Historic HBCU campus building at golden hour

Researching Solutions,
Empowering Change.

The Mission

The Dr. N. Joyce Payne Research Center is a national hub for policy analysis and advocacy, working to secure the long-term sustainability of Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

Publications

Report · June 2026

Ready To Scale, Poised To Lead

HBCUs are emerging as leaders in the AI era. Ready to Scale, Poised to Lead highlights how institutions across the HBCU landscape are adopting artificial intelligence, exceeding national benchmarks, and preparing students to thrive in a rapidly evolving workforce. Through data-driven insights and recommendations, this report outlines a path for expanding innovation, strengthening institutional readiness, and ensuring HBCUs remain at the forefront of America's technological future.

Report · June 2026

Ready To Scale, Poised To Lead

Report · May 2026

Advancing America's Research Enterprise

A definitive analysis of HBCU research capacity, federal appropriations gaps, and the policy levers required to strengthen the nation's higher-education research pipeline.

Report · March 2026

Stewarding The Legacy

A national strategy for cultivating, supporting, and sustaining resilient presidential leadership at historically Black colleges and universities.

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Core Functions

Driving change through evidence-based advocacy.

Research

Producing & Disseminating Cutting-Edge Research

Original, methodologically rigorous inquiry on the institutions, policies, and populations shaping the future of Black higher education.

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Policy

Turning Evidence into Policy

Translating scholarship into briefings for congressional staff, federal agencies, and state coordinating boards.

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Capacity

Strengthening HBCU Research Capacity

Convenings, tools, and technical assistance that grow research infrastructure across the sector.

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News

Business Insider · May 22, 2026

Thurgood Marshall College Fund releases landmark national assessment of HBCU research capacity at NSF EPSCoR Annual Summit

LinkedIn · January 20, 2026

Dr. N. Joyce Payne Center Attends the 2026 EASA Annual Conference in South Africa

Upcoming Event

Education Association of South Africa (EASA) Annual Conference 2026

The Payne Research Center joins global scholars and institutional leaders at the EASA Annual Conference to advance transnational research on educational equity, capacity-building, and the shared future of Black higher education across the diaspora.

When: January 2026
Where: South Africa

Payne Research Center event — Dr. N. Joyce Payne engaging with guests

Featured

January

Featured Event

Education Association of South Africa (EASA) Annual Conference 2026

When: January 2026
Where: South Africa

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Since 1987, the Thurgood Marshall College Fund has supported the nation's talent pipeline by providing scholarships, innovative programs, and strategic partnerships from K–12 through higher education to the workforce.

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