First Historically Black College and University (HBCU) to Be Added

Lexington, KY – The National Association of State Procurement Officials (NASPO) announced today that it has added Howard University as a NASPO Academic Partner.

Howard University is the ninth higher education insitution, and first Historically Black College and University (HBCU), to join NAPSO as an Academic Partner to provide value to our state members as well as students pursuing a career in the public sector through supply chain management programs.

“I am thrilled to welcome Howard University as an Academic Partner,” said Delbert H. Singleton, Jr., NASPO Board President. “NASPO and public procurement, as with many organizations, continues to look at ways to improve diversity, equity, and inclusion in our professions. Welcoming Howard moves us in that direction, introducing a new audience to the value of government service and hearing their voices in return.”

Lindle Hatton, NASPO Chief Executive Officer, added, “Our Academic Partners have been key to collaborators in elevating the public procurement profession. They are a link to future professionals, and we are happy that Howard University will join us this year in bringing public procurement to their supply chain students.”

The Academic Partner program started in 2016 and includes institutions in each of NASPO’s four regions. Academic Partners are invited to participate in NASPO conferences and access the organization’s network of resources and content. Academic Partner students are also invited to participate in NASPO’s annual internship program and can receive complimentary association membership.

For more information about Academic Partners, please reach out to Brandi Ann Williard, NASO Academic Affairs Manager at bawillard@naspo.org.

About NASPO: NASPO was established in 1947 and is dedicated to the advancing Public Procurement through leadership, excellence, and integrity. It is made up of the directors for the central purchasing offices in each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the territories of the United States. NASPO is an organization that helps its members achieve success as Public Procurement leaders through promotion of best practices, education, professional development, research, and innovative procurement strategies.

Contact: Kelly McKown King, NASPO Director of Communications and Creative Services, (859) 519-8040