KAPPA NEWS
College System this year will celebrate its 138 th year of commitment to achieving the mission of Historically Black Colleges and Universities. I have always seen HBCUs as beacons that have — and will continue to be — manifestations of the American dream of equal educational opportunities for all, regardless of religion, ethnic group, or socioeconomic status. The Morrill Act, that established these institutions, was designed to finance agricultural and mechanical education and to make this education available to all social classes of people in the United States. The Act actually represented a new approach to higher educational attainment and as a result, many HBCUs experienced great educational outreach and established a remarkable tradition of educating students such that they have literally shaped the African- American middle class of America. Today, however, many of these same institutions are facing challenges in light of the unstable economy, internal and external economic upheavals, low enrollment, accountability metrics, and accreditation issues. Such factors then provide the backdrop for HBCUs to reposition themselves and establish a pathway forward, responding to the question of relevancy while maintaining the distinctive missions that afforded them their unique
place in history in the beginning.
will seek to educate the socially conscious student, volunteer, and practitioner in the emerging field of philanthropic studies — through exploring the economic, historical, and philosophical rationales for voluntary action in the local, national, and international arenas. The university is also poised to launch a multimillion- dollar campaign in support of the vision to enroll more 20,000 students on the Baton Rouge campus. Themed “Imagine 20K,” this master plan aims to transform the physical infrastructure of the university. Our system is optimistic of its success as evidenced by the significant
increases of donations derived from the university community both locally and nationally.” Dr. Belton discussed how Kappa Alpha Psi shaped his educational pursuits, ethos and values .
In accordance, I find it important to underscore our historical mission and its current applicability. In my view, that starts with providing students a high-quality academic experience and a stimulating environment that is conducive to learning and human development. Being student-centered must be a defining value of our universities, but we also must adhere to the characteristics that defined us as being committed to becoming a smarter, more efficient enterprise. It is further essential that we embrace our responsibility to drive economic development opportunities within our communities. By doing so, Dr. Belton detailed the significance of fundraising as President & Chancellor “Assuming the role of chief fundraiser is an essential function of the presidency that must be adopted by today’s leaders and a role certainly accepted at Southern University. In addition, shaping a culture of philanthropy within the university is critical. To that effect, the university’s Foundation will break ground on the Valdry Center for Philanthropy as established by the generous support from donors to the university. The Center we extend the presence of the university beyond the boundaries of our campuses.”
“I am continuously reminded of the imperative to model
for brothers the virtues of integrity and truth; to
emphasize the importance of service; and to make oneself available to serve. I remain indebted to those brothers of the Fraternity who mentored me and am fortunate that I work in an environment that dictates to me the imperative to embrace others near and far.” FNP
38 | 84 TH GRAND CHAPTER MEETING ISSUE THE JOURNAL
Publishing achievement for 105 years
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