HBCU News – Collaboration and Vision Take Center Stage at HBCU Title III Administrators Conference

 UDC co-hosted the 2025 National Association of HBCU Title III Administrators Technical Assistance Workshop and Conference with Bowie State University in Crystal City, Virginia—an engaging and impactful gathering of leaders, educators and advocates committed to the future of historically Black colleges and universities.

Title III is a federal program under the Higher Education Act that provides funding to strengthen institutions that serve high percentages of low-income and minority students—particularly historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), tribal colleges and other minority-serving institutions.

That support is essential for HBCUs like UDC. It fuels initiatives that directly impact student success, such as curriculum development, faculty training, academic support, technology upgrades and infrastructure improvements. The program helps ensure HBCUs can continue delivering on their mission of access, equity and excellence in higher education.

Throughout the week, the university demonstrated the strength and reach of its academic community. Faculty, staff, students and administrators were actively involved—from leading sessions to connecting with peers and sharing the UDC’s strategic approach to Title III funding and student success. Visitors engaged with the university through vibrant presentations, interactive stations and conversations highlighting the institution’s growing impact on teaching, learning and innovation in higher education.

UDC led eight of the 27 breakout sessions—the highest of any institution—representing nearly 30 percent of the total. Topics ranged from distance learning transformation and artificial intelligence in course design to HyFlex learning, virtual reality integration, innovation in general education assessment and data-informed advising for student success.

The university also contributed two of the seven poster presentations, spotlighting immersive learning and advancing academic quality and institutional sustainability at the David A. Clarke School of Law.

In addition, UDC hosted two dynamic engagement stations. A Health Fair offered participants the chance to check their blood pressure and engage in wellness conversations. The “Teleport to UDC” virtual reality experience gave attendees a chance to remotely explore the Student Center, Community College, Aviation Program at DCA, HyFlex classrooms, the Firebird Immersive Lab and other VR tools currently used in courses.

A standout moment came during a high-profile panel discussion, “Title III Historical Perspective: Legislative Intent and Evolution of Higher Education,” featuring UDC President Maurice D. Edington alongside fellow HBCU president Daniel K. Williams of Alabama A&M University and Kim Chavis, director of Title III Programs at North Carolina A&T University. Together, they examined the pressing challenges facing HBCUs and offered thoughtful, forward-looking strategies to help ensure academic and professional success.

“It was an honor to serve on this panel alongside my distinguished colleagues,” said President Edington. “As HBCU leaders, we must continue to create pathways supporting success on our campuses and beyond.”

Beyond the main panels, UDC’s presence extended into breakout sessions and workshops, where faculty shared innovative approaches to curriculum design, technology integration and equity-focused teaching. The university’s Center for the Advancement of Learning (CAL) was key in supporting faculty engagement and fostering collaboration among institutions.

“I am extremely proud of how the University of the District of Columbia community showed up to lead, innovate and represent at the 2025 Title III Conference,” said Fatma Elshobokshy, director of CAL. “We are grateful to everyone who helped showcase the best of our university—especially Charles M. Sutton, our own Title III program director—for championing innovation and collaboration.”

“Thanks to the National Association of HBCU Title III Administrators for the opportunity to co-host this year’s workshop and represent the District of Columbia’s only public university on a national stage,” said Sutton. “The 2025 conference affirmed the vital role HBCUs continue to play, and UDC was proud to be part of the conversation.”