About the Awards

The Our HBCUs Matter Awards is a signature recognition program that honors individuals, organizations, and partners who demonstrate exceptional commitment to advancing Historically Black Colleges and Universities and student success. The awards celebrate leadership, service, innovation, and impact across education, business, philanthropy, and community engagement. Through this annual event, Our HBCUs Matter highlights those who champion access, retention, graduation, and career outcomes for HBCUs.

Our HBCUs Matter Awards Honorees

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2025 Lifetime Achievement Award

Mayor Shirley Franklin

City of Atlanta
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2025 President of the Year Award

Dr. George T. French Jr.

President of Clark Atlanta University
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2025 High Education Educator Award

Dr. Terrance McNeil

Professor, Tennessee State University
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2025 Trailblazer Award

Evangeline Mitchell, Esq.

Founder, HBCU Pre-Law Summit
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2025 K-12 Educator Award

Dr. Donald Prater

Counselor, Atlanta Public Schools
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2025 Alumni Legacy Builder Award

Evangeline Pointer

Director of Customer Relations, South Carolina State University
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2024 President of the Year Award

Dr. Glenda Glover, Esq, CPA

President, Tennessee State University
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2024 High Education Educator Award

Jennifer Steel

Director of Special Programs, Jackson State University
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2024 K-12 Educator Award

Dr. Sakia Franklin-Jones

Science Educator, Atlanta Public Schools
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2024 Alumni Legacy Builder Award

Floyd Williams

Alumnus, Jackson State University
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2024 Partner Award

State Street

Corporate Partner
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2023 President of the Year Award

Dr. Kevin James

President of Morris Brown College
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2024 High Education Educator Award

Dr. Cheryl Jester-George

Assistant Dean School of Business, Clark Atlanta University
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2023 Trailblazer Award

John Grant

Executive Director, Celebration Bowl & SWAC/MEAC Challenge
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2023 Groundbreaker Award

Ashely Jones

Founder & CEO, Tones of Melanin