It has been an exciting year at Jarvis Christian University in Hawkins, Texas. Marking its 110th anniversary since its founding in 1912, in affiliation with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), this year also is the transition from College to University with the addition of two master level programs, one in business administration and one in criminal justice.
“In a year filled with transitions and transformation, our University’s theme of ‘Transformation: Pivoting from Excellence to Preeminence,’ is coming alive,” said Jarvis President Dr. Lester C. Newman. Jarvis was named one of 19 Fulbright Historically Black College and University Institutional Leaders for 2022; one of 25 educational gems in the State of Texas—the only HBCU listed; and JCU was selected in the second cohort of the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) Transformation Project. JCU is also embarking upon a $60 million capital campaign for need-based scholarships, the enhancement of academic programs and a multimillion dollar state-of-the-art student and community center.
“Academically and athletically, it’s been a busy year for students,” Newman said. Two freshmen math majors from Texas with 4.0 GPAs were accepted into the BRING MATH program with the Institute for Mathematical and Statistical Innovation at Argon National Laboratory. Cancer research on campus led to student papers being published in peer-reviewed medical journals. Jarvis’ student chapter of the National Association of Blacks in Accounting (NABA) is one of the largest in the country.
Augmenting its athletic program by adding men’s and women’s wrestling, Jarvis has made history as the only HBCU in the nation with a women’s wrestling program. Two of Jarvis’ women wrestlers are currently ranked in the top 20 nationally, placing 15th and 20th.
On the move to live out this year’s theme, JCU is racing from excellence to preeminence and elevating the city of Hawkins and all of Wood County—being the only institution of higher education countywide. In keeping with the words from the school’s alma mater, JCU can be “None but Great!”