Delaware State University 2023 Impact Report by delstateuniv

2023 IMPACT REPORT

CONTENTS 04 President’s Message 06 Year in Review 30 Milestones 34 Leadership

A JOURNEY OF STRENGTH, RESILIENCE, READINESS

2023

was a three-act play—one marked by high emotion, bold decisions, clear resolve, and a renewed commitment to being the most diverse, contemporary HBCU in the country. The arc of this play encompassed more than exceptional news clippings about new partnerships— though we had plenty of those!—or the extraordinary accomplishments of students, staff, and faculty—though these were plentiful! Instead, 2023 was about meeting significant challenges, enhancing our value proposition to students and their families, and fine-tuning the organization to enhance operational excellence and prepare for future growth. The 2023 Impact Report takes us on a journey—through twelve months of that which made us better, stronger, more resilient, and ready for continued elevation.          

The No. 1 choice for students of color in Delaware. Maintained our position as a Top 5 public HBCU and Top 10 for three consecutive years. A full-tuition Inspire Scholarship that captured 79% of all new, in-state first-year students. Historic enrollment: 6,400 up 3.5% year over year. Largest research portfolio in University history. New international partnerships in six different countries. An Early College School expansion that now serves 600 students. Five more multimillion-dollar gifts including Pepco, Agilent, Longwood, Sallie Mae, and Cisco. Steve Ewing, ’83, $1 million gift, the largest from an alum in the University’s history. Two new fully funded academic buildings beginning to take shape.

Act One: A Culture of Caring Our first few months of 2023 were led by a student protest around sexual assault and an eventual eight-hour town hall, which we convened in order to hear students’ concerns. I appreciated the voice of each student who spoke, and I felt personally impacted by their stories of bravery and strength. While we know that incidents of sexual assault on college campuses are an unfortunate and continuing plague, we could not let pass the opportunity to actively listen, learn, and improve with an entire campus community participating. We did just that.

The Safe Space Coalition Under the leadership of Dr. Gwen Scott-Jones, Dean of the Wesley College of Health and Behavioral Sciences, and Rita Williams, senior Social Work major now in graduate school, the Safe Space Coalition

was formed to respond to the crisis, and its work has resulted in clear opportunities. We have continued what I now believe to be needed safety-related transformational changes at the University and a cultural shift in how we talk about sexual assault, harassment, and Title IX. I have outlined the progress of the coalition on multiple occasions and have included just a few key proof points here. 

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Integrated Safe Space into New Student Orientation. Along with Title IX, Judicial Affairs, and Public Safety, this will elevate the importance of the Coalition’s work and set an important tone for all new and transfer students. Completed mandatory sensitivity training for the entire University community. Completed safety upgrades throughout the main campus and DSU Downtown. Implemented body cameras for all Public Safety campus security officers. Continued enhancement of our special support groups for survivors and/or student allies. Held our first Safe Space Conference, an impressive public start to a long-term cultural change. Raised more than $750K for the Safe Space Coalition.

Perhaps the best proof point for these mitigants is that during Fall 2023 there were no reported cases of sexual assault; we hosted 15,000 for Homecoming without significant incidents, and our reported cases of student misconduct are at their lowest in 10 years. To be clear, we have much work to do, but improved programming along with integrated leadership in student affairs, residence education, the police department, and housing point us in the right direction.

Act Two: Knowing Our Worth Our tuition enhancements were completed last spring and were done with a thoughtful eye on the growth of the University, including navigation of a global pandemic, the historic acquisition of Wesley College, an outpouring of public and private support to enhance our operations, and an increased profile as one of the nation’s top performing HBCUs. This is the first time the University has raised tuition since 2017. It is a multiyear increase designed to wholly preserve Inspire and other full scholarships for students at the University, reduce the total cost of attendance for students from low-resource families, subsidize rising costs and needed supports across campus, and maintain the University’s position as the best higher education value option in Delaware. As one point of fact, 79% of our in-state Fall 2023 class were Inspire Scholars, which means they can attend this great institution for four years tuition-free.

FOR THE FUTURE Act Three: Emerging Anew We have: a thriving DSU Downtown campus after acquiring Wesley College, an expanded partnership with United Airlines, an increasingly robust online portfolio, and we have announced our $1.75 MM grant from the Longwood Foundation to expand our Nursing Program. The Braven pilot program, to augment student experiential learning opportunities, is set to start in January; and capping the year with resounding success: this year’s Philanthropy Symposium as well as our Scholarship Ball with 1,200 guests, yielding $3 million in scholarship money for students.

Conclusion 2023 was exceptional in its lessons, all of which we needed to learn. As I enter my fifth year as University President, I am even more hopeful than when I first began and grateful for the opportunity to help lead this institution into a bright future— one that continues to bring high value academic offerings to our students, a long overdue athletic transformation with its own capital improvements, a continued increase in our international and graduate student portfolios, new opportunities in research and development, and most of all, a more concerted commitment to an improved culture in everything we do…for those that need us the most—our students, their families, and their communities. Together,

Tony Allen, Ph.D. | President

WITH YOUR SUPPORT, OUR SUCCESS IS POSSIBLE As we close another year, we continue to be blessed as an institution on an upward trajectory as one of the nation’s most consequential HBCUs. I trust that you, our alumni and supporters, still swell with pride for your alma mater and community pillar as Delaware State University affects change for a new generation of scholars. The stories and photos shared in this year’s Impact Report only sample the tremendous work done by the students, faculty, staff, and administrators throughout the year. Our collective work, however, is only possible with the philanthropic support of alums, corporate and foundation partners, and community friends. I hope that you are inspired as I am by some of the more notable gifts this year. Alumnus Steve Ewing ‘83 raised the bar by making the largest single donation by an alum in the University’s history. Also, Wei Chang ‘92, who defied the odds by winning a discriminatory case in the U.S. Supreme Court, donated to help increase the number of Black and minority attorneys. While I only mentioned a few names, we see daily the impact of what it means when we say ‘It All Matters’. It does when we unite as a collective group to make a difference for DSU students. Our corporate support is getting stronger and expanding. Barclays recently raised its support of the University with a grant to our Aviation Program. We are partnering with Getty Images to better leverage copyrights to University images and National Geographic to expose our students to the world of storytelling. Agilent Technologies and Corteva have recommitted to scholarship support for STEM majors. Delmarva Power has named five students they are sponsoring for scholarships and internships. Sallie Mae has committed to continuing the development of our Near Completers Program, with the foundation laid by the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. Support for the University’s broader focus in the community and around the world is garnering increased interest. JPMorgan Chase recently completed a volunteer project that assisted us in developing a revenue model for the Schwartz Theater for the Arts. Capital One expanded its support with a grant to the Center for Urban Revitalization and Entrepreneurship, and the Longwood Foundation’s recent commitment to developing the DSU Nursing Program is transformative. In closing, every dollar makes a difference whether you give a million or twenty or introduce a potential supporter. The impact of financial and philanthropic investments is evident in the stories throughout this report. We are $85 million toward a $100 million campaign goal, the most extensive campaign in University history. Our success would not be possible without you. Thank you for being so supportive. Please continue with a renewed commitment to helping the University continue to thrive. Sincerely,

Vita Pickrum ’16, Ed.D., CFRE | President, DSU Foundation

You Can Make a Difference for DSU Students To make a contribution toward student success, please visit desu.edu/givenow or scan the QR code. Thank you for your support!

A YEAR OF OPPORTUNITY & ACHIEVEMENT FROM THE WHITE HOUSE TO GHANA AND BEYOND, OUR HORNETS THRIVE Among the highlights of our students’ achievements and activities in 2023, the following stories stand out.

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The White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity through HBCUs named graduate student Jordan Spencer ’23 and sophomore Imani Wulff-Cochrane as 2023 HBCU Scholars. Spencer and Wulff-Cochrane are among 102 Scholars selected for their accomplishments in academics, leadership, and civic engagement who serve as ambassadors for the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), the U.S. Department of Education, and their respective HBCUs. In addition, in early 2023 as an undergraduate student, Spencer made history by becoming the first student member of a Board of Trustees committee. He continues to serve on the Student Affairs Committee.

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Delaware State led with 186 total student-athletes on the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) 2023 Commissioner’s All-Academic Team, 939 student-athletes from the conference’s eight member institutions who achieved academic success during the 2022-2023 school year. The team honors student-athletes, including sophomores to seniors, with a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or better.

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For the second year in a row, junior Sport Management major Christopher Webb’s prowess in the Madden Football video games propelled him to the NFL Super Bowl, where he won an opportunity to do some job shadowing with Microsoft, be in the presence of the media and sports movers and shakers, and witness the championship game.

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In conjunction with the men’s basketball program’s appearance at actor-director Michael B. Jordan’s HBCU Legacy Classic, Hornet hoopers Kyle Johnson and Ray Somerville appeared in an interview with Jordan on the popular CBS Mornings show, co-hosted by Gayle King. The Hornets’ Legacy Classic experience also included a visit to the New York headquarters of investment management giant and event corporate partner Invesco QQQ, participating in a panel discussion on financial literacy, as well as valuable hands-on experience and connections while assisting Legacy Classic organizers and national television partner TNT (Turner Network Television) during the event.

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Nyla N. Branam, a senior Mass Communications/Public Relations major, had the opportunity to join a group of HBCU student journalists who took part in a White House press briefing with Vice President Kamala Harris and White House Senior Advisor Keisha Lance Bottom. In addition, following her spring graduation, Branam returned to work with the University community in marketing outreach as a 2023-2024 Public Ally through Public Allies Delaware.

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Six students — senior Studio Arts major Jeidy Cruz, senior Early College High School student and Art major Brandy Jacobs, senior Mass Communications major Ebube Maduka-Ugwa, junior History major Rokhaya Ndiaye, senior History major Ehi Obanor, and junior Mass Communications major Zion Weeks — joined other selected HBCU students for the prestigious Princeton Archives, Artistry, Research and Curation (AARC) Program. The experience introduced them to the archival field through lectures, discussions, tours, workshops and field trips.

STUDENT SUCCESS

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Above: Senior Christopher Lewis, bottom right, and junior Jailyn Broughton, top left, both Criminal Justice majors, were the second pair of students to travel on a National Science Foundation research grant to Ghana, where they participated in workshops and training to administer a survey to research participants on how the activities of different religious organizations impact health information sharing. They learned and put into practice localized and indigenized methodologies including sampling strategies, respondent recruitment, and research ethic in diverse contexts. The Principal Investigator of the grant that made the trip possible was Dr. Raymond Tutu, along with Co-PI Dr. Anwar Ouassini of the Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice. A trio of students — Jelani Bryant, Kayla McKinley and Lauren Smith — gained valuable experience in environmental advocacy through their spring semester internship with the Alaska Wilderness League (AWL). Through letters to the editor and discussion with legislators, they were able to contribute their voices to the AWL’s opposition to the controversial Willow Project, a massive oildrilling project in Alaska planned by energy company ConocoPhillips that environmentalists argue will negatively impact Alaskan wildlife and contribute to climate change.

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Student participants in a variety of summer research programs and science camps had the opportunity to showcase their work as part of the 15th annual Summer Research Symposium held on campus in July. The 2023 symposium featured the research of 46 undergraduate students from Delaware State and other universities, 23 high school students, and 29 middle school students. Presented research was conducted as part of programs funded by agencies including the Department of Defense, National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health, and U.S. Department of Agriculture. Forty-two faculty members supervised and advised the students in their research.

