Delaware State University 2024 Impact Report

Delaware State University

2024

IMPACT REPORT

STORY OF 2024: PARTNERSHIPS TO PROGRESS

2024 marks a special spot on Delaware State University’s historic timeline. As the year’s Impact Report shows, we achieved tremendous success for each other, because of each other, and with each other…all with the invaluable help of our partners.

In fact, as I look at 2024’s successes laid before me in bold printed headlines and full color, the word ‘partnership’ appears frequently on these pages. From community and corporate partners to research and alumni, we truly meant WE in 2024! Wherever we look as we cast our eyes back across 2024’s shining moments, we witness faculty, students, and staff joining forces with changemakers to build, produce, develop, and progress: action and accolades abound!

In 2024, we provided our students with a value-based preparatory experience for a smaller, more connected world.

In 2024, as an institution, we continued engaging in responsible growth, ensuring both a stable business model and a sound return on investment.

In 2024, our student-first culture focused on how well we prepare our students and how thoughtfully we treat each other in the process.

In 2024, we boasted an increasingly accountable customer service experience that treats our stakeholders with dignity and respect, even in the most challenging situations.

Embedded in each of these achievements was the evergreen focus on our mission: creating competitive and financially healthy graduates—a vision which can be found in our REACH 2026 Strategic Plan.

Delaware State University’s accolades are noteworthy and worth quick recitation here:

Our Student-First Culture

 WE are the first choice for students of color in Delaware.

 WE boast five successive years as a top five public HBCU and top 10 overall.

 WE have seen our enrollment grow by 25%.

 WE have amped our overall graduation rate up 300 basis points.

 WE place graduates (in career field or in graduate school) to the tune of 90% (up 200 basis points).

 WE provide 70% of our students with experiential learning opportunities.

 WE have grown our research portfolio 33% to $45MM and received an R2 Carnegie Classification as a “high research activity” institution.

Our Responsible Growth

 WE have increased private fundraising 69% to $73.5 MM.

 WE have garnered a 43% and 37% increase in state allocation to general and capital operations, respectively.

 WE have instituted a multi-year, high-value pricing initiative that should enhance instruction quality, student enrollment and revenue growth.

 WE solidified our footprint in downtown Dover with a historic wholesale acquisition valued at $31MM.

 WE received a donation of historic Wilmington riverfront property: 35,000 square feet, $4.7MM.

 WE put to use $33MM in federal funding through the American Rescue Plan for infrastructure enhancements.

 WE developed two new fully funded academic buildings, both to be brought online in FY 2025.

 WE began an athletic transformation effort to reshape the athletic footprint of the University.

Our Accountable Customer Service Experience

 WE created a Customer Experience team with an able industry leader and team of call-center professionals.

 WE developed metrics that reflect noted pain points and related areas of concern.

 WE established a baseline assessment that tracks progress by customer type (e.g., student, parent, internal).

 WE utilized technology that can be integrated across the University.

 WE reinforced expectations through regular training for faculty, staff, and students.

In my fifth year as President of Delaware State University and seventh year overall, I have never felt more bullish about our grand institution’s prospects. As we follow our true North Star—the students we serve who get to take their place of usefulness and honor in the world because we care—let us appreciate the lessons and luck of 2024 as we welcome a brave and bold 2025.

Together,

Tony Allen, Ph.D.

President, Delaware State University

Chairman Emeritus (2001-2024), White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges & Universities

NEXT STEP: THEIR FUTURES

OUR HORNETS ACHIEVE ON NATIONAL & GLOBAL SCALES

Through their activities inside and outside of the classroom, our students are setting the stage for their post-graduation success. Here’s a look at some of the achievements that helped our students grow as leaders and gain experience in their fields in 2024.

HBCU Scholars

Two undergraduate students — Aaliyah Robinson and Yassin Alallaq — were named among 110 outstanding students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) selected in the 2024 cohort of HBCU Scholars. The cohort — representing 77 HBCUs across the country — were selected for their exceptional academic excellence achievements, leadership potential and dedication to their communities.

Robinson is a junior Biological Sciences major with a focus on Health Professions. While maintaining a 3.1 GPA, she serves as the President of DSU’s Chapter of the National Council of Women, as a Residential Assistant and as a Peer Mentor. Robinson has been a participant in DSU’s Neuroscience Research Program and the Undergraduate Research Intensive for Student Enhancement Scholars Program, and she won first place in the 2023 DSU Summer Research Symposium.

Alallaq is a senior Aviation Management major who also is minoring in Business Administration. A 3.5 GPA student, he is a dedicated member of the DSU Aviation Flight Team and serves as the Vice President of the DSU Muslim Student Association. Alallaq’s aviation academic pursuits have been augmented by his internship in the aeronautics consultant field and as an Officer Trainee in the U.S. Coast Guard’s College Student Pre-Commissioning Initiative.

HBCU Scholars serve as ambassadors of the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities and were invited to the 2024 HBCU Week National Annual Conference to participate in sessions designed to engage a spirit of innovation, leadership, and personal and professional development. Outside of the conference, they are invited to participate in programs, events and monthly master classes to enhance their professional development and create greater access to post-graduation opportunities.

Harvard Du Bois Scholars

Olayimika Adeyemi, a senior Biological Sciences major, and Yasmeen Olass, a junior Biochemistry major, joined 20 other HBCU students to take part in a rigorous nine-week summer research experience as part of the inaugural cohort of Harvard University’s Du Bois Scholars Program.

Adeyemi, who is also pursuing minors in Chemistry and Psychology, spent the summer working alongside Dr. Kizzmekia S. CorbettHelaire, Assistant Professor of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, researching spikebased antigens as well as the biological, ecological and environmental factors that shape malaria transmissions by the Anopheles mosquito.

She said the summer program inspired her to push beyond her comfort zone and embrace curiosity. “I have grown to love this area of science immensely,” said Adeyemi. “The hands-on lab experience has deepened my appreciation for the complexity and importance of these fields.”

Yasmeen Olass, left, and Olayimika Adeyemi

STUDENT SUCCESS

Olass, who is also minoring in Psychology, spent the summer program working with Dr. Flamina Catteruccia, Harvard Professor of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, and Harvard graduate student Alexandra Probst exploring ways to target the parasite Plasmodium falciparum during its development in Anopheles mosquitoes while using antimalarial drugs.

She said that she found it exciting to contribute to advancements in stopping the malaria parasite in mosquitoes and thereby pave the way for further progress in malaria treatment.

“This research experience at Harvard benefits me intellectually by deepening my understanding of vaccine development, enhancing my critical thinking and problemsolving skills, and broadening my knowledge of malaria, all of which are crucial for my future career in the healthcare field,” Olass said.

National Basketball Association Internships

Two College of Business students turned their lifelong passion for basketball and their aptitude for business into a meaningful, once-in-a-lifetime experience — interning for the National Basketball Association.

Over the summer, Martin Solomon, a junior Management–Business Analytics major and Mseba Hassani, a senior Management–Management Information Systems major, were selected to participate in the competitive NBA HBCU Fellowship Program, an opportunity provided to only 70 students out of 11,000 applicants.

The fellowship is a paid 10-week summer internship program that aims to provide career development opportunities in the business of basketball for undergraduate and graduate students from HBCUs. NBA teams and the league office select fellows to work within various departments, including ticket sales, corporate partnerships, IT, social responsibility and marketing.

Solomon was chosen by the Phoenix Suns to intern in its Business Intelligence Department, where he gained hands-on experience in data analytics, strategy and ticket pricing for the upcoming season.

“My statistics and critical thinking courses played a significant role in preparing me for the internship,” Solomon said. “They sharpened my ability to analyze data and allowed me to approach projects creatively and strategically in a fast-paced environment.”

Hassani was selected by the Detroit Pistons to intern in its Marketing Department, where he gained valuable experience in branding strategy, event planning, budgeting, social media marketing and community organizing.

“My business coursework, particularly in marketing and managerial finance, laid a strong foundation for my internship as a Brand and Events Marketing Intern,” Hassani said. “My marketing classes helped me understand consumer behavior and branding strategies, which I applied when coordinating and executing events that enhanced fan engagement and brand visibility.”

Goldman-Sachs Case Study Competition

From left are Lorenzo Perales, Carl Jennings (red shirt), Imani Wulff-Cochrane, Nya Stokes and Ava Larkin.

A team of students who competed as finalists in a marketing case study competition won the University some serious cash while at the same time securing scholarship money for themselves. The DSU team named “The Innovative Hornets” — Carl Jennings, Ava Larkin, Lorenzo Perales, Nya Stokes and Imani Wulff-Cochrane — was among the top four teams to make it to the finalist round of the Goldman-Sachs Market Madness: HBCU Possibilities Program in New York City.

The Innovative Hornets competed against teams from Spelman College, Howard University and Florida A&M University. The competition was a semester-long case study competition that involved key financial concepts and real-world applications.

“We came up with an innovative sports watch called the Nike Versa 365,” said Stokes, a Financial Planning/Wealth Management major who competed as a freshman. “Our tagline was ‘Redefining Wellness Access’ so that people could see what their bodies were capable of.”

Despite finishing in fourth place in the final round, The Innovative Hornets won $250,000 for the University, and each team member received a $10,000 scholarship.

FICO Educational Analytics Challenge

From left are senior Business Analytics major Emanuela Halm and senior Accounting majors Keon Caison, Jenia David and Giomar Tellez.

A team of College of Business students developed an artificial intelligence (AI) model that can effectively predict and detect credit card fraud, outdoing two other teams to win the FICO Educational Analytics Challenge competition, which netted each member of the winning team $1,500.

The machine-learning model created by the Fraud Busters — Keon Caison, Jenia David, Emanuela Halm and Giomar Tellez —analyzed transactional data and enabled the team to identify high-risk transactions with notable accuracy and distinguish legitimate patterns from fraudulent ones.

Caison said he and his teammates benefited greatly from the AI exercise beyond the monetary prize. “We learned how to prompt AI, or that is, ask questions,” he said. “We learned a lot about fraud, and we also learned more basics of coding, which really has nothing to do with our majors, so that was a plus.”

Dr. Scott Zoldi, Chief Analytics Officer of FICO, a prominent global analytics software leader, said his company was thrilled to partner with Delaware State University on the competition for the second consecutive year. Dr. Zoldi gave presentations during his visits to campus, and the semester-long program also featured remote mentoring from FICO’s leading data scientists.

Martin Solomon Mseba Hassani

CLASS OF 2024 IS UNIVERSITY’S LARGEST EVER, WITH HIGHEST COLLECTIVE GPA HISTORY-MAKING AND RESILIENT

Historic highlights of Delaware State University’s 2024 Commencement ceremonies included the first-ever Head of State to give a graduation keynote address at DSU and the largest graduation class in the institution’s history, with the highest grade point average ever.

The afternoon Graduate Commencement Ceremony featured Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness as its keynote speaker. The morning Undergraduate Commencement heard Calvin Butler, CEO and President of the energy provider Exelon, give the keynote address.

In addition to speaking before the master’s and doctoral graduates, Prime Minister Holness also addressed men and women from Jamaica, as 38 of those degrees were from DSU’s Educational Leadership Program in that country (two master’s degrees and 36 doctoral degrees) that began in fall 2020. Nineteen Jamaicans traveled to DSU to participate in the ceremony and publicly receive their doctoral degrees.

In addition to being the largest class in Delaware State University’s 133-year history, you have the distinction of being the most resilient class that has ever graduated from this grand institution. You walked in against enormous odds: the beginning of a global pandemic, a country dealing with a longfought legacy of civil rights, a political divide that still plagues us today — but you are leaving as a class with collectively the highest GPA in Delaware State University’s history.”

Prime Minister Holness shared some advice from his life and professional experience in developing the best perspective to deal with challenges, obstacles and struggles.

— President Tony Allen, pointing out the challenges the Class of 2024 faced during their undergraduate journeys

“Obstacles are sometimes stepping stones. Challenges are usually opportunities to be discovered. Our struggles are oftentimes exercises to make us stronger,” Prime Minister Holness said. “Our point of view, our perception… can benefit immensely by approaching our problems from a different point of view. To achieve this, we must accept that regardless of how much knowledge we believe we possess, there is still more to learn. So, we must open our minds to new ideas. We must seek advice and have the patience to listen and learn from the experience of others.”

In his keynote address, Butler — one of only eight African American CEOs of a Fortune 500 company — noted that 40% of the Class of 2024 are the first in their families to graduate from college, as he was as well.

“Coming from where so many of us have come from, I believe in you,” Butler said. “And I expect a lot from you. My expectation of all of you is that you will remember that feeling when someone came through for you. It is now incumbent upon you to give back.”

During the ceremonies, posthumous degrees were presented to Lisa M. Shelton, who was pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Finance when she passed away on May 28, 2023; and Dr. Samuel W. Jay, who had already completed his doctoral degree in Educational Leadership when he passed away on Aug. 29, 2023.

