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Empowering Black Men at Community College of Baltimore County

Empowering Black Men at Community College of Baltimore County

Adrianne Washington, dean of special academic programs at the Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC), noticed a gap in the Honors Program that didn’t sit right with her. She realized that Black men were being overlooked in the program’s success, prompting her to take action.

Washington’s journey began with a mission to recruit and empower African American men as part of the Honors Program’s transformation into a full-fledged Honors College. Over her 15-year tenure at CCBC, she has expanded her roles, ensuring that her work remains student-centered.

As the dean of the nascent Honors College, Washington is focused on ensuring proportional demographic representation, diversity in the classroom, and community engagement. She emphasizes the importance of catering to the needs of community college students, including part-time and non-traditional learners.

Washington envisions innovative changes for the Honors College, such as offering evening and remote synchronous courses to meet students where they are. The transition to a college will bring upgrades like experiential learning, research opportunities, and merit scholarships.

Through deliberate efforts, Washington has successfully integrated minority men into the Honors College, challenging stereotypes and providing opportunities for their academic success. Dr. Sunni Solomon, director of CCBC’s Male Student Success Initiative, praises Washington’s advocacy and inclusivity, ensuring that all students feel welcome and supported.

Washington’s dedication to student needs and her collaborative approach have earned her praise from colleagues and students alike. As the Honors College enters its pilot stage, Washington remains committed to serving students and meeting their evolving needs.

#CCBC #HonorsCollege #Empowerment #Diversity #Innovation #CommunityCollege

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Greetings, Focused Scholars!

Dear Students,

As Student Success Coaches, we would like to take this opportunity to reach out and communicate with you directly. We understand that your academic journey can be challenging, but please know that we are here to support you every step of the way.

We want to remind you that your success is our top priority. We are here to provide you with guidance, resources, and support to help you achieve your academic goals. Whether you need assistance with time management, study skills, or navigating the university, we are here to help.

It is important to remember that you are not alone in this journey. For this reason we have created this entry to provide you with a direct message and to be able to contact us more directly. We hope you enjoy.

Student Success Coaches

Greetings, Focused Scholars!

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As we continue our journey through the semester, I want to circle back to our February discussion about striving for excellence and practicing kindness. This March, as we celebrate Women’s History Month, let’s honor the incredible women in our lives by embodying these principles. Let’s emulate their strength, resilience, and compassion as we navigate our academic and personal endeavors.

With midterms looming on the horizon, it’s essential to carve out time for preparation. Instead of cramming at the last minute, consider spreading out your study sessions over a reasonable period. Break down your study material into manageable chunks and allocate time each day to review. Trust me, it’s much easier to absorb information this way. Plan your study sessions strategically, allowing yourself breaks to recharge and maintain focus.

And while we’re on the topic of planning, let’s not forget about Spring Break! While it’s a well-deserved time for relaxation and fun, it’s crucial to prioritize safety and responsibility. Whether you’re traveling or staying local, make smart choices and look out for one another. Remember, your well-being is paramount, so take care of yourselves and each other

As we navigate through March, let’s honor the legacy of remarkable women, prioritize our studies with mindful preparation, and enjoy a well-deserved break responsibly.

Wishing you all a successful and enjoyable month ahead!

Ndala M. Booker, Ed.D.

Chief Student Success Officer

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For School For Students News

Sacramento State Launches First Black Honors College

Sacramento State Launches First Black Honors College

Sacramento State, home to the largest population of Black students in the California State University (CSU) system, is introducing what will become the nation’s inaugural Black Honors College.

Set to commence operations in the fall, the honors college will admit students with a GPA of 3.5 or higher and a passion for Black history, life, and culture.

Dr. J. Luke Wood, who assumed leadership of the institution seven months ago, expressed, “This is part of a broader initiative to improve success rates for Black students. We’re establishing an institution within the institution.”

Unlike Honors Colleges at other institutions, which have developed specialized programs to attract Black students, Sacramento State’s approach is distinct. The entire college is being tailored specifically for Black students.

The college will have its own dean, director, counselors, academic advisors, and support staff, drawing from faculty with a proven track record of teaching Black students.

Accepted students will complete their General Education (GE) classes in the college, with small class sizes and mentoring primarily by Black faculty members. The curriculum will focus on the Black experience, influenced by Pan-African studies.

Dr. Wood hopes to recruit students who might otherwise attend for-profit colleges or historically Black colleges and universities in other states.

The idea took shape following the release of a CSU report last June, titled “Advancing Black Student Success and Elevating Black Excellence in the CSU: A Call to Action.”

Despite potential criticism, Dr. Wood remains committed to the vision, aiming to replicate it at other institutions nationwide.

Administrators have allocated over 6,000 square feet of space for the college, including seminar rooms, study areas, and a lounge in the library.

Selected students will have the opportunity to live in a dedicated community.

Initial funding and support have been secured to enroll the first 500 students. Recruiters are promoting the college in high schools across California.

Ruth Williams, the staff director for the Honors College, and Dr. Boatamo “Ati” Mosupyoe, the inaugural dean of students, express excitement about the college’s potential.

Dr. Wood emphasizes the importance of improving success rates for Black students, aiming to reverse the institution’s historical trend of low success rates among this demographic.


#FocusQuest #Sacramento #SacramentoState #BlackHonorsCollege #HigherEducation #Empowerment #Innovation

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