UMES helps launch nationwide HBCU research coalition

Salisbury, Md. – The University of Maryland Eastern Shore is partnering with 14 other Historically Black Colleges and Universities to launch Association of HBCU Research Institutions (AHRI), a reach coalition meant to accelerate and promote cutting-edge research and expand policy influence.

UMES President Dr. Heidi Anderson told WMDT the coalition will enable UMES and other HBCUs to collaborate and overcome challenges to infrastructure that would normally impede their research. She said this type of coalition will directly benefit the community driving revolutionary research in agriculture, engineering, science and more. UMES officials say the coalition also aims to “boost funding, enhance faculty recruitment, and expand student access to research and career pathways.”

“Something unique to HBCUs is our connection to students,” Anderson said. “We don’t lose lose sight of our focus on students.”

Member institutions will work to increase the number of HBCUs achieving Research One (R1) Carnegie Classification, the highest designation for research institutions can attain. AHRI is also supported by a strategic partnership with the Association of American Universities and a three-year, $1 million grant from the Harvard University & the Legacy of Slavery (H&LS) Initiative.

“Together we’re stronger and we basically will be able to share resources,” Anderson said. “We basically can can collaborate and try to make sure we cut down those particular type of infrastructure needs across one institution. We can collaborate and be one.”

In addition to UMES, AHRI’s members include Clark Atlanta, Delaware State, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical, Hampton, Howard, Jackson State, Morgan State, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State, Prairie View Agricultural and Mechanical, South Carolina State, Southern, Tennessee State, Texas Southern, and Virginia State universities.