(Clarksdale, Mississippi) — The Michelson Intellectual Property Institute (MIPI) is
proud to introduce the newest cohort of educators joining the HBCU IP Futures Collaborative.
This initiative, designed to empower underrepresented innovators through education
in intellectual property (IP), equips students at Historically Black Colleges and
Universities (HBCUs) with the tools needed to safeguard their innovations and build
generational wealth.
Representing a variety of disciplines and institutions, this year’s cohort is committed to integrating IP education into their curricula, fostering a culture of innovation, and addressing the specific needs of their student bodies. MIPI’s continued investment ensures that HBCUs remain leaders in innovation and economic empowerment.
Among this year’s esteemed cohort is Monica Tompkins, Business and Computer Information Systems Instructor at ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ. Tompkins joins fellow educators from across the nation who are pioneering new approaches to teaching IP concepts to the next generation of creators, entrepreneurs, and leaders.
Through the Collaborative, participating educators will receive $25,000 in grant funding, access to MIPI’s extensive digital resources, and personalized support to develop new curricula and programming that strengthen IP education across disciplines such as business, STEM, creative arts, and entrepreneurship.
"I am honored to be part of the HBCU IP Futures Collaborative and to represent Community College in this important initiative," said Tompkins. "Introducing our students to the power of intellectual property is vital to preparing them to protect their innovations and create new opportunities for themselves and their communities."
Dr. Valmadge T. Towner, President of ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ, shared his excitement, stating, "We are extremely proud of Ms. Tompkins for her selection to the HBCU IP Futures Collaborative. Her participation enhances our mission to equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to be competitive and successful innovators in a global economy."
The HBCU IP Futures Collaborative continues to build a network of passionate educators working to unlock opportunities for underrepresented innovators, ensuring that every student is equipped to protect, leverage, and maximize the value of their ideas.