‘TODAY IS YOUR MOMENT’ MORE THAN 1,000 GRADUATES TAKE THE NEXT STEP TO THEIR FUTURES AT 2023 COMMENCEMENT The University graduated 1,063 students during the 2023 Commencement ceremonies, including a school-record 21 Presidential Academic Award (4.0 GPA) recipients. Those awardees — so numerous that the presentations were done on the ground instead of on the stage — were among a number of highlights during the May 12 ceremonies. During the undergraduate ceremony, President Tony Allen expressed his feelings about the Class of 2023. “The world is complex and daunting, but you are the vanguard now. The freshest, fastest and fiercest among us,” he said. “Today is your moment. Whether you are a first-generation graduate or a legacy of Delaware State University alumni, you were made to fulfill this purpose.”

Today is your moment. Whether you are a first-generation graduate or a legacy of Delaware State University alumni, you were made to fulfill this purpose. You are fortified, fabulous and ready to serve.” — President Tony Allen to graduates at the undergraduate ceremony justice reform to people having clean water to drink and air to breathe. Basics are on the line,” she said. “But what gives me hope, what gives me joy is looking out at all of you, because you were born for such a time as this.”

Undergraduate graduates heard one of the most powerful Commencement addresses in recent University history by Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester.

At the graduate ceremony, alumnus Dr. Willis L. Lonzer III ’ 90 returned to his alma mater to serve as a keynote speaker for the second time. Dr. Lonzer is the General President of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. and an executive scientist in global pharmaceutical research and development and global medical affairs.

“Our foundation is shaky on this earth right now. Everything from the planet to our democracy, to criminal

Speaking to the graduates, he noted that there is nothing that cannot be accomplished “if you put the time to it.”

STUDENT SUCCESS

2023 COMMENCEMENT BY THE NUMBERS

Presidential Academic Award 4.0 GPA Recipients

 Olukemi Titiloa Ajibawo of Hanover, Md., Criminal Justice  Danielle Allen of Burlington, Ontario, Canada, Liberal Studies  Malgorzata Andersohn of Jonesboro, Ark., Kinesiology  Felicia L. Banks of Middletown, Del., Liberal Studies  Maceon Melanie Battle of Middletown, Del., Criminal Justice  Samara Benjamin of Sacramento, Calif., Psychology  Gabriela Cabrera of Elkridge, Md., Biological Sciences  Miranda Cantu of Aberdeen, Md., Agriculture  Esther Hadassah Daniel of Dover, Del., Biological Sciences  Gabriyella Daniel of Dover, Del., Accounting  Abigail Edwards of Felton, Del., Agriculture  Najay A. Jackson of Bronx, N.Y., Political Science  Jayla Johnson of Cocoa, Fla., Liberal Studies  Ciara Jones of Hampton, Va., Chemistry/Pre-professional  Genaveve Oliveri of Salem, N.J., Criminal Justice  Molly Quinn of Dover, Del., Social Work  Zymir A. Lee Robinson of Dover, Del., Biological Sciences  Zaha Shahdad of Middletown, Del., Engineering Physics  Maya Simone Shuler of Crowley, Texas, Liberal Studies  Shanon Hope Vella of Millsboro, Del., Social Work  Shamaya L. Young of Seaford, Del., Social Work

Presidential Leadership Award Recipients

 Jonte Simmons of Laureldale, Pa., Accounting  Rita Williams, Social Work

840 Undergraduate Graduates

374

Number of Students Receiving Honors

198

Master’s Degree Graduates

Doctoral Degree Graduates

PARTNERSHIPS & NETWORKING SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMS WITH INDUSTRY HELP STUDENTS SECURE THEIR FUTURES Through its connections with organizations, the Delaware State University Foundation is able to provide several scholarship programs with industry that were created to offset financial challenges experienced by students and provide them with internship and earlycareer readiness opportunities in support of student success. These programs include the Delmarva Power Scholars, Agilent Scholars, Strada Scholars, and USDA/1890 National Scholars.

Delmarva Power Scholars The University’s Delmarva Power Scholars consist of five students majoring in Computer Science and one in Management with a Human Resources concentration. During the program’s first year, there has been success in preparing them for the future. One instance is when Delaware State partnered with PHI to host a Delmarva Power Takeover student-centered engagement event with the theme of “Building the Energy Workforce of the Future.” The purpose was to provide students with exposure to careers at PHI’s three utilities, Delmarva Power, Atlantic City Electric, and Pepco, as well as an outlook on the current and future status of the energy sector. About 100 attendees and the five Power Scholars selected to receive the scholarship were present at the event.

Agilent Scholars Agilent Technologies also supports students through the Agilent Scholar Program, which consists of over 20 students ranging from sophomores to graduates. This program helps students and faculty from the College of Agriculture, Science and Technology (CAST) provide Agilent Scholars with scholarships, and CAST directed Agilent’s investment toward sponsoring the University’s new agriculture building in the dedication of shared facilities/research centers. This will allow the Scholar students, other members of the student body, academic partners, and local stakeholders to share ideas, collaborate, and advance scientific discovery. These dedicated shared facilities will serve as an educational and research space that will house Agilent instrumentation and play a central role in advancing the STEM education and training of undergraduate and graduate students at DSU.

Strada Scholars The University hosts nine current Strada Scholars through the Strada HBCU Initiative designed to elevate Historically Black Colleges and Universities’ transformative economic, social, educational, and cultural influence. Now in its third cohort, the initiative has allowed scholars to elevate their leadership, professional, and academic skills. The students are also provided with a scholarship to aid their academics. Strada Scholars are changemakers who aim to make significant contributions on campus, within the community, and in their future careers.

Above photos: The University’s five Delmarva Power Scholars took part in a Delmarva Power Takeover student-centered engagement event during which they were able to meet with company executives and explore electric vehicles of the future.

USDA/1890 National Scholars A partnership with the USDA/1890 National Scholars Program supports students pursuing agriculture and environmental majors in our 1890 land-grant institution. The program aims to increase the number of students from rural and underserved communities who study food, agriculture, natural resources, and other related sciences. The scholarship provides recipients with full tuition, fees, books, room and board, and may also include work experience at the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Strada Scholars Ricky Beasley, Tamia Carrette-Burton, Kennadi Haynesworth and D’Vontae Scott had the opportunity to attend the Strada Scholars Summit in Atlanta.

STUDENT SUCCESS

MORE HIGHLIGHTS Financial Planning & Wealth Management Major

From left, Jelani Bryant, Nya Stokes, Niara Allen and Asaiyah Abdul-Kareem comprised the first place winning Business Case Competition team — TMT (The Money Team).

700 STUDENTS CONNECT WITH BUSINESS LEADERS AT DEEP DAY The College of Business’s annual DEEP (Delaware Executive Exchange Program) Day exposed more than 700 students to successful business executives through executivehosted sessions on professional development topics, a Company Information Fair, mock interviews, and participation in the annual Business Case Competition. This year’s event was kicked off by keynote speaker Dr. Tia L. Jones, an Executive Director with JPMorgan Chase & Co., the event’s presenting sponsor, who spoke on “Transformation, Elevation and Success.” Luncheons led by platinum sponsors Exelon and Vanguard focused on networking and leadership. Capital One also served as a platinum sponsor. Tackling a timely topic, the Business Case Competition sponsored by Barclays focused on the changing organizational “work” environment and how to define and explain it to a client. TMT (The Money Team) gave a first place presentation with each team member — Jelani Bryant, Nya Stokes, Niara Allen and Asaiyah Abdul-Kareem — winning $10,000. The second and third place four-member teams each won $5,000 and $1,000 per member, respectively.

The Certified Financial Planning (CFP) Board of Standards registered the College of Business’ Financial Planning and Wealth Management Bachelor of Science Degree Program among its list of schools that offer the requisite curriculum that will enable their students to take the CFP Certification Exam. The major is designed for students with aspirations to help others find financial success through financial solutions, tools and strategies.

Fulbright HBCU Leader The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs named the University on its 2023 list of Fulbright Historically Black Colleges and Universities Institutional Leaders, joining 19 other HBCUs for the recognition that commends the strong partnership between the J. William Fulbright Program and the nation’s Black Colleges. It is hoped that these commendations will inspire other HBCUs to increase their engagement with Fulbright, which provides opportunities for students, faculty and staff to study, teach or conduct research abroad and access valuable international experience and perspectives.

Kaplan Test Partnership Students looking to continue their education will have free, comprehensive test prep courses for graduate-level admissions exams thanks to a partnership with global educational services provider Kaplan. As an “All Access” initiative partner, the University can help its students prepare for a variety of high-stakes admissions and licensing exams they need to take in order to reach their ultimate professional goals and will save individual students anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000, a Kaplan spokesman said. Free courses include test prep for the Graduate Record Examination (GRE®), the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT®), the Law School Admission Test (LSAT®), and the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT®).

In its ninth year, the event garnered the support of 22 corporate sponsors, with $212,000 in funding raised for scholarships, co-curricular programs and student engagement.

AGILENT TECHNOLOGIES SUPPORTS STEM STUDENTS, LAB INSTRUMENTATION In recent years, Agilent Technologies has generously supported students by providing scholarships and new lab instrumentation to help the University expand educational opportunities and advance research in applied chemistry, biological sciences, food science, molecular and cellular neuroscience, and related disciplines. The company’s funding of $1 million per year has benefited about 40 students in the STEM academic disciplines with full scholarships through the Agilent Scholar Program during the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 school years. Agilent also has committed to equip DSU research labs with its state-of-the-art instrumentation in three delivery phases valued at $3.5 million, with an added $500,000 in instrumentation maintenance cost. The first phase took place in the summer of 2023 with the delivery of Agilent technology to the DSU Water Lab. That included a Cary 630 FTIR Spectrometer and a Flame & Graphite Furnace, two instrumentation pieces that enabled the lab to determine the level of metals in water; analyze soils, sediments and sludge; and use the technology for experiential teaching in the lab environment. Also part of Phase I was instrumentation — as well as education and training on the technology — in support of DSU imaging research. This included an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer, a Flexible Benchtop FTIR Spectrometer, FTIR Software, a Quantum Cascade Laser for microplastics analysis, and a Cary 6000i UV-Vis-NIR SWIR spectrophotometer. By early 2024, Agilent plans to complete its Phase II instrumentation donation with the delivery to the Water Lab of an Agilent Single Quadrupole GC/MS instrument, an Agilent 6495C Triple Quadrupole LC/MS instrument, an Agilent 7010C Triple Quadrupole GC/MS, and an Agilent 1290 Infinity II LC. These additions will enable the Water Lab to become certified to test water for poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances and organics. Currently the lab is certified to test for only metals and bacteria. A later Phase III donation will deliver to University imaging and agriculture researchers a Cary 7000 Universal Measurement Spectrometer, a Cary Eclipse Fluorescence Spectrometer that

University Water Lab accreditation an HBCU first Dr. Kimberly Milligan has had an accomplished journey at Delaware State University. After completing her undergraduate to doctoral years as a student at the University, her work as an Associate Professor of Chemistry has resulted in an additional accreditation for the institution that is opening up new doors of opportunities. Largely due to the efforts of Dr. Milligan and a group of students who assisted her over the last decade, the University’s Water Analysis Laboratory is the only one at an HBCU to possess a National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation. The University is also one of only two institutions of higher education in the country to boast that accreditation.

