Statements
Mission
MISSION STATEMENT MISSION STATEMENT Fisk University produces graduates from diverse backgrounds with the integrity and intellect required for substantive contributions to society. Our curriculum is grounded in the liberal arts. Our faculty and administrators emphasize the discovery and advancement of knowledge through research in the natural and social sciences, business and the humanities. We are committed to the success of scholars and leaders with a global perspective. VALUES The D.E.T.A.I.L.S. represents Fisk's core values. Our values reflect our overall ethical and moral engagement. We, the Fisk Family, seek to internalize these principles and apply them in our day-to-day work and in our lives. Read Fisk's Mission & Values. Read Fisk's Mission & Values
Background
FISK FOREVER FISK FOREVER Fisk University, an educational powerhouse and premier institution, is the ideal environment for academic and career success. Our small class sizes, and our faculty, staff, and strong curriculum provide students with the one-on-one attention and support needed to reach their goals and reach new heights, whether they plan to become entrepreneurs, scientists, musicians, or even work at a non-profit of Fortune 500 company. Fisk receives national recognition each year for catapulting students-many of who are the first in their families to attend college on the road to excellence. Our students are the activists and innovators who build strategies, defend ideas, make discoveries and lead the way with global perspectives. Founded in 1866, shortly after the end of the Civil War, Fisk University is a historically black university, and is the oldest institution of higher learning in Nashville, Tennessee. From its earliest days, Fisk has played a leadership role in the education of African-Americans. Fisk faculty and alumni have been among America's intellectual, artistic, and civic leaders in every generation since the University's beginnings. Fisk's outstanding faculty and students continue to enhance the University's national reputation for academic excellence, which is validated year after year by the leading third-party reviewers, as well as, by the pool of talented applicants and the large percentage of alumni who complete graduate or professional degrees and become leaders and scholars in their fields. At Fisk University, we cultivate scholars and leaders! Read about the History of Fisk University Read about the History of Fisk University
Impact
THE FISK IMPACT Fisk University has stood the test of time as the oldest institution of higher learning in Nashville TN. Beyond its contribution to Nashville's famed 'Music City' moniker, Fisk University has been instrumental to the history of the city as well as the broader United States. Fisk University is not only the home of the world-renowned Jubilee Singers, it is home to a student body of leaders, scholars and activists. Each year, Fisk students enroll in top graduate and professional schools in the fields of law, medicine, and education. Moreover, many of our graduates pursue promising careers in fortune 500 companies. There are many accolades that are attributed to Fisk's commitment to excellence. Below, you will find just a few of our recent accomplishments: Tier 1 in Liberal Arts Colleges / Universities according to US News & World Reports 2016- 2018 Rankings Ranked #9 on list of best HBCUs according to US News & World Reports 2016-2018 Rankings Ranked #3 on the Forbes' 650 top colleges for 2018-2019 recognizes Fisk as the 5th Highest ranked institution in Tennessee. Top in the South - Forbes' 650 also recognizes Fisk as the 66th ranked school in the South. Fisk is the only HBCU that has a B.A to M.A. to Ph.D. pipeline in the natural sciences Ranked #1 - Fisk is the number one producer of underrepresented minority Master's in Physics degrees. More than 20% of Fisk students are selected for internships, which is above the 9 percent national average for internship placements on college campuses 61% of students who earn a degree from Fisk University enter graduate or professional school within one year of graduation The BEST - Finally, for the 27rd consecutive year, the Princeton Review ranked Fisk among the "Best Southeastern Colleges" Fisk is a place where dreams come true and opportunities are realized. We attribute the tremendous number of success stories to the unique combination of a dedicated faculty, low student ratios, tremendous partnerships, family atmosphere and the authentic liberal arts experience. In an educational world of increasing anonymity where numbers matter more than names, Fisk University defies the trend with its' deep commitment to personalized care and attention. Each of our students receives the individualized focus required to maximize their potential and we take seriously the active role of our students in shaping the campus with their thoughts and actions.
