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The State of B.L.A.C. Higher Education Summit 2025 Goes Virtual: A Pioneering Convening of Black Leadership and Innovation

March 20, 2025

Virginia Union University announces that The State of B.L.A.C. (Black Leadership Across Campuses) Higher Education Summit will take place virtually on Thursday, April 3, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. This interactive and immersive online experience will unite leading scholars, institutional change makers, and higher education practitioners to explore the impact of Black leadership in shaping the future of academia.

A key theme of this year’s conference is an in-depth discussion on the recently released report:

The "Miles to Go: The State of Education for Black Students in America" report, published by the Southern Education Foundation (SEF), highlights persistent disparities in educational access, resources, and outcomes for Black students. As a focal point of the conference, the report will provide data-driven insights into these opportunity gaps and explore how Black leadership in higher education can drive meaningful change.

Featured Plenary Speakers

This year’s virtual conference will feature influential thought leaders whose work continues to shape institutional transformation and student success in higher education:

Shaun Harper, Ph.D. – University Professor at University of Southern California and one of the nation’s top racial equity scholars, Dr. Harper is the founder and Chief Research Scientist of the USC Race and Equity Center. His work, cited in over 25,000 studies, has shaped education policies, corporate strategies, and national equity initiatives. A former advisor to U.S. presidents, state governors, and education leaders, Dr. Harper’s scholarship continues to redefine racial equity in higher education.

Raymond C. Pierce, J.D. – President and CEO of the Southern Education Foundation (SEF), Mr. Pierce is a leading advocate for educational access and equity. With experience as Dean of North Carolina Central University’s School of Law and Deputy Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Education, he has dedicated his career to expanding opportunities for African American and low-income students.

Hakim J. Lucas, Ph.D. – President & CEO of Virginia Union University, Dr. Lucas is a visionary leader with nearly two decades of experience in higher education. Under his leadership, VUU has expanded enrollment, strengthened strategic partnerships, and increased philanthropic giving. His background in fundraising, student engagement, and institutional growth has positioned VUU as a leader among HBCUs.

Additionally, this year’s HBCU President’s Panel will be facilitated by the Center for the Study of HBCUs Fellows Dr. Jimmy R. Jenkins, Sr. former President of Livingstone College and Edward Waters University and Dr. Everett B. Ward former President of Saint Augustine’s University.

This year’s State of B.L.A.C. Higher Education Summit will be more than just a virtual event—it will be a highly interactive digital experience featuring:

Live Keynote Presentations & Plenary Sessions – Gain insights from leading experts in Black leadership and higher education policy.

Engaging Panel Discussions – Participate in dynamic conversations on leadership strategies, institutional transformation, and student success.

Interactive Q&A Sessions – Engage directly with plenary speakers and panelists to ask critical questions and share perspectives.

Publication & Research Opportunities – Explore opportunities to contribute to high-impact journals and research collaborations on Black leadership in higher education.

A Call to Scholars, Practitioners, and Changemakers

Whether you are a seasoned administrator, emerging scholar, or passionate advocate, this summit provides a critical platform to exchange ideas, advance research, and amplify the impact of Black leadership. Attendees will have the chance to collaborate with top education experts, contribute to groundbreaking research, and influence policies that support institutional success.

Event Details:
Thursday, April 3, 2025
Virtual Conference – Attend from Anywhere
9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

For more information and to register for the virtual conference, visit https://bit.ly/BLAC2025

For media inquiries, please contact:
RaShon Young | Director of Communications | Virginia Union University
ryoung1@vuu.edu