Makur Maker, Howard University basketball player.
The nation’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) continue to see increases in interest from students due to the strong sense of community that these institutions foster. A combination of corporate and philanthropic funding, the current political climate, and the increased focus on racial justice has bolstered this spike in HBCU interest. Applications are up, enrollment is up, and HBCUs are attracting star athletes who might have gone to Predominantly White Institutions (PWIs) in the past.
According to research from the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), since the 2020 school year, MEAC members Morgan State University and Howard University have seen a 60% and 11% increase in applications, respectively. And since the 2019 school year, Morgan State and Howard have seen an increase in enrollment of 9% and 28% since 2019, respectively. Likewise, Norfolk State University experienced a 184% increase in applications between 2016-2021 and Alcorn State University saw a 127% increase between 2016-2021.
David K. Wilson, president of Morgan State University, sees these increases in enrollment and attention in real-time. From his perspective, “Students are flocking to Morgan’s campus because they see this diversity here and more importantly, they see themselves in it, which is a very validating and authenticating experience for our students. They feel that they belong and that they are not renters—they're not simply college students renting an experience but rather college students that own the experience and the campus community we share. Above all, we are more than a campus community here at Morgan, we are family. And as soon as students, prospective students and their families feel that, they want to be a part of it.”
Wayne A.I. Frederick, president of Howard University.
Likewise, over the past few years, according to Wayne A.I. Frederick, president of Howard University, “Creating a sense of togetherness and community on our campus has become more essential than ever. Prospective students are choosing to take their talents to institutions that can challenge them academically and provide them with robust extracurricular activities that help to enrich their learning, while also providing that sense of belonging and comradery that will lead to lifelong relationships.”
Amid the increased interest in HBCUs, star student athletes are also looking toward these historic institutions. For example, Makur Maker turned down basketball programs including Auburn, Kansas, Kentucky and UCLA before committing to Howard University and becoming the highest-ranked player (16th on ESPN’s Top 100) in the modern recruiting era to commit to an HBCU (2001-present). Maker posted a message on Twitter shortly after committing to Howard, stating: “I need to make the HBCU movement real so that others will follow. I hope I inspire guys like Mikey Williams (top recruit in the class of 2023) to join me on this journey. I am committing to Howard U & coach Kenny Blakeney.” Likewise, Ed Smith, who acts as a guardian for Maker, noticed the difference at Howard University as well, stating, “On the visit at Howard, ... the main difference. Just for me on the outside looking in, he's part of the fabric. You're not just the athlete or the Black athlete”
Howard University’s President Frederick comprehends the impact that a supportive HBCU community can have, noting, “We understand the value that this sense of supportive community can have on our students' academic success, in building student's confidence, for example, and so we strive to build a foundation of security, unity, and integrity in every aspect of the Howard experience. Having this foundation encourages our students' mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing, and encourages them to reach new heights.”
Twitter post by Travis Hunter regarding his decision to attend Jackson State University.
Similar to Maker, Travis Hunter, the #2 football prospect in the country passed on offers from Alabama, Clemson, Florida State, and Georgia to attend Jackson State University. As he made his decision, Hunter shared, “Sometimes we are called to step into a bigger future than the one we imagined for ourselves. For me, that future is Jackson State University. Jerry Rice, Doug Williams, and of course the legend, JSU’s own Walter Payton — Historically Black Colleges and Universities have a rich history in football. I want to be part of that history, and more, I want to be part of that future. I am making this decision so that I can light the way for others to follow.”
As HBCUs become even more well known, increased numbers of highly sought after students and student-athletes will make these institutions their top choice based on the family-like community and supportive academic environment HBCUs offer.
