As part of the Centennial “Telling Our Story” Commemoration on Oct. 24, American Baptist College (ABC) recognized Regina Prude with the inaugural “Centennial Impact Award.” A widely respected grant writer, Prude was the architect of the proposal that led to the college receiving HBCU (Historically Black College/University) status from the U.S. Department of Education in 2013.
“This award means so much to me because it recognizes the work I love on behalf of ABC,” said Prude, whose late husband, the Rev. Dr. Floyd Prude Jr., was a graduate of the school. “However, I did not do this for the recognition. I did it because ABC deserves this and so much more.”
HBCUs were officially defined as part of the Higher Education Act of 1965, which made it possible for minority institutions established prior to 1964 to apply for funding that would increase their access to financial assistance for academic and student support, facilities enhancements and more.
Prior to 2013, efforts had been made toward ABC receiving HBCU designation. However, in Prude’s own words, “they hadn’t dealt with Regina Prude.” With the support of the late Congressman John Lewis (an ABC alumnus), retired Tennessee Congressman Jim Cooper, retired Department of Education administrator Leonard Haynes and many others, the years of hard work finally paid off.
In honoring Prude, ABC’s President, Dr. Forrest Harris, noted that the college has received more than $20 million in federal funding since 2013.
“This designation has been significant for American Baptist College,” Harris said, “and we continue to strive to be a competitive force in seeking grant funding for the College’s future.”