Agilent Scholars recognized for research

Four sophomore Agilent Scholars students who have been contributing to the University’s Water Quality Lab research since their freshman year received recognition at the One Water Summit in Arizona. Sakiya McGhee and Saniya McGhee, back row, both Chemistry majors, and Madison Ridgeway and Simone Silent, middle row, both Biological Sciences majors, were honored for their outstanding research on the use of hemp in water remediation, titled “Harnessing Hemp: A Natural Solution for PFAS Removal from Water.” They are pictured with, in front, Lab Director Dr. Kimberly Milligan and graduate student mentor Douglas Austin. will enable the identification of biomolecules, i.e. proteins and antibodies, and a NovoCyte Penteon Flow Cytometer Systems 5 Lasers that will enable the evaluation and characterization of cells. In June, Agilent CEO Mike McMullen, Chief Commercial Officer Padraig McDonnell, and Vice President and General Manager Greg MacKenney visited the University to meet students benefiting from the company’s financial support and tour its laboratory facilities.

STUDENT SUCCESS

PARTNERSHIPS & NETWORKING EVENTS PROVIDE CONNECTIONS WITH COMPANIES AND CEOs Sitting With CEOs College of Business (COB) students had the opportunity to sit down with CEOs and enterprising University alumni to learn from their success stories during “Sitting with CEOs” events held throughout the year, hosted by the College of Business in partnership with the Delaware Small Business Development Center Community Navigator Program. The events provided the chance for University and community members to learn from the CEOs’ journeys, network with each other, and get inspiration and support for their entrepreneurial aspirations, said Lillie Crawford, Program Coordinator and Director of the COB’s Delaware Center for Enterprise Development.

Barclays US Consumer Bank Visit Barclays US Consumer Bank opened its doors to business students during a February visit, giving them a firsthand look at the work environment, a mock interview and headshot, lunch, and two panel discussions. Chief Executive Officer Denny Nealon told the students that the London-based bank had their future in mind. “We believe deeply in Delaware State University ... you are getting a great degree at a great school,” he said. “We have a lot of good things on the agenda but we have a motive — we want you to think that this is a great place to work. We want to attract Delaware State students.”

Among the first speakers welcomed for Sitting with CEOs were Hami Mahani, CEO and founder of 6AMRun.com; Daneya Jacobs, CEO and owner of the Candy Connections and Candy Connections Franchise; Pedro Moore, CEO of Funding Fuel; and alumnus Fabian Thorne ’97, a motivational speaker, celebrity trainer and entrepreneur.

Students benefit from stock investment donations University hosts Photovoltaic Solar Energy Workshop The University moved closer to being able to offer a Renewable Energy Certificate Program with the completion of a Photovoltaic Solar Energy Workshop supported by Delmarva Power involving a group of high school and University students. During the event, students received solar energy training involving lectures and labs; had the opportunity to construct an energy efficient, solar-power model house; toured the Delaware Electric Cooperative Sussex Solar Farm; and created and presented research posters.

The College of Business’ Investment Club is getting hands-on experience in the stock market as the result of two generous donations. To help ensure that COB students develop the proper analysis skills to make successful stock market investments, The Graham Family Sustainable Investment Fund has pledged $125,000 over the next 25 years — $5,000 a year — that the Investment Club can use to purchase stocks. In addition to that first year’s $5,000, the Markel Corporation has also donated $25,100 toward the Investment Club’s stock market activities. The Graham Family Sustainable Investment Fund was established by Tom S. Gayner, who is also the CEO of the Markel Corporation. Mr. Gayner visited the University in October to sit in on an Investment Club event in which the students — several of whom are part of the newly established Financial Planning and Wealth Management bachelor degree program — presented the stocks that they have decided to purchase and explained the rationale that led them to invest in those companies.

RESEARCH MAKING AN IMPACT

AWARDED GRANTS Military Safety A four-year, $799,947 grant will fund research aimed at providing greater safety to military forces in the field. Dr. Mukti Rana, Professor of Physics and Engineering, is the Principal Investigator. His research is driven by the need — especially in military applications — for transistors that require very low power to operate and will involve the development of rare earth element-doped aluminum nitride ferroelectric material. Dr. Rana’s rare aluminum nitride would be used in transistors to achieve the low operating power results.

Singlet Oxygen A four-year, $750,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Defense’s Research and Education Program for Historically Black Colleges and Universities will support research by Professor of Physics and Engineering Dr. Aristides Marcano, the Principal Investigator, that seeks to develop more efficient ways for the photogeneration — the generation of something by light — of singlet oxygen.

Climate Resilient Crops Dr. Kalpalatha Melmaiee, Associate Professor of Agriculture and Natural Resources, and Dr. Bertrand Hankoua, Assistant Professor of Natural Products and Biotechnology, will contribute their proficiencies in plant breeding and chemical analysis to a U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) $22 million grant effort with Kansas State University, other universities and international partners to establish a Feed the Future Climate Resilient Cereals Innovational Lab. The research initiative aims to advance the breeding for four major world cereal crops — sorghum, millet, wheat and rice — and thereby make them more readily available to people in countries who are most at risk for hunger and malnutrition.

Microalgae Research The U.S. Department of Agriculture awarded Dr. Ali Parsaeimehr, Principal Investigator (PI) and Postdoctoral Researcher, and Dr. Gulnihal Ozbay, Co-PI, Professor of Natural Resources and Associate Dean of Cooperative Extension, a three-year, just under $300,000 grant for a project that could leverage the properties of microalgae toward energy and cancer treatment purposes. The research involves converting microalgae into bioenergy/biofuels and using it to develop a more cost-effective alternative for the production of taxol, an anti-cancer pharmaceutical.

Our study provides new insights into the evolution and genetic architecture of cultivated blueberries. Understanding the genetic lineage among different species helps better plan for future blueberry breeding programs.” — Dr. Kalpalatha Melmaiee, Associate Professor in the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources

SPOTLIGHT: RELATIONSHIPS AMONG WILD AND CULTIVATED BLUEBERRIES The different species of blueberries cultivated for consumer use could be expanded as a result of research taking place at Delaware State University. Dr. Kalpalatha Melmaiee, Associate Professor in the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, is leading a research team of collaborators and students in a novel project to better understand previously unstudied wild blueberry species’ relationship to domesticated species. Despite the documented and well-known health benefits of blueberries — which help slow down age-related complications such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance and diabetes — only a relative few of the more than 200 species of blueberry plants are cultivated commercially. The absence of documented research on many other wild blueberry species has prompted Dr. Melmaiee to make this the focus of her study, which she began in 2017. Her research — partially funded by U.S. Department of AgricultureNational Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA-NIFA) grant support — has led to a paper entitled “Genomic and evolutionary relationships among wild and cultivated blueberry species,” which was published this year in the peerreviewed journal BMC Plant Biology.

Related grant funding A project supported by a $300,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA-NIFA) investigates the genetics underlying how blueberry plants respond to high-temperature stress tolerance and how the genetic information can help blueberry researchers and farmers to maximize fruit yields under warmer climate scenarios. As part of the project, the University researchers will develop a genetic map, which could be a valuable resource for identifying heat tolerance genes.

The study presented in the paper involved the investigation of the genomic and evolutionary Dr. Krishnanand P. Kulkarni, a Postdoctoral Research relationships in 195 blueberry Scientist in the Department of Agriculture and Natural accessions from five species using Resources, is the Principal Investigator (PI), and his single nucleotide polymorphisms supervisor, Dr. Kalpalatha Melmaiee, serves as co-PI. (SNP) mined from genotyping-bysequencing. The high-density SNP analysis led to the discovery that one particular blueberry species from Nova Scotia, Canada, is an ancestor of the species studied and identifies genome regions that differentiated the domesticated and wild blueberries species of the study.

On campus, Dr. Melmaiee’s research and collaborator team includes Byron Manzanero and Dr. Krishnanand Kulkarni, master’s degree and postdoctoral students, respectively, and Dr. Sathya Elavarthi, Associate Professor in the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, as well as researchers from the Philip E. Marucci Center for Blueberry and Cranberry Research and Extension in New Jersey, North Carolina State University and West Virginia State University.

MORE HIGHLIGHTS

NASA GRANTS RETURN DSU TO SPACE PURSUITS Delaware State University is once again returning to outer space pursuits!

Lunar Land Rover Mission The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has awarded the University a three-year, $899,000 grant to contribute its engineering and optics expertise to the future Lunar Land Rover Mission. Dr. Mohammed Amir Khan, Professor and Director of the Engineering Physics Program, and Dr. Yuri Markushin, Associate Professor, are the Principal Investigator (PI) and Co-PI, respectively. The researchers will design and develop infrared sensing and laser technology for installation on the rover that will enable the detection and correlation of water isotopes with the characteristics of the elemental composition of lunar rocks and dust. “We are collaborating with the Goddard Space Center on this project,” Dr. Khan said. “NASA wants to use the moon to see how humans can live outside of the earth’s environment. The detection of water isotopes is an important factor in that question.” He added that DSU science students will be engaged in different parts of the project, including assisting in the design of the opto-mechanics and electronics of the experiments with the laser prototype.

Anti-reflection Coatings Dr. Mukti Rana has been awarded a grant from NASA of just under $300,000 to develop antireflection coatings for future missions. Electrically insulating spacecraft surfaces, cameras and detectors used for space explorations by NASA are vulnerable to non-uniform charge buildup due to particles emitted by the sun. In this grant, the research team will work to design and produce environmentally durable thin conducting films and anti-reflection coating for LIDAR and other space-flight applications. This grant proposal aims to work with aluminum doped zinc oxide and indium tin oxide thin films with various atomic compositions for using them as coating materials. The coatings will be developed for various instruments such as LIDAR, cameras and detectors to be used in NASA’s VIPER (SQRLi), Dragonfly (Ocellus), and OSAM-1 (Kodiak) missions.

Panelists shared that these young men have value, and they should step forward and not be afraid of what’s to come.”

— Daryl Tyree, educational consultant based in New York who traveled with 17 high school students from the Academy for Scholarship and Entrepreneurship in the Bronx for the event

BLACK MALE INITIATIVE CONFERENCE AIMS TO EMPOWER YOUNG MEN More than 300 young Black men from around the region attended the inaugural event of the Black Male Initiative (BMI), a conference titled “Forging a Pathway to Success for Black Males,” which was free to participants and made possible through grants from the Executive Leadership Council (ELC) and United Airlines. The ELC is an independent nonprofit organization founded in 1986 to open the channels of opportunity for the development of Black executives. ELC awarded the University’s College of Business (COB) a four-year, $900,000 grant to develop and execute the BMI to engage, connect and lead young men to academic and professional success. The fact that available seats at the conference filled quickly indicates the need, said Dr. Michael Casson, Dean of the COB. “The idea was to create an environment that can help develop our young men,” he said. “When the call went out, people responded, leaders in the region all responded. It confirms the potential of a conference like this.” The conference featured a number of frank and informative discussion sessions focusing on career and personal development, masculinity, entrepreneurship, retention rates, graduation and student achievement, social/community engagement and mentoring, among other topics. The stated mission of the conference was to help close the opportunity gap for African Americans, from school age to career. Ultimately the conference sought to empower the “total” man and put him on a path of wholeness and academic success in the nation and beyond.

