Jackson State University welcomed hundreds of first-time freshmen, transfer, and returning students to campus Aug. 18-20. “We’re very excited to see lots of families moving in,” said Fran’Cee Brown-McClure, Ph.D., vice president of Student Affairs in a statement.

According to JSU News, student leaders and upperclassmen volunteered to assist newcomers and their families with the move-in process and registration. A “one-stop shop” was organized in the student center to create a seamless transition. SGA President Madison Cathey said this is a great way to leave a lasting impression on the incoming class.

North Carolina A&T State University announced that it started the 2022-23 academic year with more students than ever, new academic programs, and research enterprises. The university expects 13,500 students this year – which is expected to make A&T the nation’s largest historically Black university (HBCU) for the ninth year in a row.

“Our measured, strategic growth at virtually every level is in perfect alignment with the A&T strategic plan, which calls for an enrollment of 14,000 by Fall 2023,” said Chancellor Harold L. Martin Sr., who, starting his 14^th year, is now the longest currently serving chancellor in the UNC System and at any of the nation’s HBCUs. “And we are building, developing, and maturing to ensure that we provide the same great ‘Aggie Experience’ for all our students, faculty, alumni, and other constituents.”

The entering first-year class is expected to total about 3,000 students and include a majority of  African American students. A&T now enrolls more Black first-year students each year than U.S. News and World Report’s top 10 national universities combined and with a nationally competitive academic profile. The average incoming first-year student can expect cost reductions totaling $5,000, including free textbooks, six hours of free summer school tuition, housing and dining scholarships, access to emergency grants, and a new iPad.

Maryland’s largest HBCU, Morgan State University,  unveiled a new residence hall, after projecting its largest enrollment in history, with nearly 9,000 students.

In related news, Science Applications International Corp. announced the company’s 2022 $100,000 donation in partnership with Alabama A&M University. This year’s scholarship will finance the education of two incoming freshmen.

“These students are the technology leaders of tomorrow,” said Greg Fortier, vice president of the Army Fires, Aviation, and Missile Defense Operation at SAIC. “SAIC partners with reputable universities such as Alabama A&M, who are responsible for helping our future scientists, technologists, engineers, and mathematicians reach their full potential and enable STEM transformation critical to our society’s success and well-being.”

This is the first year SAIC has worked alongside Alabama A&M to provide opportunities for students to pursue opportunities through the College of Engineering, Technology, and Physical Sciences and the AAMU-RISE Foundation, which facilitates research and development efforts with the school, industry, and government partners.

“Our relationship with SAIC has provided opportunities for our students to explore comprehensive, rewarding academic experiences, regardless of their financial circumstances,” said Dr. Zhengtao Deng, interim dean of Alabama A&M’s College of Engineering, Technology, and Physical Sciences. “We look forward to augmenting our collaboration to educate and equip future innovators, encouraging the continued success of the school’s programs.”