The pandemic is straining many small American colleges, which have been scraping by for years with declining enrollment and faltering resources. But some—especially those with an overarching mission, be it secular or religious—enjoy distinct advantages over their bigger rivals in fighting the spread of the coronavirus on campus.

James Hildreth, president of Meharry Medical College, hopes the coronavirus vaccine under investigation by his historically Black institution in Nashville will help bring an end to a virus that is disproportionately killing Black Americans.

As coronavirus cases again climb in many states, several HBCUs, like Meharry, are playing a pivotal role in responding to the disease. They are studying potential vaccines, developing treatments, and testing students and members of their communities for the virus. Hildreth argues it's imperative that HBCUs rise to the occasion.