STUDENT AWARDS

Presidential Academic Award 4.0 GPA

Eleven academically perfect graduates were recognized during the undergraduate ceremony:

 Erica Acox, Biological Sciences

 Sydney Anderson, Mass Communications

 Benjamin Church, Biological Sciences

 Lydia Daids, Management

 Lauren Davis, Mass Communications

 Abigail Fitzgerald, Elementary Education

 Surmyah Jean-Baptiste, Nursing

 Olatz Junquera Lopez, Management

 Trinity Moody, Law Studies

 Naziah Nelson, Middle Level Education

 Raven Quander, Mass Communications

Presidential Leadership Award

 Sydney Anderson, Mass Communications

Graduate Leadership Excellence Award

 Uchenna Okorie, Master’s Degree in Mathematics

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness

Exelon CEO and President Calvin Butler, left, and President Tony Allen

I promise you this: our players will be well-prepared, well-conditioned, and, most importantly, fun to watch. I am excited about this challenge ahead and the journey we will embark on together. As we move forward, I will surround myself with a coaching staff that includes my lifelong friend and mentor, Assistant Head Coach Travis Clark, and my support team, who are not only capable but are also passionate about our vision here at DSU. Together, we will build a program that reflects the vision of Dr. Allen and the heart of our great community.”

A NEW CHAPTER FOR HORNETS FOOTBALL

NFL GREAT DESEAN JACKSON WELCOMED AS HEAD COACH

Delaware State University publicly ushered in a new chapter of Hornets football with the announcement of National Football League great DeSean Jackson as the next head coach.

“DeSean Jackson is a perfect fit for our institution — incredibly competitive, optimistic about the prospects for our collective future, and focused on the fundamentals of the institution: STUDENTS FIRST,” said Senior Associate Vice President for Athletics and Wellness Tony Tucker of his first hire as Athletic Director.

Jackson, a Los Angeles native from the Crenshaw district, played 15 seasons in the NFL with notable stints in Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington, all of which are areas of primary recruiting emphasis for Delaware State University. Jackson began his career as a big-play wide receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles and continues to hold the record for most 60+ and 80+ yard catches in NFL history. A threetime Pro Bowler, he also played for the Los Angeles Rams, the Las Vegas Raiders and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Jackson emphasized the rich tradition of HBCU student-athletes that largely transformed professional sports in the latter half of the 20th century. “HBCUs have much to be proud of in creating a more representative America. But that story is not simply a historical one. It continues to be written and includes the elevation of HBCU scholars and scholar athletes in every field of human endeavor,” he said. “The opportunity for me to help write another chapter here at DSU is a once-in-a-lifetime moment consistent with my journey as a young boy finding his way to manhood through mentorship, accountability, achievement and discipline. If we build that kind of culture at Delaware State University, we will attract the right talent and radically change the trajectory of this program. I cannot wait to get started.”

Andy Reid, a three-time Super Bowl Champion and Head Coach of the Kansas City Chiefs, was emphatic in his support for Jackson. Reid was Jackson’s coach during their time with the Philadelphia Eagles. “DeSean is like a son to me — a fierce competitor on the field,

without rival, and a quality leader off of it,” said Reid. “I could not be more supportive of his desire to coach Division I football and would stake my career on his success at Delaware State University. We are bound at the hip and are forever family. I cannot wait to see where he takes the University and where the University takes him. This is a win-win for everyone, particularly the young men that get to learn from him and the incredible staff he will assemble — many football aficionados who have been with him since the very beginning.”

Jackson’s hiring concludes an exhaustive search that emphasized the University’s renewed commitment to athletic transformation.

— New Head Football Coach DeSean Jackson

MEAC CHAMPIONS

Women’s Volleyball Takes Conference Tournament Title

Gerren Tomlin and Valeria Otero both notched double-doubles to help lead the Delaware State Volleyball Team to a 3-2 victory over the Howard Lady Bison in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Volleyball Championship Tournament in November. The Hornets were led by double-doubles from both Tomlin, who had 17 kills and 20 digs, and Otero, who had 18 kills and 12 digs. Aaliyah Mitchell also added 14 kills to help the attack. On the defensive end, Morgan Allen chipped in with 22 digs to go with six blocks from Mitchell.

With the victory, the team went on to play Penn State in the first round of the NCAA Tournament and finished 17-14 on the season (11-4 in the MEAC).

In regular season honors, Paige Ahakuelo was selected as MEAC Rookie of the Year and was named to the MEAC All-Rookie Team. Tomlin secured a spot on the All-MEAC First Team, and Hannah Sanders was named to the All-MEAC Second Team.

Track and Field Athletes Secure Individual and Medley Championship Victories

Catherine Glenn finished first in the women’s Pentathlon 60 meter hurdles with a time of 8.66 at the 2024 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Indoor Championship.

At the event, Devin Smith, Alonzo Sims Jr., Da’Shawn Keller and Marian Drazan secured a first place finish with a time of 10:11.14 in the men’s Distance Medley Relay. Drazan took the gold in the mile with a time of 4:12.91. Tyrell Martin finished with the gold in the shot put with a throw of 15.97 meters, and Peter Kamanu stood first on the podium after jumping 4.40 meters in the pole vault.

At the 2024 MEAC Outdoor Championship, Kamanu finished with a 4.32-meter jump in the pole vault, and Jaden Shelton threw 52.43 meters in the javelin throw to take home gold medals.

STUDENT SUCCESS

MORE HIGHLIGHTS

Wrestling to Return with New Women’s Program

HBCU Wrestling and Delaware State University are proud to announce the historic launch of the first-ever Division I women’s wrestling program at an HBCU, a major milestone made possible by a generous $1.25 million gift from HBCU Wrestling. This initiative represents more than just an expansion in athletics; it is a commitment to equitable opportunities, reflecting both institutions’ dedication to creating pathways where student-athletes can thrive. Founded in 2021, HBCU Wrestling has made it its mission to bring wrestling back to HBCUs, giving young athletes the chance to excel in sports while being empowered as leaders. DSU was the last HBCU to offer a Division I wrestling program before it was discontinued in 2009, mirroring a broader trend. Now, with HBCU Wrestling’s strategic support, DSU is not only reviving its program but doing so in a way that aligns with Title IX standards and promotes gender equity, and the program opens the doors for DSU to develop a sustainable, competitive team where young women athletes can reach their full potential. The first season for the program is set to begin in 2025-26.

Hornet302Nation Collective Officially Launches

In fall 2024, Hornet302Nation announced the official launch of its innovative collective dedicated to empowering student-athletes at DSU with new opportunities in the ever-evolving landscape of Name, Image and Likeness (NIL). The collective aims to provide student-athletes with the resources, connections and opportunities to maximize their earning potential while enhancing their athletic and academic careers. Led by a distinguished board of DSU Athletics alumni and longtime supporters, the collective is committed to helping student-athletes secure NIL deals that are beneficial, sustainable, aligned with their individual goals and elevate their personal brands. In partnership with DSU student-athletes, Hornet302Nation will actively work to secure partnerships, sponsorships and promotional opportunities that allow them to highlight their unique talents and enhance their public profiles.

From left are Devin Smith, Alonzo Sims Jr., Marian Drazan and Da’Shawn Keller

Students were provided with many chances to network and learn about corporate opportunities during special events held on campus throughout 2024, including Disney on the Yard.

PARTNERSHIPS & NETWORKING

DEEP DAY, DISNEY ON THE YARD & MORE OFFER STUDENTS CONNECTIONS

DEEP Day 10th Anniversary

The University’s College of Business reached a professional development milestone as it held its 10th annual DEEP (Delaware Executive Exchange Program) Day event in October. In a “fireside chat” format, keynote speaker Amber Perry, Vice President of Regulatory Strategy and Services for Pepco Holdings, whose parent company Exelon served as the event’s presenting sponsor, focused her message on the subject of “Change Management.” Consistent with previous years, the day concluded with a Business Case Competition, sponsored by Barclays, in which four teams vied for the top prizes by coming up with the best business plan for infusing mental health strategies as part of a business enterprise operation. Members of the winning team — Mission Mindful, comprised of Jaden Weatherspoon, Brandon Jones, Tianna Manning and Awasung Moma — each were awarded $10,000. Nestled in between the morning keynote speaker and afternoon competition were an alumni panel discussion, mock interviews and breakout sessions on a variety of business and professional development topics led by corporate partners, and a company information fair.

‘Disney on the Yard’ Event

Mickey Mouse and his Disney colleagues descended upon the University in March for “Disney on the Yard” to share details with students about countless internship and career possibilities at the mass media and entertainment conglomerate’s entities — the ABC television network, ESPN, Freeform, FX, Hulu, Hotstar and Disney+ cable networks, as well as its host of theme parks, resort hotels and cruise lines. While learning about opportunities at the 100-year, $200 billion company, students were entertained by Mickey Mouse, who strutted and stepped in sync with the University’s Approaching Storm Marching Band during a performance. “We want to show representation, authenticity and let these HBCU students know that there is an opportunity, a place and a space for them if they so choose to work at the Walt Disney Company,” said Dayna Lee Libby, the Outreach and Engagement Director of Disney on the Yard. After meeting with Mass Communications and Accounting students, Libby said she was particularly impressed with the hands-on experience students are receiving at DSU. “It was great to see those students already knowing what they are doing and already working in the field,” she said.

‘Level Up’ Top Public Service Event

Students received valuable information from more than 30 federal and state government agencies about countless career possibilities in public service during

an April ‘Level Up’ Top Public Service event on campus. Among the participating federal agencies were the White House, Department of Commerce, Department of Defense, Department of Labor, Department of Transportation, Federal Emergency Management Agency, IRS, National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation, U.S. Secret Service and many others. “The event was held to highlight the value of public service, increase awareness of and offer access to internships, and highlight the Federal Internship Portal,” said Terry L. Bankston, Executive Director of the Office of Career Services. The more than 200 attendees ranged from juniors and seniors from the University’s Early College School to DSU undergraduate and graduate students and alumni.

Alliance for Hospitality Equity & Diversity Takeover

Alumnus James Dinnall ’99, a Hyatt General Manager in San Francisco, took part in the event. “If it were not for Delaware State University, I would not be where I am today. That is an unequivocal fact,” he said.

The Alliance for Hospitality Equity & Diversity (AHED) hosted its first-ever Campus Takeover Day in April at DSU to share with students the vast array of career opportunities within the hospitality industry. “We want to be creative about finding opportunities to engage young people with high-level professionals,” said Brian Barker, AHED Executive Director. “So we have brought some of the top leaders to the campus today so they can meet the students of DSU to see how amazing they are. We want the students to understand that our industry is more robust than waiting on tables, making beds and cooking; it is so much more than that, and that is the story we want to tell.” During the event, students were able to connect with hotel enterprises, beverage companies, and food and hospitality management entities, as well as graduate schools.

The winning DEEP Day Mission Mindful team was comprised of Jaden Weatherspoon, Brandon Jones, Tianna Manning, Awasung Moma and coach Dr. Carrie Awadzi.

CHARLES SCHWAB FINANCIAL LITERACY INSTITUTE DEDICATED

In a significant upgrade to its Financial Planning and Wealth Management education programs, the College of Business in 2024 dedicated its new College of Business/ Charles Schwab Financial Literacy Institute. Located in Room 105 of the Bank of America Building, the facility is a major fruit of DSU’s partnership with Schwab Advisor Services and the Charles Schwab Foundation, which is supporting the expansion of the College of Business’ Financial Planning curriculum.

About the Institute

The state-of-the-art COB/CSFLI facility includes Bloomberg Terminals that enable students to do Wall Street portfolio management-level investment research and Webex technology that connects students and faculty to global communications, including virtual visual capabilities. It also features live streaming quotes that allow the tracking of markets and securities.

Dr. Michael Casson, Dean of the College of Business, said the Financial Literacy Institute was inspired by the problem of financial literacy, wellness and resilience within distressed communities. “Charles Schwab’s commitment, expertise and leadership in the financial literacy sphere has led to the economic and financial empowerment of communities across the country,” Dean Casson said. “And we are proud to join forces with the Charles Schwab Foundation to continue this critical work.”

Sherri Trombley, Director of Advisor Services, Business Consulting and Education at Charles Schwab, said the institute will provide hands-on, experiential learning and help students explore careers in financial services and the Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs) industry. “The opportunity is there. The RIA profession is only expected to continue to grow,” she said. “Based on current growth rates and the number of RIAs, the industry will need to hire more than 70,000 new staff over the next five years. Students are the future of the RIA industry.”

COB/CSFLI Director Greg Coverdale notes that financial literacy can have great shortterm and long-term impacts in people’s lives. “Financial literacy includes understanding budgeting, the basics of saving and investing, and also managing debt properly. This encompasses planning financially for things like retirement, education and leaving a legacy for your heirs,” he said. “Debt management and maintaining good credit standing is important as it affects so many areas of your life.”

