What’s the only thing more exciting than Black excellence? Black excellence making history during Black History Month! At HBCU Leggings, we love celebrating the excellence of our HBCUs. And this week, we’ve got some big news to share that has the potential to shape the future of higher education. Howard University has officially earned the coveted Research One (R1) Carnegie Classification, making it the first-ever HBCU to reach this remarkable milestone. But do you know what it takes to earn this distinction? Why does it matter? And what does this mean for the future of HBCUs nationwide?
Let’s dive in and explore why Howard’s achievement is such a big deal—and why the road to R1 status isn’t as easy as it may seem.
What Does R1 Status Mean?
First things first—what exactly is R1 status, and why is it so significant? Let me put you on. R1 is the highest classification for research universities in the United States, awarded by the Carnegie Foundation. This designation is based on an institution's research spending, the number of doctoral degrees awarded, and the overall research activity in a given year. The institutions that achieve this status are recognized as leaders in research and innovation, setting the standard for cutting-edge scholarship and technological advancements.
Howard University’s R1 status is a major achievement because it demonstrates not only the university’s capacity for producing high-quality research but also its ability to attract top-tier scholars and collaborate with industry and government organizations. Howard University President Ben Vinson III described the designation as a reflection of the university’s commitment to “tackling society’s most pressing questions through cutting-edge scholarship and technological innovation.” For the entire HBCU community, this milestone is a beacon of the incredible potential that exists at HBCUs across the nation.
“Howard’s new standing as an R1 institution places it among the top 5% of universities in the U.S.”
The Benefits of R1 Status
Earning R1 status brings several benefits, both academically and financially. As an R1 institution, Howard University gains access to more prestigious grants, larger research funding, and increased collaboration with top academic, industrial, and government institutions. This opens up new doors for students and faculty, as they’ll now have opportunities to engage in more impactful, high-level research that can change the world.
As Dr. Wayne A. I. Frederick, Howard's president, explained, R1 status will allow the university to “attract leading scholars,” which will improve the undergraduate experience by offering more exposure to cutting-edge research. This means that Howard students will have access to world-class research opportunities, giving them the tools to lead in fields like artificial intelligence, public health, and environmental sustainability, to name just a few.
But do you know what the biggest flex is? Howard’s new standing as an R1 institution places it among the top 5% of universities in the U.S. Howard’s prestigious recognition opens the doors to not just better academic resources but also enhances the university’s reputation on the national and international stage, making it more attractive to future students and scholars. This also contributes to diversifying the academic community by exposing students to high-level research and introducing the world to scholars from marginalized communities.
HBCUs on the Path to R1 Status
Though Howard University is the first to achieve R1 status, it’s important to remember that other HBCUs, such as Morgan State University and North Carolina A&T State University, are also on the path to achieving this goal. Morgan State recently surpassed $74 million in research funding, and North Carolina A&T set a record of $97 million. These HBCUs are part of a growing movement of historically Black institutions pushing for recognition in research fields, despite facing considerable barriers.
The obstacles to attaining R1 status are real, especially when you consider that there are only 187 R1 institutions nationwide. Historically, HBCUs have faced challenges such as underfunding, lack of access to high-level faculty, and racial biases in grant distributions, as seen in a 2011 NIH study that revealed Black researchers were less likely to receive funding than their white counterparts. The combination of financial limitations and the late start many HBCUs had in building research infrastructure puts these institutions at a distinct disadvantage in comparison to wealthier, predominantly white institutions.
Despite these challenges, HBCUs like Howard have overcome obstacles and continue to make significant strides in research. Bruce A. Jones, Howard’s vice president for research, highlights that it’s been a long road but one that is filled with promise. Thanks to strategic investments in research infrastructure, increased funding for research centers, and a renewed focus on graduate and doctoral programs, HBCUs are steadily narrowing the gap in the research field.
The Future of HBCUs and Research Excellence
While Howard University’s R1 achievement is historic, it is just the beginning of a larger movement. More and more HBCUs are pushing the envelope in research, and Howard’s success serves as a blueprint for other institutions to follow. Howard’s commitment to bringing innovative programming, cutting-edge research, and community-based solutions into the fold is part of a broader national conversation about the future of Black-led academic institutions.
As Howard demonstrates, achieving R1 status is not just about prestige—it’s about serving the community. In fact, Dr. Eric Muth, vice chancellor of research at North Carolina A&T, emphasized that R1 status is crucial for diversifying the future of the scientific community. HBCUs provide essential representation in research and science, ensuring that Black students can be at the forefront of solving global issues. With more resources, HBCUs can help prepare the next generation of scientists, doctors, engineers, and entrepreneurs who will reshape the world for the better.
What Can We Do to Support HBCUs?
As Howard University has shown, the journey to R1 status is one that requires sustained support, collaboration, and investment. It’s a road that other HBCUs are on as well, and it’s essential for all of us to recognize the value and potential of these institutions. By donating to HBCUs, advocating for equitable funding, and supporting policies that invest in research at these institutions, we can all contribute to the continued success of HBCUs across the country.
At HBCU Leggings, we are dedicated to celebrating the hard work and success of Howard University and all the HBCUs that continue to redefine what’s possible. Our products are a tribute to the strength, innovation, and excellence of HBCUs, and a portion of all proceeds go to helping these institutions thrive. Visit HBCULeggings.com to shop our latest collection and show your support for HBCUs as they continue to break new ground in research and beyond.
Let’s keep celebrating the incredible accomplishments of HBCUs and work together to ensure their continued success for generations to come. H-U! YOU KNOW!
Love and Leggings,
Bibi
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Bibi Mama is a first generation Beninese-American actress born and raised in Mansfield, CT. Growing up she watched her father, an English professor and author, continue the Yoruba oral tradition through storytelling, which inspired her. She earned her B.F.A. from Howard University and recently finished her MFA at the Old Globe/University of San Diego MFA Graduate Acting Program.