Historically Black Colleges and Universities in Tennessee

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) hold a significant place in the landscape of higher education, particularly for the African American community. These institutions, with roots dating back to the late 1830s, were formally defined by the Higher Education Act of 1965 as those established before 1964 with the primary mission of educating African-American students. Today, HBCUs offer opportunities for all students to cultivate their talents and skills. This article delves into the Historically Black Colleges and Universities in Tennessee, highlighting their unique histories, contributions, and current status.

A Legacy of Education and Empowerment

HBCUs have been a source of accomplishment and great pride for the African American community as well as the entire nation. The Memphis Grizzlies are honored to celebrate the rich legacy and profound impact of Historically Black Colleges and Universities. HBCUs have been a powerful source of education and pride for African American communities for over a century. Additionally, Memphis is home to one of the oldest Historically Black Colleges, LeMoyne-Owen College. In partnership with Pinnacle Financial Partners, the pivotal role these institutions have played in shaping generations of leaders, scholars, and changemakers, is honored.

The Higher Education Act of 1965 defines an HBCU as: “…any historically black college or university that was established prior to 1964, whose principal mission was, and is, the education of black Americans, and that is accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency or association determined by the Secretary [of Education] to be a reliable authority as to the quality of training offered or is, according to such an agency or association, making reasonable progress toward accreditation.”

HBCUs in Tennessee: A Closer Look

Here is a closer look at the Historically Black Colleges and Universities in Tennessee.

American Baptist College (ABC) - Nashville, TN

Founded: 1924
Mascot: N/A
Enrollment: 43 (57, including part-time)
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Address: J. F. 1600 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

For almost a century, American Baptist College (ABC) has been educating and developing students for leadership and service. With the help of National Baptists, American Baptist College's (ABC) present site was purchased in 1921. The original name was the American Baptist Theological Seminary. A Christian College since its founding in 1924, all of ABC’s degree programs prepare students to become agents of change and advocates of social justice by helping them become critical and moral thinkers and instilling leadership. ABC offers Associate of Arts degrees in Music and Arts and General Studies as well as three Bachelor of Arts Degrees in Bible & Theology, Behavior Studies and Entrepreneurial Leadership.

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Fisk University - Nashville, TN

Founded: 1866
Mascot: Bulldogs
Enrollment: 874 (914, including part-time)
Acceptance Rate: 61%
Address: 1000 17th Ave N

Founded in 1866, shortly after the end of the Civil War, Fisk University is the oldest institution of higher education in Nashville. Fisk was named in honor of General Clinton B. Fisk of the Tennessee Freedmen's Bureau, who provided the new institution with facilities in former Union Army barracks near the present site of Nashville's Union Station. Today, Fisk has a reputation for excellence and producing graduates who make an immediate impact in a wide range of fields, from social justice to the sciences. In addition to multiple Bachelor's degrees, Fisk offers Master's degrees as well as a Master's to PhD Bridge Program in conjunction with Vanderbilt University to increase the number of underrepresented students engaged in PhD level STEM research. Fisk is home to the first Historically Black College and University gymnastics team to compete at the NCAA level.

Knoxville College - Knoxville, TN

Founded: 1875
Mascot: N/A
Enrollment: 32 (online only)
Acceptance Rate: N/A
Address: 901 Knoxville College Dr

Knoxville College was founded in 1875 as part of the missionary effort of the United Presbyterian Church and since there were so few educational opportunities for African Americans, it initially offered classes from first grade through college level. Knoxville College, the only HBCU in East Tennessee, was founded through the United Presbyterian Church to support the freedmen as they sought religion, moral and educational leadership. Knoxville College once played a prominent role in the education of Knoxville’s Black community-roughly 17% of Knoxville’s population is Black-but has had a rocky road since losing its accreditation in 1997. This HBCU has partnerships with Tennessee College of Applied Technology, University of Tennessee, Morris Brown College and Johnson University to support students. Students can earn their Associate of Arts online. Recently, the Tennessee Higher Education Commission approved two new degree blended programs (online and/or on campus) which include an AS Business Administration and BS Business Administration. President Leonard L. Adams, Jr. has stated , "This is very exciting news as it gives us access and a pathway to the return of on-campus learning for current and potential students."

Lane College - Jackson, TN

Founded: 1882
Mascot: Dragons and Lady Dragons
Enrollment: 988 (1,046 including part-time)
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Address: 545 Lane Ave

Lane College was founded in the 1880s by one of the nation’s first Black church denominations, and religion continues to play a key role on the college’s campus today. For $240, Bishop Isaac Lane purchased the first four acres of land for the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church High School, which later was named Lane College. Spirituality is at the center of the Lane experience, but the college offers much more, including dozens of degrees through its three schools: School of Business, Social Science, and Behavioral Science; School of Liberal Studies and Education; and the School of Natural and Psychical Science. In partnership with IBM, Lane offers students opportunities to earn certification badges for in-demand careers including IBM Cloud, IBM Engineering, Blockchain and Artificial Intelligence.

