Hart, Pugh complete HBCU Visits

In 2022, former AIA President Dan Hart, FAIA and NOMA President Jason Pugh, AIA visited the seven NAAB-Accredited Architecture programs at U.S historically black college and universities (HBCUs).

“We knew visiting the HBCU’s together would benefit each of our associations in terms of awareness, and might be helpful to the schools, but I was not prepared for the energy and optimism I felt on each campus,” said Dan Hart.

HART MET WITH MANY OF THE 2022 AIA RENOVATION INTERNS, INCLUDING UNIVERSITY OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA (UDC) STUDENTS GUILLAUME ATANGA AND PAMELA MEDRANO-OTERO.

The institutions, which are a hub of innovation, passion, community and partnership, play a critical role in advancing a more diverse profession because of the rich culture and strong mentorship programs.

“These seven HBCU’s currently produce one third of the nation’s Black architecture students graduating each year, with the remaining 127 colleges and universities each graduating approximately two Black architecture students per year," Pugh explained. Prairie View A&M University is currently ranked No. 1 producer of African American Undergraduates and Graduates in Architecture and the largest among the 7 HBCU NAAB accredited architecture programs.

Alumnus, Dez Cubero, Assoc. AIA from DLR Group traveled from the other side of Florida to be able to share how instrumental her Florida A&M University (FAMU) education and network has been to her professional career.

The joint visits sharpened each organization’s focus on how to support HBCU architecture programs.

“As a proud HBCU graduate and Howard U. alum, I deeply understand both the challenges and opportunities our HBCU’s face,” said Pugh.  "I’m truly appreciative of AIA’s sincere commitment to partner with NOMA as we champion all these amazing programs which are rich in both talent and legacy.”

Both leaders agreed the visits sharpened the focus on ways each association can be helpful to the HBCU architecture programs.

PROFESSOR ROBERT EASTER, FAIA, NOMAC, HAMPTON UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE CHAIR, AIA VIRGINIA PRESIDENT, AND RECENTLY ANNOUNCED 2023 WHITNEY M. YOUNG JR. AWARD WINNER SHARED ONE WAY HAMPTON UNIVERSITY ADDRESSES STUDENT ENGAGEMENT BARRIERS IS BY CONSOLIDATING AND SUBSIDIZING THE COST OF BOTH AIAS AND NOMAS STUDENT MEMBERSHIP FEES TO ENSURE THAT ALL STUDENTS CAN PARTICIPATE.

“I look forward to following through with meaningful support,” said Hart.  “These visits were one of the highlights for the year for me.”