HBCU Review: HBCUs Show Big Gains in Black Student Graduation Rates

Plus, an update on the missing Virginia State students.

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HBCU Review: HBCUs Show Big Gains in Black Student Graduation Rates - An update on the missing Virginia State students, Shaq raises awareness on binge drinking, and other HBCU news. –Dorkys Ramos  A chart published in the Journal of Blacks in Higher Education shows that HBCUs have made significant progress in getting Black students to graduate from college. Howard University tops the list of 35 schools, with a 17 percentage point increase during the 1998-2011 period. At Jackson State University and Virginia Union University, the graduation rate increased 11 points in that same time period. (Photo: Erik S. Lesser/Getty Images)

Body of One of Two Missing Virginia State Students Found - The body of Marvell Edmondson, one of two Virginia State University students who went missing Saturday night, has been recovered from the Appomattox River. Freshmen Jauwan Holmes and Edmondson were among a group of students who attempted the initiation ritual of crossing the river on foot for the non-authorized campus organization Men of Honor. Authorities are still searching for Holmes. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)

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Body of One of Two Missing Virginia State Students Found - The body of Marvell Edmondson, one of two Virginia State University students who went missing Saturday night, has been recovered from the Appomattox River. Freshmen Jauwan Holmes and Edmondson were among a group of students who attempted the initiation ritual of crossing the river on foot for the non-authorized campus organization Men of Honor. Authorities are still searching for Holmes. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)

Anthony Anderson - The Compton, California, native is an alum of the Hollywood High School for Performing Arts in Los Angeles. He also graduated from Howard University, along with Wendy Raquel Robinson, Laz Alonso and Taraji P. Henson. With a career as impressive as his, it's time to get excited to watch him host this year's UNCF: AN Evening of Stars on BET!(Photo: Brian To/WENN.com)

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Anthony Anderson to Deliver Talladega College Commencement Speech - Anthony Anderson will be addressing the 2013 graduates at Talladega's commencement ceremony on May 12. The Guys With Kids actor and comedian has appeared in more than 20 films and starred in several television shows, including his own sitcom, All About the Andersons. (Photo: Brian To/WENN.com)

Alcorn State Expands Global Partnership - Alcorn State University will host Brazilian students this year as part of an effort to establish connections between Alcorn and predominantly Black campuses throughout Brazil and Columbia. Outside of Africa, Brazil holds the world’s largest Black population with 140 million. (Photo: Alcorn State University)

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Alcorn Launches Sustainability Program on Earth Day - Alcorn State University used Earth Day to launch its sustainability program to raise awareness about environmental responsibility. The school will also improve and expand its recycling program, use more energy efficient vehicles around campus, use locally grown fruit and diminish its use of eco-unfriendly products. (Photo: Alcorn State University)

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Shaquille O'Neal and Godfrey Raise Awareness on Binge Drinking - Shaquille O'Neal, Godfrey the Comedian and the Century Council are raising awareness about binge drinking. The "Watch Yourself" campaign targets HBCU students and alerts them to the dangers of drinking too much alcohol. The videos can be found on the Century Council's YouTube page, online and television ads and in HBCU campus papers. (Photo: D Dipasupil/Getty Images)

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Grambling State to Build New Tiger Statue - Grambling State University has broken ground for a new tiger statue on campus. The sculpture will replace a flagpole outside Long-Jones Hall and the Eddie G. Robinson Museum. The statue will feature the school's mascot standing on its hind legs while raising its two front legs. (Photo: WikiCommons)

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Grambling State to Build New Tiger Statue - Grambling State University has broken ground for a new tiger statue on campus. The sculpture will replace a flagpole outside Long-Jones Hall and the Eddie G. Robinson Museum. The statue will feature the school's mascot standing on its hind legs while raising its two front legs. (Photo: WikiCommons)

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Meharry Medical College Announces Plans for New Campus Center - Meharry Medical College has broken ground for its first new building in 30 years. The three-story, 80,000 square-foot Turner Family Center will house classrooms, an auditorium, a food court, banquet halls and office space. (Photo: Courtesy of WikiCommons)

Savannah State Fires Head Football Coach Steve Davenport - Savannah State University has fired head football coach Steve Davenport and the majority of his staff after the team went 2-20 over two seasons. Cornerbacks’ coach Corey Barlow has been named interim head coach while the school searches for Davenport's replacement. (Photo: savannahstate.edu)

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Savannah State Fires Head Football Coach Steve Davenport - Savannah State University has fired head football coach Steve Davenport and the majority of his staff after the team went 2-20 over two seasons. Cornerbacks’ coach Corey Barlow has been named interim head coach while the school searches for Davenport's replacement. (Photo: savannahstate.edu)

Miss UMES Resigns Amid Arrest and Drug Charges - Porsha Simone Harvey resigned on Wednesday from her post as Miss University of Maryland Eastern Shore. During homecoming week in February, Harvey was arrested after she “assaulted” a campus officer. But when she got to the Princess Anne courthouse she was charged with possession of a controlled substance after a search revealed a small amount of marijuana on her person.(Photo: Courtesy of University of Maryland of Eastern Shore)

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Major Improvements In Store at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore - The University of Maryland Eastern Shore has announced the acquisition of 365 acres of land that will allow them to expand the campus. The school will also construct a new 163,350-square-foot building that will house academic programs for aviation, engineering, math and telecommunications. The $91.5 million project is expected to be completed in 2015. (Photo: Courtesy of University of Maryland of Eastern Shore)

Thomas Elzey Named South Carolina State President - Thomas Elzey has been named the 11th president of South Carolina State University. Elzey has been a chief financial officer at several other institutions and was chosen based on his experience managing large finances and administrations including federal offices and HBCUs. (Photo: Citadel.edu)

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Thomas Elzey Named South Carolina State President - Thomas Elzey has been named the 11th president of South Carolina State University. Elzey has been a chief financial officer at several other institutions and was chosen based on his experience managing large finances and administrations including federal offices and HBCUs. (Photo: Citadel.edu)