Tuskegee University President Advocates for HBCUs at Senate Hearing on Federal Funding
WASHINGTON — Mark Brown, President of Tuskegee University, emphasized the critical role of federal investments, particularly Pell Grants, in facilitating student success at a Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee hearing on Wednesday. Brown, the university’s first alumnus leader, represented the perspectives of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), discussing vital funding challenges.
Highlighting Tuskegee’s impressive 81% retention rate, Brown underscored the broader impact of HBCUs despite their relatively small presence in the U.S. educational landscape. He expressed concern over proposed cuts to federal financial aid, particularly in light of the Republican-backed tax plan that threatens to limit Pell Grants and eliminate graduate loan options. "Reductions in federal needs-based funding would negatively impact 9 out of 10 HBCU students," Brown stated.
Senator Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., who introduced Brown at the hearing, lauded his extensive expertise in education leadership and federal student aid policy. In response to Tuberville’s inquiry about rising education costs, Brown addressed the complexities of tuition management, noting that even with a tuition freeze, ancillary costs such as insurance necessitated increases.
Brown also warned against proposals to eliminate Grad PLUS loans, which help students fund advanced degrees in essential fields like veterinary science and social work. Tuskegee University processed over $22 million in federal loans this academic year, with $5 million allocated to Grad PLUS loans. "Eliminating or reducing these loans would severely limit access to graduate education," he cautioned.
Furthermore, Brown highlighted accountability measures in the proposed legislation that could financially strain HBCUs. He warned that such changes could damage the institutions’ reputations and jeopardize federal aid eligibility. The House is anticipated to vote on this contentious tax plan soon before it moves to the Senate.
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