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.

Thanks to the Kendall Scholarship, Ph.D. student Tracee Coleman is able to pursue graduate studies at Meharry Medical College — a journey she describes as both a calling and a commitment shaped by her faith and family.

“[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.

ATLANTA — Morgan Cebrun, a student at Xavier University, is one step closer to her dream of becoming a pediatric physician assistant, thanks to a scholarship from the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM).

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.”

The General Boards of Global Ministries (GBGM) and Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM) announce the appointment of Dr. Dana Lyles as executive director of multiethnic ministries, effective Jan. 1, 2026.

The Council of Presidents of the 11 United Methodist-related Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) met online for its fall meeting, Nov. 18, to discuss campus growth initiatives amid growing challenges within the academy; stemming from attacks on diversity, equity and inclusion; and shrinking federal funding for education.   

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — When she started college at age 26, Dr. Cynthia Bond Hopson didn’t know where the road would lead. However, for this lifelong United Methodist, the church’s support — through scholarships, prayers and people — turned dreams into a legacy of leadership in higher education.