Michigan’s only HBCU is a part of a consortium of Historically Black Colleges and Universities launching “eHBCU” on Tuesday.
Pensole Lewis College joins Alabama State University, Delaware State University, and the Southern University A&M College System in the effort.
eHBCU offers students across the country the chance to earn degrees and certifications online from accredited universities. eHBCU becomes the nation’s 108th HBCU. eHBCU is a groundbreaking digital portal that brings the cultural pride, academic excellence, and community of Historically Black Colleges and Universities to students everywhere. Built by a consortium of prestigious HBCUs, eHBCU removes barriers to education—offering flexible, high-quality learning rooted in Black tradition and innovation.
Whether you’re continuing your education, changing careers, or exploring new opportunities, eHBCU delivers the authentic HBCU experience on your terms. With programs designed by leading institutions and supported by a dynamic community of mentors and changemakers, we’re expanding access to Black excellence—online, on purpose, and for everyone.
Dr. Violet Temple Lewis founded the Lewis College of Business in Indianapolis in 1928 to train Black secretaries. The branch opened in Detroit in 1938 and would eventually become Michigan’s only HBCU. Lewis closed in 2015.
Accomplished footwear designer Dr. D’Wayne Edwards opened the Pensole Lewis College of Business and Design in 2015, continuing the legacy of the Lewis College of Business as an HBCU. Pensole Lewis offers degrees in footwear and apparel design and color strategy, as well as design-related certificate programs.