Needs
THE FISK FUTURE As we strive to position Fisk University as the number one HBCU in the country, we are targeting a student body of 1,500 students. Given the financial needs of these highly talented students, it is imperative that we expand our scholarship offerings. In addition to becoming more competitive on the scholarship front, we are also looking to improve our physical and technological infrastructure going forward. Fisk University excels at making its students' dreams come true and we ask you that you please help us in this remarkable endeavor. Fisk University is a viable and sustainable entity. Therefore, we are intentional about creating an environment that welcomes abundance. Fisk University will develop new programs, secure, steward, and build our resources, and continue to have a profound impact on countless lives. We are excited about our future generations of students, scholars and faculty of Fisk University As you can see, Fisk University has a bright future.
CEO Statement
Greetings! The Fisk Future is in full swing and we are absolutely thrilled to announce another record-breaking fundraising year. During the 2021-2022 fiscal year, Fisk raised more than $10,000,000. This support reflects the extraordinary student outcomes Fisk is delivering and all the amazing things that are happening on campus. In 2022, the new Roland Parrish Career Development building opened. Also, the John L. Lewis Social Justice Center opened, which houses our three Social Justice Fellows. Ground has been broken for a new residence hall, and innovative container housing for Fisk students is being developed. The university ended the fiscal year with an operating surplus and is positioned for another great year with a record incoming class of close to 400 students from over 34 states. The total student count is now at 1,045 which is the largest student population Fisk has experienced in well over a decade. We have seen a growing interest in the Fisk brand and the quality of our students continues to improve. With the addition of a Women's Gymnastics Program, and becoming the first HBCU (Historically Black College and University) to field a team to compete at the NCAA level, we have garnered the attention of 100s of thousands of admirers and supporters. One of our proudest moments occurred February, 2023, when the City of Nashville announced the launch of the Darrell S. Freeman, Sr. Incubation Center (Freeman Center) that will be housed on the Fisk campus. It is an innovative public-private partnership that is funded by a $10 million grant from the $1.9 trillion federal American Rescue Plan. It is Nashville's first public-private partnership with Fisk that will create a space for thinkers and innovators to build and scale their businesses, with the primary focus being on healthcare, STEM and data sciences, initially. Future plans include extending the focus and to offer resources to small business owners from all industries. For Nashville's oldest institution of higher learning these are truly transformational times.
All the Best, Dr. Agenia W. Clark, President, Fisk University
Board Chair Statement
We are proud to share Fisk University's exciting six-year transformation, as reflected in enrollment increases to over 1,050 students; significant increases in average ACT/SAT scores; and a decrease in the institutions discount rate from 70% to 51%. Fisk has enjoyed five consecutive years of fundraising records, including increases in alumni giving from 21% to 35% and gifts totaling almost $90,000,000. The unencumbered endowment more than doubled to $24,000,000. Operating with a surplus for the past 5 years is noteworthy considering the low endowment spend and a student body that is 62% Pell eligible. Accrediting body SACSCOC has repeatedly lauded Fisk as a sustainable, viable and scalable institution. US News has consistently ranked Fisk among the top 10 HBCUs and, recently, third for graduation rates. And, among our students, we have produced four Rhodes Scholar finalists, record starting salaries for our graduates, and exceptional student outcomes that rival other top institutions. Forbes recently ranked Fisk #1 among all universities for academic effectiveness and return on investment. In recent years, the University has received unprecedented press recognition, including ESPN, Forbes, Good Morning America, National Public Radio, the New York Times, USA Today, and many more.
Juliette Williams Pryor
Chair, Fisk University Board of Trustees
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| Primary Category: | Education - Universities |
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Areas Served
FISK IS HOME Fisk has a global student population. Fisk enrolls students from 33 states and 5 countries in its undergraduate and graduate programs. This diverse student population is 90 percent African American. There has been a renewed focus to increase our presence in our community and state. Currently, the top counties from the State of Tennessee represented at Fisk University are Davidson, Rutherford, Shelby, Williamson, and Hamilton.
| TN - Franklin |
| TN - Williamson |
| TN - Rutherford |
| National |
| TN - Davidson |
| International |
| TN - Wilson |
| TN - Cheatham |
| TN |
