Catch an interview with University of the District of Columbia President Maurice D. Edington and a spotlight on UDC’s construction pathway program this week as part of Maryland Public Television’s HBCU Week 2024 programming. 

The features—airing at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept.6, on MPT and now available on-demand—celebrate the University of the District of Columbia’s legacy as the nation’s second-oldest Historically Black College or University (HBCU), dating back to 1851. 

“As a proud HBCU graduate who has spent my entire career working at HBCUs, I know first-hand the impact we make on so many students—providing pathways to educational attainment and career advancement in a welcoming and supportive environment,” Edington said. 

Edington, a trained physical chemist, began his academic journey at Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee, and later served as a faculty member and administrator at Florida A&M University for more than two decades. 

“The future for HBCUs is very bright—as bright as it’s ever been,” Edington added. 

The university’s 10th president also emphasized UDC’s “aggressive and ambitious” new strategic plan, “Delivering on the Promise.” The five-year plan aims to promote UDC as the District’s flagship university. 

One goal is to more than double the workforce certificates UDC awards annually. UDC Workforce Development and Lifelong Learning provides free training for D.C. residents 18 and over in five career pathways, including construction. 

“The trade saved my life, and I just want to reach back and pull the next generation and chaperone those young men and women into the trade,” says TYsean Lawson-Bey, director of the construction pathway program. “The training that the students are getting here is beyond—you can’t put words to it, the success and how proud I am. … I know I’m changing someone’s life each day that I come in this door.”

To watch the video segments on-demand, click below: 

MPT HBCU Week 2024 | Interview with President Maurice Edington 

MPT HBCU Week 2024 | UDC Construction Pathway