Trailblazing HBCU Institutions, Leaders and Advocates Recognized by UNCF at Annual Awards Ceremony During UNITE 2026
The UNCF recognized eleven leaders and organizations for their contributions to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) at the UNITE 2026 ceremony. The event highlighted institutional excellence and advocacy for student access to higher education.
Why it matters
Recognizing these leaders underscores the ongoing importance of HBCUs in the American educational landscape and the role of philanthropy in supporting them.
Eleven honorees recognized for institutional excellence, faculty leadership, innovation, advocacy and community impact at the nation's largest gathering of HBCU leaders
•Dr. Michael Lomax, UNCF President and CEO, presents Ed Smith-Lewis, Chief Growth & Strategy Officer at RICE (Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs), with the HBCU Champion Award at UNITE 2026.
•Dr. Elfred Anthony Pinkard presents Bill Moses of the Kresge Foundation with the Impact Partner Award at UNITE 2026.
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