University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) Chancellor Dr. Anthony Graham will join HBCU presidents, chancellors, national advocates, and partners in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, May 14, 2026, for a press conference announcing the reintroduction of the bipartisan IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act.
According to a press advisory received from the Office of Congresswoman Alma Adams, Rep. Adams (D-NC-12) will hold the press conference with Rep. French Hill (R-AR-02) at 11:15 a.m. ET in the House Media Triangle Grounds of the Capitol Building, Washington, D.C. Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) and Senator Chris Coons (D-DE) are expected to introduce a companion bill in the Senate.
The IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act would establish a competitive grant program to support deferred maintenance, modernization, and the construction of long-term infrastructure across Historically Black Colleges and Universities. The bill is designed to help provide upgrades to instructional labs, research spaces, student housing, broadband and telecommunications systems, water and power infrastructure, campus safety systems, and workforce-development facilities at institutions that have been historically underfunded.
Chancellor Graham’s attendance reflects UAPB’s role as an engaged 1890 land-grant HBCU and its commitment to participating in national conversations that support HBCU infrastructure, research competitiveness, student success, and workforce development.
“UAPB is proud to be part of this important national conversation on the future of HBCUs,” said Chancellor Graham. “Investments in infrastructure, technology, research spaces, student housing, and workforce-development facilities are investments in student success, degree completion, economic mobility, and the long-term strength of our communities.”
The advisory noted that Congresswoman Adams, founder and co-chair of the Bipartisan Bicameral HBCU Caucus, recently hosted the 8th Annual HBCU STEAM Days of Action Conference in Washington, D.C., bringing together HBCU partners and federal representatives to advance a shared agenda focused on securing research infrastructure investments necessary for HBCUs to achieve R1 Carnegie Classification status and remain competitive for federal grant funding.
Congressman Hill, co-chair of the Bipartisan Bicameral HBCU Caucus, also recently hosted an HBCU Summit at Arkansas Baptist College, where university leaders, private-sector partners, and HBCU advocates discussed the importance of infrastructure, innovation, public-private partnerships, and sustained investment.
The advisory described the bill as the culmination of their efforts to support HBCUs in the 119th Congress. There are 101 members of the HBCU Caucus, including 82 representatives and 19 senators.
Event Details
Who:
Rep. Alma Adams
Rep. French Hill
HBCU presidents and chancellors
UNCF and TMCF representatives
Additional HBCU advocates and guests
What:
Press conference announcing the reintroduction of the IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act
When:
Thursday, May 14, 2026
11:15 a.m. to noon ET
Where:
House Media Triangle Grounds of the Capitol Building
Washington, D.C.
Congressional Media Contact
Adrienne Christian
Chief of Staff, Office of Rep. Alma Adams
[email protected]
(202) 940-6284
