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The founding of Cheyney University was made possible by Richard Humphreys, a Quaker philanthropist. He bequeathed $10,000, one-tenth of his estate, to design and establish a school to educate the African race's descendants. Born on Tortola, an island in the West Indies, Richard Humphreys came to Philadelphia in 1764. Having witnessed the struggles of African Americans competing unsuccessfully for jobs due to immigrants' influx, he became interested in their plight. In 1829, after race riots occurred in Philadelphia, Humphreys wrote his will and charged thirteen fellow Quakers to design an institution: "…to instruct the descendants of the African race in school learning, in the various branches of the mechanic arts, trades and agricu, culture, in order to prepare and fit and qualify them to act as teachers…." Established in 1837, Cheyney University of Pennsylvania cherishes its legacy as America's first institution for higher learning for African Americans. Our mission is to prepare confident, competent, reflective, visionary leaders, and responsible citizens. We uphold our tradition of academic excellence as we maintain our historical commitment to opportunity and access for students of diverse backgrounds. Cheyney University provides a nurturing, intellectually challenging, and socially enriching environment. The Cheyney University of Pennsylvania will be recognized as a premier HBCU for the 21st century, whose graduates are respected members of their communities throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, nation, and the world. Cheyney University graduates will be a diverse group of local, national, and international students who will apply the knowledge and skills gained from our rigorous and challenging academic programs to the nation's advancement and global community. We will continue to be a valuable resource contributing to the Greater Philadelphia region's intellectual, social, economic, and cultural development, the Delaware Valley, and beyond. Earn your undergraduate degree at Cheyney University. With 15 significant courses of study and 11 minors, the nation's first historically Black institution has been dedicated to empowering minority students since 1837. Get the Cheyney University experience, where we strive for excellence, academics, character, and social responsibility. The office of Student Financial Services is responsible for administering federal, state, institutional, and external aid sources. The office facilities the process of aid administration, which assists students and parents in pursuit of higher education. The mission of Residential Life and Housing is to support the University's academic mission and educational program by providing residence hall housing and providing a clean, attractive, and well-maintained, convenient, and safe living environment for students. Residence Life and Housing are also responsible for dining services, camp, and conference housing. We encourage students to become actively involved in campus life. This helps foster a comprehensive understanding of social, multicultural human issues, responsibilities through programming, cultural opportunities that enhance independence and self-governance. Our office plays a vital role in collaborating with internal and external University partners to foster successful student transitions to the collegiate experience. The Academic Success Center (ACS) provides students with an opportunity to receive assistance in their academic endeavors. To help students become efficient and effective learners, the Academic Success Center provides opportunities for students to take advantage. The Center for Career and Professional Development's mission is to enhance student success by providing career and employment services. Our commitment is to foster individual growth and professional development and assist students with their career and professional needs. To accomplish this mission, the CCPD fosters partnerships with stakeholders, alumni, faculty, businesses, organizations, colleges, and universities. Today, Cheyney University students represent a variety of races, cultures, and nationalities who receive educational instruction far beyond the vision of Richard Humphreys. Cheyney graduates still become teachers, but students also enter careers such as journalism, medicine, business, science/technology, law, communications, and government service. The University offers baccalaureate degrees in various disciplines and master's degrees in teaching, education, and public administration. Cheyney University is proud of its more than 30,000 graduates. Well, known alumni include the late Ed Bradley, a correspondent of the CBS program "60 Minutes" Pedro Rivera, Pennsylvania Secretary of Education Robert W. Bogle, publisher and CEO of the Philadelphia Tribune, the oldest newspaper continuously owned and operated by an African American Dr. Audrey F. Bronson, a member of the PA State System of Higher Education's Board of Governors, ordained minister, and retired educator Dr. Gladys Styles Johnston, former Chancellor of the University of Nebraska at Kearney Thaddeus Kirkland, State Representative and Mayor of Chester, PA and civil rights activist, the late Bayard Rustin. From its initial founding until 1852, the African Institute, as it was known, was located on a 136-acre farm seven miles from Philadelphia on Old York Road. In 1849, the farm school closed for re-evaluation, and the farm was sold. On October 22, 1849, the board authorized the re-opening of the school. On November 5, 1849, an evening school opened on Barclay Street in Philadelphia. It continued to operate through the spring of 1851 until suitable quarters could resume a day school program. Toward the end of July 1851, the board found a better school location on two contiguous lots on the south side of Lombard Street (716-18). The purchase price was $3,244. The board authorized the lots' purchase and directed the committee to prepare a plan for the building as soon as possible. When the school opened in 1852 as the Institute for Colored Youth, a foundation was laid for many years until the Lombard building was sold. The school moved to a new building at 915 Bainbridge Street in 1866, where a Pennsylvania state historical marker now stands. View full university