A CULTURE OF CARING SAFE SPACE COALITION BEGINS WORK AND HOSTS CONFERENCE Created in spring 2023, the University’s Safe Space Coalition and its steering committees are comprised of a dedicated team of employees, students and parents who serve as an advisory board to create a safer campus community for all. As part of its important work, the 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; submits recommendations to the President; monitors implementation; and regularly reports out to the broader University community. The coalition’s spring semester work culminated with the Safe Space Coalition Conference, during which 285 faculty, staff, students, parents and other guests joined together for presentations on domestic violence, sexual assault and self-care, as well as a keynote address by Fatimah Conley, Esq., Vice President of Equity and Chief Diversity Officer at the University of Delaware. During the event, Conley shared her perspective on what is required to not only make a campus a “safe space,” but also a “brave space.”

Top: Dr. Gwen Scott-Jones, Dean of the Wesley College of Health and Behavioral Sciences, chairs the Safe Space Coalition. Bottom: Graduate student Rita Williams ’23 serves as the coalition’s co-chair.

Related grant funding 

A $300,000, two year Building the Capacity of Black Programs Funding Initiative Addressing Sexual Assault (BCPSA) grant from the National Organization of Sisters of Color Ending Sexual Assault will support the Safe Space Coalition’s work to develop a dedicated sexual assault response and prevention program on campus. The Safe Space Project will be based at the University’s Hope House at DSU Downtown. Dr. Eleanor Kiesel, Associate Dean of the Wesley College of Health and Behavioral Sciences, was the grant’s Principal Investigator, with the assistance of Kim Graham, Director of the WCHBS’ Trauma Academy.

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A $217,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Education’s Project School Emergency Response to Violence (Project SERV) will support dual mental health initiatives. A Mental Health First Aid Education Program will provide training to students, faculty and staff in an effort to affect a culture change with respect to perspectives on mental health as well as allow increased resources to help students impacted by trauma. A Campus Mobile Crisis Response Team will utilize current University employees who are skilled in social work and counseling to assist campus police in managing traumatic events and providing a presence at events and in the academic environment setting.

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A $200,000 grant from Highmark Blue Cross will support the University’s Trauma Initiative: Burnout Prevention mixed-methods project to develop and test burnout prevention content and activities at the individual level which may be integrated into practicum courses across disciplines to increase the resilience of the emerging workforce.

OUTREACH $1 MILLION GRANT AIMS TO ADDRESS SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER SHORTAGE The Early Childhood Innovation Center (ECIC) will be housed in a building to be constructed on campus at the former location of Grossley Hall, which was demolished in the summer of 2023.

ECIC FORGES PATH FOR CERTIFICATION OF EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATORS The Early Childhood Innovation Center (ECIC) is forging ahead with making Delaware a leading state in the certification of teachers of pre-Kindergarten students. While awaiting the completion of its building on campus, this $31.6 million initiative has moved forward by enlisting partners throughout the state to implement a research-based cohort model. That includes individualized classroom coaching and portfolio development for early childhood professionals who are striving to attain a Child Development Associate (CDA) certificate — a nationally recognized credential. Those sites where the CDA cohort model are offered include Children and Families First of Kent and Sussex counties, New Castle County Head Start, Wilmington Early Care Advisory Committee, and Mindset Strategies, Kingswood Community Center, Latin American Community Center, and St. Michaels School and Nursery, all in Wilmington. The model prepares the students to develop a portfolio, pass the certification exam, and perform well in the third party observation of their interaction with children — all requirements to obtain a CDA. About 200 students are enrolled in a CDA cohort, a group that is expected to achieve CDA certification by June 2024. “The ECIC is a long-awaited initiative that is solely focused on unapologetically supporting the Delaware early childhood community with access to national credentials and degrees,” said Dr. Kim Krzanowski, ECIC Executive Director. “The support is enriched with compassion and collaboration, focused on recruitment and retention, and designed to empower and elevate this important work and these professionals.” The ECIC is also facilitating the aspirations of those who want to earn higher education levels of credentialing in associate degree and bachelor’s degree programs at institutions around the state. About 100 students are pursuing this track. ECIC has awarded over 300 scholarships to students at all levels of the credentialing courses. In addition to the scholarships, each student gets a laptop and a stipend — $500 for CDA students and $250 per semester for those pursuing associate or bachelor’s degrees. Upon completion of their pursuits, students who achieve the CDA will be eligible for a $1,000 bonus. Students who earn an associate or bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education will be eligible for a $5,000 or $10,000 bonus, respectively. The bonus payment requires a commitment of at least six months in a licensed early childhood program in Delaware.

The U.S. Department of Education has awarded Dr. Rachel Juergensen, Assistant Professor of Special Education, a five-year grant of just over $1.06 million to develop a Delaware Special Educator Certificate Program (Project DE-SPEC) designed to offer master’s degree-level courses that will enable more teachers to obtain Special Education Certification and reduce the shortage of special education teachers in Delaware. As of summer 2023, there were 165 vacant special education teaching positions. “The need for special education teachers in Delaware is critical, and without intervention, the severe shortages and subsequent negative impact on students with disabilities will continue to prevail,” Dr. Juergensen said. The courses — to be offered to teachers already working in Delaware school systems — will focus on providing them with the competencies needed to offer effective, culturally and linguistically responsive instruction to improve outcomes for children with disabilities. Teachers will also learn early intervention strategies that could keep some students with disabilities from being referred to a special education setting. Dr. Juergensen said the Project DE-SPEC courses will not be a financial challenge for participating teachers. “I have always been an advocate for removing the financial burden on teachers, because they are not paid enough,” she said. “This grant will cover their full tuition, books, certification testing fees, and they will also get a small stipend.” During the first year, Dr. Juergensen will develop and finalize Project DE-SPEC courses, expand her relationship with school districts throughout Delaware, and recruit teachers to enroll in the program. The first cohort will begin their coursework in the fall of 2024.

Launched by the Office of Gov. John Carney and the Delaware Department of Education, the ECIC has been made possible by funding from the American Rescue Plan and the DOE.

OUTREACH

HEALTH-RELATED GRADUATE PROGRAMS PROVIDE IMPORTANT RESOURCES FOR STATE Doctor of Social Work

Benjamin Crump, a nationally recognized civil rights attorney, was a featured speaker at the inaugural Black Farmers’ Conference.

CONFERENCE OFFERS BLACK FARMERS A CHANCE TO MAKE CONNECTIONS The University’s College of Agriculture, Science and Technology (CAST) expanded its advocacy and resources facilitator roles as it held its inaugural Black Farmers’ Conference on Nov. 8-9, connecting African American farmers with a wide variety of state and national resources for support and opportunities. Dr. Cherese Winstead Casson, Dean of CAST, said the conference signals the University’s commitment to help reverse the dwindling number of African American farmers in the First State. Between 1990 and 2023, the percentage of Black farmers in Delaware dropped from 17% to less than 2%, she said. “It is critical that Delaware State University — especially because we are a land-grant institution — makes its footprint in this area of increasing the number of students that seek out the agriculture discipline so that we can reverse that dynamic of a dwindling number of Black people that are going into agriculture and increase that,” she said. Because inequities in the access to resources, support and information are significant factors in the reduced number of Black farmers in Delaware and throughout the country, the conference directly addressed this issue. Representatives from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Delaware Department of Agriculture, as well as many other farming support organizations attended and participated in various sessions. The conference was the fruit of a series of meetings over the last year between the First State African American Farmers’ Association and Dr. Winstead Casson.

Prior to the start of the fall 2023 semester, Delaware State University was already the only institution of higher education in the First State to offer associate, bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in the social work discipline. Now DSU has increased that “corner on the market” with another Delaware first — the launching of the Doctor of Social Work (DSW) Program. The inaugural cohort has 23 doctoral candidates who are mostly seasoned social workers, among whom are some DSU graduates. The three-year program supports advanced generalist social work practitioners with a minimum of three years post-MSW practice experience in the areas of leadership, social work education, and research as they continue to develop expertise as agents of change within a racialized society. It consists of eight-week class sessions in an inperson/online hybrid format. “These students represent advanced practice social workers with an interest in advancing their careers in the areas of social work education, leadership, and research,” said Dr. Amy Habeger, DSW Program Director. “Our program is designed to support full-time working professionals and allows students to fully focus on one course before moving on to their next course.”

Master of Occupational Therapy When Delaware State University acquired Wesley College in 2021, it inherited that school’s Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) Program, making DSU the only institution of higher education in Delaware to offer a master’s degree program in that academic discipline. In the last year of the program at Wesley College, 98% of the students were white females. In the profession itself, only 2% of the practitioners currently are African American. With the MOT program now based at Delaware’s only HBCU, the current enrollment is more than 50% students of color. Occupational therapists help people of all ages perform everyday activities (occupations) that are impacted by physical, mental, emotional, and developmental ailments. Occupational therapy differs from other professions such as physical therapy by having an increased focus on the whole person for a functional and holistic treatment instead of addressing one specific injury or disorder. Its practitioners help break barriers that may limit participation in meaningful activities, working in a variety of practice areas including hospitals, rehab centers, pediatric clinics, schools, and mental health facilities. Occupational therapists evaluate patients and may develop treatments or make adaptations and recommendations for equipment to improve independence. The University’s 2½-year MOT Program focuses on preparing students to be generalists in the field.

Master of Science in Psychology Also in its first cohort of students in fall 2023, the new Master of Science in Psychology program has two tracks. The first leads students toward licensure as a Counselor in the State of Delaware (or another state with reciprocity), and the second has a research focus centering on the study of neuropsychology. Each program is 100% online, with the exception of occasional visits to campus to discuss internships, and each has an option allowing students to graduate in two years or three years.

EMERGING ANEW Nursing students are celebrated during the Hattie Dabney Mishoe Nursing Hall renaming ceremony.

SUPPORT FOR TOMORROW’S NURSES LONGWOOD AWARDS $1.75 MILLION TO EXPAND PROGRAM In acknowledgment of the current nursing and public health practitioner shortages, the Longwood Foundation has awarded the University a $1.75 million grant in support of a Nursing Program expansion. The Longwood investment will provide support for the establishment of a second Clinical Simulation Lab, as well as a Rehabilitation Center and a Nursing Summer Pilot Program to help incoming freshman Pre-Nursing majors adjust to the rigors of the discipline’s curriculum. The Nursing Program’s growth targets include significantly expanding the number of nursing graduates over the next three years through 2026 and then further increasing that through 2030 — with 50% expected to be Delawareans; the program produced 75 graduates in May 2023. As the retention, graduation and National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) pass rate goals are met with a larger cohort of nursing students, there will be an increase in the number of nurses entering the workforce in Wilmington, Dover and throughout the State of Delaware. The Nursing Program had an 83% NCLEX pass rate in 2023; the grant will help the program to increase that testing success. “The grant will increase the students’ successful ability to matriculate through the program and be immediate contributors to the nursing profession,” said Dr. Agnes Richardson, Chair of the Nursing Program. “The DSU Department of Nursing has assessed that the growth of this program necessitates a need to support the program’s sustainability through expanded lab space to accommodate students’ needs related to clinical preparation.” This Longwood grant is a continuation of longstanding support to the University, which included a $1 million grant in 2020 to assist DSU in supporting the acquisition of the former Wesley College.

