2023 in Review: Top 10 Lincoln University Stories

Lincoln University has achieved 10-year reaccreditation by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

As 2023 comes to a close, take a look back at some of the wonderful things that have happened at Lincoln University. After reviewing the past year, consider Lincoln’s future by reading about our strategic plan. To help support Lincoln’s strategic plan, please make a gift here. 

2. LINCOLN UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI HONORS CLASS OF 2023 AT COMMENCEMENT CEREMONIES
 
Lincoln University celebrated the graduation of the Class of 2023 on Saturday, May 13, 2023. The university, which holds distinction with the U.S. Department of Education as a Historically Black College or University (HBCU), awarded associate, bachelor’s, master’s and specialist degrees. Led by valedictorian Hayden Schwartze and salutatorian Susanna Hain, 50 students graduated with honors: 12 summa cum laude, 11 magna cum laude and 27 cum laude. Read more about the LU Class of 2023.

3. LU EMPLOYEES BENEFIT FROM SALARY INCREASES AND IMPROVED BENEFITS

Thanks to increased funding from the legislature and Governor Parson’s support, Lincoln faculty and staff enjoyed salary increases with the start of the new fiscal year in July 2023. Lincoln was also able to join the Missouri Consolidated Health Care Plan, which provides medical, dental, and vision coverage to state employees. This move improved the employee benefit package — providing additional financial benefits for our Blue Tiger faculty and staff. In the photo above, LU President Dr. John Moseley addresses faculty and staff at Fall Institute 2023.

4. RISING STUDENT LEADERS HONORED AS HBCU SCHOLARS AND STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE ON BOARD OF CURATORS

Lincoln University of Missouri seniors Chyler Hughes and Kennedy Thompson were accepted into the U.S. Department of Education White House Initiative on Advancing Equity, Educational Excellence and Economic Opportunity through Historically Black Colleges and Universities 2023 HBCU Scholar Recognition Program. The program recognizes outstanding student leaders and further empowers them with tools for excellence. The Initiative received well over 250 applications, with nominations from 70 HBCUs. Read more about our 2023 HBCU Scholars.

At the board's June 8, 2023, meeting, Nia Walker, a junior political science major, joined the Lincoln University of Missouri Board of Curators — the first student representative in more than five years. Read more about Walker's selection and role on the board.

5. LINCOLN UNIVERSITY STUDENTS BENEFIT FROM CAMPUS UPDATES AND RENOVATIONS

Among this year's campus capital projects, Lincoln's Dawson Hall, a 10-story residential facility originally built in 1970, is undergoing extensive renovations, which include the addition of computer labs, resource rooms with virtual learning capabilities, private toilets, shower rooms and modernized interiors. Exterior updates will include window replacements, roof repairs, tuckpointing, waterproofing and ADA access. The building's anticipated reopen date is January 2025. The LU baseball field was converted into a softball field with better drainage, new dugouts, a new netting system and a turf field. In April, Founders Hall was renamed to Dr. James Frank Hall to honor to recognize a well-known leader, supporter and former president of Lincoln. Additional 2023 projects benefitting Blue Tigers include the renovation of Pawley Theatre, new outdoor workout facilities, grant-funded classroom technology upgrades, and improvements to meeting spaces in Young Hall, Memorial Hall and Scruggs University Center.

6. LINCOLN'S CAMPAIGN FOR HEALTH AND SECURITY SCIENCES INSTITUTE AIMS TO ADVANCE HEALTH CARE AND CRISIS RESPONSE EDUCATION THROUGHOUT MIDWEST

Lincoln continues to raise funds to make the Health & Security Sciences Institute (HSSI) a reality. The HSSI is an innovative new center that will advance health care and crisis response education in Missouri and throughout the Midwest. It will be the first of its kind at an HBCU. The HSSI will expand on Lincoln’s successful nursing education program and complement the Lincoln University Law Enforcement Training Academy to equip and train much-needed healthcare and crisis response professionals. Read more about the plans.

7. LINCOLN UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI AWARDED MILLIONS IN AGRICULTURE AND STEM GRANTS, PLUS $10 MILLION IN USDA FUNDING

Dr. Tunsisa Hurisso, an assistant professor of soil science at Lincoln University, was awarded $1.65 million from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for his project on “Evaluating Climate Resilient Alternative Winter-Feeding Strategy for Improved Livestock Productivity by Grazing in a Solar Corridor Cropping System.” The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) awarded an $800,000 grant to Sean Zieger, assistant professor of forest hydrology and watershed management at Lincoln University, to fund efforts to develop a more diverse STEM workforce over the next four years.

Also, NASA announced Lincoln University as one of the eight HBCUs competitively chosen to receive funding through their new Data Science Equity, Access, and Priority (DEAP) research and education opportunity. Lincoln University Assistant Professor of Natural Resources Dr. Sougata Bardhan, will lead a team of five LU students in Ph.D. and graduate programs awarded $1.5 million over three years to utilize data science and big data for soil science, natural resources and in measuring wildfires. 

In addition, Lincoln was awarded $10 million in USDA funding to help address the substantial workforce shortages in food, agriculture, and natural resources sectors projected for the near future. Lincoln is one of 33 higher education programs receiving a total of $262.5 million investment to foster the next generation of diverse agriculture professionals across the nation. Read more about this funding.

8. LINCOLN UNIVERSITY STUDENTS BLAZE A TRAIL AS FIRST CLASS OF INTELLIGENCE COMMUNITY CENTER FOR ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE SCHOLARS

Six Lincoln University students have been recognized by the Midwest Consortium – Intelligence Community Center for Academic Excellence (MW-IC CAE) for their achievements as IC CAE Scholars at a pinning ceremony. Alexandre Mugisha, Jovita ‘Iris’ Desha, Assata Starks, Blake Oakley, Chyler Hughes and Jared Campbell received their pins for their acceptance into the program. Read more about LU and the ICCAE.

9. LINCOLN UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI ANNOUNCES ADDITIONS OF BASEBALL AND MEN'S & WOMEN'S SOCCER, PLUS MOVE TO GREAT LAKES VALLEY CONFERENCE

On January 26, 2023, Lincoln University Blue Tiger Athletics announced the addition of baseball and men’s and women’s soccer beginning in fall 2023. Starting in 2024-2025, Lincoln will become a full member in the Great Lakes Valley Conference. Read more about Lincoln's new conference membership.

10. LINCOLN UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI ADDS SHUTTLE SERVICE FOR STUDENTS

Lincoln University started its own shuttle service to help students after Jefferson City combined bus routes due to a driver shortage. Bus drivers pick up students in front of Scruggs University Center and bring them to shopping areas. The parking lot at Walmart and Target on Stadium Boulevard is a drop-off point for students taking the free shuttle. The shuttles run Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 5-8 p.m. It is free for all students. Learn more about the Blue Tiger shuttle service.