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News Release

Last modified: Monday, March 21, 2011

Neal-Marshall alumni lecture to feature former IU Vice President Charlie Nelms

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 21, 2011

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- The Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center's third annual alumni lecture will feature Charlie Nelms, chancellor of North Carolina Central University in Durham, N.C. It will take place at 4 p.m. on March 30 in the Grand Hall of the center, 275 N. Jordan Ave.

Nelms is the former vice president for Diversity, Equity and Multicultural Affairs at Indiana University. His lecture, "Historically Black Colleges and Universities: Do We Still Need Them; Why Should We Care?" will provide an insider's view of the debate about the future of HBCUs.

As recent attacks on HBCUs have become louder, this is a critical time for understanding and clarifying the work of these storied institutions which, despite declining enrollments and financial challenges, remain the last, best hope of succeeding in higher education for many students.

"In considering whom to invite for this important lecture series this year, I immediately put Charlie at the top of my list," said Audrey T. McCluskey, director of the N-MBCC. "He is a leader in the field of higher education with the unusual experience of having held major administrative positions at both white-majority institutions and at HBCUs. His work is well known in Bloomington, and we are expecting a great turnout."

A question-and-answer session and a reception will follow the lecture. The public is invited to this event.

The Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center is committed to academic excellence through quality educational, cultural, and social programs that promote public awareness about the black experience while celebrating the academic and leadership achievements of our students. It offers educational, cultural and social programs for black and all other Indiana University students. For more information, see https://www.indiana.edu/~nmbcc/index.html.

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