Celebrating NAIA HBCUs
In 1953, the NAIA became the first collegiate athletics association to invite historically black colleges and universities into membership. Today, 22 of the 107 institutions designated HBCU are members of the NAIA.
The NAIA's HBCU Schools
Arkansas Baptist College
Traditionally a religion center institution, Arkansas Baptist's primary goal was to help anyone that wanted to be helped. Arkansas Baptist is excited about the rebirth of their Marching Band. They can't wait to see how their culture and campus life is revitalized as they continue to move onward and upward!
Dillard University (La.)
Dillard Blue Devils are winners and pioneers. Dillard is the third top producer of African Americans earning bachelor's degrees in physics. Dillard's theatre program is the first degree-granting program at an HBCU, and the nursing and public health programs are the first baccalaureate degree programs in the state.
Fisk University (Tenn.)
With over 50 registered student organizations at Fisk, there is always an event or program taking place on campus. Fisk has a newfound excitement circling around their sporting events with the edition of their new Marching Band, The Music City Sound!
Florida Memorial University
Florida Memorial is one of the oldest academic centers in the state, and the only HBCU in South Florida. The Department of Aviation & Safety serves as the focal point of technological education at FMU, offering programs to educate future aviators, airport managers, and air traffic controllers.
Harris-Stowe State University (Mo.)
HSSU has over 30 student organizations, 10 NAIA athletic programs, a vibrant Greek life with charters to all 9 Greek letter organizations, and the Honeycomb majorette dance team. HSSU fosters a family-like environment with supportive and caring faculty and staff.
Huston-Tillotson University (Texas)
Huston-Tillotson Rams are driven by passion to reach greatness. Student Affairs is the clearinghouse for student engagement. Campus is home to more than 20 registered student organizations, including Student Government Association, NAACP, Campus Activities Board, and the Divine 9.
Jarvis Christian University (Texas)
Jarvis Christian was named one of 19 Fulbright HBCU Institutional Leaders for 2022 and the only HBCU listed among 25 educational gems in the State of Texas! Jarvis has also recently held a ribbon-cutting to open its new esports and gaming lab, and continues to expand in academic programs.
Langston University (Okla.)
Langston has over 40 different undergraduate degrees. They are the #1 Nursing school among HBCUs and they are the world leader in goat research!
Morris College is a historically black, coeducational, liberal arts college, operated by the Baptist Educational and Missionary Convention of South Carolina. The college is committed to promoting the intellectual and personal development of every one of its students. The mission of Morris College is to produce graduates who can pursue useful and productive careers and in so doing enhance their own lives and the society in which they take their places.
Oakwood University (Ala.)
Oakwood's motto is: Enter to Learn, Depart to Serve. In everything it does, Oakwood believes and practices God First, its current slogan. Consistent with its mission statement, Oakwood is in the business of transforming lives – both for now and, more importantly, for eternity.
Philander Smith College (Ark.)
Philander Smith is the only HBCU in Central Arkansas with a graduate-level degree program (MBA). Greek life is at the forefront of student leadership, from SGA to campus royalty. The college's Robotics Team won 1st place in the 2022 Disney On the Yard Innovation Challenge!
Rust College (Miss.)
The oldest, most prestigious HBCU in the state of Mississippi, Rust's vision reflects an institution of learning, inside and outside of the classroom. Students prepare for careers in an environment that nurtures academic and personal development.
Southern University at New Orleans
SUNO began in 1959 with 158 freshmen, one building, and a motivated faculty of 15. Today, student-athletes are welcomed into a family-oriented culture where their academic achievements and athletic development are nurtured and celebrated.
Stillman College (Ala.)
Stillman has maintained its standard for excellence for more than 145 years, from their founding as a ministry college for Black men to their new tech-focused academic programs. Stillman's choir and Blue Pride Marching Band perform regularly at campus and community events, as well as festivals and concerts nationwide.
Talladega College (Ala.)
Talladega provides a safe and nurturing space for a diverse range of students, while also offering a sense of home. Talladega bridges the gap between the past and the future, celebrating and uplifting Black culture through Band, Greek life, athletics, pageantry, and many more.
Texas College
Texas College is an HBCU founded in 1894, by a group of CME ministers. Texas College is a small community-based school with a tight-knit, family-oriented culture. They love having people join the family at Texas College. They support everyone on campus with Greek life and athletics that keep the campus lively.
Tougaloo College (Miss.)
Tougaloo’s culture is rich and vibrant. A Wednesday on their campus is a highlight of the Tougaloo experience. Students attend Convocation each Wednesday, and then head to The Caf for “Fried Chicken Wednesday.” Tougaloo is ranked #3 among 2022-23 Top Performers on Social Mobility and #12 in HBCUs by the U.S. News & World Report.
University of the Virgin Islands
UVI offers a historically American, uniquely Caribbean, globally-interactive HBCU experience. Students can participate in Carnival, a month-long event that showcases cultural foods, costumes & music. UVI students, alumni and employees organize a troupe in one of the parades.
Voorhees University (S.C.)
Voorhees University is a small liberal arts faith-based institution in rural Denmark, S.C. with approximately 500 students who have the option of attending online or in person. U.S. News & World Report has ranked Voorhees as a #1 best value, #3 in social mobility, #33 among regional colleges in the south, and #26 among HBCUs.
Wilberforce University (Ohio)
The Wilberforce culture is one of family and excellence. Greek Life is big on campus, providing tons of community service. Their athletic teams and Marching Band ("The Hounds of Sound") have breathed new life into the campus environment.
Wiley College (Texas)
Wiley is proud of its academics, historic debate team (which was the subject of the movie Great Debaters), very competitive athletic teams, and world-renowned Acapella Choir. Greek Life and athletics play a major role in the culture on campus.
Xavier University of Louisiana
Xavier is the first and only Catholic HBCU in the U.S. XULA has consistently produced more African American students and students of color who achieve medical degrees and doctorates in the health sciences than any other higher education institution in the nation.
Through the NAIA R.I.S.E. program, the NAIA provides an avenue for NAIA membership to participate in leadership training, provides DEI resources aimed at influencing positive change in the association where all people are valued and provided equal opportunity in all aspects of life.