LeMoyne-Owen College - Memphis, TN

Founded: 1862
Mascot: the Magicians
Enrollment: 529 (613, including part-time)
Acceptance Rate: 98%
Address: 807 Walker Ave

LeMoyne-Owen College traces its roots back to the early 1860s and a school for freedmen and runaway slaves known as Lincoln Chapel. LeMoyne began as an elementary school for freedmen and formerly enslaved runaways. It became a 4-year college in 1930. Owen College opened as a junior college in 1954. The two schools merged in 1968 and LeMoyne is the only Historically Black College in Memphis today. Est. LeMoyne-Owen College has always been a think tank for civil rights. Dr. LeMoyne College merged with Owen College to become LeMoyne-Owen College in 1968. LeMoyne-Owen College’s legacy transcends the eras of race riots, yellow fever epidemics, Jim Crow laws and segregation in Memphis. It has stood the test of time and inspired countless students to change their lives. Today, the school provides a four-year liberal arts experience that prepares graduates to become leaders and for successful endeavors post-college. In addition to its six divisions which include Business & Economic Development and Computer Science, LeMoyne-Owens offers an Accelerated Studies for Adults and Professionals program. The institution has continued to enhance dual enrollment and summer institute offerings by reviewing the current advising process.

Meharry Medical College - Nashville, TN

Founded: 1876
Mascot: N/A
Enrollment: 828
Acceptance Rate: Estimated at 3-4%
Address: 1005 Dr. D.B. Todd Jr. Blvd

Meharry Medical College doesn’t offer any undergraduate programs, but bears mentioning. Meharry is "the nation's largest private historically Black academic health center". Meharry Medical College is one of three historically Black medical schools in the United States. Meharry is affiliated with the United Methodist Church and is a top producer of primary care physicians and a leading producer of African Americans with Ph.Ds. in biomedical sciences. Meharry has Schools of Dentistry, Medicine, Applied Computational Sciences and Graduate Studies that offers Masters of Public Health, Biomedical Science PhDs and an M.D./PhD. program. Meharry awards more than 15% of African American Biomedical Science PhDs and is ranked ninth nationally by Diversity Issues in Higher Education for this success rate. In addition to its medical school, Meharry also hosts a dental school, graduate school, and applied computational sciences school.

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Tennessee State University (TSU) - Nashville, TN

Founded: 1912
Mascot: Aristocat the Tiger
Enrollment: 4,907 (6,375, including part-time)
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Address: 3500 John A. Merritt Blvd

The Agricultural and Industrial Normal School, which would go on to become Tennessee State University (TSU), fielded its first class of 247 students in 1912. TSU began as an agricultural and industrial normal school. In 1922, it became a four-year teachers' college and underwent an official name change in 1968. Today, the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education has designated TSU as a "high research" institution. TSU is one of just eleven HBCUs designated as a “high research activity” institution by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. Tennessee State University is also making moves in athletics; it is the first HBCU to bring hockey to its athletic department; the program will begin at the club level in 2024.

Factors Influencing Admission

A variety of factors contribute to your chances of acceptance at an HBCU in Tennessee-everything from the selectivity of the school to the strength of your profile will play a part in whether you get in or not. CollegeVine can add clarity to the process.

Celebrating HBCU Empowerment

The Memphis Grizzlies 8th Annual HBCU Empowerment Awards, presented by Pinnacle Financial Partners, will recognize four Historical Black College or University alumni for outstanding commitment to uplifting the community in the fields of Education, Health & Fitness, Youth Development and Service. Each recipient will be recognized at a Grizzlies home game in February as part of the celebration of Black History Month. A donation in each honoree’s name will also be made to their respective alma maters.

The Memphis Grizzlies and Pinnacle Financial Partners will partner with the HBCU Awareness Foundation to support their Fall & Spring College Fairs located at the Memphis Sports & Event Center. The college fairs will be hosted in Memphis, Mississippi, Arkansas and surrounding areas. More than 40 HBCUs are represented each year, with some students being admitted on the spot. The fairs also provide financial resources and informational sessions for parents as they prepare their student for college. The HBCU Awareness Foundation is a non-profit organization located in Memphis. With a vision and passion for building awareness and exposing high school students to HBCU's, the foundation was brought to life by Corey Allen.

HBCU Rankings and Choosing the Right Fit

College choice is particularly personal for Black youth and recognize priorities for college selection are different for each student. All HBCUs have value and are doing what they can to fulfill their shared mission of educating Black Americans. To get a fair view of the value and performance of individual HBCUs, take a look at the lists provided by U.S. News & World Report and Niche.com. For an HBCU to be included in the U.S. News ranking, it must be an undergraduate baccalaureate-granting institution that enrolls primarily first-year, first-time students and must be a school that is currently part of the Best Colleges rankings. In total, 79 HBCUs were eligible to be included on the list. Niche.com's top-ranked HBCUs are not only leading academic institutions but also offer an exceptional student experience.

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