SJP HBCU Symposium 2025

Join us for the First Annual
St. Joseph's Prep HBCU Symposium
HBCU Symposium
Saturday, October 11, 2025
9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Hosted by St. Joseph's Prep (1733 W. Girard Ave., Philadelphia)
Hosted by the A4 Alumni Association of St Joseph's Preparatory School, the A4 HBCU Symposium is a day-long event dedicated to introducing high school students and their families to the academic and cultural opportunities available at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

This symposium will provide students with practical tools, insightful guidance, and direct connections to representatives from HBCUs across the country. Whether you're just beginning to explore your college options or preparing your applications, this event is designed to support your journey.

This event is free to all High School grades; please register your school or church and the number of students of your choosing you will bring. The names of students can be confirmed the week before the event. 

-Please note the registration form has been updated and students may fill out the form directly themselves or a school staff member may register for them.

-If a school or staff member is filling out the form, please fill out the form once for each student you are signing up.
Our Speakers
Jason Johnson, PhD. (Keynote Speaker)
Professor of politics and journalism at Morgan State University.
Jason Johnson, Ph.D., is a political contributor for MSNBC, host at SiriusXM radio, politics editor for TheRoot.com, and professor of politics and journalism at Morgan State University. He covers topics from politics to pop culture. Johnson authored Political Consultants and Campaigns: One Day to Sell and has worked in U.S. politics for both parties. Internationally, he advised South Africa’s Independent Electoral Commission, observed elections in Mexico, consulted on the London mayoral race, and lectured on American politics at the Australian Embassy. During the 2012 and 2016 U.S. elections, he gave talks across Europe on internet campaign strategies. Johnson reported on events including the 2016 nominating conventions, Ferguson riots, and the March on Washington’s 50th anniversary for outlets like CNN, Fox Business, Fusion, and Al Jazeera. He has spoken at venues from Northwestern University and Spelman College to the National Press Club and Congressional Black Caucus, using wit, facts, pop culture, and history to engage diverse audiences. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of North Carolina and graduated from the University of Virginia.
Monique Guillory, Ph.D.
President of Dillard University

Dr. Monique Guillory, a New Orleans native with 30+ years in higher education leadership, was appointed interim president of Dillard University effective July 1, 2024. She joined Dillard as provost and chief academic and enrollment officer in April 2024 and served as acting president since May. Board Chair Michael D. Jones praised her, citing strong endorsements from alumni and peers. Dr. Guillory’s career centers on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs), with expertise in academic program development, accreditation, STEM pipelines, and student success. She has served in senior roles at the University of the District of Columbia (leading strategic planning and K-12 partnerships), Jackson State University, Xavier University, the Southern University System, and the University of the Virgin Islands. An experienced Middle States accreditation evaluator and former committee member, she earned her Ph.D. in comparative literature and performance studies from NYU, receiving the Arthur J. Schomburg Award. Co-editor of Soul: Black Power, Politics and Pleasure and a former Mellon Fellow, Dr. Guillory is a proud New Orleanian and graduate of Tulane University and St. Mary’s Academy.
Richard Lee Snow
Regional Development Director for the United Negro College Fund (UNCF)

Richard Lee Snow is Regional Development Director for the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), overseeing key relationships in Pennsylvania, Delaware, Baltimore, Washington, DC, and Richmond, VA. A leader in multicultural engagement, he was Senior Advisor for Multicultural Marketing and Business Development at ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, building partnerships with the Divine Nine, The Links, Inc., NAACP, National Urban League, and over 1,000 churches nationwide. Snow made history as the first Executive Director & COO of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., managing operations for 150,000+ members worldwide and chartering chapters in Africa. Honored by the Philadelphia Tribune as one of the Most Influential African Americans since 1999 and a 2019 “Mover and Shaker,” he’s appeared on BET’s Late Night with Tavis Smiley, The Monique Show, and CELEBrations with David Tutera. Recognized by Successful Meetings Magazine in 2006 as one of the 25 Most Influential People in Hospitality and Meetings, Snow chairs PHLDiversity and holds leadership roles on several boards. A passionate advocate for children, arts, and education, he is rooted in Philadelphia with his wife Judith and two sons, Richard Jr. and Joseph.

List of 2 items.

  • View List of Additional Speakers Attending

    • R. Vance Cooper, Ph.D. – Johnson C Smith Alumni
    • Elmer Fuller (Xavier University of Louisiana – School of Pharmacy)
    • Atia Garrett-Washington (Dillard University)
    • Maya Mapp – (Lincoln University)
    • Vaughn Moss – Hampton University Alumni
    • Gian Ray (Law) – Morehouse Alumni
    • Moriah Ray (Morgan St.) 
    • Widell Ridley – Lincoln University Alumni
    • Wesley Rouse (College Thoughts) – Hampton Alumni
    • Theo Spencer – Howard Alumni
    • Jermey Winston (Central State University) Oakwood University Alumni, Wilberforce University Alumni

  • View List of Universities Represented at Symposium

    • Central State University
    • Cheyney University
    • Dillard University
    • Hampton University 
    • Howard University
    • Johnson C Smith 
    • Lincoln University
    • Morehouse College
    • Morgan State University
    • Oakwood University
    • Spelman College
    • Wilberforce University
    • Xavier University
Event Schedule
7:00 – 8:00 AM | Volunteer Check-in & Breakfast
8:15 – 9:00 AM | Student Check-in & Breakfast
9:10 AM – 9:30 AM | Welcome Remarks & Opening Session (Main Room)
9:30 AM – 9:50 AM | The Power of an HBCU Education – Dillard University President (Main Room)
9:50 AM – 10:30 AM | Panel #1 – Pathways of Excellence – Alumni Journeys (Main Room)
10:30 – 10:45 AM | Break (Soft Pretzels & Water available in foyer)
10: 45 – 11:30 AM | Breakout Session Block #1
(Students choose one of three sessions)
  • Navigating the College Application Process (how to apply, essays, Common Black App)
  • Paying for College (scholarships, FAFSA, UNCF, Thurgood Marshall)
  • What does it look like to be a student athlete at an HBCU?
11:45 – 12:30 PM | Keynote: Dr. Jason Johnson (Main Room)
12:30 – 1:15 PM | Lunch & Networking (Dining Hall)
1:15 – 2:00 PM | Breakout Session Block #2
(Students choose one of three sessions)
  • Career Pathways at HBCUs (STEM, law, business, performing arts)
  • Study Abroad & Global Opportunities (international programs, global leadership)
  • Greek Life & Student Leadership (fraternities, sororities, clubs, student government)
2:15 – 2:45 PM | The Legacy & Future of HBCUs – Regional Director UNCF (Main Room)
2:45 – 3:00 PM | Closing Session (Main Room)
The Prep is proud to support the children of HBCU employees and graduates with an affinity grant. Learn more here 

Learn more about the A4 mission here
For questions, please email Daryl.lloyd@SJPrep.org

Address

1733 W. Girard Avenue, Philadelphia PA 19130
Phone Number: (215) 978-1950

Resources

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