b'2024 Inaugural HBCU Studies Pioneer Award Recipients TheNationalHBCUStudiesDataCollectionandResearch Center at VSU would like to provide a special acknowledgement to Mr. Eldon Burton, Director of Government Relations and Institutional Advancementforhisexceptionalworkinhelping Virginia State University become the first HBCU selected to host a general election presidential debate. The debate will take place on October 1, 2024, at the VSU Multi-Purpose Center.2024 Inaugural HBCU Studies Pioneer Award Recipients Proven commitment to protecting the future of Black Colleges through critical understanding of the institutions particularities in collaboration with efforts to cultivate the HBCU Studies framework.Pioneer Award RecipientsMs. Selena Ballou,I.T. Business Manger AnalystI.T. Services Dr. Tracy Barley, Vice Provost of Digital Learning and Extended Studies Dr. Wes Bellamy, Associate Professor and Department Chair of Political Science and Public Administration& Executive DirectorJohn Mercer Langston Institute for African American Political Leadership Dr. Jada Brooks, Associate Professor of Family and Consumer Sciences and CoordinatorFamily, Child, & Community DevelopmentDr. Richard Chew, Professor of History and Incoming ChairDepartment of History and PhilosophyDr. Kawachi Clemons,Professor Music and Executive DirectorCenter for Creative and Entertainment Arts 6 Virginia State University'