On July 22, 2025, leaders in open scholarship gathered at UNCF UNITE 2025 to discuss how Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are reshaping access to knowledge. Presented by the Michelson Intellectual Property Institute and the Michelson 20MM Open Educational Resources (OER) initiative, the panel explored how open practices in research, publishing, and teaching can expand opportunities for students and faculty.

Why Open Scholarship Matters for HBCUs

HBCUs have long served as engines of opportunity and innovation. Systemic funding inequities, however, continue to create challenges. This doesn’t have to be the case because adopting an open scholarship model offers a way forward. Open access reduces costs, expands reach, and aligns with institutional missions. This approach not only increases educational access but also strengthens the collective commons of knowledge, as the panel shared.

Meet the Panelists

Moderated by Cailyn Nagle, Senior Program Manager, OER, Michelson 20MM, the discussion brought together open education and open research leaders at HBCUs, including:

• Dr. Renée Jordan, Associate Director for Operations, Finances, and Compliance, Morehouse College
• Terrence Martin, Assistant Director of the Content and Collection Department, Atlanta University Center Robert W. Woodruff Library
• Eunice Mercado-Lara, Director of Equity and Impact, Open Research Community Accelerator
• Chinwe Ohanele Agwu, Esq.,Senior Program Manager, Michelson Intellectual Property Institute
• Dr. Tokesha Warner, Assistant Professor, Tennessee State University

Building Open Access Journals

Dr. Jordan described creating an open access journal from the Black Issues in Computing Education Conference. She partnered with Martin to create a safe and accessible space for scholarly work. Mercado-Lara noted that open journals expand collaboration and help libraries manage rising subscription costs while also making science actionable.

Dispelling Misconceptions

Dr. Warner highlighted a common myth: that open scholarship produces lower-quality work. She underscored the fact that open models use rigorous data management and peer review processes. Open access, she argued, gives faculty more freedom and flexibility while modernizing teaching.

Rethinking Intellectual Property

The panel recognized that ownership and intellectual property often appear at odds with open models. Mercado-Lara, however, reframed this perspective. She explained that when open research supports data preservation it makes the lives of faculty easier and adoption feels natural. Martin emphasized that collaboration, not exclusivity, drives rigor and value. At the same time, Warner highlighted the fact that the collaboration facilitated by OER offers students interdisciplinary perspectives and helps them make career decisions. 

Students at the Center

Panelists agreed that students benefit most from open ecosystems. OER materials reduce financial burdens while offering diverse formats, such as videos, that support different learning styles. Dr. Warner noted that open resources help neurodivergent and multilingual learners customize their pace. Jordan emphasized that open access allows students to explore research early, ask better questions, and shape their own academic paths.

Mercado-Lara shared powerful examples from minority-serving institutions, where students replicate medical devices in class using open materials. These projects turn classrooms into labs without added cost burdens.

Advice for Institutions 

Panelists closed with advice for institutions considering open scholarship. Mercado-Lara encouraged leaders to align open practices with their university’s mission. Jordan reminded attendees that learning must continue beyond campus walls, and open access ensures lifelong availability. Martin stressed that open models extend value after graduation. Dr. Warner underscored that community access transforms open scholarship into an act of social justice.

Looking Ahead

It is clear that open scholarship empowers HBCUs to expand opportunity while advancing equity in higher education. By embracing open journals, open science, and OER, HBCUs are leading the way in creating a freer and more collaborative future for knowledge.

About Michelson IP

The Michelson Institute for Intellectual Property, an initiative of the Michelson 20MM Foundation, provides access to empowering IP education for budding inventors and entrepreneurs. Michelson 20MM was founded thanks to the generous support of renowned spinal surgeon Dr. Gary K. Michelson and Alya Michelson. To learn more, visit 20mm.org.