Virginia State University is one of the latest recipients of a multimillion-dollar grant from the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF). The land-grant HBCU received $2 million for its AI-Enabled Digital Transformation Initiative.
Virginia State is one of eight HBCUs to be chosen for Project HBCU Capacity Building, an initiative by Lily Endowment Inc. Through this multi-year initiative, institutions are empowered to “improve enrollment, retention, and graduation rates; strengthen research capacity; modernize operations; and foster collaboration across campuses,” according to an announcement on the Virginia State official university website.
To be considered for this initiative, institutions had to send a proposal highlighting their plans for innovation. Through its AI-Enabled Digital Transformation Initiative, Virginia State plans to create a solid AI network to increase AI literacy for students, faculty, and staff while also incorporating AI into the academic and professional work environment.
“We are extremely honored to receive this prestigious grant from the Thurgood Marshall College Fund,” said VSU President Dr. Makola M. Abdullah. “Virginia State University has always stood at the forefront of progress, and this initiative will empower our community to thrive in an AI-driven future while reinforcing VSU’s role as a greater leader in digital transformation.”
The project focuses on expanding research infrastructure and supporting institutions in their pursuit of Carnegie R1 status, a designation that recognizes the highest level of research activity. It also seeks to enhance core operational areas such as enrollment management, academic advising, and financial aid systems to ensure more streamlined and effective student support. In addition, the initiative drives innovation in student success, career readiness, and workforce development, equipping students with the skills and opportunities needed to thrive in a competitive job market. A key component of the project involves fostering collaborative cohorts among HBCUs, encouraging the sharing of best practices, and building a stronger, more interconnected HBCU community.
To measure the success of its generous donation, the Thurgood Marshall College Fund will track improvement in areas such as enrollment, graduation rates, research output, and institutional sustainability over the next two years.
The Thurgood Marshall College Fund president and CEO, Dr. Harry L. Williams, gives his insight on how initiatives like this can better impact HBCUs.
“Through these investments, we are equipping HBCUs to thrive as engines of economic mobility and academic excellence,” said Dr. Williams. “This initiative is not just about funding projects—it’s about building sustainable capacity so that our institutions can continue to lead, innovate, and transform lives for generations to come.”
“When we invest in HBCUs, we invest in the future of our nation. These grants ensure that our campuses have the resources and infrastructure needed to remain competitive, to produce world-class research, and to prepare the next generation of leaders who will shape industries and communities across America,” he added.
