South Carolina State University football player Brandon Robinson was shot and killed outside of the Andrew Hugine Suites dorm, allegedly by another student. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division said the shooting occurred after an argument. Classmate Justin Singleton has been arrested and charged with murder, according to the Associated Press. The investigation is still ongoing.

North Carolina A&T State University takes the win at the 12th annual Honda Battle of the Bands International Showcase. In their third time playing in the showcase, the Blue & Gold Marching Machine became the first official winners of the competition. Other schools that competed for the title were: Winston-Salem State, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, South Carolina State, Morehouse College, Bethune-Cookman, Alabama State and Alabama A&M. (Via North Carolina A&T)

The University has started construction on their new $10 million student health center. The 28,000 square foot, two-story building will feature over 10 exam rooms, a women’s health center, a pharmacy and seminar rooms for wellness.

In faculty news, Winston-Salem State University taps Kienus Boulware as the new head football coach. Previously, Boulware was WSSU’s defensive coordinator, making this his first head coaching position. via HBCU Digest. Tuskegee University has begun their search for new leadership. The University selected the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges to conduct the national search for the president with the help of the Tuskegee board of trustees via WSFA. Virginia State University head football coach Latrell Scott was named HBCU Mid-Major Division National Coach of the Year via WTVR.

Synthia Saint James will be the first artist-in-residence at Harris-Stowe University.  The painter, perhaps best known for the artwork on the original cover of Terry McMillan’s Waiting to Exhale, will reside at the University from February 2-8, where she will interact with students in the classroom, give lectures and display her artwork via HBCU Buzz.

The center is to be completed and available for use by students this summer.

Howard University opened a new $5 million stimulation center. The center will allow over 800 students in medical fields to have hands on experience with real procedures. It has various rooms including an intensive care, operating room and surgical skills room and two human patient simulators that are to bleed, sweat and even one can have a baby via WUSA 9.

Alabama State University received a credit downgrade from Moody’s Investor’s Service citing that a major problem was unwillingness to cut back on operating expenses. ASU responded saying that the spending was investing into the future of the university and making sure it remains competitive. The University also announced various measures that it plans to take to get the university back to its credit standing including a Credit Rating Restoration Committee through the Board of Trustees, a review of faculty and staff positions and a push for increased student enrollment via AL.

Florida A&M University started a new program to help high school students prepare for college. FAMU’s Stellar Student Program provides college mentors for two dozen high school students with hopes of increasing the quality of applicants applying to college via Miami Herald.

PLUS:

Alabama State University Bid Farewell to Longtime President William Harris

 

Hampton University Celebrates 121st Founder’s Day

 

HBCU Football Programs Struggling to Keep Up

 

Legislator Calls Tennessee State University President Speech “Racist”

 

Emeritus FAMU Professor Plans Scholarship Fundraiser