Meharry Medical College’s School of Applied Computational Sciences received a $1 million grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) to strengthen medical education and the nation’s health care system. This investment is part of RWJF’s $7.5 million commitment to Historically Black College and University (HBCU) medical schools, recognizing their leadership and innovation as essential to building a health care system that works for all communities.
This grant will allow Meharry to advance its leadership in pioneering tech-enabled equity through computational sciences. Meharry will integrate augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) technologies and other advanced innovations into dental education, community partnerships, and interdisciplinary collaboration. This work will further the College’s mission to train physicians and health professionals who are highly skilled, community-rooted, and equipped to meet the nation’s most urgent health needs.
“RWJF’s partnership enables us to accelerate innovation in medical education while addressing health disparities head-on,” said Dr. Juan A. McGruder, Senior Vice President of Institutional Advancement at Meharry Medical College. “This investment reflects confidence in Meharry’s mission and expands our ability to cultivate institutions of belonging where all students, especially students of color, can thrive.”
Addressing Health Disparities With New Technology
“As an HBCU with research driven by AI and data science, our school is uniquely positioned to address health disparities,” says Dean Fortune Mhlanga, Ph.D. “By harnessing VR/AR/MR technologies, we can create immersive learning experiences that not only enhance medical training but also empower communities with knowledge and tools to improve health outcomes.”
HBCU medical schools play a critical role in building the nation’s health workforce. Despite representing a small fraction of U.S. medical schools, HBCUs produce 70% of Black physicians. Graduates of these institutions are more likely to provide care in medically underserved urban and rural communities and to conduct research on health disparities—helping to close critical gaps in access and improve health outcomes across the country.
“The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) is proud to support HBCU medical schools, which not only prepare diverse health professionals but also graduate doctors who are more likely to practice in underserved communities,” said Lauren Smith, MD, MPH, Vice President of RWJF’s Strategic Portfolios. “These institutions have long been pillars of excellence, cultivating environments where students of diverse backgrounds thrive and advancing health equity for all communities. By investing in HBCUs’ leadership and innovation, we are affirming that a health care workforce reflecting the diversity of our nation strengthens care, transforms systems, and improves outcomes for everyone.”
“The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) is proud to support Meharry Medical College’s commitment to student success and teaching excellence,” Dr. Smith continued. “HBCU medical schools like Meharry have long been engines of opportunity, educating the majority of America’s Black doctors and dentists. The leadership of these institutions is vital to building a more accessible health care system that is accountable to communities and treats all people with dignity and respect.”
With RWJF’s support, Meharry will continue to strengthen pathways into medicine and deliver innovations that ensure care is accessible, fair, and community-centered. This investment not only affirms Meharry’s national leadership but also accelerates its vision of a health care workforce that is prepared to serve every community’s unique needs.
Your Loyal Support Helps
When you give 100% to the Black College Fund apportionment you help Historically Black Colleges and Universities support solid and challenging academic programs. Please encourage your leaders and congregations to support the Black College Fund apportionment at 100 percent.
story by Theresa Morrison, Meharry Medical College
This story shows the impact of the Black College Fund—one of seven apportionment funds of The United Methodist Church—to sustain and strengthen historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) related to the denomination. Your church’s giving helps provide quality education, leadership formation, and spiritual growth opportunities for students who will lead and serve in communities around the world.
When your church supports the Black College Fund, you help students unlock their potential and keep a vital United Methodist legacy strong.
