AUGUSTA, Ga. – Paine College is experiencing a renewal, thanks in part to the enduring support of The United Methodist Church’s Black College Fund, which leaders say has been essential to both the UM-related Historically Black College and University’s (HBCU) survival and mission.

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — For Philander Smith University President Dr. Maurice Gipson, support from The United Methodist Church, its General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM), and the Black College Fund is essential. “I look at those funds as our version of state support,” Gipson said. “Without the support, there would be critical infrastructure activity we’d be unable to do.”

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — “Meharry [Medical College] was birthed, reared in and now sustained by our faith. Methodists came together to create something special,” said Dr. James Hildreth, president and CEO of Meharry. “It allows our students to worship God through service.”

AUSTIN, Texas — In 2025, Huston-Tillotson University celebrated 150 years of service and transformation, supported in part by the Black College Fund (BCF) of The United Methodist Church (UMC). President Dr. Melva K. Williams said BCF funding has been “transformational” for the private, United Methodist-related Historically Black College and University (HBCU), which does not receive state funding. The university ranks No. 1 among private HBCUs in Texas and No. 15 overall, according to Niche Colleges’ 2026 rankings.

MARSHALL, Texas — The United Methodist Church’s Black College Fund has made an “indelible footprint” on Wiley University, providing steadfast support that President Dr. Herman Felton Jr. says continues to drive student success, modernize the 151‑year‑old campus, and strengthen the institution’s long‑term stability.

GREENSBORO, N.C. — Support from The United Methodist Church’s Black College Fund (BCF) is more than financial — it’s essential, says Dr. Teresa Hardee, CPA LSSBB, Bennett College’s interim president.

NEW ORLEANS — At Dillard University, the Black College Fund (BCF) of The United Methodist Church is doing more than preserving infrastructure — it’s sustaining a legacy of faith-based education and empowerment for historically underserved students at this UM-related university in Louisiana, says Monique Guillory, Dillard’s president.

“[The Black College Fund] provides the consistent operational support needed to stabilize the institution in an era when many universities face unpredictability. This support ensures our schools can meet payroll, retain talent, and focus on long term strategic planning — not crisis management," said Dr. George T. French, Clark Atlanta University president.

“Being a UMC institution and aligning with its Wesleyan guiding principles — which we do unapologetically — allows us to remain relevant in the current climate and culture,” says Dr. Dwuan J. Warmack, Claflin University president.

For Dr. Johnny M. Moore, president of Rust College, support from The United Methodist Church and its Black College Fund (BCF) is more than financial, it’s transformational. “I look at those funds as very beneficial,” Moore said. “It changes the trajectory of lives forever.”