STUDENT SUCCESS

STUDENTS GAIN CAREER & LEADERSHIP SKILLS THROUGH BRAVEN ACCELERATOR

In spring 2024, Delaware State University and Braven, a national nonprofit organization that helps promising college students find their path to economic mobility, kicked off a five-year partnership that offers undergraduate students a program designed to prepare them for the competitive, globalized job marketplace.

The Braven experience begins with a 3-credit course for sophomores and transfer juniors in which students are immersed in a vibrant learning environment giving them the roadmap and tools to channel their ambition and hard work. Through the DSU-Braven Career Leadership Accelerator, students are teamed in cohorts of five to eight peers and develop the soft skills necessary to land their dream job, build a professional portfolio, expand their professional networks and build community on campus, and put their learning into practice through opportunities like mock interviews or a Capstone Challenge.

Upon completion, students receive additional opportunities to develop leadership and career-readiness skills and stay on track to secure strong internships and jobs. These include the chance to be a part of a 12week professional 1:1 mentoring program in their desired field, benefit from one-off professional development and networking events with employer partners, and join the Braven National Network with peers from seven other institutions nationwide for community support.

DSU is Braven’s first public Historically Black College and University partnership, which is expected to serve 2,100-2,500 students over the first five years. In its first two semesters, 276 DSU students completed the Braven course, and more than 300 are enrolled in Spring 2025. In its first cohort, 52% of students secured a Career Accelerating Opportunity for summer 2024, including internships at companies including Bloomberg, JPMorgan Chase and The Walt Disney Company.

United Airlines President Brett Hart, right, and his team, including UA First Officer Tevin Williamson, a 2017 DSU Aviation Program graduate, left, visited campus in November.

UNITED AIRLINES HISTORY-MAKERS VISIT DSU

As part of its partnership with Delaware State University’s Aviation Program, United Airlines sent some of its top people to pay a November visit to the campus. That included United Airlines President Brett Hart; Phil Griffith, Vice President of UA’s Houston Hub; UA Capt. Theresa Claiborne; and UA First Officer Tevin Williamson, a 2017 product of the DSU Aviation Program.

Hart spent time at Delaware Airpark with DSU Aviation students, and he and his team participated in a program on campus. During the discussion, he told the audience that United Airlines was at DSU to recruit the University’s immense student talent, and he shared many things he had learned in his career, such as the importance of relationships, networking, and learning from times when things do not go right. He said he does not believe in using the word “failure.”

“You have to take those lessons and build on them,” said Hart, who is the first African American to head a major airline company. “Those are things that will help you when you really need it. I draw from those experiences every single day.”

As if that was not enough, the speaker that followed him was also a history maker — Capt. Teresa Claiborne, who in 1982 became the first-ever female African American pilot in the U.S. Air Force. She later also became a pilot for United Airlines, from which she retired in 2024.

Capt. Claiborne shared a lesson she learned as a child when she complained to her mother about not getting an A after getting an 89% on a test. Her mother told her that if she wants to get an A, she needed to do work worthy of that grade. “Nobody is going to give you anything. Do A work and get an A. There are no free handouts,” Capt. Claiborne said. “We want you at United and we want your best, so come with your A.”

During the visit, the officials made it clear that their interest in DSU talent goes far beyond the University’s Aviation Program, noting that students from many other academic programs can find career opportunities with the airline.

Students Take Part in United HBCU Day

In June, Capt. William “C.J.” Charlton, Director of the DSU Aviation Program, front center, accompanied about 20 DSU students to United’s HBCU Day in Denver, where they visited with United Airlines President Brett Hart, toured the airline’s training facility, flew in flight simulators, and participated in interviews and panel discussions. To view a video, visit desu.edu/UnitedHBCUDay.

More Aviation Student Opportunities

Endeavor Air STEP Program

An agreement between the University and Endeavor Air makes DSU a partner institution in its STEP (Students to Endeavor Pilots) Program and provides a path for Professional Pilot graduates to land in the airline’s First Officer’s seats. Students can join the STEP Program while they are completing their aviation undergraduate requirements, and when they have logged the required number of flight hours, students and graduates will receive a priority interview with Endeavor on-site at DSU. If hired, they can begin their aviation career with Endeavor Air, which operates 124 regional jets on 700 daily flights to over 100 cities in the U.S. and North America. Because Endeavor Air is a wholly owned subsidiary of Delta Air Lines, pilots who fly for Endeavor could eventually fly for that major airline.

FAA Official Visit

Federal Aviation Administration official Tim Arel, Chief Operating Officer of the FAA’s Air Traffic Organization, met with a group of Aviation students and discussed the wide range of career possibilities beyond becoming a pilot, including air traffic control and logistics, budget, training, safety and medical jobs, during a visit to the program’s base of operations at the Delaware Airpark in April.

PARTNERSHIPS & NETWORKING

FOUNDATION GRANTS SUPPORT SKILL-BUILDING AND OUTREACH

In 2024, the Delaware State University Foundation achieved significant milestones in grant acquisition, securing a little over $17.8 million in awarded funds. These funds, highlighted throughout the report, have been instrumental in advancing initiatives and supporting the University’s mission to drive impactful change across key focus areas. Among the generous grant funding supporting student success are contributions from Barclays, Capital One, Exelon and JPMorgan Chase.

Barclays

Funding of $400,000 from Barclays provides vital support for the organizational and outreach efforts of the College of Business’ Aviation and CURE (Center for Urban Revitalization and Entrepreneurship) programs. This includes resources for supplies benefiting 100% of the University’s Aviation students, with 28 students graduating and transitioning directly into the workforce in 2024, and a three-year funding initiative aimed at growing and enhancing the nationally acclaimed Aviation Program.

Capital One

A $600,000 grant from Capital One supports the Near Completers Program aimed at encouraging students to return and finalize their degree, and the Black Male Initiative, which offers a comprehensive support system to empower Black males to overcome obstacles, achieve their goals, and reach their full potential in education and life. Additionally, Capital One serves as the premier sponsor for the College of Agriculture, Science and Technology (CAST)’s inaugural Innovation Day, set to take place in spring 2025. This signature event of the Center of Excellence in Emerging Technologies will feature Shark Tank-style pitches from diverse, high-growth, early-stage startup founders pioneering new technologies, providing an invaluable platform for underrepresented entrepreneurs to connect with potential investors, mentors and the broader entrepreneurial community. Minority-led startups will be able to secure investments, establish partnerships and receive critical support to advance their contributions to the innovation ecosystem.

Delmarva Power

Support of $1.15 million from energy provider Exelon encompasses funding for the Delmarva Power Scholars Program, HBCU Philanthropy Symposium, Scholarship Ball, Takeover Day, Student Impact Fund, student field experiences at Delmarva Power sites, the College of Business Global Challenge, CAST’s Innovation Day and the Renewable Energy Center. Through its Building Exelon’s Future Workforce initiative, Exelon invests in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education, offering scholarships, mentoring, career and technical training, and services to remove employment barriers. These efforts aim to increase STEM graduates, equip students and adults with technical skills, and foster a diverse, innovative workforce prepared to meet future challenges.

JPMorgan Chase

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Business Attire Donation Celebrated with Fashion Show

The College of Business and TD Bank jointly hosted a HBCU Professional Fashion Show in the Bank of America Building on campus to celebrate a partnership that resulted in business clothing being collected and donated for students to meet their professional dress requirements. Joann Means, a Senior Diversity Talent Recruiter for TD Bank, embraced professional attire needs as a personal mission and engaged some of her TD Bank colleagues in collecting clothing donations to help students. In 2024, Brooks Brothers also joined to contribute to the project. The total pieces of clothing, which Means delivered to the campus in the fall, tripled from 400 donated the first year to 1,200 in 2024. Means is the twin sister of Dr. Carrie Awadzi, a Professor of Practice in the College of Business, and the daughter of Dr. Winston Awadzi, a longtime Professor of Business Administration at DSU. “This is a labor love for me because I see students with the clothing, and they are so excited,” Means said.

Delaware State Grange Scholarship Established

A $650,000 grant from JPMorgan Chase will support the January 2025 launch of a Cooperative Education (CO-OP) program at the University. This initiative leverages DSU’s strengths, including its robust partnerships with public and private organizations, its access to government funding and networks, and its commitment to equipping students for success in a competitive workforce. The program also aims to address critical information technology labor shortages across the state and nation, aligning with DSU’s mission to serve its student community and broader societal needs.

The Delaware State Grange has established an endowed scholarship with a donation of $22,500 to support agriculture students at the University. Founded in 1875, the Delaware State Grange is a chapter of the National Grange, a nonprofit organization that advocates for rural America and agriculture as well as brings rural communities together through community service. Its members agreed to establish the endowed scholarship fund to provide financial assistance to future generations of farmers and agriculture professionals and promote awareness of the organization’s dedication to strengthening rural communities. The scholarship will be awarded beginning in the 2026-2027 school year.

Engaging in hands-on discovery, DSU STEM students drive innovation and shape the future of science and technology.

Many College of Business students became runway models, strutting and showing off a donation blessing of professional clothing from TD Bank and Brooks Brothers at a fashion show.

RESEARCH

TWO GRANTS SUPPORT UNIVERSITY’S R1 GOALS

Delaware State University has been awarded two grants totaling more than $2.2 million related to its goal of becoming an R1 Research Institution.

A three-year, $750,000 National Institutes of Health STRONG (Strengthening Research Opportunity for NIH Grants) grant will support DSU’s work in developing a plan to assess the institution’s research capacity, including facilities, information technology, faculty research support and workload, and research administration as part of a project entitled “Identifying Needs and Building Research Capacity at a Historically Black University.” It will also examine the business processes impacting restricted funds, the University’s priority research focus and training. A 30-member Steering Committee will use the assessment’s findings to develop an action plan designed to significantly improve institutional support to conduct high-quality biomedical research.

The co-principal investigators are Dr. Melissa Harrington, Associate Vice President of Research; Dr. Lynda Murray-Jackson, Senior Associate Vice President of Institutional Effectiveness; and Dr. Kimberley Sudler, Associate Vice President for Academic Operations. Dr. Hakeem Lawal, Chair of the DSU Faculty Senate’s Research Committee, will provide his expertise from a research and faculty perspective.

The University also received a three-year, $1.48 million National Science Foundation grant that will support it as the lead institution in the NSF program Advancing Research Capacity at HBCUs through Exploration and Innovation. The grant-funded project that DSU will lead is entitled “Panoramic Institutional Assessment: A Playbook

for Advancing Research Capacity,” designed to help HBCU leaders assess their strengths and weaknesses in the research capacity of their institutions and integrate strengthening research capacity into strategic planning to better serve their missions and goals.

The NSF grant Principal Investigator is Dr. Sudler, and Dr. Harrington is the co-PI. Dr. Brian Friel will contribute his expertise in designing surveys and assessments.

According to the Carnegie Foundation’s Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, an R1 institution is a university that has achieved the highest level of research activity, and it is a measurement of the investments made in research by the public and private sectors to support the university’s faculty and students. The Carnegie Foundation measures universities based on 10 indicators, among which are research expenditures, the number of research doctorates awarded, and the number of research staff in science and engineering.

From left are Drs. Kimberley Sudler, Melissa Harrington and Lynda Murray-Jackson.

DSU AWARDED $7M GRANT FOR BIOENGINEERING RESEARCH

Delaware State University’s College of Agriculture, Science and Technology has received a federal seven-year, $7 million grant that will thrust it into the bioengineering realm.

The grant — which comes from National Institute of Health’s National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering — will result in the establishment at DSU of a Center for Research and Education in Multiscale Bioengineering, Bioimaging and Biosensing (REMB3 Center).

We will use our experience in optical science to accelerate the research in biomedical fields and the development of new tools, devices and methodologies to help address big questions in human health care and the environment.”

Dr. Hacene Boukari, Professor of Physics and Engineering and the Principal Investigator of the grant, notes that the research capacity that DSU has developed over the years was a major factor in the award of this NIH grant. He said the grant will future expand that capacity.

“This new grant will take us further to build capacity for bioengineering, bioimaging, biosensing and date methodologies,” Dr. Boukari said.

Delaware’s Congressional Delegation of then-U.S. Senator Tom Carper, U.S. Senator Chris Coons and then-U.S. Representative Lisa Blunt Rochester supported the University in receiving this federal funding.

“We are proud to see Delaware State University continue to advance as an economic driver and bioengineering research hub in our region,” they said in a joint statement. “This is just the kind of project that makes good use of federal taxpayer dollars and gives back dividends in the talent and research it will produce.”

The REMB3 Center will develop a Bachelor of Science in Bioengineering Program at DSU. The grant will facilitate a partnership between DSU, the University of Delaware and Rowan University in New Jersey to develop a 3+2 dual degree Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering Program. The 3+2 dual degree programs will become a reality after agreements are finalized between the three institutions.

Addition to the interdisciplinary involvement of neuroscience, biological sciences, optical science and chemistry, data science will have a significant role in the research endeavors.

“Data science is essential for the program because that is the next wave of the future,” Dr. Boukari said. “We will be collecting a lot of data from humans, from machines, etc., and integrate them together to go do the new frontiers in health care.”