Hattie Dabney Mishoe Nursing Hall renaming honors former first lady Delaware State University honored one of its most beloved First Ladies as it renamed the Johnston Building at DSU Downtown after Hattie Dabney Mishoe, the wife of longtime former President Dr. Luna I. Mishoe, who worked as a Registered Nurse prior to her husband’s appointment. In recognition of her contributions in the 1975 establishment of the Nursing Program as well as her “motherly” service for 27 years as the campus’ First Lady, the building that houses the program is now called the “Hattie Dabney Mishoe Nursing Hall.” During the Renaming Ceremony, Gov. John Carney recalled that with the current need for more nurses, DSU had the state’s full support in its acquisition of Wesley College and its Nursing Program. “This renaming is a great way to connect the past with the future,” Gov. Carney said. “The past is the great things done by the Mishoe family, and the future are these young men and women right here,” pointing at the nursing majors seated in the audience, “at a time when we need them more than ever.” Dr. Gwen Scott-Jones, Dean of the Wesley College of Health and Behavioral Sciences, said that Mrs. Mishoe’s impact continues to bear fruit. “Since the 2021 Wesley acquisition, DSU has enrolled more than 550 students in the Pre-Nursing/Nursing Programs,” Dean Scott-Jones said. “Also, we will be launching two additional master’s degree programs in Family Nurse Practice and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practice.”

EMERGING ANEW

A NEW FRONTIER FOR AVIATION PROGRAM GROWS TO INCLUDE HELICOPTER FLIGHT TRAINING An exciting new partnership with the U.S. Army Cadet Command announced in April has resulted in an expansion of the University’s Aviation Program into the area of helicopter flight training. The program will not only provide helicopter training to U.S. Army ROTC students, but following the first cohort will be an option for all undergraduate Aviation majors through the newly added Professional Pilot (Helicopter) concentration. “This makes Delaware State University the first and currently only HBCU with an Aviation Program to offer helicopter flight training,” said Lt. Col (Ret.) Michael Hales, Aviation Program Director. The first six ROTC helicopter students began their training in the fall 2023 semester. The U.S. Army will cover the cost of the tuition, books and related flight lab fees for the ROTC cadets, representing a $220,000 investment to the student in scholarship money for school. President Tony Allen, Gov. John Carney, and Lt. Col. (Ret.) Hales were joined in the announcement event by

The establishment of your Helicopter Flight Training Program is not only a momentous moment for the University, but it signifies a new avenue of opportunity for future aviators across the nation. This flight program is just the start in a national movement to create additional opportunities at Historically Black Colleges and Universities across the country.” — Brig. Gen. Amanda Azubuike, Deputy Commanding General of the U.S. Army Cadet Command, shown with Lt. Col. (Ret.) Michael Hales, Aviation Program Director

Brig. Gen. Amanda Azubuike, Deputy Commanding General of the U.S. Army Cadet Command, and Maj. Gen. Michael Berry, Adjutant General with the Delaware National Guard Command. Ascent Aero — an aviation company based in Medford, N.J. — has been contracted by the University to provide the training at the Delaware Airpark near Cheswold, Del., with the company’s Cabri G2 Helicopters.

UNITED AVIATE AGREEMENT OPENS UP PILOT CAREER OPPORTUNITIES Delaware State University has signed an agreement with United Airlines to provide its Aviation students an opportunity to enter United Aviate — a pilot career development program that provides a secure path to its flight deck. “Under Lt. Col. Michael Hales’ leadership, our Aviation Program has grown threefold and is not just the largest in the HBCU Community, but the high quality, low-cost provider among all aviation programs east of the Mississippi,” said President Tony Allen. “Our partnership with United Airlines and their Aviate program has been several years in the making and includes a deep, longstanding partnership with JPMorgan Chase and Regional Market President Tom Horne. Between the three of us, there is an unwavering commitment to build a substantive, inclusive talent pipeline of pilots and Aviation management professionals for many years to come.”

It is our intention to populate United Airlines with DSU graduates as pilots and various other aviation professionals at all levels of company management and leadership. This launch ceremony is particularly significant because it expands United Airlines’ ability to gain access to recruit from our best and brightest students and graduates across all disciplines within Delaware State University, not just for our pilot graduates.” — Lt. Col. (Ret.) Michael Hales

Capt. Mike Bonner, Managing Director of Aviate and Pilot Strategy, said the partnership will benefit current and future DSU Aviation students.“We are proud to partner with DSU as their longstanding history of attracting and developing skilled aviators incorporates well into our pilot recruitment strategy,” he said.

As an Aviate university partner, Professional Pilot students who meet the eligibility requirements can apply to Aviate and upon acceptance receive a conditional job offer as a United First Officer. To be eligible, the students must have completed at least two semesters of full-time coursework or graduated with an R-ATP eligible Aviation major at DSU, be in good standing at DSU, possess a Private Pilots Certificate, FAA medical certificate, and have no more than three primary training failures. As a part of Aviate, after completing their undergraduate journey, graduates will continue their pilot journey by accumulating building experience toward becoming a United Airlines pilot. Participants will then have an opportunity to fly for a United Express or Part 135 partner and work their way to becoming a United Airlines First Officer.

Atlas Air pact gives Aviation grads a path to fly 737s Delaware State University and Atlas Air signed an agreement establishing the air provider’s University Pathway to Success Program as another possible viable career path option for Aviation graduates. Through the program, Atlas will provide graduates with training and coursework that will ready early career pilots to pass the Restricted-Airline Transport Pilot (R-ATP) ratings exams as well as a Jet Transition Course that will prepare them to fly a Boeing 737. Once successfully passing those required courses and exams, Atlas will offer them a job as a Boeing 737 First Officer. Atlas Air, Inc. is a major American cargo airline, passenger charter airline, and aircraft lessor based in Purchase, New York.

In fall 2023, the Aviation Program had 110 Professional Pilot students and 47 Aviation Management majors.

COMMITMENT TO RESPONSIBLE GROWTH RECORD ENROLLMENT CONTINUES IN FALL 2023 Touting its emphasis on responsible growth, the University announced its enrollment figures for fall 2023 continued to break records with 6,451 students, an increase of 3.5% over last year and 23% since 2020, making Delaware’s HBCU the fastest-growing in the country. In addition to a continuing increase in undergraduate students, the University also saw good growth in its graduate profile, up 7% to nearly 900 students; a 5% increase in new transfer students, up to just over 300 students; and a sizable boost to its online profile at almost 800 students, 41% of whom are a part of the University’s growing international portfolio in the Caribbean. It’s worth noting that the state-sponsored, four-year full-tuition Inspire Scholarship has also paid significant dividends. Of the 750 first-year in-state students, 79% are Inspire Scholars. President Tony Allen was cautiously optimistic about the numbers. “We have overcome some notable trends in higher education. As we have seen impressive growth in our enrollment since 2017, we have also seen the national trend going in the other direction. We continue to monitor the falling rates of college attendance nationwide and the steady declines in high school graduates due to lower birth rates in the U.S.,” he said. According to the National Student Clearinghouse, college enrollment has fallen for the last 11 years and is expected to continue well into the future. The University’s upward enrollment trajectory is consistent with its goal, as stated in its Reach 2026 Strategic Plan, to reach 10,000 students by the end of the current decade. Allen continued, “The race for talent is on, and we have to be prepared to meet our students where they are. If the pandemic has taught us anything, it is that a full portfolio of quality educational offerings, new ways to learn in and outside of the traditional classroom, and a commitment to educating and training students who look like the smaller, more connected world we are becoming is the key to long-term success. We feel very good about our trajectory.”

To be here at DSU means that you are a part of a family and a long history of excellence. Being amongst the top 10 just further instills that we are graduating fully equipped to conquer the world as thought leaders.” — Nasai Oliver, President of the Student Government Association

University maintains ranking among top HBCUs In a confirmation of its standing as the fastest-growing HBCU in the country and the top choice for students of color in Delaware, Delaware State University has maintained its position among the Top 5 Public HBCUs and as one of the Top 10 HBCUs overall. According to the latest annual rankings by U.S. News and World Report, the University ranked as the #3 Public HBCU, marking the ninth consecutive year it has placed among the Top 5, and the #9 HBCU overall, marking the third consecutive year it has placed among the Top 10 Black Schools in the country. DSU shares that #9 ranking in a tie with Claflin University. Most notable in the most recent rankings are continued momentum in retention and graduation; social mobility, which is success in graduating students from low-resource communities; innovation; and leadership in undergraduate teaching which continues to show both the quality of University faculty and the depth of its academic disciplines. DSU’s ranking for undergraduate teaching is No. 8 among ALL schools in the Northeastern Region.

Senior Vice President of Strategic Enrollment and International Affairs Antonio Boyle added, “Our strength is our people. Folks who wake daily on a mission to open minds and opportunities to as diverse a student pipeline as they can no matter where they come from, what they look like, or what barriers may be in front of them.” The University is also continuing its work in preparing high school students for the rigors of higher education. Of the 600 students in the University’s 7th through 12th Early College School, 105 of the ECHS students are enrolled in college courses. In addition, 174 other high school students are taking DSU classes, with Smyrna High School among the leaders in taking advantage of this program.

EMERGING ANEW

INTERNATIONAL PORTFOLIO EXPANDS Chinese Language and Cultural Research Center is established A partnership between Delaware State University and Xiamen University of China has led to the establishment of a Chinese Language and Cultural Research (CLCR) Center at the International Affairs House at DSU Downtown. Dr. Fengshan Liu, Associate Vice President for International Affairs, said the CLCR Center will be a source of cultural enrichment, multilingual advocacy, and internationalized scholarship, offering resources such as teaching staff and curriculum design for local school districts with Chinese immersion and world language programs as well as the Chinese courses and program at DSU. “The Center serves as a nexus for intercultural and academic exchanges on knowledge of the Chinese languages, literature, philosophy, and other areas of social sciences via the organization of cultural events, Chinese language learning and teaching conferences, and periodical invited guest lecture series, among other activities,” Dr. Liu said. Xiamen University and DSU are both prominent and time-honored institutions, each one endowed with a rich historical heritage, noted Dr. Ying Fang, Vice President of Xiamen University. “Xiamen is willing to work in close collaboration with Delaware State University to the build the Center into a window for the local community to learn the Chinese language and culture,” Dr. Fang said. “It will be a multi-platform for the two universities to further expand the areas and scope of cooperation.”

Barbados programs focus on country’s needs The government of Barbados is funding 60 students to pursue DSU academic degree programs in Agriculture, Mathematics, Chemistry and Physics as part of an agreement signed between Prime Minister Mia A. Mottley and President Tony Allen. Beginning in September, the students began receiving instruction synchronously (online) from DSU faculty and face-to-face instruction from faculty contracted by DSU from Barbados Community College. The degree programs specifically address the country’s needs, especially in agriculture best practices and mathematics.

