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

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