Co-PI Dr. Hakeem Lawal, shown with a Neuroscience doctoral candidate, said the Alzheimer’s training grant “positions DSU as a nationally recognized leader in undergraduate research training. It is a grant that will support the training of HBCU students to become the next generation of diverse doctors and medical professionals who can better care for Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia patients.”

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Grants Boost Alzheimer’s Research and STEM Training

In 2024, the University’s Department of Biological Sciences was awarded two grants totaling more than $500,000 for Alzheimer’s disease clinical training and a summer STEM program. DSU received $198,000 out of an almost $2 million grant from the National Institutes of Health’s Research Education Program for a partnership with Thomas Jefferson University (TJU) focused on training the next generation of African American scientists in Alzheimer’s disease research and treatment, with students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (including DSU) receiving research training at DSU and clinical training at TJU. Dr. Hakeem Lawal, Professor of Biological Sciences, was one of the grant’s three Principal Investigators. He also was the PI — and Dr. Erin Perchiniak, Associate Professor of Cell Biology, the co-PI — of a National Science Foundation grant of $419,001 to fund research experiences for undergraduates in the area of cellular and molecular biology. The grant supported an interdisciplinary undergraduate summer research program at DSU for students from HBCUs (including DSU) to foster their advancement in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics).

DSU Researchers Meet With Partners in Senegal

A climate change-related project to increase the resiliency of four major cereal crops propelled a team of DSU researchers to the West African country of Senegal. Dr. Kalpalatha Melmaiee, Associate Professor of Agriculture/Natural Resources and the Principal Investigator in the DSU portion of the initiative; Postdoctoral Fellow Dr. Amar Vennapusa; and Research Technician Mekhai Abrams, a DSU Ph.D. student, met with partner scientists and farmers at Senegalese research facilities as part of their involvement in a multi-university effort to establish a Feed the Future Climate Resilient Cereals Innovational Lab. DSU is a core program partner with $600,000 earmarked for its research role in the project, which is led by Kansas State University. Moving forward, each institution will collaborate with partner scientists to research one or more climate resilience priorities; DSU will work with Senegal researchers to develop drought-resistant sorghum lines.

— Dr. Hacene Boukari, Professor of Physics and Engineering and Principal Investigator of the grant

ECIC BUILDING PROGRESS, SUCCESSES CELEBRATED

As a continuation of the celebration of work already started to upgrade the capabilities of childcare providers in the First State, University and state Department of Education officials marked the halfway completion point of the new Early Childhood Innovation Center (ECIC) construction on campus with a September “Beam Signing” event.

The two-story building — projected to be completed in spring 2025 — will house the University’s Early Childhood Lab School on its first floor.

Its second floor will be for the Early Childhood Innovation Center, which is earnestly raising the standard for early childhood care by providing childcare providers with the opportunity to upgrade their capabilities and professionalism by becoming certified as a Child Development Associate.

DSU Education Department Chair Dr. Shelley Rouser said she is excited about the new building and the initiative that will continue within its walls. “The beam that is being signed today represents not only support to this building, but also the support that is going to happen inside of this building,” she said. “Our youngest learners — our little Hornets — are going to get the support they need for a strong foundation to take them to K-12 and beyond.”

ECIC Executive Director Dr. Kim Krzanowski said the building reinforces the state’s commitment to Delaware’s early childhood community. “This building will allow the ECIC to grow, but it will allow us to support additional early childhood professionals as they obtain credentials and degrees,” she said.

First Cohorts of Early Childhood Innovation Center Scholars Honored

program for childcare providers.

Since the fall of 2023, the ECIC facilitated the degree completion of 13 childcare providers — five of whom earned associate degrees and eight of whom earned bachelor’s degrees in areas relating to early childhood education — as well as the credentialing of 223 childcare scholars who achieved their certification as Child Development Associates (CDA). Summer ceremonies were held to celebrate the achievers. The CDAs and degree completers — DE RISE Scholars — are the first childcare scholars to do so through the joint State of Delaware and Delaware State University initiative to establish the ECIC.

Executive Director Dr. Kim Krzanowski said those who achieved CDA certification have taken a tremendous step forward in their childcare careers. While possessing a CDA expands the providers’ possibilities for more job opportunities and better wages, the children under their care are the biggest beneficiaries. “The children under these Child Development Associates will be much better prepared to transition to kindergarten, to graduate high school, and to attend college,” she said.

The CDAs are granted by the Council for Professional Recognition (CPR), a worldwide leader in credentialing early childhood educators. The CDA ensures that credentialed childcare providers are well-prepared to foster young children’s social, emotional, physical and cognitive growth. The role of the ECIC is to support childcare providers in meeting the CDA’s requirements to develop and submit a portfolio, pass the national exam, and complete the observation element. The ECIC paired each CDA aspirant with a childcare/ mentor coach to help them achieve those requirements; it also distributed more than $100,000 in support stipends during its first year.

The Early Childhood Innovation Center (ECIC) successfully completed its full first year of improving the quality of childcare in the State of Delaware through its certification and higher education

Delaware State University Board of Trustees 1st Vice Chair Dr. Debbie Harrington, left, and DSU Foundation Board Chairwoman Dr. Enid Wallace-Haley affix their signatures to the ECIC beam.

From left are ECIC Executive Director Dr. Kim Krzanowski, then-Lt. Gov. Bethany HallLong and Council for Professional Recognition COO Andrew Davis.

OUTREACH

SPECIAL EVENTS

After his keynote address at the Black Male Initiative Conference, author, pastor and recording artist Montell Jordan (with the hat) posed with a group of high school students who attended the daylong event.

Black Male Initiative Conference

More than 400 high school and Delaware State University male students were exposed to workshop topics such as communication arts, relationship building, monetizing social media, personal brand development, emotional intelligence and financial literacy during February’s Black Male Initiative Conference. In addition to the numerous breakout sessions, the conference also featured author, pastor and Grammy-nominated singing artist Montell Jordan as its keynote speaker.

The Rev. Jordan — who is best known for his music career as a performing artist, songwriter and music producer, and especially for the 1995 No.1 hit “This Is How We Do It” — is now a born-again Christian and pastor. He told the young men that their gifts, talents and skills do not lead to true success and fulfillment until they are used in the service of their purpose. “When you recognize that you were created on purpose, with purpose and for purpose, (you realize that) using your gift outside of your purpose will never satisfy you. Once you start using your gift inside of your purpose, those are the things that produce legacy, that produce family, that produce foundation,” Jordan said. “And it’s my prayer for you that those are the things that matter to you when it comes to being successful.” Jordan also later met with DSU music majors and shared some of his life experiences.

In addition to the males from DSU and local Delaware high schools, there were also groups of young men from high schools in Pennsylvania and Maryland and from North Carolina A&T University. The Black Male Conference was made possible by funding from The Executive Leadership Council, WSFS Bank and Travelers Insurance and was organized by DSU’s College of Business and its Office of Student Engagement.

Black Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC) Farmers Conference

The University’s College of Agriculture, Science and Technology (CAST) brought together a group of farmers, students, community leaders and industry experts for its second annual Black Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC) Farmers Conference, which represented an expansion of the focus group of last year’s inaugural conference, which engaged African American farmers.

Dr. Cherese Winstead, Dean of CAST, said this year’s event was designed to attract other indigenous groups that are involved in farming. Farmers from the Lenape Tribe of Delaware, Korean farming organizations, as well as the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce participated. Attendees received a wealth of information from USDA officials, along with educational awareness concerning how to advance and to increase farming. “It is important that we embrace all people of color when it comes to how to advance their agriculture operations,” Dr. Winstead said.

The conference’s first day took place at the DSU Research Farm near Smyrna, Del., where keynote addresses were given by Delaware Secretary of Agriculture Michael Scuse and John Boyd Jr., President of the National Black Farmer’s Association, and participants heard a panel discussion on “Farmers and Mental Health” and a presentation on “How to Capitalize on Local Resources.” The second day, held on the main campus, featured workshop sessions on farm financing, beginning and seasoned farmers, presentations about USDA service, and local farming success stories.

WITH $5M GRANT, DSU AND EHRI PARTNER FOR GERIATRICS CARE WORKPLACE INITIATIVE

Delaware State University has partnered with Education, Health and Research International Inc. (EHRI) in connection with the award of a five-year, $5 million grant to the Wesley College of Health and Behavioral Sciences to support an education initiative to increase the expertise capability of the geriatric healthcare workforce in rural Kent and Sussex counties.

Through the grant, a Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program will develop and facilitate a training curriculum enabling healthcare workers to employ best practices, particularly as it relates to caring for senior citizens in various stages of dementia and other late-life diseases.

“This initiative reflects Delaware State University’s determination to not only serve its traditional degree-seeking constituencies but also positively impact that quality of life in the communities of the First State and beyond,” said President Tony Allen.

The training program will be conducted at the Milford Wellness Village in Milford, Del., where EHRI is based. The complex is comprised of several healthcare clinics and facilities with personnel who will gain new knowledge and develop more significant expertise from this initiative. The program will also provide training and internship opportunities for DSU students in its Nursing and Social Work programs, as well as strive to increase the number of competent professionals who care for senior citizens.

“I am very excited about this partnership and opportunity to enhance the geriatric-serving workforce here in the State of Delaware,” said Dr. Gwen Scott-Jones, Dean of the DSU Wesley College of Health and Behavioral Sciences.

BUSINESS-FOCUSED CURE FACILITIES DEDICATED IN DOVER COMMUNITY GROWTH & INNOVATION

The University’s College of Business dedicated two facilities in downtown Dover that will support the development of small businesses as part of the state capital’s economic development efforts.

In collaboration with the affordable housing and community development organization NeighborGood Partners (formerly NCALL), the University held a ribbon-cutting ceremony in September to dedicate the newly constructed CURE Building on the corner of West Division and New Streets.

CURE (Center for Urban Revitalization and Entrepreneurship) is a business incubator designed to provide opportunities and resources for small businesses, particularly minority and underserved entrepreneurs. The CURE initiative in this building will also address factors that impact entrepreneurship success, such as education, financial literacy, mental health, social networks and family structure.

According to Karen Speakman, Executive Director of NeighborGood Partners (NGP), the possibility for the CURE Building began as a blight removal effort. This involved eliminating a house with a reputation for drugs, a rental property and a neighboring commercial site. While NGP and Central Delaware Habitat for Humanity worked on obtaining those properties, Dr. Michael Casson, Dean of the College of Business, began talking to them about having a downtown community-based shared space for area entrepreneurs.

“These discussions converged, and the idea for a new building on this site evolved,” Speakman said. “This building is a true collaboration and a great holistic approach to community development, providing homes, economic development and energizing residents.”

The plans for the CURE Building were solidified by funding support from Central Delaware Habitat, the Welfare Foundation, the Delaware State Housing Authority, the Delaware General Assembly, the American Rescue Plan’s Capital Projects Fund, the Borkee-Hagley Fund, the Longwood Foundation, the Crestlea Foundation, Crystal Trust, the Marmot Foundation, PNC Bank, TD Bank, Bank of America, Barclays, M&T Bank, as well as Congress via U.S. Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester. Speakman said that DSU — also a major funder of the project — will occupy the second floor of the building, where it will provide training and support for community entrepreneur opportunities. The NGP will occupy the first floor to do its affordable housing and community development work.

A second facility near DSU Downtown — CURE Loockerman at 205 S. State St. — was dedicated during an October ribbon-cutting. CURE Loockerman will focus on stimulating entrepreneur development through small business incubator programming and targeted training in the areas of marketing, branding, accounting and business

As we celebrate the ribbon cutting of CURE Loockerman, we are also reaffirming our commitment to the entrepreneurial spirit of Dover. Together with CURE Division, these centers will empower diverse entrepreneurs and foster innovative business ventures, driving economic growth throughout our community.”

planning. The building provides shared workspace that will facilitate collaborations among entrepreneurs. In addition to creating an environment for innovation and creative growth, CURE Loockerman will actively engage civic and community leaders to help develop an environment in which small business can thrive.

The CURE Loockerman initiative has received financial support from Wells Fargo, PNC Bank and TD Bank.

— Dr. Michael Casson, Dean of the College of Business

The attendees of the dedication ceremony for DSU’s CURE Loockerman Building in Dover erupt into a corporate cheer upon the cutting of the ribbon.

From left are Dr. Zi Ling, Dr. Michael Casson, NGP’s Karen Speakman, Dr. Akash Dania, Dr. Praveen Pinjani and Dr. Martin Nunlee at the newly constructed CURE Building at West Division and New Streets in Dover.

University’s state-of-the-art Water Quality Lab will play a role in a partnership with the US Water Alliance through water testing opportunities for disadvantaged communities.

DSU, US WATER ALLIANCE PARTNERSHIP WILL PROVIDE SUPPORT TO COMMUNITIES

Delaware State University has expanded its water resources outreach by finalizing a partnership with the US Water Alliance (USWA) to provide water and wastewater technical assistance to underserved communities in Delaware and beyond.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has supported this water quality initiative with a $13 million grant, $2 million of which will go to DSU for the work it will do in the project. The new partnership is the first between the USWA and a Historically Black Institution of Higher Education.