Jamaica graduate and associate degree student cohorts thrive Academic program relationships with students in Jamaica continued to thrive and grow in 2023. Following the signing of an agreement with Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness in 2020, 18 students were welcomed into an inaugural Doctor of Educational Leadership program cohort — a number that grew to 300 students by fall 2023. All 13 students in the initial fall 2020 Master of Educational Leadership cohort completed their coursework in August 2022 and graduated in May 2023, and the program currently has 50 students. In 2021, DSU started an Associate of Arts/Science Program for high school students funded by the Jamaican government in which 150 students are currently pursuing an AA or AS degree while simultaneously completing their secondary school education; the first AA/AS graduates could complete their degrees in May 2024. Branching into additional graduate programs, DSU has plans to soon launch an Integrated Agriculture Ph.D. program in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining and an MBA Program (The Jamaica Constabulary Force Senior Leadership). Antonio Boyle, Senior Vice President of Strategic Enrollment and International Affairs, has led and coordinated DSU’s academic programs in Jamaica and Barbados.

DSU has strong HBCU Week presence During the annual HBCU Week in Wilmington, Delaware State University was ever-present at the events that support the week’s mission: encouraging high school-age youths to enroll at Historically Black Colleges and Universities. At the College Fair, DSU accepted 318 students for enrollment, with 264 of them offered the state-funded Inspire Scholarship representing $9.7 million in financial assistance over a four-year period. More than 350 DSU student-athletes and numerous University community members participated in the HBCU Week 5K Run/Walk, and DSU was also well-represented at the HBCU Week Block Party. On campus, more than 500 middle school students took the opportunity to learn about Delaware’s only HBCU during a Campus Tour event.

A NEW BRANDING ERA ACADEMIC LOGO PAYS HOMAGE TO ICONIC CAMPUS FLAGPOLES Experiencing record enrollment numbers, growing infrastructure, and expanding programs and partnerships over the last decade, the University determined it was time to refresh its brand to showcase its success and reflect its institutional character. For the academic logo, the University Marketing and Communications design team set out to create a new visual mark connected with Delaware State University’s rich history, remarkable present and promising future. After extensive market research and feedback from stakeholders — including more than 600 students, faculty, staff, leadership, alumni and community members — the majority connected with the University’s iconic flagpoles centered at the entrance of the main campus. Along the ever-flying United States flag, the other flags are periodically changed to embrace the diverse number of countries the University’s students, faculty and staff represent. Numerous alumni and students commented that this is what they remember most about their first visit, and it continues to be the center point where students connect, whether to catch a shuttle or take photos with friends and family after celebrating graduation.

“It’s what we all remember from our first campus tour visit in middle or high school,” said 2023-2024 Student Government Association Vice President Josh Holloway. “Even now, we say, ‘Meet me at the flagpoles!’ ” The launch of the logos is just the beginning. The next step, says Senior Associate Vice President of Marketing and Communications Dr. Dawn Mosley, is revitalizing the University’s brand elements to tell its story as comprehensively as possible. “Our students are our greatest storytellers, so we’ve readied them with a strong narrative behind the new mark,” Dr. Mosley said. “We’re inspiring our students, alumni, parents, staff, partners and supporters to represent the new DSU and Hornet everywhere and on every platform. We purposefully produced a transformed sense of pride and excitement about who we are and our future. The new DSU mark reflects the way many have already referred to us for years. Now it is official, and we are excited to embrace it. We are DSU!”

EMERGING ANEW

We are excited to introduce this new visual mark featuring flags that represent our diversity and honor, a mound that denotes our strong foundation, and traditional blue and red colors that reflect our inspiration and loyalty. I am proud of our lead designer Jasmine Couch, our entire Marketing team, and the participants who provided valuable feedback to help shape the final design.” — Dr. Dawn Mosley, Senior Associate Vice President of Marketing and Communications

FEDERAL, GRANT AND DONOR-FUNDED INITIATIVES Farm Incubator Module, Black Male Initiative and Space Education Excellence Programs The Delaware Congressional Delegation announced more than $1.6 million in federal money for the University in support of the following initiatives: $886,000 in support of a University Farm Incubator Module to enable program expansion and outreach to under-resourced and social disadvantaged populations that have an interest in farming. $300,000 in support of the Black Male Initiative Summer Experience, two separate two-week residential camps with 40 male participants ranging from the 9th to 12th grade from all three Delaware counties. $490,000 in support of the Space Education Excellence in Delaware Program within the University’s Optical Science Center for Applied Research, which focuses on the search for evidence of life through the analysis of interplanetary dust particles through the use of infrared spectroscopy technology.

Career Pathways for Early Childhood Educators JPMorgan Chase funded a $709,000 grant to build career pathways for early childhood educators to improve career access, advancement, and economic mobility for child care workers and uncredentialed staff who work directly with children in a child care center or a home setting. The program will offer a hybrid (on-site/online) learning model; one-on-one academic, business, and financial coaching; provision of meals and child care during on-site instruction; one-on-one business consultations with experienced child care business owners; access to capital through loan packaging and microlending; and a business loan application fee waiver.

Food Safety, Stress and Sleep Research Study

ATHLETICS LOGO GETS A CONTEMPORARY UPDATE

A three-year, $382,163 National Institute of Food and Agriculture of USDA grant supports a research study that will focus on the relationship between food safety, stress and sleep in diverse Delaware communities. Dr. Wilbert Long III, a Senior Research Scientist in the Department of Human Ecology, is the Principal Investigator (PI). The co-PIs are Dr. Janeese Brownlow, Assistant Professor of Psychology, and Dr. Verona Mulgrave, Extension Specialist in Food and Nutrition. The study will also provide the University’s master’s degree students with holistic training in food safety and extension and outreach opportunities.

On the Athletics side, the mascot beloved by students and alumni for decades has been provided a contemporary look to help propel the University’s Hornet pride into the future. The mascot name originated as the “Blue Hornet” nickname for the blue bus that transported the football team of the then-State College for Colored Students to its away games. By the time the College formally became a member of the Colored Intercollegiate Athletic Association in 1945, the “Hornet” had already been adopted as the mascot name of the institution’s sports teams.

Gun Possession Research Findings

“With the most diverse intercollegiate athletics program in DSU history, it was time for a more modern, powerful look,” said Director of Athletics Alecia Shields-Gadson. “This new Hornet athletics logo ushers in a new era for all of Delaware State University’s sports teams. It is a work of branding art that reflects all that our intercollegiate teams are striving for — consistent bold and strong performances on the field of play that are packed with an unrelenting sting.”

Donation in Support of Alzheimer’s Disease Research

Dr. Dorothy Dillard, Director of the Center for Neighborhood Revitalization and Research, released the findings of her research on “Gun Possession among young African American men in Wilmington, Del.” from a study funded by a $1 million grant by the National Collaborative of Gun Violence Research. The funding went to the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, which in turn distributed it to researchers at four HBCUs — Coppin State University, Texas Southern University, Jackson State University, and Delaware State University. As a Co-Principal Investigator, Dr. Dillard partnered with the Wilmingtonbased Center for Structural Equity, a grassroots organization working to prevent gun violence. The three-year project entailed interviewing 91 teen and young adult African American males to learn why they believe they need to own a gun and then analyzing the data. The research revealed that the young men generally were exposed to violence, guns and gun violence at an early age and they cited the Wilmington environment where they live as the primary reason why they possessed guns. The findings led to the development of recommendations by researchers and project participants that community members are working to implement to help curb gun violence in Wilmington.

The Paul H. Boerger Fund of the Delaware Community Foundation awarded a $500,000 donation to the Delaware State University Foundation in support of the Alzheimer’s disease research program led by Dr. Michael Gitcho, Associate Professor of Biological Sciences. According to Dr. Gitcho, Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, accounting for 70-80% of all cases. In his project entitled “Changes in network connectivity as a biomarker for early detection of Alzheimer’s disease,” functional magnetic resonance imaging is being used in a mouse model to determine the changes in network connectivity, through which the researchers hope to find early points for therapeutic intervention. In addition, Dr. Gitcho and his research team are developing new models of neurodegeneration that mimic the pathology and memory deficits associated with AD to help gain a better understanding of pathways associated with this complex disease.

AT 13TH ANNUAL HBCU PHILANTHROPY SYMPOSIUM, INSTITUTIONS PLAN FOR FUTURE SUSTAINABILITY About 500 universities, minority-serving institutions, corporations and foundations attended the 13th annual HBCU Philanthropy Symposium held at the Gaylord Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor, Md. The Symposium was hosted July 30-August 2 by the Division of Institutional Advancement under the theme “Assessing Today: Planning for Tomorrow.” Highlights included a keynote from Tony Allen, Ph.D., as Chair of the White House Advisory Board on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Dietra Trent, Executive Director of the White House Initiative on HBCUs; enlightening panels of HBCU Presidents, National Football and National Basketball Leagues’ Foundations, corporate and foundation executives; and discussion on the U.S. Supreme Court on affirmative action in higher education, student success, and other timely subjects from 30 session speakers. During the event, the Pete du Pont Freedom Foundation held an Innovative Solution competition, which proposed programs focused on HBCU capacity building and sustainability, social justice initiatives, student engagement and retention, and alumni engagement. The University’s Dr. Gwen Scott-Jones’ proposal of “Developing a Safe Space Coalition at HBCUs” and Dr. Von Homer’s “Human Movement Institute Labs Powered by Hx” were selected among the top 10 finalists. The Symposium launched its inaugural Dr. Alma S. Adams HBCU Leadership Award and presented the first one to its namesake, U.S. Rep. Alma S. Adams, in recognition of her legislative advocacy on behalf of HBCUs. The event was supported by the generous sponsorship of Delmarva Power, The Kresge Foundation, Thrivent, United Airlines, Diageo, Strada Education Foundation, Thurgood Marshall College Fund, YMCA of the USA, Bank of America, Pete du Pont Freedom Foundation, Sallie Mae, Capital One, Vanguard, Barber and Associates LLC, Barclays, BlueSky Collaborative Partners, Cisco, TDBank, and UNCF Philanthropy Institute. The hosting team was led by Dr. Vita Pickrum ’16, the Symposium founder and President of the DSU Foundation, and Dr. LaShawne Pryor ’23, Associate Vice President of Development.

TMCF-DSU Joint Center for HBCU Nontraditional Completion Announced Dr. Harry L. Williams, President and CEO of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) and former President of DSU, served as keynote speaker during the opening session of the HBCU Philanthropy Symposium. Dr. Williams used his address to announce the creation of the TMCF-DSU Joint Center for HBCU Nontraditional Completion to serve near-degree completers and adult learners, as well as support other HBCUs in such efforts. The Joint Center, to be housed at DSU, will use lessons learned from a three-year pilot program for near completers and adult learners funded by grants from the Kresge Foundation and Ascendium Education Group. Outcomes from the pilot program will inform ongoing program development and scaling efforts to other HBCUs seeking to enhance their recruitment and support of adult learners who have some college but who have not earned their degrees. In addition, the Joint Center will provide best practices on new college completion pathways for nontraditional students, including online completion and stacked credentials. Dr. Patrice Gilliam-Johnson, Dean of the School of Graduate, Adult and Extended Studies, and Terry Jeffries, Assistant Dean, will lead all programmatic efforts.

Join us in 2024 The 2024 HBCU Philanthropy Symposium will be held June 30–July 3 at the Gaylord Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor, Md. Visit hbcusymposium.com to learn more and register.

