Howard University has just achieved a remarkable milestone.
It is now the first Historically Black College and University (HBCU) to attain the Research One (R1) designation from the Carnegie Classification. This prestigious status is held by fewer than 150 universities nationwide, reflecting a strong commitment to research and development.
To qualify for R1 status, a university must spend at least $50 million on research and award a minimum of 70 doctoral degrees. In the 2023 fiscal year, Howard not only met but exceeded these standards, spending nearly $85 million on research and awarding 96 doctorates. This is the highest number awarded to Black students at any college in the U.S., as noted by Dr. Bruce A. Jones, the university’s senior vice president for research.
Dr. Robert T. Palmer from Howard’s Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies expressed his excitement about this achievement. He believes that reaching R1 status will help the university attract more competitive research grants and talented students and faculty. According to him, this honor will further highlight the exceptional work of Howard’s faculty and alumni.
Dr. Marybeth Gasman, an expert in education at Rutgers University, also commented on this achievement. She said Howard has been a leader in research for years and is thrilled to see it recognized officially. She emphasized the importance of supporting faculty and Ph.D. students through resources like reduced teaching loads and funded fellowships.
Other HBCUs, like Morgan State University, are also striving for R1 status. Dr. Palmer suggested that these schools could benefit by collaborating and supporting each other in their pursuit of this goal.