The College of Agriculture, Science and Technology’s Water Analysis Laboratory is expected to be an important resource in the DSU-USWA initiative.

“The fact that DSU has one of only two accredited water labs at a university in the country is remarkable and will add such value to our community assistance effort across the country,” said Renee Willette, USWA Chief Strategy Officer. “Connecting students to real-life water quality needs in communities is a wonderful opportunity.”

The grant will support our work to address environmental justice issues in disadvantaged communities with contaminated waters and poor water systems. Who best to address these issues than an HBCU like DSU?”

— Dr. Cherese Winstead, Dean of the College of Agriculture, Science and Technology

Willette said that DSU will be engaged in community assistance projects in Delaware and communities throughout the country that need such help.

These efforts will be housed under DSU’s new Center for Environmental Justice, set to open as part of the partnership. The Center will launch a novel workforce development program, offering students externships and other unique opportunities to gain handson experience with local governments, water utilities and communities needing water infrastructure investment. The Center will also contribute to the US Water Alliance’s robust technical assistance offerings in support of community-centered infrastructure planning, including environmental justice screenings, asset mapping and research. Lastly, the partnership will empower Environmental Finance Centers to assist disadvantaged communities in accessing DSU’s state-of-the-art Water Quality Lab for extensive water testing. Jason Nunley is the DSU Program Director for the initiative.

OUTREACH

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Home Depot Grant Will Expand Community Engagement

An initiative funded by a $50,000 Home Depot Community Grant will expand HBCU outreach and engagement by supporting community-driven improvement projects that benefit University campuses and their surrounding neighborhoods. Collaborating with First State Community Action Agency through an established partnership with the DSU Biomedical, Behavioral and Allied Health Center, the initiative will provide a dedicated community liaison to connect DSU with the Capitol Park community. The program will work closely with residents to address their concerns and link them to essential resources, and it will offer a high-quality after-school program to support Capitol Park families and enhance their Social Determinants of Health. Received for the first time, the prestigious grant will also create opportunities for DSU students to engage in meaningful community service and foster impactful relationships.

DSU, Teach for America-Delaware Establish Partnership

Delaware State University’s Education Department has established a new partnership with Teach for America (TFA)-Delaware that provides an alternative route to teacher certification (ARTC) and a DSU Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree. The MAT/ARTC program is for individuals who have earned or are in the process of earning a bachelor’s degree in a non-education discipline and want to enter the teaching profession. In addition to possessing a bachelor’s degree and earning sufficient content area credits, a 3.0 undergraduate GPA and passing the Praxis II exam is required to enroll in the University’s MAT Program. The program can lead to teaching certifications for middle school and high school in the areas of English Language Arts, Mathematics, Art, Music, Business, Agriculture, Physical Education, Science and Social Studies. “The equity-focused program allows teacher candidates an opportunity to both work as a full-time teacher and earn a master’s degree at Delaware State University,” said Dr. Tina Mitchell, Director of DSU’s Office of Education Graduate Programs and Coordinator of the MAT/ARTC Program. “The partnership allows us to expand our program to New Castle County and deepen existing partnerships in Kent and Sussex County.” As part of the agreement, Teach for America-Delaware will officially list DSU as a partner and will recruit students for the MAT/ARTC Program.

Agreement with Rowan College of South Jersey Opens Opportunities

Delaware State University and Rowan College of South Jersey signed an agreement that could result in more New Jersey students completing their bachelor’s degrees at DSU. The agreement also opens the door for collaborations in research and development projects, joint educational programs and faculty exchanges.

The

FUNDRAISING & SUSTAINABILITY

IN ITS 14TH YEAR, HBCU PHILANTHROPY SYMPOSIUM OFFERS FORUM FOR DIALOGUE ON BEST PRACTICES

Delaware State University’s Division of Institutional Advancement held its 14th annual HBCU Philanthropy Symposium in July in National Harbor, Md., a four-day event that attracted officials from 53 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and representatives from Minority-Serving Institutions and corporate, nonprofit and federal government entities.

The annual symposium — founded by DSU and Vice President of Institutional Advancement Dr. Vita Pickrum, who retired at the end of 2024 — brings together a diverse mix of HBCU development and advancement professionals and administrators to share and discuss best practices in fundraising and how to maintain institutional sustainability effectively.

Save the Date for 2025!

The 2025 HBCU Philanthropy Symposium will be held July 6-10 at Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resort at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla. Visit hbcusymposium.com to learn more and register.

The event’s keynote speaker, U.S. Congresswoman Alma Adams, praised the symposium‘s work. “It is no surprise that it takes money to run a college or a university, and lots of it,” Congresswoman Adams said. “So, gathering as you have today, gathering the best and the brightest development and advancement professionals in higher education to discuss best practices guarantees that HBCUs will continue to thrive in the years to come.”

In 2024, the symposium established a Dr. Alma Adams Leadership Award and honored its first recipient, Dr. Harry L. Williams, CEO and President of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund and former President of Delaware State University (2010-2017).

In addition, the symposium presented its annual Advancement Leadership Award to two recipients — Dr. Angela Minniefield,

Dr. Vita Pickrum, right, with DSU Foundation Board Chairwoman Dr. Enid Wallace-Haley, was honored with a proclamation in recognition of her contributions to the HBCU community through her founding and leadership of the annual Philanthropy Symposium.

Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Charles R. Drew University of Medicine, and Rodney Trapp, Vice President of Advancement at the University of the District of Columbia.

The event’s Corporate Partner Award went to The Walt Disney Company.

The Pete du Pont Freedom Foundation also held an HBCU Innovation Winner Competition during the symposium and awarded the $10,000 first-place prize to Connie L. Cochran, Assistant Vice President for Alumni Relations at Texas Southern University, for her submission of “I Love My HBCU Day of Giving.”

Dr. Harry L. Williams, CEO and President of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, receives the inaugural Dr. Alma Adams Leadership Award from U.S. Congresswoman Alma S. Adams.

ADVANCEMENT

A photo of the Delaware State College women’s basketball team in the 1930s is one of many historical University images available for licensing on gettyimages.com.

DSU PARTNERS WITH GETTY IMAGES FOR PROTECTION OF UNIVERSITY PHOTOS

Delaware State University has taken a significant step in preserving its rich history, protecting its brand and globally extending the reach of its ongoing story as one of the top HBCUs in the country with its new content partnership with Getty Images, a preeminent global visual content creator and marketplace. Through this collaboration, DSU has dramatically improved its capability to tell the incredible story of its remarkable development since the University’s establishment as Delaware’s only Historically Black Institution of Higher Education in 1891 and one of the premier HBCUs in the country.

That history includes its generations of alumni and their contributions, including prominent alumni such as Steve Ewing, longtime Ford automobile franchisee; Cathleen Trigg-Jones, actress, producer and Emmy award-winning journalist; Aaron D. Spears, film and TV actor; SZA, multi-Grammy award-winning singer; Eric Dickens, film and TV producer, writer and director; and John Taylor, NFL Pro Bowl and San Francisco 49ers Super Bowl wide receiver. DSU has also hosted highly esteemed visitors such as U.S. President Joe Biden, civil rights leader Jesse Jackson, Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness, Exelon CEO Calvin Butler, former Publisher of the Washington Post Don Graham, acclaimed singing artist John Legend, and NBA Hall of Famer and Entrepreneur Magic Johnson.

“The world deserves to see the import and rich history of Delaware State University and our ever-careful eye toward the future,” said University President Tony Allen. “Our new partnership with Getty Images dramatically increases our exposure and provides visual representations of our bold vision — the most substantively diverse, contemporary and unapologetic HBCU in the world.”

Through this partnership, Getty Images will manage the post-production costs to restore thousands of images from DSU’s Archives. This funding comes from the company’s HBCU Photo Archive Grants Program provided by the Getty Family and Stand Together. The new archival content will be available for licensing via Getty Images’ global distribution platform. Getty Images’ esteemed HBCU program partner, Epson America, Inc., has generously donated an Expression 13000XL scanner and software to facilitate DSU’s digitization efforts of the Archive. Additionally, Getty Images’ program partner, Adnet Global, a renowned post-production agency specializing in the digitalization, restoration and discoverability of visual analog historic libraries in the photo digitization process, will ensure that DSU’s digital replicas are enriched with meticulously applied metadata to improve the access and the searchability of DSU’s historical images on gettyimages.com.

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Public HBCU #9

Overall

University Retains US News HBCU Rankings

In its annual 2025 university rankings, US News and World Report placed Delaware State University as the nation’s third-best public Historically Black College and University (HBCU) and ninth among more than 100 HBCUs overall. Among public HBCUs, only Florida A&M University and North Carolina A&T University ranked ahead of DSU. In the rankings, the University was touted for its undergraduate teaching, innovation and the performance of students from low-resource communities. It also received high marks in its peer assessment category, ranking #10 among all HBCUs. US News publishes the Best Colleges rankings each year to provide prospective students and their families with comparative metrics of undergraduate programs at America’s colleges and universities.

EdD Program Receives Honors

The University’s Doctor of Education (EdD) program in Educational Leadership received a prestigious endorsement by its acceptance as a member of the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED), the highest achievement for a doctoral education program. It is also historically significant as DSU is one of only two Historically Black Colleges and Universities currently recognized as members of the CPED.

“Being part of a professional network of like-minded institutions fosters collaboration and sharing of best practices, while at the same time creating the ideal context to learn from those who have made strides in those areas where we aspire to become even greater,” said Dr. Shelley Rouser, Chair of the DSU Education Department. With this high value recognition, the University’s EdD Program is now recognized as a member of the CPED consortium which consists of over 145 colleges and universities. The program has been recognized by the CPED for its academic rigor and program excellence, as well as for the commitment of the program and its faculty to equity, ethics and social justice.

BRANDING HISTORY

DSU FIRST HBCU TO LAUNCH PRIVATE MERCHANDISE LABEL

Delaware State University is making history by becoming the first Historically Black College and University (HBCU) to own and distribute a clothing line and private label brand of merchandise.

Select DSU apparel and items are available on Amazon Marketplace, Walmart.com and online, thanks to a groundbreaking partnership with Everything Collegiate, LLC, a black-owned business in Atlanta, Ga., owned and operated by Terance Harmon.

DSU’s private label provides an expanded opportunity to control the design, quality and variety of products that students, faculty, staff, alumni and the community wear and purchase. The brand inventory includes various types of limited-edition merchandise that are only available directly from the University.

DSU initially partnered with Everything Collegiate on a launch of merchandise last year at the time of the University’s branding update.

“Thanks to our team, the designs were met with an overwhelmingly positive response,” said Dr. Dawn Mosley, Senior Associate Vice President of Marketing and Communications. “Our students, faculty, staff and alumni were thrilled with the new products and kept asking for more. The key difference was that we had control over the design process, working closely to ensure it resonated with our brand and audience. It made perfect sense, as we best know what our audience wants.”

The partnership began with a select choice of

Merchandise in the private label now features the Delaware State Hornets (tm) branding. 5 percent of its sales support student success by funding scholarships. The first round of scholarships from initial product sales will be awarded in spring 2025.

To view available merchandise, visit hbcudsu.com.

merchandise for which Everything Collegiate manages the distribution while continuing to assist DSU in growing its private brand inventory in additional retail spaces and online. This allows the University’s products to reach a wider audience while maintaining high standards of quality and authenticity.

“We’re no longer restricted to buying pre-made or massproduced products that follow a standard design with our logo incorporated within,” Dr. Mosley said. “That’s not true ownership. We must protect what has taken over a century to build.”

However, existing relationships with retailers continue to be a valuable resource for students and the campus community to purchase everyday branded items.

“We are not competing with our campus stores or partners who sell merchandise with our brand. We value their contributions and the royalties they generate,” Dr. Mosley said. “It’s simply smart business to establish our own revenue stream from custom products. This also creates an exciting opportunity for our students and alumni to share their unique design ideas, which can further support scholarships for our students.”

WITH A STUDENT’S VISION, UNIVERSITY AND CROCS DEVELOP HORNET LOGO SHOE DESIGN

As the result of an initiative by a DSU student, the University and its Hornet logo have gone into the footwear business.

When attending a conference last summer, El Hadji Mbaye, a sophomore Aviation major and Vice President of the Campus Activities Board, noticed a lot of the other colleges and universities were sporting apparel featuring their schools’ branding. He decided he would up DSU’s game in that arena and made a call to Crocs, Inc. The popular foam footwear has become an American cultural shoe item since its initial designs were put on the market in 2002.

Because many DSU students traverse the campus in Crocs, Mbaye decided to pitch the idea of a DSU Hornet Crocs design to the now multibillion-dollar company. What began as one email to Crocs Inc. became over 100 emails during the summer months and into the current school year between Mbaye and Chase Brasher, a sales manager at Crocs Inc. Ultimately a DSU Hornet Crocs design was settled upon and a limited edition were manufactured. DSU is the first Historically Black College and University (HBCU) to set up a Custom Crocs Team Store, Brasher said.

