Stronger Together:
Fortitude in the Face of Change
The 2026 HBCU Coalition Summit will be held at Howard University in Washington DC, March 26–27, 2026.
The summit will bring together student health leaders, faculty, clinicians, researchers, and partners dedicated to improving health outcomes and strengthening campus wellness ecosystems. Through collaboration and knowledge-sharing, we aim to highlight best practices, emerging research, and sustainable strategies that empower HBCUs to thrive amid change.
As HBCUs continue to navigate change with strength and unity, this summit offers an opportunity to celebrate our fortitude and to share solutions that ensure the health and vitality of our students, campuses, and communities. Together, we are truly stronger.
Over the course of two days, we will dive into 20 curated sessions featuring strategies designed to empower our students and communities. Attendees will also have the opportunity to earn a Mental Health First Aid certification, gaining a vital credential to bring back to their home campuses.
Beyond the educational sessions, we invite you to join us for an opening reception at the Arlo Hotel on March 26 for hors d’oeuvres and an evening of community and meaningful conversation with fellow HBCU leaders.
This gathering offers a unique opportunity to step away from daily campus operations and connect with colleagues from other institutions who share a dedication to advancing the health and well-being of HBCU campus communities. It is a time to reconnect with the mission that binds us and share the solutions that ensure our campus communities don’t just persist, but thrive.
Register Today!
To register, you will be prompted to log in to your ACHA account. (If you do not have an account, you will have the opportunity to create a non-member account during the registration process.)
Thanks to the generous support of our sponsors, registration for this event is free!
The last day to register is March 16, 2026.
Hotel & Lodging
UPDATE: The hotel booking link is now closed. Guests can email either of these hotel representatives to book and still receive the group rate as long as rooms are available.
lrakovac@arlohotels.com
sbossous@arlohotels.com
To help you plan your stay, we have secured a special discounted group rate for summit attendees. Once your registration is complete, you will receive an automated email receipt containing the hotel booking link and instructions for reserving your room at the group rate.
Arlo Hotel Washington, DC
333 G Street Northwest, Washington DC 20001
Reservation Cut-off date: February 24, 2026
Meet Our Keynote Speaker
Dr. Donovan Griffin-Blake, Howard University
Dr. Donovan Griffin-Blake is a visionary educational leader and currently serves as the Assistant Dean of Student Affairs in the College of Pharmacy at Howard University. With more than 25 years of experience spanning K–12 and higher education, she brings a wealth of expertise in educational leadership, curriculum development, instructional innovation, and workforce training.
Donovan has dedicated her career to strengthening institutions, empowering educators, and enhancing organizational performance. Her work focuses on designing strategic, tailored solutions that improve teaching and learning outcomes while equipping organizations to meet evolving workforce demands. Known for her innovative thinking and adaptive leadership style, she partners with schools, universities, and businesses to address complex challenges and drive measurable success.
In recognition of her commitment to educational excellence and community impact, she was honored in 2023 with the W.H.T. Educational Enhancement Award by the North Atlantic Region of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Most recently, in 2025 she earned the prestigious President’s Lifetime Achievement Award, the highest level of national recognition for volunteer service bestowed through AmeriCorps and the President’s Volunteer Service Award program for completing thousands of hours of service and civic engagement.
A certified educator, Donovan has earned degrees from Howard University, George Washington University, and Bowie State University. Her professional experience includes impactful work with several urban public school districts, the White House Initiative on HBCUs, Girl Scouts of the Nation’s Capital, the U.S. Army Department of Defense, and numerous colleges and universities.
A proud native of New Orleans, Louisiana, Donovan brings a rich cultural perspective and an unwavering commitment to educational excellence. She continues to lead with strategic foresight, innovation, and a deep passion for developing transformative educational environments.
Become an Exhibitor or Sponsor
We value the supporters and champions of health and wellness who help enhance the professional learning experiences of our attendees. Your partnership directly impacts the scope of work dedicated to HBCU campus wellness, and we appreciate your consideration in joining us as a sponsor for this Summit.
How to Get Involved: Detailed information regarding sponsorship levels and benefits can be found in our official form. Please download the form below to get started.
Please return this form to ebony.copeland@howard.edu and merasha.bailey@howard.edu with “2026 ACHA HBCU Coalition Summit Sponsorship” in the subject line. We greatly appreciate your support!
Details
03/26/2026 - 03/27/2026
Event Type
Summits
Location
