UDC gets a new president – and its $3.5 million budget hole gets filled

To say yesterday was big for the University of the District of Columbia seems an understatement.

Ronald Mason, UDC’s incoming president.

UDC’s Board of Trustees named Ronald Mason, Junior, the university’s new president. And shortly thereafter, Mayor Muriel Bowser revealed her decision to reverse UDC’s FY 2016 budget cuts. Her initial spending plan had slashed $3.5 million from UDC’s budget.

Mayor Bowser also congratulated UDC on its choice for president. Mason previously served as the president of Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and Jackson State University in Jackson, Mississippi.

ANC 3F chair Adam Tope was a member of UDC’s presidential search committee. He told Forest Hills Connection he’s pleased with the selection.

“Mr. Mason has significant experience leading historically black institutions and running institutions facing significant financial hardships, so I think he will be a great leader who will help transform UDC,” Tope said. “The ANC looks forward to working with Mr. Mason.”

This has also been a big week – and a big month – for UDC. Last weekend, UDC celebrated its newest graduates at commencement. And this Friday, nationally-syndicated radio host Tom Joyner will broadcast from the campus. His foundation named UDC its “School of the Month” for May, and will raise money for the university throughout the month.