“We decided to do a soft launch to see if students were interested and how many people would purchase it,” Mbaye said. “We sold more than 300 Crocs to the DSU community — students, faculty, alumni and sports teams.”

Mbaye was able to negotiate a deal in which 10% of the total sales of the DSU Hornet Crocs would go into a DSU scholarship fund. He said if the DSU community’s interest in the shoe is still high, another limited edition may be developed for sale in the spring of 2025.

The commercial adventure resulted in some great lessons, Mbaye said. “It has increased my leadership skills. I never thought that I would be able to partner with a big company such as Crocs Inc. So, I learned if you want to do something, just do it.”

The Hornet-design Crocs have become a collectors’ item among DSU students.

ADVANCEMENT

DSU HUB App Continues Growth

Delaware State University is connecting with its constituent groups more than ever through the DSU HUB app. The University launched the innovative platform in August 2022 with over 90% of that year’s freshman class becoming the inaugural users. By the end of the 2022-2023 academic year, the app had attracted 3,000. Fast-forward to the beginning of the 2024-2025 school year, and the DSU HUB had more than 6,000 users and had logged an impressive 11,000 opens. Students, faculty and staff can use the app — which is a one-stop shop for everything DSU — to keep track of countless information, such as events, schedules, due dates, grades, student account information and campus maps, and it allows users to access all University and mobile apps. It also provides environments for prospective students, parents, alumni and visitors. The DSU HUB is the brainchild of Curtis Winslow, Associate Director of Mobile and Web Applications Development, who worked closely with Dr. Dawn Mosley, Senior Associate Vice President for Marketing and Communications, in its development and launch. A significant benefit of the app is its ability to reach every user, Winslow said. “Sending a global message about what is happening at the University reaches every user who has the HUB installed,” he said. “We used the words ‘game changer’ when we launched the HUB, but it has done more than that. It has created its own playing field.”

Download the DSU HUB app on the Apple App Store or on Google Play.

El Hadji Mbaye, right, and Joanne Jeanty wear their Hornetdesign Crocs while walking on campus.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES WELCOMES FOUR NEW MEMBERS

The Delaware State University Board of Trustees welcomed four new members to its governing body in 2024.

James L. Collins has served as the General Manager of Microsoft, a public sector industry, since September 2020, first in consulting services and later overseeing the company’s public sector industry activities. Previously he was Delaware’s Chief Information Officer from 2014 to 2020.

Dr. Janice E. Nevin has been the President and Chief Executive Officer of ChristianaCare since 2014, where she held an ascending number of positions from 20022014. Previously she was program director of Thomas Jefferson University Hospital’s family medicine residency program.

Michael S. Purzycki recently concluded two terms of service as the Mayor of Wilmington, Del. Before his years as mayor, he was the head of the Riverfront Development Corporation and served for 10 years as the Chairman of the Wilmington Hope Commission.

Tetra S. Shockley, Esq., a 2004 DSU graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Management, is a law partner in Benton & Shockley Law, P.A., where she specializes in family law and personal injury. She earned her Juris Doctor degree at Widener University School of Law in 2012.

FACILITIES UPDATES

NEW AGRICULTURE ACADEMIC BUILDING UNDER CONSTRUCTION

West of the Early Childhood Innovation Center Building construction on campus, work is progressing on a new 15,000-square-foot agriculture academic building projected for completion in June 2025.

Dr. Cherese Winstead, Dean of the College of Agriculture, Science and Technology, said the new building will highlight sustainable agriculture throughout its innovative and inspiring building design of living walls and green roof elements featuring water-efficient irrigation systems and sustainable hydroponic technology, resulting in zero waste. It will showcase state-of-the-art auditoriums and classrooms, high-tech greenhouses, a 21st Century Emerging Technology Center, a Demonstration Kitchen, collaborative research laboratories, conference rooms and offices.

“The facility will strengthen the three pillars of the University’s land-grant mission, research, teaching and extension, while advancing technology and innovation,” Dr. Winstead said. “It will prioritize experiential learning and flexible research environments to accommodate community stakeholders through strategically designed collaborative spaces.”

National Park Service Grant Supports Hope House Rehabilitation

The University has received a $750,000 grant from the Department of the Interior, administered by the National Park Service, to rehabilitate a house on the National Historic Registry that was acquired by DSU as part of its Wesley College acquisition in 2021. The grant is part of a $10 million award to a number of HBCUs across the nation to preserve and protect historic properties. The funding will satisfy Phase I of a project to rehabilitate the property on the DSU Downtown campus, enabling the University to address the pre-1885, three-story frame building’s exterior, interior water damage and mold remediation. Dr. Eleanor Kiesel, Senior Associate Dean of the Wesley College of Health and Behavioral Sciences (WCHBS), researched and successfully wrote the grant.

The property has been named the Hope House by the University and is being used as a hub for student programming and social services, such as counseling services, self-care activities and cultural connection. The Hope House came into fruition as part of the University’s establishment of the Safe Space Coalition, created to answer student calls for more intervention and prevention services for sexual assault. Led by Dr. Gwendolyn Scott Jones, WCHBS Dean,the Safe Space Coalition assesses University safety protocols, campus policies and response services that deal with sexual assaults, domestic violence, harassment, bullying, mental illness and health-related matters.

A new agriculture academic building under construction at the former site of Soldier Field is expected to be complete in summer 2025.

INTERNATIONAL IMMERSION

Students Spend Holiday Break in China

Fourteen DSU students spent their 2024 Christmas break in China immersing themselves in the culture of that Far East country. For the students — Jinelys Alvarez, D’jibril Barry, Xylon Holmes, Nimah Narinesingh-Smith, Sandra Nasim, Brandon Poplar, Alexis Powell, Nya Stokes, Aisha Thomas, Clayten Thomas, Sheila Vo, Ina Walker, Jason Williams and EdD graduate student Weiyuan (David) Yu — the December trip to Yangzhou, China, broadened their global perspectives on rich culinary traditions, breathtaking landscapes and linguistics. That included connecting to the ancient past by exploring the 2,500-year history of the Grand Canal of China.

Yangzhou University warmly welcomed the DSU delegation, which also included Dr. Yi Zhang, DSU’s Director of the Chinese Language and Culture Research Center, with generous tours to the Museum of Yangzhou University History, the School of Tourism and Culinary Science, and the College of International Studies.

Students fostered meaningful cultural exchange and dialogue by engaging in conferences with the World Historic and Cultural Canal Cities Cooperation Organization (WCCO), Yangzhou University’s Administrative Board and Yangzhou University undergraduate students majoring in English. Lectures on Chinese characters and Beijing Opera deepened the students’ understanding of the nation’s artistic and linguistic cultural legacy.

With visits to Slender West Lake, one of the historical gardens from the Qing Dynasty, DSU students were exposed to Yangzhou’s architectural and horticultural history. Museums such as the Art of Block Printing, the Grand Canal River Museum, the Cuisine of Yangzhou and the Mausoleum of an Emperor unveiled China’s global significance in literature, hydraulic engineering and Asian cuisine. Students participated in several craftsmanship workshops to take home Chinese traditions, such as a framed copper engraved lion head door knocker that symbolized the residence of a high-ranking person during ancient Chinese architecture.

— By graduating senior and History major Sheila Vo

Ghana Study Abroad Trip Provides Research Experience

Two Criminal Justice students — junior Matthew Charles and senior Autumn Flowers — spent part of their summer doing international research in Accra, Ghana, as part of a National Science Foundation grant that funded their work as research assistants.

The students were joined on the trip by Dr. Raymond Tutu, Professor of Global Societies and Principal Investigator of the four-year, $622,000 NSF grant, and Dr. Charlisa Edelin, Assistant Dean of Student Life and Academic Success. Dr. Anwar Ouassini is the Co-PI of the grant. It was the third consecutive year that DSU students traveled to Ghana for the study abroad experience.

The students conducted in-depth interviews with research participants focused on health literacy and health access among the Ghanaian people. “It was admirable to see the students apply what they have learned in the classroom and at the project’s workshop in the field, especially the skills of interviewing in social science research such as reflectivity, positionality, verbal communication, active listening and empathy,” Dr. Tutu said. “The students were able to quickly adapt and work with 10 other research assistants based in Ghana.”

MORE HIGHLIGHTS

Partnership with Barbados Community College Thrives

Through a partnership with Barbados Community College (BCC), Delaware State University is assisting the island country to increase its mathematics, biological sciences and chemistry professionals and provide academic programs to help break its historic dependence on food imports by developing more diversity in its crop production. President Tony Allen joined DSU and BCC officials at a ceremony in Barbados in April to celebrate the Memorandum of Understanding agreement to conduct the program. Tony Boyle, Senior Vice President of Enrollment Management and International Affairs, led its establishment. The academic programs were launched in August 2023 with a diverse group of 60 students enrolled in accelerated courses taught in eight-week semesters. Barbadian students are connected with DSU faculty members online from a BCC classroom, where they are gathered as a group. At the same time, course managers from the BCC also assist them in their classrooms. In October, a delegation from BCC — Samuel Bowen, BCC Deputy Principal; Dr. Raquel Collymore, BCC Director of Counseling and Placement; Dr. Caroline Woodroffe-Holder, BCC Assistant Registrar; and Hakeem Greenridge, Technical Support Specialist — traveled to DSU to learn more about the University and plan the program’s second academic year.

DSU, University of Belize Establish Collaboration

The University has opened up new collaborative possibilities in Central America through an agreement with the University of Belize, which was established in 2000 from a merger of five institutions. The Memorandum of Understanding affirms the intentions of both institutions to engage each other in activities such as seminars, workshops, training activities, presentations, research and mentorship programs.

For ongoing news highlights about DSU, visit desu.edu/news.

Autumn Flowers and Matthew Charles got ample research interview experience during their study abroad opportunity in Ghana.

Corporate Partner Award recipient Agilent has donated and committed almost $9 million in financial and in-kind gifts to the University since 2022 and currently supports 32 Agilent Scholars on full scholarships at the University.

TOGETHER FOR A CAUSE

PARTNERSHIPS CELEBRATED AS SCHOLARSHIP BALL RAISES $4 MILLION IN SUPPORT OF STUDENT SUCCESS

Delaware State University celebrated another successful multimillion-dollar Scholarship Ball in December, with a net $4 million raised. The 2024 Scholarship Ball, held at the Chase Center on the Riverfront in Wilmington, attracted 1,200 attendees, including 100 University students, making it the largest event in Delaware. In addition to hearing about the University’s impact, attendees were entertained by Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter and producer Eric Roberson and three-time Grammy award-winning renowned violinist Damien Escobar.

Recognition of Partners

During the Ball, President Tony Allen presented outgoing U.S. Senator Thomas Carper and his wife Martha with the University’s inaugural UBUNTU Legacy Award. UBUNTU is Swahili for “You Are Because We Are.”

Senator Carper retired from Congress at the close of 2024 after 47 years of elective service as the State Treasurer and Governor of Delaware. The award recognizes the Carper family for their long-term commitment to the University, which included signing 1993 legislation as Governor to elevate the institution to university status.

“Martha and I are humbled to receive this award from Delaware State University,” said Carper. “It has been an honor to serve the people of Delaware for all of these years, and it has been especially meaningful to help support Delaware State University and its students, faculty and staff. It is a fine research institution that continues to deliver talent into our workforce and serve as an economic driver for the First State. Even though I am retiring from the Senate, I will never stop serving others, and that includes the wonderful people at DSU. Hornets Rising!”

Agilent Technologies, a global leader in analytical and clinical laboratory technologies, received the University’s Corporate Partner Award. Agilent has donated and committed almost $9 million in financial and in-kind gifts to the University since 2022 and currently supports 32 Agilent Scholars on full scholarships at the

University. Dr. Allen announced that the new science building set to open in 2025 will bear the name the “Agilent College of Agriculture, Science and Technology Research Center.”

“Agilent is honored to receive the Corporate Partner of the Year award. ‘Partner’ is the key word. While Agilent has donated significant amounts of money, instrumentation, consumables and service, we have also given our hearts,” said Sally Frank, Manager of the Agilent Philanthropic Program. “Hundreds of employees have volunteered mentoring, training and developing relationships with students and professors. Likewise, DSU professors have leveraged Agilent’s assets to ensure that their students are maximizing the benefits that a relationship with Agilent can offer. Meeting frequently to discuss student progress and DSU’s institutional needs, we have formed a partnership with one simple aim: maximize and optimize opportunities for underrepresented students to pursue meaningful and lucrative careers in STEM.”

The University presented Barclays with its Community Partner Award. Barclays has engaged with the University’s students for over a decade, offering internships, mentoring and conducting development events on campus.

