Dr. Ezekiel Crenshaw and Cheyney’s Next Chapter of Innovation

Cheyney University of Pennsylvania proudly announces that Dr. Ezekiel Crenshaw, an Assistant Professor of Biology, has been selected as a member of the PROPEL HBCU Faculty Fellows Academy (HFFA). This prestigious program, launched by the PROPEL Center, a leading innovation hub for historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), is a year-long faculty development initiative designed to enhance teaching skills, integrate cutting-edge technology in the classroom, and foster a nationwide professional network among HBCU educators. Dr. Crenshaw’s selection to the 2024 HFFA cohort not only recognizes his dedication to academic excellence but also marks a significant achievement for Cheyney University, the nation’s first HBCU founded in 1837.

For Dr. Crenshaw, this fellowship is the culmination of a journey deeply rooted in Cheyney’s legacy. An alumnus of Cheyney University, Dr. Crenshaw earned his B.S. in Biology at Cheyney in 2010 before obtaining a Ph.D. in Biological Science from Drexel University in 2016. He went on to complete postdoctoral research in neuroscience at the University of Pennsylvania, focusing on developmental neurobiology. After years of advanced training, Dr. Crenshaw returned to Cheyney as a faculty member, where he has since been actively involved in mentoring students and developing innovative biology curricula. His background exemplifies the full circle of an HBCU alumnus who has leveraged his education and research experience to give back to his home institution.

“Opportunities like this strengthen our role as a leader among HBCUs blending legacy with innovation and preparing our students for the world ahead.”
Dr. Denise Pearson, Provost and Chief Academic Officer, Cheyney University
Assistant Professor, Natural Applied Science (NAS), Cheyney Class of 10

The HFFA is a cornerstone initiative of the PROPEL Center’s mission to advance innovation in HBCU education.

Over a twelve-month period, HFFA Fellows participate in intensive training modules, workshops, and a capstone showcase event where they share innovative teaching projects developed during the program. A key emphasis of the academy is on integrating Apple technology and evidence-based teaching practices to enhance student success, a focus made possible through PROPEL’s partnership with Apple as its founding sponsor. Fellows benefit from a collaborative learning community and exposure to industry-aligned pedagogical tools. The results have been remarkable. 100% of the inaugural cohort of HFFA Fellows reported expanding their professional networks, and all are preparing to implement new Apple-based learning tools in their courses, a change that will benefit thousands of students across HBCUs.

As a PROPEL Faculty Fellow, Dr. Crenshaw will gain access to the latest pedagogical strategies and digital resources, which he can directly apply in his courses at Cheyney. The training on Apple’s educational technologies, for instance, will enable him to incorporate new tools into biology lectures and labs, giving students hands-on experience with cutting-edge learning applications. University leadership views this achievement as a boon for the campus. Cheyney’s Provost and Chief Academic Officer, Dr. Denise Pearson, noted that faculty development opportunities like HFFA align with the university’s strategic focus on academic innovation and student success. “We are extremely proud of Dr. Crenshaw’s achievement,” Dr. Pearson said. “His participation in this prestigious academy will not only further enhance his teaching, but also enrich our students’ learning experiences with exposure to new techniques and technologies.”

Dr. Crenshaw’s selection to HFFA is not just an individual accolade or a win for Cheyney University. It is part of a larger movement to strengthen HBCUs nationwide. Faculty at HBCUs collectively educate over 300,000 students across the country. Programs like PROPEL’s Faculty Fellows Academy amplify the quality of instruction those students receive by equipping educators with advanced skills in digital pedagogy and inclusive teaching strategies. By learning to leverage new technologies and research-backed methods, HFFA Fellows can elevate student engagement and outcomes in their home institutions. Furthermore, the professional networks formed through the program encourage cross-campus collaborations and the sharing of best practices among HBCU faculty. This collaborative spirit fosters a culture of innovation that benefits not only individual institutions but also the broader higher education community. As the PROPEL Center and its partners continue to invest in HBCU talent, the ripple effects will be felt in improved student success, stronger institutional capacity, and greater recognition of the vital role HBCUs play in American higher education.

For students, Dr. Crenshaw’s involvement in HFFA translates into tangible classroom benefits.

“Dr. Crenshaw always brings enthusiasm and new ideas to class. We can’t wait to see what new techniques or technology he’ll introduce after this fellowship,” said Angela Hill, a junior biology major at Cheyney. This student perspective underscores the value of the fellowship. It directly connects cutting-edge educational practices to the student experience on campus. By having an HFFA Fellow on the faculty, Cheyney students stand to gain from enhanced instruction and a curriculum infused with insights from a national network of innovative educators.

“AS AN HBCU GRADUATE AND NOW A FACULTY MEMBER, THIS FELLOWSHIP GIVES ME THE CHANCE TO RE-IMAGINE HOW OUR STUDENTS LEARN BLENDING SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND CREATIVITY IN WAYS THAT PREPARE THEM FOR THE FUTURE.”
Dr. Ezekiel Crenshaw, Assistant Professor of Biology, Cheyney University

References
PR Newswire. “PROPEL Center Celebrates 37 Faculty Fellows Following Year-Long Skills-Enhancing Training Program Designed for HBCU Professors.” July 17, 2024.
Cheyney University of Pennsylvania. The First HBCU. Official history page noting Cheyney’s founding in 1837 as the nation’s first HBCU.
PennPORT IRACDA, University of Pennsylvania. Fellow profile of Ezekiel Crenshaw, Ph.D., detailing his B.S. at Cheyney (2005 to 2009), Ph.D. at Drexel University (2010 to 2015), and postdoctoral research at Penn.
PR Newswire. PROPEL HFFA press release reporting 100% network expansion and Apple technology integration by HFFA Fellows (2023 to 2024 cohort).
PR Newswire. PROPEL HFFA press release noting HBCU professors collectively teach over 300,000 students, highlighting the program’s broad impact.