Paul Quinn College Named ‘HBCU of the Year’ at Inaugural HBCU Awards

March 24, 2011 - PRLog -- Paul Quinn College, a private historically black liberal arts college in Dallas captured the top honor of ‘HBCU of the Year’ at the inaugural HBCU Awards held on March 18, 2011 on the campus of North Carolina A&T State University. Paul Quinn was selected from a pool of nine HBCUs nationwide, and was considered a long shot to win the award over nominees Hampton University, Florida A&M University and Spelman College, among others.
"The committee was particularly moved by our resiliency and tremendous success over the last 18 months (Food for Good Farm at Paul Quinn College, seven-figure budget surplus in FY10, demolition of 14 abandoned buildings, improved fundraising, overhaul of the core curriculum, creation of the Writing Program, etc.)," said Paul Quinn President Michael Sorrell in an e-mail written to the campus community moments after the announcement. "This is a special night and a special time in our institutional history."

Inaugural Lifetime Achievement award recipient and Alabama State University alumnus Col. (Ret.) Deborah Scott Thomas presented the ‘HBCU of the Year’ award. Thomas, President and CEO of Maryland-based Data Solutions & Technology Inc., was recently named among the top 25 Influential Black Women of 2011 by the Network Journal.

“The lifetime achievement recognition is a great honor and tremendous for it represents a community that is so dear to my heart,” stated Thomas. “America’s HBCUs have produced thousands of productive regional, national and global leaders who have made a difference in the lives of millions. I am grateful and privileged to be counted among its rich heritage and to have contributed to its legacy.”

Hampton University and North Carolina A&T State University won two awards respectively. Hampton accepted awards for ‘Best Research Initiative’ and ‘Best President,’ while the host institution received awards for ‘Best Alumni’ and ‘Best Homecoming.’
A three-month nomination process conducted jointly by the Center and the HBCU Digest received more than 1,000 entries submitted by administrators, students, alumni, faculty and supporters of HBCUs throughout the country. Center leadership selected finalists and a national committee of HBCU students, alumni and administrators selected winners.
Based in Baltimore, MD, the Center for HBCU Media Advocacy, Inc. seeks to promote the mission, culture and development of America’s historically black colleges and universities through new media exposure, training and education. For more information, visit www.hbcumedia.org.

*Winners Listed Below – Also Available at www.hbcuawards.net*


HBCU of the Year
Paul Quinn College

HBCU President of the Year
Dr. William Harvey, Hampton University

HBCU Student of the Year
Bishop Walker, Johnson C. Smith University

HBCU Faculty Member of the Year
Dr. Racquel L. Henry, Albany State University

HBCU Alumnus of the Year
Dr. Charles Mosee, Saint Augustine’s College

Best HBCU Athletic Program
South Carolina State University

Best Alumni
North Carolina A&T State University

Best Research Initiative
Hampton University – Proton Therapy Institute

Best Homecoming
North Carolina A&T State University

Best Academic Programming
Texas Southern University


Best Student Organization
Student Government Association, Jackson State University

Best HBCU Student Publication
Belle Magazine (Bennett College for Women)

Best HBCU Alumni Publication
Spelman Messenger (Spelman College)

Best HBCU Choir
Fisk University Jubilee Singers

Best HBCU Marching Band
Florida A&M Marching 100

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Based in Baltimore, MD, the Center for HBCU Media Advocacy, Inc. seeks to promote the mission, culture and development of America’s historically black colleges and universities through new media exposure, training and education. For more information, visit www.hbcumedia.org.