EMERGING ANEW

PASSING OF THE GAVEL

Incoming Board of Trustees Chair Leroy Tice ’02 hugs outgoing Chair Dr. Devona Williams after receiving a ceremonial gavel.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES WELCOMES NEW LEADERSHIP AND MEMBERS, HONORS ITS OUTGOING CHAIRS With the change in the fiscal year, the University welcomed a new Chair and Vice Chair to the Board of Trustees and honored longtime outgoing members for their service in those positions.

Dr. Devona Williams received a proclamation for her DSU Foundation Board service from Dr. Enid Wallace-Haley ’74, Chair of the Foundation Board of Directors.

Alumnus Leroy Tice, Esq., ’02 who first joined the Board in 2010 and is its longest-serving Trustee, assumed the Chair leadership position from Dr. Devona Williams, whose final Board term ended at the close of 2023. Dr. Debbie Harrington, a Board member since 2016, was elected as the Board’s 1st Vice Chair, and John J. Allen Jr., a Board member since 2013, continued in his Vice Chairmanship role as the Board’s 2nd Vice Chair.

Gov. John Carney presents outgoing Board of Trustees Chair Dr. Devona Williams with the Order of the First State Award.

During the year, the Board also welcomed two familiar faces to the governing body as Trustees, both appointed by Gov. Carney.

In recognition of her two-term Board service and her 5½ years as the Board Chair, Dr. Williams not only received a framed Tribute from President Tony Allen, but Gov. John Carney also attended the meeting to present her with the Order of the First State award.

William “Bill” Collick, the most celebrated head football coach in Delaware State University history, will complete the term of former Board member Esthelda Parker Selby ’71 that expires in December 2027.

Alumnus John Ridgeway ’75, Vice Chairman since 2018, was honored by President Allen with a tribute for his service in that role. Currently in his second term, he continues as a Board member.

Alumna Dr. Marlene A. Saunders ’67, a decades-long social work faculty member at her alma mater, will fill the Board seat previously held by former Trustee Lois Hobbs for a six-year term.

From left: Delaware Rep. Franklin Cooke, U.S. Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester, Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long, Delaware Sen. Trey Paradee, Terri Ewing and Steve Ewing ’83

FOR STUDENTS’ FUTURES SCHOLARSHIP BALL RAISES $3 MILLION, HIGHLIGHTED BY $1 MILLION LARGEST CONTRIBUTION FROM AN ALUM The Chase Center on the Riverfront in Wilmington and Delaware State University welcomed 1,200 partners, alums, and friends December 9 to its sold-out Scholarship Ball, featuring the highoctane R&B group SWV and legendary DJ Jazzy Jeff. The Ball — held exclusively to support student scholarships — raised more than $3 million and was highlighted by the singlelargest contribution made by an alumnus in the University’s 132-year history. Steve Ewing ‘83 presented the University with a $1 million gift. Mr. Ewing recently sold his automotive franchise, Wade Ford, one of America’s largest African-American-owned Ford dealerships. Mr. Ewing and his wife, Terri, live in Metropolitan Atlanta but are both Northern New Jersey natives. In presenting the gift to the University, Mr. Ewing recounted the importance of Delaware State University in his life: “My parents gave me all the tools to be successful, but I am a better man, a better person because of Delaware State University.” He then immediately challenged the entire Alumni community to match his gift. Noting the significance of the gift, President Tony Allen said, “Steve, you are an exemplary alumnus, one clearly raised with a unique combination of tenacity, compassion, and grace — the very essence of the University’s creed, ‘Enter to learn; go forth to serve.’ ” Mr. Ewing chairs the University’s Athletic Transformation Committee, a newly formed group to anchor the University’s effort to bring a best-in-class, contemporary Athletic corridor to campus.

Top: Alumnus Steve Ewing ’83 presented the University with a $1 million gift at the Ball. Center: Rodney Oddoye, representing Community Partnership Award recipient Delmarva Power, speaks alongside the University’s five Delmarva Power Scholars. Bottom: Joel V. Coppadge ’81, center, received the Alumni Partners Award from Dr. Enid Wallace-Haley ’74, left, and Leroy Tice ’02 at the event.

Mr. Ewing was introduced by NBA Hall of Famer and Chairman and Founder of Magic Johnson Enterprises, Earvin “Magic” Johnson, who donated $600K to the University and promised an additional $1 million more as the University continues to grow the institution. Johnson is also the co-owner of SodexoMagic, a 17-year joint venture between Sodexo and Magic Johnson Enterprises. SodexoMagic is the food provider for the University.

EMERGING ANEW

President Tony Allen, center, and Board of Trustees Chairman Leroy Tice ’02, left, join Sallie Mae Chief Executive Officer Jon Witter, second from left, and Antoine Oakley and Nicolas Jafarieh of Sallie Mae, right, during the presentation of the company’s $1 million research endowment.

Thank you to DSU being a place that welcomes those of us who took a detour. You clarify that it’s never too late to chase your dreams.” — Alumna Tannie Speaks ’22, who graduated after a long absence, noting the importance of the near-degree completer efforts during her Scholarship Ball remarks

Sallie Mae, a leading private lender in the student loan space and an educational solutions provider to students and families throughout the country, matched Mr. Ewing’s gift with a $1 million research endowment to the University to help close the college completion gap. The Sallie Mae Fund grant will support a comprehensive three-year “Persistence and Completion Pilot Program” that will study and identify barriers to degree completion, help students return to school and complete it, and help advance policy recommendations and best practices to enhance student re-engagement. In accepting the corporate award from Sallie Mae, CEO Jon Witter commented, ”We know the promise of a higher education comes from earning a degree, yet too often, underserved and underrepresented students face obstacles that cause them to stop out or drop out altogether. Our mission-aligned partnership with DSU aims to remove barriers to degree completion so that more students have the resources they need to cross the finish line.” The University also presented the Community Partnership Award to Delmarva Power and the Alumni Partners Award to Joel V. Coppadge ‘81.

Counterclockwise: Musical entertainment was provided by high-octane R&B group SWV and legendary DJ Jazzy Jeff. A first commission original painting by artist Bernard Jackson featuring the University seal was presented at the event.

Magic Johnson shares a laugh with African stilt walkers. Yasmeen Olass, Jelani Bryant and Kennadi Haynesworth were among the students who participated in the evening.

Join us in 2024 The 2024 University Scholarship Ball will be held December 14. Watch for ticket sales at desu.edu/ scholarship-ball.

WELCOMING HOME OUR HORNETS

Generations of alumni, students and friends packed the campus, streets and stands for traditions new and old during Homecoming 2023, which paid homage to the 50th anniversary of hip-hop. Special visitors included singer Montell Jordan, artist Dana Dane and media personality alumna Loren LoRosa ’ 14.

MILESTONES FACULTY EXCELLENCE AWARDS Four Delaware State University professors received 2022-2023 Faculty Excellence Awards in the categories of research, advising, teaching, and service. 

Dr. Samuel Besong, Professor of Human Ecology — Faculty Excellence Award for Research

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Dr. Brody Bluemel, Chair of the Department of Languages and Literatures — Faculty Excellence Award for Advising

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Dr. Tina Mitchell, Master of Arts in Teaching Program Coordinator — Faculty Excellence Award for Teaching

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Dr. Alexa Silver, Professor of History, Political Science and Philosophy — Faculty Excellence Award for Service

ALUMNI

Just shy of her 105th birthday, the University’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Council honored oldest living alumna Susan Young Browne ’45 as part of a program titled “Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories.” During the event, she talked about her life during a “fireside chat” interview led by Miss DSU Bralyn Page. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Education, Browne had a 30-year teaching career in Delaware elementary schools.

Finding joy in instilling the love for learning, Dr. Sammye Miller ’68, professor of history and government at Bowie State University, recently celebrated over 50 years of teaching at the university. Dr. Miller first started teaching at Bowie State in 1971 and has served in a multitude of roles during his five decades on campus, including four terms as the Chair of the Department of History and Government, Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences, and Special Assistant to the Provost. During its basketball tournament week, the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) honored Hornet basketball star Jahsha Bluntt ’07 as one of its 2023 Hall of Fame inductees and recognized Maxine Lewis ’73 as the University’s 2023 Distinguished Alumnae. A two-time MEAC Player of the Year (2006 and 2007), Bluntt was also the MEAC Basketball Tournament’s Most Outstanding Performer in 2005, the year Delaware State won its lone MEAC tournament championship. Lewis served as the first female Sport Information Director for Delaware State College Athletics for 11 years and a Senior Sports Publicist with ABC Sports for 16 years. She then established herself as an entrepreneur in downtown Dover, where she still operates Maxine’s Fashions. Jamil Moore ’15, a Jobs for Delaware Graduates teacher at Odessa High School in Delaware, was a 2022-2023 Jobs for Delaware Graduates Teacher of the Year Award nominee for the program that teaches students life skills, financial literacy, and emotional intelligence. He was interviewed on 47ABC WMDT’s Good Morning Delmarva as an emerging leader in Delaware. Matthew Horace ’85 was appointed Chief Security Officer for Progress Residential, the nation’s largest single-family rental management services platform. Ed Doxen ’15 operates a podcast, Dreams by Any Means Motivation Station!, on Spotify that provides a platform where individuals from all walks of life share their unique stories and insight into what it means to achieve success. Dr. Chanda Reynolds ’12 has been referred to as “The Culture’s Psychologist” due to her relatability and viral social media content. In a podcast, “Paging Dr. Chanda,” on Revolt, she uses her background in psychology and ministry to discuss all things including Black mental health, faith, lifestyle, and buzzing topics in entertainment. Former Hornet linebacker Brooks Parker ’22 signed a contract to compete for the Canadian Football League’s British Columbia Lions. Parker, a two-time All-MEAC selection, tallied 167 total tackles, including 109 unassisted and 28.5 in the opponents’ backfield during his Hornets’ career. He was Delaware State’s leader with 63 tackles during the 2022 season.

To kick off the semester, the University hosted two traditional opening events featuring alumni as speakers. At Convocation, Emmy & Telly Award-winning journalist Cathleen Trigg-Jones ’92 told students: “I had audacious dreams. If you don’t allow yourself to dream, it’s impossible to make a dream come true. Little did I know, that at Del State my dreams would take root and begin to flourish.” At the 13th annual Prayer Breakfast, attendees heard a compelling message from Pastor William A. Sims Jr. ’96, Senior Pastor of Mother UAME Church of Wilmington, Del., on the importance of prayer as well as an outstanding musical performance by the DSU Concert Choir and a guest soloist. During the event, the University presented its 2023 Community Partner Award to Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield. Recently graduated infielder Trey Paige ’23 was selected by the St. Louis Cardinals with the 515th pick of the 17th round in the 2023 Major League Baseball (MLB) Draft. The 2022 MEAC Player of the Year became just the eighth player in program history and seventh under head coach JP Blandin to have been drafted by a MLB organization.

FACULTY & STAFF President Tony Allen was named among Delaware Today’s “Most Influential People.” The magazine noted that Dr. Allen has sought to elevate the public image of Delaware’s historically Black university since becoming its leader in 2020. Delaware Online named University Director of Athletics Alecia Shields-Gadson among its 2023 “Most Influential” sports leaders in the First State for the second year in a row.

