HOPE CEO Bill Bynum highlights nearly $200 million invested in HBCU at Milken Institute Global Conference
JANS – With nearly $200 million invested in Historically Black Colleges and Universities across the Deep South, HOPE Enterprise Corporation President and CEO Bill Bynum joined scores of national leaders in finance, higher education and community development at the 29th Milken Institute Global Conference to discuss the economic case for investing in HBCUs. The 2026 conference was held May 3-6 at The Beverly Hilton and Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills in Los Angeles, CA. This year’s theme was “Leading in a New Era.”
The panel, “Built to Last: Investing in the Resiliency of HBCUs,” examined the role HBCUs play as economic engines, workforce developers, research institutions and anchors in under-resourced communities. The discussion was moderated by NPR Weekend Edition Sunday host Ayesha Rascoe and featured Melissa Bradley, founder and managing partner of New Majority Ventures; Bobbie Knight, president of Miles College; Todd O. McDonald, president of Liberty Bank and Trust Co.; and Bynum.
During the discussion, Bradley emphasized that HBCUs “are not charity” and should be viewed as critical economic and institutional investments.
“HBCUs are not just a good investment; they are a necessary investment,” Bynum said, echoing the panel’s broader conversation about the economic value and long-term impact of HBCUs. “If you’re an investor, you look for undervalued assets. HBCUs are woefully undervalued, but the return is immense.”
During the panel, Bynum highlighted HOPE’s investments and partnerships with HBCUs across the region, including Tougaloo College, Jackson State University, Alcorn State University, Tuskegee University, Talladega College, Stillman College, Fisk University and Oakwood University. He also discussed a joint investment with Liberty Bank supporting a medical research project involving Xavier University and Ochsner Health.
“We’ve made close to $200 million in investments in HBCUs for a variety of uses over the past two years,” Bynum said. “We provide capital, we leverage capital, build a capital stack and provide advisory services.”
The discussion also focused on expanding research capacity, strengthening HBCU balance sheets, developing land assets, building workforce pipelines, and increasing public- private investment partnerships.
Knight acknowledged HOPE’s partnership with Miles College during the conversation.
“Proud to be a partner with HOPE Credit Union, with Mr. Bill Bynum, and we appreciate all of the support,” Knight said.
The Milken Institute Global Conference convenes leaders from business, finance, government, philanthropy and academia to address global economic and social challenges.
Watch the full panel discussion from the Milken Institute Global Conference: https://milkeninstitute.org/content-hub/event-panels/part-2-investing-resiliency-hbcus
