The SAS HBCU+ Fellows Program launched in 2023 with a mission to support faculty from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Predominantly Black Institutions (PBIs) with the tools, skills and knowledge to bring analytics into their classrooms and inspire the next generation of data-driven leaders.
Since then, this initiative has provided eight educators with hands-on experience with SAS technologies, tailored support for teaching and learning data analytics, and opportunities to learn from technical experts and curriculum consultants.
The program not only focuses on equipping educators with technical expertise but also fosters an ecosystem of collaboration. HBCU+ Fellows share their insights on integrating analytics into various disciplines, creating a ripple effect that elevates teaching methods and student outcomes across institutions.
Related: SAS HBCU+ Fellows share their thoughts on the future of analytics
Introducing the 2025 HBCU+ Fellows Cohort
As the SAS HBCU+ Fellows Program enters its third year, we welcome a dynamic new group of educators. Applications hailed from 15 states, 25 institutions and diverse disciplines.
The 2025 cohort shares a common background in business and management education, positioning them to address the growing demand for analytics proficiency in these fields. Their involvement in the National Data Science Alliance, a US National Science Foundation initiative to expand data science research and education at HBCUs, underscores their commitment to innovation in teaching and research.
The 2025 HBCU+ Fellows are:
Damon T. Gray, DBA
Cheyney University of Pennsylvania
Damon T. Gray is an expert in finance, technology, and education. He holds a Doctorate in Business Administration from Drexel University, master’s degrees in instructional systems and business administration from Pennsylvania State University, and a Master of Science in applied analytics from Boston College. Gray has earned 32 certifications in areas such as computer vision and artificial intelligence, including credentials from MIT, Dartmouth, and UC Berkeley. His research examines the societal impacts of financial technology, with a focus on racial wealth disparities. Gray teaches economics and statistics at Cheyney University of Pennsylvania, fintech and finance at Drexel University and finance, marketing and management at Montgomery County Community College. He serves on the executive boards of FBLA-Collegiate (Pennsylvania) and Penn State Behrend’s Black School of Business and runs a registered investment advisory firm.
As an HBCU+ Fellow, Gray plans to design a rigorous curriculum that deeply connects the development of analytic skills with practical applications to the social issues his students encounter.
“The HBCU+ Fellows Program represents an incredible opportunity to deepen my knowledge, expand my network and gain access to resources that will enable me to further enrich the educational experiences of my students. By participating in the program, I hope to enhance my curriculum through more advanced techniques in data science and machine learning, which are increasingly becoming essential skills across industries,” said Gray.
Phylicia G. Taylor, PhD
Florida A&M University
Phylicia G. Taylor is an assistant professor of management in the School of Business and Industry at Florida A&M University, where she teaches in the marketing and management department. She holds a PhD in business administration from Jackson State University and earned an MBA and a bachelor’s in accounting from Florida A&M University. Taylor’s research explores generational and gender differences, management pedagogy, and entrepreneurship. She is a board member of the Management and Organizational Behavior Teaching Society and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Florida and serves as associate editor of social media for the Journal of Management Education. A certified Gallup Strengths Coach, she consults individuals and small businesses. Taylor is an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. and professional organizations including the Management Faculty of Color Association and The PhD Project.
As an HBCU+ Fellow, Taylor plans to expand her analytical skills and those of her students to prepare them to use SAS tools to explore human-centered topics such as leadership styles and workplace culture. Ultimately, providing students hands-on training to leverage data for effective decision-making and driving organizational success.
“This program will enable me to enhance my own teaching, the educational experience of every student I interact with, and influence other faculty and the broader university culture, creating a ripple effect that positions our students for success in the workplace,” said Taylor.
Johnny Lowery, PhD
Claflin University
Johnny Lowery is an assistant professor of management at Claflin University, where he teaches business communications, organizational theory, management, and entrepreneurship at the undergraduate and graduate levels. He also leads students in business research methods and guides them in completing senior theses and business plans. He holds a PhD in business administration with a management concentration from Jackson State University. His research focuses on entrepreneurship, operations and supply chain management, organizational behavior, and strategy. Lowery is a member of the PhD Project, the Academy of Management, and the Southern Management Association.
As part of the HBCU+ Fellows Program, Lowery plans to modernize the curriculum to equip students with essential analytical skills and enhance their ability to interpret insights that inform strategic, real-world business decisions.
“As students gain hands-on experience with robust analytics platforms, they will cultivate a deeper understanding of how data can drive strategic business decisions, ultimately better preparing them for their future careers in management,” said Lowery.
Hyejin Lee, PhD
Tuskegee University
Hyejin Lee is an associate professor at Tuskegee University’s College of Business and Information Sciences. She earned a PhD in economics from the University of Alabama and teaches economics, business statistics, and quantitative methods. Lee’s research focuses on time series analysis, with an emphasis on new cointegration tests that address non-normality and nonlinearity. She applies these methods, along with established econometric approaches, to diverse fields, including health economics, energy economics, and macroeconomics.
Through the SAS HBCU+ Fellows Program, Lee aims to integrate advanced analytical tools into her teaching to help students better understand real-world applications and become more confident in making data-driven decisions.
“It is crucial to develop courses that provide essential theory as well as practical skills that help students stand out in the job market. Given that SAS is widely used across industries like finance and government for data analysis, I believe teaching SAS will provide students with highly marketable skills that align directly with real-world applications and career opportunities,” said Lee.
Looking ahead: Building on Success
The 2025 SAS HBCU+ Fellows are poised to significantly impact their students, institutions, and communities. We look forward to seeing how these faculty will use the tools, insights, and collaborations fostered through the SAS HBCU+ Fellows Program to advance analytics education.
