The virtual panel discussion sought to analyze the current events in the United States with respect to how HBCUs have responded to the COVID-19 pandemic as well as the recent events surrounding the murder of George Floyd and other black men and women. 

The panel was moderated by Xavier University alum and well-known researcher in the fields of cellular and tissue engineering and sickle cell disease Dr. Gilda Barabino. Barabino was also recently selected as the second President of Olin College of Engineering, effective July 1, 2020.

The panel discussion also delved into what HBCUs have learned from the COVID-19 crisis as in-person classes are set to resume this fall and how they will respond to financial challenges that are likely to arise in the months ahead as a consequence of COVID-19. 

The event, which was hosted by the National Academies’ Board on Higher Education and Workforce and Issues in Science and Technology, featured panelists from several of the nation’s premier HBCUs including Makola M. Abdullah, President of Virginia State University; Mary Schmidt Campbell, President of Spelman College; C. Reynold Verret, President of Xavier University of Louisiana and Gilda Barabino, President-elect of Olin College of Engineering.