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Joyner's foundation has donated quite a bit of money to HBCUs. He is also a proud advocate for these campuses, which have struggled a great deal during the recent recession. Tapping into additional revenue provided through online programs would provide a much needed boost for many black colleges and universities.
Joyner's son, Thomas Jr., has stepped down as president of the Tom Joyner Foundation in order to become president of HBCUsOnline, the new company created for the venture. Joyner and his son are both critical of for-profit universities, arguing that they are the wrong choice for African Americans. About 43 percent of students at for-profit universities are African American, creating a ripe market for a black-owned company to pursue. It was only a matter of time before someone of Joyner's stature decided to make the move.
The details of the venture are set to be released during a White House conference on HBCUs. One thing that Joyner possesses that others do not is the wide reach of his radio show, which he and his team think will make all the difference. The company will begin operations in January. Dr. Benjamin Chavis, who also works with HBCUs to help them establish online programs, says he's looking forward to Joyner joining the industry.
"Our company wants the best for HBCUs," he said, and "there's a lot of room in the marketplace."
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I certainly appreciate the spirit behind Tom Joyner's commitment to HBCUs. I also think that he's perfect for this kind of venture. But we all know that when it comes to pulling off something of this magnitude, the proof is in the potato salad. The market for online education is growing by leaps and bounds, and it makes perfect sense for African Americans to own a piece of it. It also makes sense for us to support our HBCUs and promote education as much as possible. The Internet is the place to be; there really is no way around it.
In my book, 'Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about College,' I make it completely clear that universities are places to get certifications, but not the only place where you can get knowledge. The greatest university in the history of the world is called "Google.com," meaning that knowledge is always out there if you want to pursue it. Although Tom Joyner and I don't see eye-to-eye on everything, one area in which we are in agreement is on the importance of strengthening your mind.
Dr. Boyce Watkins is the founder of the Your Black World Coalition and a Scholarship in Action Resident of the Institute for Black Public Policy. To have Dr. Boyce commentary delivered to your email, please click here. 
Comments: (9)
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By: ooo-b-doo on 9/04/2010 11:19PM
That's a good idea. Where did the money come from? Tom Joyner would do even better if he expanded his expertise and knowledge of radio programing to try to help get more radio bandwith for cities across the country. And how about cheaper black TV stations. I'm still not comfortable with BV on aol, but it's a start.
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By: Longlegs on 9/16/2010 10:02AM
Great I was just looking to transfer.
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By: Pamela McClure on 9/18/2010 8:01AM
Thank God!!! I've wanted to attend an HBCU since I was a teen but was unable to due to family obligations (took care of ill parents until their deaths in 1999 and 2004). During the time I took care of my parents I was determined to pursue my education. I attended LaSalle University while caring for them, raising 4 children, and working full-time. It took some time but I finally received my BA. It was extremely difficult and the instructors were less than understanding and very critical compared to my white classmates. I started with a 3.89 gpa which eventually went down to a 2.80 when I graduated. I saw and experienced so much discrimination it is too much to put in this comment. I am currently attending Drexel University for my MS and although it is an online program where my race is not known some of the struggles are still the same especially in the area of financial aide since I am classified as a financially needy student. I think it was extemely unfortunate that the HBCU's never contemplated this idea years ago as HBCU's and the scholarship opportunities that they offer would have helped a lot of people espeically with financial aid. I can even recall writing to several HBCU's years ago pleading that they open at least satillite offices in cities without HBCU's. I even contacted my local congressman who was absolutely worthless in this regard and who never even responded to the letter that I sent him regarding this when a beautiful campus was available at the Medical College of PA which had been closed for years. I guess you have to be a TJ in order to even be considered. And while Oprah is opening schools in Africa, what about helping some of us here? GOD BLESS YOU TOM. Your inspiration will really help a lot of us!!!
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By: readyforrealchange on 9/18/2010 12:26PM
I think this is a great idea. I will be the first to sign up.
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By: Sheilah Miller Satterwhite on 10/01/2010 10:22PM
Way to go, Tom Joyner! I can hardly wait to sign up. I'd love to put your banner on my website.
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By: Johnny Edwards on 11/15/2010 1:56PM
I believe that there is a lot to consider here. One of the reason why people attend for profit universities is because of location. Most HBCU are not in the city that they are already living in and they also have very limited room for additional students. Price is another reason why people are switching to for profit universities. HBCU's charge way too much for the services that they provide.
HSBU's also have usually been historically attended by mostly well to do blacks in the african american community, while for profit universities cater to more the more economically challenged demographic of the african american community.
If HSBU's want to prosper in the 21st century, they are going to have to have a 21st century approach.
1) Increase their presence by branching out and having satellite campuses in major cities.
2) Add on-line programs.
3) Lower their price points.
4) Advertise to non-blacks, especially at their satellite campuses and on-line classes.
5) Add terminal degree programs, especially medical programs and law programs.
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By: Dr. Ingrid D. Hicks on 12/05/2010 12:17PM
I agree with the previous respondent. I am the owner of a "For Profit" school that offers online training for those individuals that are interested in entering the mental health field-primarily for substance abuse counselors. I'd disagree with the perception that most "For-Profits" don't graduate students. Not only do ours graduate (99%), our students don't apply for loans, but instead are awarded Workforce Investment Act (WIA)funds that are availble in all 50 states. If you are un or unemployed (which most students are), you are eligible. Once licensed (and we are now in 21 states), the individual can work or volunteer in outpatient clinic, treatment facilities etc. At that point the can apply to a regular 4 year college-many have gone ahead and opened a facility of their own. Given the effects that alcohol and drugs have had on our community-there will never be enough places for recovery-especially under African-American ownership. I hope this entry provides a broader perspective of "For-profit institutions. Please visit our website www.transformationservices.info
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By: Smileeman on 12/30/2010 11:55AM
I work in the For-Profit Higher Education industry as well, and is not right for Joyner to paint all of the institutions with a broad brush. I also attended an HBCU. While the HBCU experience was a great one and one I will never forget, we help AA students (and ALL students) way more than my HBCU ever did. We have a multitude of programs to help at-risk students. These students that come in are very unprepared and I realize there are different challenges, but many of them give up and stop trying.
We graduate a high number of AA students and we have very high academic standards. Harder than many 4-year colleges.
I am big supporter to Tom Joyner and I think the HBCUonline is a great opportunity, but TJ is a businessman too. He wouldn't take on this venture unless, he could make some money as well.
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By: Dr Patrick A palmer on 6/11/2011 12:30PM
Have you ever heard of PUNCH TV? Third black owned
television station Picked up by DIRECT TV This
could a great merger.Set to launch soon. Please
contact Dr. Palmer 717 767 1194
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