Then-U.S. Senator Thomas Carper, center, and his wife, Martha, second from left, shown with U.S. Senator Chris Coons, student Eva Goodson, President Tony Allen and then-U.S. Representative Lisa Blunt Rochester, were presented with the University’s inaugural UBUNTU Legacy Award for their long-term commitment to DSU.

Barclays received the University’s Community Partner Award for its engagements with DSU students for over a decade. One hundred DSU students, including numerous Exelon and Agilent Scholars, participated in the Scholarship Ball.

This event not only highlights the transformative power of education but also reminds us that we are supported by a community that believes in our potential.”

University Honorees and Participants

Vice President of Institutional Advancement Dr. Vita Pickrum, who retired at the end of 2024, was named President Emeritus of the DSU Foundation in recognition of her fundraising success and her leadership in establishing the annual and well-attended HBCU Philanthropy Symposium.

Ukee Washington, a CBS3 co-anchor who served as the ball’s emcee, received the University Lifetime Achievement Award in honor of his career in broadcast news. Washington is the son of the late Dr. Ulysses S. Washington, the longtime head of the University’s academic program in Agriculture.

The University named Kevin Perry, DSU Classes of 2018 and 2019, as its 2025 Alumni of the Year. A Senior Associate at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, Perry has frequently prioritized returning to his alma mater to share his professional experience with DSU students and participate in events such as the College of Business’ annual DEEP Day.

One hundred DSU students, including numerous Exelon and Agilent Scholars, participated in the Scholarship Ball. Yasmeen Olass, a junior Biochemistry major, introduced Agilent Technologies as Corporate Partner of the Year.

“Participating in the DSU Scholarship Ball means so much to me and countless other students who rely on these scholarships to pursue our dreams and build a brighter future,” Olass said. “This event not only highlights the transformative power of education but also reminds us that we are supported by a community that believes in our potential.”

BOTTOM LEFT: CBS3 Co-Anchor Ukee Washington served as the event’s emcee and received the University Lifetime Achievement Award.

BOTTOM RIGHT: Retiring Vice President of Institutional Advancement Dr. Vita Pickrum was named President Emeritus of the DSU Foundation in honor of her accomplishments.

— Yasmeen Olass, junior Biochemistry major

Scholarship Ball guests were treated to compelling performances by Grammynominated singer, songwriter and producer Eric Roberson, top, and Grammy awardwinning renowned violinist Damien Escobar.

TOP: Alumnus Kevin Perry ’18 ’19 received 2025 Alumni of the Year recognition during the ball.

October’s Homecoming 2024 was a wonderful day of hugs, tailgating and food, recollection, and bringing folks up to date on life’s current blessings and challenges, all against the backdrop of a perfect fall day.

MILESTONES

ALUMNI

A regular financial supporter of the University, alumnus Norman Oliver, Class of 1985, continued his giving at Homecoming 2024 by presenting his alma mater with a generous $200,000 unrestricted donation. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Oliver quickly developed into a business and community leader in his native Wilmington, Del. In addition to owning Rock Solid Construction (commercial and residential), his nonprofit Our Youth Inc. has built more than 30 affordable housing units in the Greater Wilmington area, and his NOR Enterprises provides school transportation for homeless children. Oliver is a former Wilmington City Councilman and a past member of the University’s Board of Trustees. Over the years, he has also been well-known in Wilmington for his “Stormin’ Norman Basketball League” and his Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway.

Kamerra Brown ’10, an Assistant Professor of Equestrian Studies and Hunter/Jumper Instructor at William Woods University in Fulton, Mo., was named Missouri Horse Show Association (MHSA) Person of the Year. Brown’s inspiration to her students and her work to provide clinics, training and resources at her institution and in the community were cited among the reasons for her selection.

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers added Delaware State running back Michael Chris-Ike ’21 in the second round, 14th overall, of the Canadian Football League draft.

Isaiah Covington ’16 was a part of the Boston Celtics’ 2024 World Championship as a Performance Coach for the National Basketball Association team. He graduated from DSU with a bachelor’s degree in Movement Science.

The Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame enshrined legend San Francisco 49ers wide receiver John Taylor ’85 into its Class of 2024. Taylor was a three-time Super Bowl Champion who achieved 347 receptions for 5,598 yards and 43 touchdowns as well as 149 punt returns, the most in 49ers franchise history, during his 10-year NFL career with the team.

Dr. Reba Hollingsworth ’49 was presented with the Order of the First State award by then-Gov. John Carney in celebration of her 98th birthday. During a ceremony at the Delaware State Archives, Carney spoke about her work on the Delaware Heritage Commission that has been instrumental in understanding the state’s history and heritage. Dr. Hollingsworth is a retired educator and school guidance counselor who faithfully maintains a strong and active bond with her alma mater.

Delaware State University was among the Historically Black Colleges and Universities participating in Philadelphia Phillies HBCU Day at Citizens Bank Park in June. University representatives from Institutional Advancement, Alumni Affairs, and Marketing and Communications met with prospective students and provided them with information about DSU; the Psi Epsilon Chapter of Omega Psi Phi took part in a spirited Step Show performance; and DSU Concert Choir member Yancy Hollis joined her sisters Madison and Makaya Hollis in a magnificent rendition of the Star Spangled Banner in front of more than 44,445 fans before the baseball game began.

Isaiah Nathaniel, Class of 2004, served as the 2024 Convocation Ceremony keynote speaker, sharing the struggles of his early years as a student-athlete and how after soul searching he improved his grades and got better results as a Hornet basketball player. He told students that he never stops crediting DSU for who he has become. “At Delaware State University, I was able to fail, underachieve and then succeed. It was because the professors here cared for me and helped me to realize who I was inside when I did not know myself and cultivated that.” Nathaniel is the Vice President and Chief Information Officer of Delaware Valley Community Health, Inc., a Philadelphia-area health facilities system that specializes in providing healthcare to the underserved regardless of their ability to pay. He is also the owner and CEO of Calcom Technologies, an information technology company, and of MadOptics Productions, a film production company that focuses on film, sports and photography.

Margie Lopez Waite ’90, a former DSU Board of Trustees member, was cited on the 2024 Delaware Online “Most Influential in Education” list for her work to champion bilingualism as an asset in First State education through her founding of the Las Américas ASPIRA Academy in Newark, Del., for which she is the CEO. She was also noted as a prominent Latino community advocate for her service on several boards and for her powerful voice on issues of equitable funding for public and private schools in the state.

Philadelphia Phillies HBCU Day

FACULTY & STAFF

Dr. Darren D. Blackston, Executive Director of Adult & Continuing Education, Workforce Development and Training, and the Prior Learning Program was selected for the 2024-2025 Executive Leadership Academy Cohort, a yearlong program cosponsored by the Council of Independent Colleges, American Association of State Colleges and Universities, and American Academic Leadership Institute.

Dr. Stacy Downing, Chief of Staff and Vice President of Strategic Initiatives, was among the 21 class of 2024-2025 participants to attend the AGB Institute for Leadership & Governance in Higher Education symposium in Washington, D.C., in September.

Kim Graham, Trauma Academy Director in the Wesley College of Health and Behavioral Sciences, was recognized as a DAWN Visionary at the 2024 DAWN Leadership Summit. DAWN — the Delaware ACE (American Council on Education) Network —identifies women visionaries from institutions in the First State who are doing great things in their communities, families and careers.

More than 100 women from the campus community joined the 2024 DAWN (Delaware ACE Network) Leadership Summit, which was hosted on the Delaware State University campus in March. DSU’s members of the DAWN Executive Leadership Committee and Summit Planning Committee are Dr. Dawn Mosley, Senior Associate Vice President of Marketing and Communications; Dr. Kim Sudler, Associate Vice President for Academic Operations; Kenisha Ringgold, Deputy General Counsel; and Dr. Kim Krzanowksi, Executive Director of the Early Childhood Innovation Center.

Former Aviation Program Director Lt. Col. Michael Hales and late longtime Delaware State College President Dr. Luna I. Mishoe were inducted into the Delaware Aviation Hall of Fame during its 2024 awards banquet for their contributions in the field. The Hall of Fame recognized Hales’ 25-year career in the U.S. Army and his leadership that resulted in the growth of the DSU Aviation Program. Dr. Mishoe’s posthumous induction honored his World War II service as a member of the Tuskegee Airmen as a First Lieutenant and a Photographic Intelligence and Communications Officer.

Dr. Genita Mangum began her role as the University’s new Registrar in early 2024. Dr. Mangum has almost 20 years of the experience in academic records and enrollment management, most recently serving as the Registrar for Harrisburg Area Community College, in Harrisburg, Pa., from 2014-2023.

Dr. Kalpalatha Melmaiee, Associate Professor of Agricultural and Natural Resources and Director of the Plant Breeding and Molecular Genetics Laboratory, was among several women scientists celebrated by the Feed the Future Climate Resilient Cereals Innovation Lab as part of March’s International Women’s Day for her research in developing climate-resilient genotypes in crop plants.

Darren Rainey, Program Manager for DSU’s Recruitment & Retention of Diverse Educators initiative in the Education Department, was named on the 2024 Delaware Online “Most Influential in Education” list for his work since 2022 to attract people and students of color to the profession of teaching.

Delaware Today magazine named three University faculty members in its “Top Nurses 2024” list in the First State under the category of “Academic Educators.” Included were Dr. Tracy Harpe, Associate Chair and Assistant Professor of Nursing; Dr. Colleen Jimenez, Adjunct Instructor; and Dr. Karen Panunto, Associate Professor and Director of the Master of Science in Nursing Program.

A historic new era began in March as the University swore in its first-ever Superintendent of Police, as well as the institution’s new Chief of the DSU Police Department. James T. Overton ’04 ’10 was instituted as the inaugural Superintendent of the DSU Police Department and the new Vice President of Student Affairs. Donald Baynard ’11 was welcomed as the sixth Chief of Police in the department’s 24-year history and the Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs.

Senior Associate Vice President for Athletics and Wellness Recreation Charles A. “Tony” Tucker assumed the role of Athletic Director for the University.

Delaware State Athletics welcomed several new coaches throughout the year:

 Natasha Ademakinwa was named the Head Women’s Soccer Coach. Ademakinwa was previously the Head Men’s and Women’s Coach at Shawnee State University, where she also held an Assistant Athletic Director, Senior Woman Leader title.

 Craig Bowen became the Head Women’s Golf Coach. Bowen was previously the Men’s Golf coach at Chicago State University, the Assistant Head Coach and Development Officer at Elizabeth City State University, and Head Coach for the men’s and women’s teams at Benedict College.

 Dianna Eberl was named the Head Women’s Lacrosse Coach. She was previously Head Coach for Varsity Lacrosse at Middle Township High School, and she also coached U.S. teams to victory in the Brogden Cup and Berlin Cup championships.

 Gwen Harris ’74, formerly Assistant Coach and liaison for Cross Country at Delaware State, was promoted to acting Head Coach of the Men’s and Women’s Cross Country teams.

 Joe Hodge became the Head Women’s Tennis Coach after previously serving as the Assistant Coach at Wilmington University. In 2024, Hodge was named the United States Tennis Association (USTA) Delaware District College Coach of the Year.

 Pedro Swann ’95, a former Hornet all-conference baseball player, was named the Head Baseball Coach. Previously the Head Coach of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore’s baseball team, Swann also played in the professional ranks for 17 years, including three years playing in the MLB.

 Jazmone Turner became the Women’s Basketball Head Coach, officially removing the interim tag from her title. She previously served as an Assistant Coach with the team.

Head Triathlon coach Hannah Loftus was nominated to sit on the Board of Directors of the College Triathlon Coaches Association in the role of Secretary for the 20242026 term. This marks the first time an HBCU will be represented on the body.

DSU Brunch en Bleue for the Ladies of the Class of 2024

First Lady Tara Allen hosted the DSU Brunch en Bleue in May honoring the ladies of the Class of 2024. During this magical experience, ladies adorned shades of blue as they were transported to a secret location. This event is designed to empower the ladies as they celebrate their academic achievements. Students anticipate this adventure as it guarantees good conversation, games, prizes and an opportunity to decompress.

White Coat Ceremony for Pre-Health Majors

With an inaugural White Coat Ceremony for pre-health majors, the University elevated its game when it comes to helping students seeking careers in the health professions. The ceremony symbolized an emphasis in providing students majoring in the pre-health disciplines Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Kinesiology, Nursing, Food and Nutritional Sciences, and Agriculture/Pre-veterinary Science with more resources and opportunities outside of the classroom to be exposed to professional settings. During the event hosted by the College of Agriculture, Science and Technology, participating students all received white coats highlighting their commitment to achieve their academic and professional goals in the health care industry.

STUDENTS

Research Presentations

Students and faculty had several opportunities throughout the year to celebrate their work and share their research findings and achievements with the campus community and their peers, including the Universitywide seventh annual Research Day, Faculty Research Day and a Research Poster Exhibition.

