Cheyney University News September 26, 2012 Cheyney University Receives $1.7 Million Grant to Strengthen Its Academic Capacity Cheyney University of Pennsylvania will receive $1.7 million from the U.S. Department of Education's Title III, Part B, Strengthening Historically Black College and Universities (HBCU) Program. HBCUs in 19 states, the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands will be able to strengthen their academic resources, financial management systems, endowment-building capacity, and physical plants as a result of $227.9 million in awards. Cheyney University also received the Title III grant five years ago. "This renewed funding enables Cheyney University to strengthen its academic programs and to enhance our core student services. I want to especially thank our elected congressional representatives, The Honorable Patrick Meehan, The Honorable Robert Brady and The Honorable Chaka Fattah as well as Dr. Leonard L. Haynes and Mr. John Clement at the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Postsecondary Education, for their assistance in ensuring that Cheyney University received this grant award. The recent grant will be allocated to initiatives within the University in alignment with the institution's strategic plan. I am confident that the HBCU grant will assist in positioning Cheyney University to prepare students to be competitive upon graduation for career opportunities, become exceptional leaders as well as responsible contributors for the growth of a greater society," stated Cheyney's President, Dr. Michelle R. Howard-Vital. As a sampling, Cheyney will use its funding to address technological improvements so degrees can be delivered online in the near future, support it Arts and Lecture Series which brings world-class artists and speakers to campus in concert with master classes for students and support the Office of University Advancement and External Relations to develop stronger relationships with external constituencies. Lincoln University, the second HBCU is Pennsylvania, will also receive funding under the Title III grant. "HBCUs have made enduring, even staggering contributions to American life despite the steep financial challenges many have faced," U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan said. "The grants will help these important institutions continue to provide their students with the quality education they need to compete in the global economy." The Strengthening Historically Black Colleges and Universities grant is administered by the Office of Postsecondary Education. SANDRA M. PHOENIX Executive Director HBCU Library Alliance sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org> www.hbculibraries.org<http://www.hbculibraries.org> 800-999-8558, ext. 4820 404-520-0593 Skype: sandra.phoenix1 1438 West Peachtree NW Suite 200 Atlanta,GA 30309 Toll Free: 1.800.999.8558 (LYRASIS) Fax: 404.892.7879 www.lyrasis.org<http://www.lyrasis.org> Honor the ancestors, honor the children. Register now http://www.hbculibraries.org/html/2012meeting-form.html for the October 21-23, 2012 HBCU Library Alliance 5th Membership Meeting and the Photographic Preservation Pre-Conference in New Orleans, LA. The Pre-Conference and Membership meeting are open to directors and other librarians.