Virginia State University Faculty Member Awarded Prestigious ACLS Research Grant

Dr. Samuel Rowley has received funding for his project examining the impact of HBCU wind bands.

Virginia State University is proud to recognize Dr. Samuel Rowley, Chairman of the Department of Music, for being selected as a 2025 American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS) HBCU Faculty Grantee. Dr. Rowley was one of 12 recipients awarded a grant of up to $10,000 to support research projects covering a wide range of disciplines in the humanities and interpretive social sciences.  

Dr. Rowley will use the funding for his research project, The History and Evolution of the HBCU Wind Band Movement. His project aims to provide a historical overview of the significant contributions of HBCU band programs and their impact on the North American wind band phenomenon.

"I am honored to receive the 2025 ACLS HBCU Faculty Grant,” said Dr. Rowley, who is also the Director of Bands-Wind Activities at VSU. “I have always taken pride in being a musician, educator, and researcher. This grant will enable me to complete my research and publish my forthcoming book, The History and Evolution of the HBCU Wind Band Movement."

The ACLS HBCU Faculty Fellowship and Grant Program was developed in collaboration with HBCU faculty and academic leaders to provide flexible support while creating a broader research community. In addition to individual awards, each grantee's institution receives an additional $2,500 to enhance humanities programming and infrastructure.

"ACLS is proud to support this vibrant group of scholars and celebrate their important contributions to the humanities and interpretive social sciences,” said Nike Nivar Ortiz, ACLS Program Officer in US Programs. “ACLS HBCU Faculty Fellows and Grantees exemplify the wealth of scholarship found across HBCU campuses, which is keenly attentive to underrepresented histories and voices, as well as timely social issues that intersect with their campus communities."

VSU remains committed to supporting faculty research that highlights and preserves the rich legacy of HBCUs.