By Cydny A. Neville

While there are plenty of welcome conversations in Washington D.C. and Richmond regarding providing additional financial support to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) we at the Northern Virginia Regional Commission (NVRC) are working to see the two publicly supported HBCUs in our Commonwealth establish a physical location in the region. 

Since July of 2021 NVRC has been engaged in important conversations with the Presidents of Norfolk State University and Virginia State University, key University staff, and others to make this dream a reality. 

With more than 405,000 students (of all races and ethnicities) in Northern Virginia who have some college or an associate degree, establishing a satellite campus for either of these prestigious institutions – or both as a shared location in the region would provide residents an opportunity to complete their degree at either university in a local setting. The United Negro College Fund outlines an extensive list of the benefits as to the value of an HBCU and why I, as a proud graduate of Virginia State University, support this effort. 

A Top-Notch Education 

In 2013, HBCUs generated 25 percent of all bachelor’s degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields earned by African Americans and awarded 14 percent of all African American engineering degrees. In 2018 29% of undergraduate degrees and 32% of PhDs in Chemistry were awarded to Black students from an HBCU! (Chemical & Engineering News, 2022) 

There is a growing need to increase the number of professionals in the Agricultural field. Virginia State University is an 1890 Land-Grant university “charged with developing research and extending knowledge to enhance the lives of limited-resourced farmers, families, individuals and underserved communities.” (ext.vsu.edu) 

“HBCUs disproportionately enroll low-income, first-generation, and academically underprepared college students –precisely the students that the country most needs to obtain college degrees. More than 75% of students at HBCUs rely on Pell Grants and nearly 13% rely on PLUS Loans to meet their college expenses” (Thurgood Marshall College Fund). HBCUs have long made access to higher learning a reality for millions of African Americans, producing many of the nation’s Black “teachers, doctors, judges, engineers, and STEM professionals.” 

Imagine the positive impact on families in our region, and our region’s economy if residents had access to an HBCU education at a satellite campus within commuting distance from their homes. 

A Supportive Atmosphere and Community 

With HBCUs’ special focus, your college experience will be one surrounded by many people with similar backgrounds and cultural experiences. At an HBCU, students do not only receive a top-notch education, but they are also submerged into a nurturing community of support and a family atmosphere among faculty, staff, administration, and peers who become an essential part of their extended family for a lifetime!

Diversity 

At the time Norfolk State University (1935) and Virginia State University (1882) were founded, Black students were being denied their right to an education. The few education options available were separate and extremely unequal. It is important to note that in many Black families, this was only a few generations ago; it is also important to note that as a people, we are still making “firsts” in America. Speaking of firsts, many families are presently achieving the “American Dream” of producing their first college graduate – many of those students choose an HBCU as a school of choice to pursue their degrees! 

Rooted in providing access to higher learning to those who were historically denied the opportunity, HBCUs continue to educate students of all races, ethnicities, and cultures from around the world. HBCUs provide a unique opportunity in diversity for Black students, as for many students, it is the only time they may be in an environment where they are the majority. 

Affordability 

While tuition and related expenses to attend college can create a financial barrier that limits access for many to pursue higher learning; HBCUs have continued to stay beneath the national average when it comes to college tuition. (College Data) Both Norfolk State University and Virginia State University have the lowest tuition of any public four-year university in the Commonwealth. 

Alumni Support and Networking 

Both Norfolk State University and Virginia State University have strong and active Alumni Associations nationwide – that provide ongoing support and valuable networking opportunities to: help graduates develop their future careers, provide scholarships to pre-alumni, support their alma maters, provide fellowship opportunities, and much more! 

Pride 

There is nothing like the pride HBCU alumni have for their alma maters! When you earn a degree in an environment that nurtures you, empowers you, encourages you and prepares you for a brighter future, it’s no surprise that our pride is palpable to all in our presence. The highest level of that sense of pride is exuded at our annual Homecomings! While we may not have the physical presence of an HBCU in our region yet, most residents in our region are familiar with all that an HBCU Homecoming embodies. 

Creating Generational Wealth 

A study conducted by The University of Georgia for the United Negro College Fund outlined the economic benefits of both Norfolk State and Virginia State Universities. The study revealed that a Norfolk State University graduate working full-time throughout his or her working life can expect to earn $939,000 in additional income due to a college credential. That economic benefit to a Virginia State University graduate is $990,000. 

While there are no physical facilities for Norfolk State University and Virginia State University in Northern Virginia yet, both universities are part of the publicly supported University system in the Commonwealth. Now is the time to solve this problem by working with both Universities, the 

Commonwealth, local partners, and other interested parties in establishing a physical facility for either one or both universities for the 2.5 million residents in our region. 

Cydny A. Neville is the Chair of the Northern Virginia Regional Commission, a member of the Town Council of the Town of Dumfries, and a graduate of an HBCU.