conversation with Cheryl Smith, our United Negro College Fund (UNCF) senior vice-president for Public Policy & Government Affairs, regarding the president's planned agenda for higher education. On Feb. 3, President Donald Trump's representatives from the U.S. Department of Education extended an invitation to the presidents of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to attend a meeting at the White House on Feb. 27, and to meet with Speaker Paul Ryan and congressional representatives on Feb. 28.

The purpose of the meeting is to confirm a national agenda to assist HBCUs in continuing and strengthening — their contribution to the nation's graduation rates. While HBCUs make up only 3 percent of all institutions of higher education in America, HBCUs graduate annually 21 percent of all African Americans that receive Bachelor’s Degrees from all institutions.

The White House has informed us that they are working on a new and stronger executive order on HBCUs. The UNCF Government Affairs Office, along with HBCU partner organizations, provided input to White House staff on the top priorities for a new HBCU Executive Order, including a request to increase Pell grant funding.

I will be attending the meetings in Washington, D.C., and will keep you informed of any and all developments affecting our Oakwood mission. And by all means, please say a special prayer for the Feb. 27-28 meetings.

— Leslie N. Pollard, Ph.D., D.Min., MBA, Oakwood Univeristy president

More than 60,000 Youth to Set Up Camp in Gillette, Wyoming, for Week-Long Event Filled with Learning, Worship, and Community Outreach

More than 60,000 young people, hailing from more than 100 countries, will set up a tent and RV city August 5-11, 2024, as they attend the Ninth International Pathfinder Camporee at the Cam-Plex Facilities in Gillette, Wyoming. Themed “Believe the Promise,” the six-day camporee, held every five years, is sponsored by the Seventh-day Adventist Church in North America, headquartered in Maryland, and the Center for Youth Evangelism, located in Berrien Springs, Michigan.

It Is Written Announces New VBS Program "Flight 3:16"

It Is Written announces a new travel-themed Vacation Bible School (VBS) program, "Flight 3:16." During Flight 3:16, children will visit five countries as they prepare for the ultimate destination, Heaven. Flight 3:16 is a complete VBS kit that includes supplies for 14 children.

Oakwood University Emerges as the New National Champion at the 35th Honda Campus All-Star Challenge

Oakwood University has emerged as the new national champion at the 35th Honda Campus All-Star Challenge (HCASC) held on April 12, 2024. The Alabama-based university defeated 31 other teams to take home the title and a $100,000 institutional grant. Howard University, Spelman College, and Morehouse College finished in the top four.

Washington Adventist University Junior Secures Prestigious Summer Internship at Johns Hopkins University

The biology department at Washington Adventist University (WAU) is proud to celebrate the achievement of Charis McRoy, a junior under the guidance of Sam D. Perez, chair of the biology and chemistry department at WAU. McRoy, also a member of the honors college, has earned a summer internship at Johns Hopkins University for 2024, following her persistent applications.

There Is No Other Experience Like Studying Abroad

Pacific Union College business student Olivia Newman has been spending her junior year studying in Spain through Adventist College Abroad. The thought of traveling and appreciating a different culture excited her. From the beautiful architecture in Spain and her goal of improving in the Spanish language, Olivia chose to study at Campus Adventista de Sagunto.