VSU's Presidential Debate Series To Begin With Former White House Executive Headlining Black History Month Program
The speaker, Dr. Meldon Hollis, served in President Jimmy Carter's and Barack Obama's administrations as an advocate for HBCUs.
The speaker, Dr. Meldon Hollis, served in President Jimmy Carter's and Barack Obama's administrations as an advocate for HBCUs.
Virginia State University is pleased to announce Dr. Meldon Hollis as the keynote speaker for a virtual Black History Month program sponsored by the National HBCU Studies Data Collection and Research Center at VSU. A prominent figure in the advocacy for Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Hollis served as the First Executive Director of the White House Initiative on HBCUs under President Jimmy Carter and later as associate director under President Barack Obama.
While working as an executive for the White House, Hollis collaborated with federal departments and agencies to ensure access and participation in federal programs for more than 100 HBCUs.
For his presentation, Hollis will provide a critical look into United States presidential policies regarding HBCUs to articulate the successes of the relationship between the White House and Black Colleges. Additionally, he will explain why HBCUs have served as unifying features within American politics.
"There is no one more qualified to speak on the pivotal role HBCUs have had in shaping national policies than Dr. Hollis," said Dr. Cheryl Mango, Associate Professor of History and Founding Executive Director for the National HBCU Studies Data Collection and Research Center at VSU. "We are honored to have him deliver a keynote address that will undoubtedly offer valuable perspectives on the enduring relationship between the White House and HBCUs like Virginia State University."
In November 2023, VSU became the first HBCU ever selected to host a General Election U.S. Presidential Debate. The University recognizes that advocates like Hollis are the ones who laid the groundwork for VSU’s selection. The debate will take place on October 1, 2024, at the VSU Multi-Purpose Center.
Scheduled for Wednesday, February 28, 2024, at 6:00 pm on Zoom, the virtual Black History Month program promises an insightful exploration of United States presidential policies regarding HBCUs. The program is free and open to the public. Early Zoom registration is currently open and encouraged as limited space is available.