Dr. Allen, who currently serves as the President of Delaware State University – the only Historically Black College and University located in Delaware – will lead the 21-member board tasked with fulfilling the mission and functions established via Section 5(c) of the HBCU Propelling Agency Relationships Towards a New Era of Results for Students (HBCU PARTNERS) Act (P. L. 116 – 270). Among other things, these duties include:
- Strengthening the educational capacity of Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
- Improving the identity, visibility, capability and competitiveness of Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
- Engaging the philanthropic, business, government and education communities in a national dialogue regarding new programs and initiatives.
- Improving the ability of Historically Black Colleges and Universities to remain fiscally secure.
- Elevating the public awareness of – and fostering appreciation for – Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
- Encouraging public-private investments in Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
- Improving government-wide strategic planning related to Historically Black Colleges and Universities to align federal resources and provide the context for decisions about partnerships, investments, performance goals, priorities, human capital development and budget planning.
The HBCU PARTNERS Act was introduced by Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) and Rep. Alma Adams (D-NC) and aims “to address the capacity of Historically Black Colleges and Universities to participate in federal programs.” It was passed in the Senate, via a voice vote, and in the House of Representatives, via a vote 388 to 6 – with Reps. Justin Amash (R-MI), Andy Biggs (R-AZ), Mo Brooks (R-AL), Thomas Massie (R-KY), Tom McClintock (R-CA) and Chip Roy (R-TX) voting in the negative. Former President Donald Trump signed the legislation into law on Thursday, December 31, 2020.
