Leadership message: Reflecting on a year of discovery and distinction  

December 26, 2025

Dear TMCF friends and family, 

What an incredible year it’s been for the Thurgood Marshall College Fund and the Dr. N. Joyce Payne Research Center. In September, I spoke about the inaugural Faculty Research Seminar, this year’s Black Thriving in America report and upcoming changes to our website. I’m grateful to everyone who played a role in making each of these projects a tremendous success. 

Since then, the Payne Center also released “The American Dividend: Public HBCUs Powering National Strength and Opportunity,” a landmark report that demonstrates that America’s public HBCUs are achieving extraordinary outcomes for the country despite chronic underinvestment. It’s impactful to quantify for the general public what you and I know, live and breathe through this venerable work. Through this research and more like it in the future, we can continue to elevate our nation’s HBCUs to a more equitable condition.   

It’s been an incredible year and I look forward to a fruitful 2026. Thank you for your continued commitment and dedication to carry forward the legacy of our namesake.

With sincere appreciation, 

Dr. N. Joyce Payne

Founder

Thurgood Marshall College Fund  

Related News

Thurgood Marshall College Fund officials support the reintroduction of the IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act 

Officials from the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) support and applaud the reintroduction of the IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act by U.S. Rep. Alma Adams and U.S. Rep. French Hill.  The Institutional Grants for New Infrastructure, Technology, and Education for (IGNITE) HBCU Excellence Act recognizes the contributions of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in the […]

New Place-Based Training makes an impact for Thurgood Marshall College Fund students

A new series of events called Workforce Development Place-Based Trainings (PBTs) are making a big impact for students attending institutions in the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) network.  As part of its ongoing commitment to preparing students for the workforce and deepening employer partnerships, TMCF conducted PBTs at Shelton State Community College, Drake State Community […]

Thurgood Marshall College Fund president kicks off whirlwind spring and summer

The spring and summer of 2026 are shaping up to be brimming with opportunities for impact for Dr. Harry L. Williams, the president & CEO of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF).  Beginning in early May, Dr. Williams will begin a spring and summer of engaging with high school and college students, philanthropists, friends and […]