A reception was attended by Dr. William B. DeLauder’s family members and contemporaries, including his widow Vermell, left, shown with First Lady Tara Allen.

EH THEATER RENAMING HONORS EIGHTH PRESIDENT DELAUDER The traditional site of the performing arts on campus has been renamed the William B. DeLauder Education and Humanities Theatre. The official renaming after the University’s eighth president took place in a May ceremony attended by present campus members and many others who were contemporaries of the late Dr. DeLauder (who passed away in 2020), including his widow Vermell, his son Bill, and other family members. Also in attendance were Sandra Arnell and Terry Coleman, who worked for many years in his office. Dr. Akwasi Osei, who served as the Master of Ceremonies, opened the event by reviewing many of Dr. DeLauder’s accomplishments, including his leadership that resulted in the elevation of the institution to University status in 1993. “Dr. DeLauder transformed a starry eyed, parochial college campus into a dynamic, vigorous, challenging, beautiful cosmopolitan University community,” he said. “We stand on his shoulders today as we dedicate this theatre in his honor.” University Historian Carlos Holmes said the renaming completes the campus memorialization of the top four presidents in the institution’s history, noting such honors have been established with the William C. Jason Library, the Dr. Jerome H. Holland Memorial Statue and the Dr. Luna I. Mishoe Science Center. “In honoring Dr. DeLauder, Delaware State University is completing its own Mount Rushmore of its greatest presidents,” he said.

Tamekca Faria-Frisby, Director of Advisement in the College of Business, has been awarded the Delaware ACE Women’s Network 2023 DAWN Rising Star Award, which is presented annually to one outstanding woman in each higher education institution in Delaware whose potential to achieve is evident. As part of the celebration of Women’s History Month, a group of female educators made a strong showing at the annual Delaware ACE Women’s Network (DAWN) leadership summit, hosted at Goldey-Beacom College. The “Women in Education L.E.A.D.” summit featured keynote speaker Yahshikiah “Yah” Hughes, Assistant Dean for Student and Corporate Engagement within the College of Business, and a multitude of workshops aligned with L.E.A.D. (Love. Educate. Advocate. Develop). The DSU participants were led by Dr. Dawn Mosley, Senior Associate Vice President of Marketing and Communications, and Dr. Kim Sudler, Associate Vice President for Academic Operations, of the DAWN Executive Leadership Committee and Summit Planning Committee. Other presenters from the University included Dr. Cynthia Van Golen, Associate Professor of Biology; Dr. Albee Mendoza, Visiting Assistant Professor of Psychology; Dr. Danielle Archambault, Director of Advisement; Dr. Erin Perchiniak, Associate Professor of Biology; and Andrea Wilson, Executive Director of Application Services. Later in the year, Kenisha Ringgold, Deputy General Counsel, and Dr. Kim Krzanowksi, Executive Director of the Early Childhood Innovation Center, were selected to join Dr. Mosley to represent the University on the DAWN Executive Leadership team. Chief of Police James T. Overton began his second stint as the head of the University’s Police Department. He previously served as Deputy Chief of Police and was the University’s Chief of Police from 2005 until 2011. He continued in higher education with Chief of Police and Interim Vice Chancellor/Senior Associate Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs roles at the University of Massachusetts. Charles “Tony” Tucker began a role at the University as the Associate Vice President for Student Affairs. Tucker was most recently the headmaster at Grand River Academy in northeastern Ohio. Dr. Emily Williams joined the Office of Academic Affairs as Vice Provost. Prior to this role, Dr. Williams served as Vice President of Academic Affairs and a Tenured Full Professor at the University of Pittsburgh. Jazmone Turner was appointed as Interim Head Women’s Basketball Coach for the 2023-24 season. Turner is in her third year on the Lady Hornets’ staff, serving as Associate Head Coach the previous two seasons. Samantha Noviscky was named as the Hornets’ new Head Bowling Coach. Noviscky was a standout member of the 2005 to 2009 Delaware State bowling teams and helped lead the Hornets to their first Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Championship and NCAA Tournament appearance during the 2008-09 season. David Brooks was named Head Coach of the Women’s Volleyball Team. A two-time Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Coach of the Year, Brooks joined the Hornets after a highly successful two-year stint as Head Volleyball Coach at Elizabeth City (N.C.) State University.

MILESTONES

STUDENTS Delaware Online named Hornet women’s lacrosse player Sydney Anderson among its 2023 “Most Influential” in the First State. The junior on the lacrosse team was recognized for community impact, citing her award by the Intercollegiate Women’s Lacrosse Coaches Association (IWLCA) for reporting the news about the controversial stop and search of the team’s bus by police in Georgia on its return home from a game in Florida. In partnership with the Office of Undergraduate Research, Experiential Learning and Honors (URELAH) and The Washington Center (TWC), CapitalOne provided an opportunity for students from DSU to take their learning beyond the classroom with a unique experiential learning program on Capitol Hill. The students, Kennadie Patterson, Rachael Williams, Asia Stanley and Yasmeen Olass, along with Hornets on the Hill program Advisors Danielle K. Craig and Shonda Poe, had an immersive experience in Washington, D.C., engaging with elected officials, policymakers, and legislative influencers to see the mechanics of government and explore their own career pathways. A group students pursuing health-related majors — Taylor Davis, Ryan Noelle Hunter, Vanessa Choute, Khianna Scott-Roberts, Bria Porter and Kaitlin James — joined the effort to increase the number of much-needed African American bone marrow and stem cell donors by being volunteer representatives of the Be The Match Program, a global leader in bone marrow or blood stem cell transplantation. Registry drives were held on the main and DSU Downtown campuses. Football student-athlete Charles Brown, Jr. was appointed to the NCAA Division I Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) through May 31, 2025. As part of his participation in committee meetings and conference calls, Brown will provide the national body with a student-athlete’s perspective from Delaware State and the MEAC as a whole.

ATHLETICS Alondra Maldonado, who led the Hornets to the 2022 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) volleyball championship and first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance, and track and field champion Tayshaun Chisolm were honored as the 2022-23 Female and Male Delaware State Athletes of the Year.

Baseball Head Coach JP Blandin recorded his 500th career win when the Hornets defeated Norfolk State University during an April double header. Blandin has led the Hornets team as Head Coach since 2001.

Equestrian Delaware State collected a majority of the major ECAC Equestrian 2022-23 Dual Discipline postseason awards, claiming three of the four ECAC Rider of the Year honors — Olivia Brown, Flat Rider of the Year; Kersten Zehner, Horsemanship Rider of the Year; and Aiden Stetzer, Reining Rider of the Year. In addition, Victoria Croston was named to the National Collegiate Equestrian Association Ariat All-America Equestrian First Team, while teammate Stetzer was a Second Team selection and Zehner, Brown and Alexis Grogan earned Honorable Mention recognition, giving the Hornets a teamrecord five on the Ariat All-America list.

Football Quarterback Marqui Adams has been named to the FCS Football Central Freshman All-American Team, which recognizes the best freshman players from across the subdivision. Forty nine players from 43 programs were recognized on the Freshman All-American Team.

Men’s Indoor and Outdoor Track Peter Kamanu, pictured above, was the MEAC men’s indoor and outdoor pole vault champion with top leaps of 4.50 meters. Alonzo Sims Jr. claimed his first-ever MEAC medal after winning the 400-meter hurdles with a time of 52.57 seconds. Emperor Campbell won the MEAC discus throw with a season-long distance of 50.92 meters. Tayshaun Chisholm captured his second straight ECAC/IC4A championship in the men’s indoor 60-meter hurdles with a time of 7.76 seconds.

Women’s Indoor and Outdoor Track Annalise Bond, pictured above, recorded back-to-back championships in the MEAC women’s indoor pole vault competition with a top leap 3.30 meters; in the outdoor competition she completed the individual event championship sweep by clearing a height of 3.50 meters. Catherine Glenn won the MEAC heptathlon championship with a total of 5,011 points.

Women’s Golf The Delaware State women’s golf team capped off a successful first season as a member of the Northeast Conference (NEC) with a major award as they were honored with the 2023 NEC Spring Team Sportsmanship Award for women’s golf recognizing a commitment to sportsmanship and athletic success.

Women’s Tennis Experiencing one of its best seasons, women’s tennis set a team record with 15 wins during its combined fall and spring seasons. The Hornets’ 2022-23 campaign also featured two MEAC Tournament wins for the first time in recorded team history, a six-match win streak and a shutout victory (7-0) over Towson of the Colonial Athletic Association.

Hall of Fame Honorees A total of 13 individuals were honored for their commitment to Hornet Athletics excellence during the annual Delaware State University Athletics Hall of Fame ceremony in September: Elmore Briggs, Baseball; Eldridge “Ace” Comer, Football; Joel Coppadge, Contributor; Najmah Fauntleroy, Women’s Basketball; Nicole Gazzola, Softball; Kendall Gray, Men’s Basketball; Jazmyne Hefflefinger, Bowling; Odell Jones (posthumous), Football; Dr. Wilma Mishoe, Contributor; Norman Oliver, Contributor; Donald Robinson, Football; Walter Samuels, Football; and Kelly Williams (posthumous), Baseball.

LEADERSHIP BOARD OF TRUSTEES Leroy A. Tice, Esq. ’02, Chair Dr. Debbie Harrington, 1st Vice Chair John J. Allen, Jr., 2nd Vice Chair Margie Lopez Waite ’90, Treasurer The Honorable Michael N. Castle William Collick Norman D. Griffiths, Esq. Dr. Wilma Mishoe John Ridgeway ’75 Chip Rossi Dr. Marlene A. Saunders ’67 Jocelyn Stewart Bernadette Dorsey Whatley Dr. Devona E. Williams

EX-OFFICIO The Honorable John Carney, 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 Dr. Vita Pickrum ’16, Foundation President Tony Allen, Ph.D., University President Vincent Rojas, Treasurer/Secretary Henrietta Savage, Controller Capt. William “CJ” Charlton ’95 Steve Ewing ’83 Daryl Graham Thomas Horne Joe Purzycki Dr. Kathleen Shelton David Sheppard, Esq. Jocelyn Stewart Cathleen Trigg-Jones ’92

ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL Tony Allen, Ph.D., President Anas Ben Addi, Vice President of Finance, Chief Financial Officer Antonio Boyle, Senior Vice President for Strategic Enrollment and International Affairs Dr. Irene Chapman-Hawkins ’14, ’19, Interim Executive Vice President Dr. Saundra DeLauder, Provost, Vice President and Chief Academic Officer Dr. Stacy Downing, Chief Administrator, DSU Downtown Campus, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives Jackie Griffith, Vice President of Government and Community Relations, Special Assistant to the President Darrell McMillon, Vice President of Information Technology/Chief Information Officer Dr. Dawn Mosley ’20, Senior Associate Vice President of Marketing and Communications LaKresha Moultrie, Esq., Vice President, Legal Affairs, General Counsel and Chief Risk Management Officer Mr. James Overton, Chief of Police Dr. Vita Pickrum ’16, Vice President of Institutional Advancement, President of the Foundation Board Bernard Pratt, Associate Vice President of Facilities Management, Planning, Construction and Housing Alecia Shields-Gadson, Director of Athletics Tamara Stoner, University Secretary, Assistant Vice President of Auxiliary Services Mr. Charles Tucker Sr., Senior Associate Vice President for Student Affairs

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