By Shawn Williams
Last Friday, Dallas’ Paul Quinn College was the surprise winner of the 2011 HBCU of the Year Award at a ceremony on the campus of North Carolina A&T State University in Greensboro, North Carolina. The Center for HBCU Media Advocacy Inc held it’s inaugural HBCU Awards, recognizing schools in 15 categories.
In a message to supporters, Paul Quinn President Michael Sorrell called the win a “stunning upset,” as Paul Quinn was selected over Hampton University, Spelman College, Jackson State University, Florida A&M University, St. Augustine’s, Texas Southern University, Grambling St. University and Bowie State University.
“The Committee was particularly moved by our resiliency and tremendous success over the last 18 months,” wrote Sorrell listing the Food for Good Farm at Paul Quinn College, seven-figure budget surplus in FY10, demolition of 14 abandoned buildings and improved fundraising and overhaul of the core curriculum as factors.
Laurie D. Willis wrote a recap of the awards ceremony for HBCU Digest. According to Willis more than 150 were in attendance for the inaugural event and that many in the audience had never heard of Paul Quinn College before they won the award. HBCU Digest also lists all winners, which included Texas Southern University in Houston being recognized for Best Academic Programming.
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