Dr. Michael Lomax Recognized as British-American Project Fellow

Dr. Michael L. Lomax, president and chief executive officer of UNCF, was recognized as a British-American Project (BAP) Fellow at the project’s gala in New York City on Sept. 29, 2025. He is also an alumnus of the program.

Founded in 1985, the BAP nurtures the special transatlantic relationship between the United Kingdom and the United States of America. The BAP fellowship is made up of individuals from diverse occupations and backgrounds from these two countries. The project holds an annual conference for existing and incoming fellows who are rising leaders in their fields.

“Being a BAP Fellow means connecting with a powerful network of leaders who are committed to understanding, rather than just observing, the challenges and opportunities facing our two nations,” Dr. Lomax said. “It instilled in me a deeper appreciation for the unique perspectives that the U.K. and the U.S. bring to the global stage, and the importance of forging genuine, thoughtful partnerships across the ocean.”

Dr. Lomax and other distinguished leaders were recognized as BAP Fellows at the event including Baroness Patricia Scotland and Tania Tetlow, President of Fordham University. The gala welcomed former BAP Fellows, senior financial and diplomatic officials from the U.K. and stakeholders from the New York City area.

During his honoree speech, Dr. Lomax highlighted the BAP as an important opportunity to create new pathways for first-generation college students, and all students, at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).

“HBCUs have perfected the art of supporting and graduating first-generation students from marginalized communities,” Dr. Lomax said. “They offer tailored guidance, high-touch support and a pathway for students to rise to their fullest potential and achieve degree completion—often against significant odds.

“By connecting the global opportunities represented by the BAP and the U.K.’s leading industries with the talent pipeline of our HBCUs, we can ensure that more first-generation students are able to achieve their dreams,” he continued. “This isn’t just about charity, it’s about developing pathways that cultivate a diverse, globally minded workforce essential for the economic and diplomatic future of both the U.S. and the U.K.”

Dr. Lomax encouraged British business and civic leaders to learn more about UNCF’s work and donate to support its efforts.

“The work of the British-American Project has always been about building bridges,” he said. “I look forward to building a new bridge—one that connects the global ambition of this organization with the immense, untapped talent of the students we serve at UNCF and our 37 member institutions.”