Leaders from Alabama’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities joined U.S. Sen. Katie Britt this week in Washington as she unveiled bipartisan legislation aimed at improving access to federal research funding.
Britt (R-Montgomery) partnered with Sen. Raphael Warnock to introduce the HBCU Research Capacity Act, a bill designed to simplify how institutions identify and apply for federal grants.
More than 30 HBCU presidents participated in a roundtable discussion tied to the bill’s introduction, including several from Alabama: Dr. Daniel K. Wims of Alabama A&M University, Dr. Quinton T. Ross Jr. of Alabama State University, Dr. Patricia G. Sims of Drake State Community & Technical College, Dr. Jonathan Koh of Shelton State Community College, Dr. Cynthia T. Anthony of Lawson State Community College, Dr. Kemba K. Chambers of Trenholm State Community College, and Olivier Charles of Bishop State Community College.
“It was a privilege to be joined by so many HBCU presidents from across the nation. One of my biggest takeaways from the roundtable was our shared passion for ensuring all HBCUs have the resources available to provide their students with the highest level of opportunity – which I’m committed to continue fighting for,” said Senator Britt. “I am proud to represent the state with the most HBCUs in the nation. As a former trustee to one of Alabama’s 14 HBCUs, I’ve seen firsthand how impactful these institutions are – I am a fierce advocate for their funding, not only in Alabama, but also nationwide. I’m proud to co-lead this commonsense legislation with Senator Warnock, which will help these institutions grow their research capacity and continue paving the way for generations of students.”
A May 2024 report from the National Science and Technology Council identified barriers limiting HBCU access to research funding and recommended improved coordination across federal agencies — a gap the legislation aims to address.
“HBCUs are incubators of diverse excellence and have proven their ability time and again to punch above their weight. Despite not always having every tool at their disposal, they continue to make massive contributions to the research and development community. This bipartisan bill will make securing federal dollars for their research efforts that much easier, and I am proud to work alongside another champion of HBCUs in Senator Katie Britt,” said Senator Warnock.
Supporters say the legislation could help address longstanding disparities in federal research funding and strengthen the role of Alabama HBCUs in innovation and student opportunity.
“For too long, federal research investments have been disproportionately concentrated in a select few institutions of higher education,” said Dr. Harry L. Williams, president and CEO of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. “By connecting historically Black colleges and universities with federal research opportunities, the HBCU Research Capacity Act—co-sponsored by Senators Raphael Warnock and Katie Britt—is a major step toward ensuring HBCUs serve as catalysts for expanding America’s portfolio of top-tier research institutions and advancing our nation’s global competitiveness.”
Sherri Blevins is a reporter for 256 Today.