In July, high school students and middle school students joined undergraduates from Delaware State University and other universities for the 16th annual DSU Summer Research Symposium on campus. The exhibited research represented the research conducted by participants in numerous programs and camps held on campus, including the Advanced Quantum Sensing Research Center (AQS), Center For Integrated Biological & Environmental Research (CIBER), Delaware Bioscience Center for Advanced Technology, Historically Black College and Universities Research Experiences for Undergraduates (HBCU REU) Program, NASA M-STAR program, Elyte Energy Hydrogen Research Training Program, Delaware IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE) program, Delaware Center for Neuroscience Research Summer Undergraduate Neuroscience Research Program, U-RISE Delaware State University: Student Training in Academic Research, and Biology, Bioinformatics & Chemistry Academy for Research Scholars (B2-CARS) program. Funding for the programs was provided by the Delaware Biotechnology Institute, Department of Defense, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Science Foundation (NSF), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Energize DE, United States Department of Energy and Ratcliffe EcoEntrepreneurship program.

From left are Kelly Golson, Graduate Professional Advisor; Charmaine A. Whyte, Director; and Taylor McIntosh, Online Undergraduate Advisor

In response to the growing demand for online education, the University established an Office of Online Advisement and Student Success to enhance support for the increasing number of online student enrollments. Charmaine A. Whyte, the inaugural director, is at the helm of this groundbreaking endeavor, which creates dedicated advisors for online students. According to Whyte, the primary goal is to provide comprehensive support to online learners, ensure that they have the resources and guidance necessary to thrive academically, and ultimately retain them until they complete their degree programs. “Our mission goes beyond merely preparing students for jobs. We are dedicated to fostering a career progression that will result in professional fulfillment and meaningful contributions to the global community,” she said.

To learn more about online programs at DSU, visit desu.edu/online.

Five students were named by the Office of Undergraduate Research, Experiential Learning and Honors (URELAH) as the winners of its annual awards and as the beneficiaries of $5,000 scholarships made possible by the sponsorship of JPMorgan Chase & Co. The scholarship recipients and their award categories were:

 Aalia Bello, sophomore Computer Science major, the Hornet Leadership and Service Award.

 Dallas Speicher-Ramirez, junior Sport Management major, the Academic Excellence Award for Higher GPA.

 Kayla Howell, senior Physics major, the URELAH Research Award.

 Yasmeen Olass, junior Biochemistry major.

 Jonte Simmons, graduate MBA student.

Office of Online Advising & Student Success

ATHLETIC TRANSFORMATION PROJECT UNDERWAY

Two years ago, the University began its Athletic Transformation project focused primarily on football with a $1 million gift by former scholar-athlete Steve Ewing ’83 and $9 million in support from the State of Delaware. The centerpiece of the effort is an indoor training facility for all scholar-athletes at the University and key upgrades to Alumni Stadium. The overall project is expected to cost $25 million-$30 million. Visit dsuathleticstransform.com to learn more.

ATHLETICS

Claire Andrews (equestrian) and Martaz Robinson (men’s basketball) were honored as the athletic department’s Male and Female Student-Athletes of the Year at the 2024 Delaware State Athletics DESPY Awards.

Baseball

The Hornets baseball team dominated the Northeast Conference (NEC) 2024 AllConference selections, claiming two of the league’s major awards. Second baseman Evan Bouldin garnered NEC Player of the Year honors, and southpaw Kieran Etwaru was named NEC Pitcher of the Year. Bouldin’s .378 batting average and 79 hits both ranked second in the conference. Etwaru went a perfect 7-0 on the mound with six of his wins coming against NEC opponents. Joining Bouldin and Etwaru on the First Team was shortstop Jancarlos Colon. First baseman Krew Bouldin received a Second Team nod.

Men’s and Women’s Basketball

Three standout men’s basketball players were recognized with Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) 2024 all-conference selections. Martaz Robinson, who joined the 1,000 points club and led the Hornets in scoring with an average of 16.4 points per game, was selected to the First Team All-MEAC. Jevin Muniz was named to the Second Team All-MEAC, and Deywilk Tavarez went triple platinum with his selection to the Third Team All-MEAC, All-MEAC Rookie Team and as Rookie of the Year.

On the women’s side, Ja’Naiah Perkins Jackson was named to the Third Team All-MEAC.

Bowling

Sydney Reardon and Emily Breidegam received Second Team recognition and Alyssa Breidegam was named to the Third Team as part of the 2024 MEAC Women’s Bowling All-Conference honors and major awards.

Men’s Cross Country

The Hornets finished the 2024 season third at the MEAC Cross Country Championships.

Equestrian

The Delaware State equestrian team earned three All-Tournament Riders at the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Championship — All-Tournament Reining Team, Claire Andrews and Anastasia Brugger, and All-Tournament Flat Team, Olivia Brown Brown also received the Flat All-Conference and Fences All-Conference ECAC Conference Awards, and Andrews was awarded Horsemanship ROY, Horsemanship All-Conference and Reining All-Conference. Victoria Coston also received Flat All-Conference recognition.

Maranda McCarthy and Brown received Fences Second Team recognition and Andrews was named to the Horsemanship Second Team and Reining Second Team as part of the National Collegiate Equestrian Association (NCEA) 2023-24 Ariat All-Americans honorees lists. Competing four times during a fall weekend, Brown became the first rider in Delaware State equestrian history to earn four points and win four Most Outstanding Performer awards.

Football

Delaware State football became the first HBCU to play Hawaii since 1979 in the team’s 2024 season opener. During the season, running back Jaden Sutton reached his 1,000th yard and averaged 101.33 yards a game while collecting 12 touchdowns, earning him a spot on the first-team All-MEAC list. He was selected to play in the 2025 Allstate HBCU Legacy Bowl in New Orleans, La.

Offensive lineman Sam Pearson was chosen to play in the 2024 Allstate HBCU Legacy Bowl.

Women’s Golf

Taylor Harvey was one of 24 students who participated in the 2024 USGA Pathways Internship Program at the U.S. Open Championship.

Women’s Tennis

The women’s tennis team finished second to South Carolina State in a 4-2 loss in the 2024 MEAC Championship game. Klaudija Lisovska received All-Tournament First Team in the number five spot, and Dara Jula received All-Tournament Team in the number three spot. In post-season awards, three players received All-MEAC Second Team: Lisovska for position five, Clara Kuehnle for position two and Jula for position three.

Camilla Mitolo and Eva Golembiovski clinched a victory with a tight 7-6(3) score at the HBCU Nationals Women’s Doubles Championship in Atlanta, Ga.

Volleyball

Delaware State was one of two MEAC teams among a record number of volleyball programs to earn the 2023-2024 AVCA Team Academic Award sponsored by INTENT honoring collegiate and high school volleyball programs that maintained a yearlong grade-point average of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale (or 4.1 on a 5.0 scale).

Hall of Fame Honorees

Thirteen individuals were honored for their commitment to Hornet Athletics excellence during the annual DSU Athletics Hall of Fame ceremony in November: Edward Davis, Women’s Basketball Coach; Andre Dixon ’78 (posthumous), Football; Jordan Elliott ’12, Baseball; Duane Henry, Track and Field Coach; “Bali” fka Reggie Johnson ’ 91, Football; NaJai Pollard ’ 18, Women’s Basketball; Jack Powell ’ 74, Baseball; Willie Lee Sheppard ’ 88, Football/Basketball; Stephanie Sheridan ’16, Bowling; Mark Sills, Contributor; Nelson Elijah Townsend (posthumous), Administrator/Athletic Director; Jacqueline Carmichael Wilson ’ 88, Track and Field; and Justin Cory Wilson ’ 13, Football.

Several standout Hornet athletes were inducted into the Delaware Afro-American Sports Hall of Fame in 2024: basketball player Emanual Davis ’16; sprinter Carlton Moss Sr.; All-MEAC running back Reggie Barnes ’88; quarterback Ray Bias ’75; football player and wrestler George Stanley Hicks ’77; basketball player Samuel Shepherd ’74; football and sprinting star Alfred Reed; and basketball and baseball player Gene Puckham ’58.

Thank You Celebration for Sen. Carper

The Delaware State University community and well-wishers from Central Delaware gathered at an event on campus in October to celebrate and say “Thank You” to outgoing U.S. Sen. Tom Carper for his almost five decades of public service. In 1993, then-Governor Carper became an indelible part of the institution’s history when he signed legislation that elevated Delaware State College to Delaware State University. Throughout his terms as State Treasurer, Governor of Delaware, U.S. Representative and U.S. Senator, he remained a faithful friend to DSU.

POW/MIA Chair of Honor Dedication

In honor of American military men and women who have been prisoners of war or missing in action, Delaware State University dedicated a “POW/MIA Chair of Honor” on Veterans Day as a permanent monument on the first floor northwest corner of the Claibourne D. Smith Administration Building. Keynote speakers for the ceremony were Andre Swygert, Air Force veteran and author, Flight Training At The United States Naval Academy, and retired U.S. Army Col. Debbie Harrington, 1st Vice Chair of DSU’s Board of Trustees.

Get

Out the Vote Campaign

The University worked hard through numerous channels in the late summer and early fall to ensure that its students understood the importance of exercising their right to vote in national, state and local elections. As part of this effort, DSU hosted “The Importance of Voting Nonpartisan Panel Discussion” on campus, with participants including then-U.S. Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester, right, now the first woman and African American Senator from Delaware, pictured with First Lady Tara Allen. Panelists were Dr. Jason Bourke, DSU Assistant Professor of History and Political Science; Donyale Hall, community advocate; Camara Kelley, DSU student; and Eugene Young, community organizer. Dr. Donna Patterson, DSU Professor of History and Political Science, moderated the discussion.

14th Annual Prayer Breakfast

More than 400 people who attended the 14th annual DSU Prayer Breakfast in September heard words and musical selections from a number of participants, including keynote speaker the Rev. Shavon Arline-Bradley, President and CEO of the National Council of Negro Women, and the DSU Concert Choir.

LEADERSHIP

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Leroy A. Tice, Esq. ’02, Chair

Dr. Debbie Harrington, 1st Vice Chair

Norman D. Griffiths, Esq., 2nd Vice Chair

William W. Collick

James L. Collins

Dr. Wilma Mishoe

Dr. Janice E. Nevin

Michael S. Purzycki

John Ridgeway ’75

Chip Rossi

Dr. Marlene A. Saunders ’67

Tetra S. Shockley, Esq. ’04

Jocelyn Stewart

Bernadette Dorsey Whatley

EX-OFFICIO

The Honorable Matt Meyer, Governor of the State of Delaware

Tony Allen, Ph.D., President, Delaware State University

TRUSTEE EMERITI

Dr. A. Richard Barros, Esq.

Dr. Claibourne D. Smith

PRESIDENT EMERITI

Dr. Wilma Mishoe

Dr. Harry L. Williams

FOUNDATION

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Dr. Enid Wallace-Haley ’74, Chair

Nicole Dye-Anderson ’03, Vice Chair

Vincent Rojas, Treasurer/Secretary

Henrietta Savage, Controller

Capt. William “CJ” Charlton ’95

Steve Ewing ’82

Daryl Graham

Thomas Horne

Joseph Purzycki

Dr. Kathleen Shelton

David Sheppard, Esq.

Jocelyn Stewart

Cathleen Trigg-Jones ’92

ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL

Tony Allen, Ph.D., President

Irene Chapman-Hawkins, Ed.D., ’14, ’19, Executive Vice President

Anas Ben Addi, Senior Vice President of Finance/Chief Financial Officer

Patrice Gilliam, Ph.D., Interim Provost/Chief Academic Officer

Kenisha Ringgold, Esq., Interim General Counsel/Chief Risk Officer

Jonathan Starkey, Senior Advisor to the President

Kareem McLemore, Ed.D., ’24, Vice President of Strategic Enrollment and International Affairs

Stacey Downing, Ed.D., Chief of Staff

Darrell McMillon, Vice President of Information Technology/Chief Information Officer

Dawn Mosley, Ed.D., ’20, Interim Administrator of Advancement/Foundation/SAVP of Marketing and Communications

James Overton ’04, ’10, Vice President of Student Affairs/Superintendent of Police

Tony Tucker, Athletic Director

Bernard Pratt, Associate Vice President of Facilities Management, Planning, Construction and Housing

Terrell Holmes, Ed.D., ’17, Senior Associate Vice President of DSU Downtown

Donald Baynard ’11, Chief of Police

Francine Edwards, Ph.D., Deputy Chief Administrator

Pamela Mosley Gresham, J.D., Associate Vice President of Employee Relations/Chair of DE&I

Michelle Fisher, DBA, Associate Vice President of Campus Health Services

Tamara Stoner, Board Secretary

DEANS

Michael Casson, Ph.D., Dean, College of Business

Adenike Davidson, Ph.D., Interim Dean, College of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences

Gwendolyn Scott-Jones, Ph.D., ’97 ’99, Dean, Wesley College of Health and Behavioral Sciences and School of Graduate, Adult and Extended Studies

Cherese Winstead, Ph.D., Dean, College of Agriculture, Science and Technology

LIFE FOREVER