Which HBCUs will Survive and Why?
|
Posted By: Roger Gates on July 02, 2012 FEATURED Content Author: Marybeth Gasman This past week, I gave a talk at the North Carolina Minority Economic Development Institute and I was asked to answer the following question: "Which HBCUs will survive and why?" Based on my research and work with HBCUs over the past 15 years, here is my response: Those HBCUs that will survive in the 21st century are those: 1. .... that have an institutional niche -- a strength -- something that makes them stand out. Strong programs draw students, funders, and alumni support. 2. .... that are led by bold leaders with brave sensibilities. 3. .... with leaders that make decisions based on data -- data at the institutional level as well as at the state and federal level. 4. .... with presidents that speak out on national higher education issues, especially those that directly influence HBCUs. 5. .... that look closely at their retention and graduation rates and if they don't see change and improvement, they make immediate change. 6. .... that learn to 'manage up' in terms of their funder relationships. If you get funding, you have to make sure that you keep the funder informed about your use of the money. 7. .... that diversify their student body. Although there is resistance on the part of some leaders and alumni to diversification, there's no other choice given increased access for African Americans at majority institutions and the growing Asian and Latino populations. Thriving, in most cases, depends on aggressively reaching out to all students. 8. .... with leaders who remember to respect faculty and faculty input. Happy faculty = happy students. 9. .... that improve student services and the treatment of students as they move through the various student services venues on campus. Satisfied students make happy alumni that give back to the institution. 10. .... with leaders that roll up their sleeves and work with all entities on campus. HBCU presidents cannot afford to get caught up in titles and the trappings of these titles -- actually no president should. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/marybeth-gas... If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
 |
Roger Gates
Founder & CEO, Motivo Spec Hampton University class of 1995 Member Since June 1999 |
Comments
|
What do you think? Monday, March 17th 2014 at 3:08AM |
 |
The comments above are quite enlightening. I am not a graduate of an HBCU. However, my mother graduated from what is now Virginia State University. The biggest challenge I see for HBCUs is that they seem to have lost the battle for our best and brightest -- students and scholars who are teaching. Therefore, they have a greater challenge in helping students who are less well prepared for college to succeed. In order for HBCUs to survive in the current economic and academic environment, they must adapt. Perhaps they can partner with larger mainstream institutions with exchange programs for professors and students. The bar of excellence must be raised, and that cannot be done with such a significant focus on poor and under-prepared students. This environment also doesn't attract top scholars. There needs to be a new vision that includes economic and financial support, academic excellence, and our cultural heritage and values. A failure to make bold changes and initiatives will see an accelerated decline of HBCUs. That would be a catastrophe for our African American heritage and our nation. Monday, March 17th 2014 at 12:55PM |
 |
Over 11k hits and 3 comments?I am hearing from quite a few alumni about the conditions and problems at hbcu. This an excellent article and addresses the situation. I have been employed by and graduated Central State and Wilberforce. The disrespect for the campus and other students is ugly. The campuses are littered with trash,just thrown anywhere.student addressing each with derogatory names or if everybody's first name is ***** with the boys pants almost down to there knees,administrators who will not call back.The libraries are understaffed and poorly stocked .Unless these survival concern are addressed these schools will not survive nor should they. Education is a business and this is not a business environment I would spent my money at. Wednesday, April 23rd 2014 at 11:35AM |
|
Norval, you are right. We need to hold our schools and students to a higher standard.
Wednesday, April 23rd 2014 at 12:17PM |
More From This Author
Latest Blogs
 |
Build your income, Create Options, Use Low cost income building strategyhttps://mygreatlifepay.com/ref/juniques/2/
This is part of the a financial building stairstep strategy.
Build one source of income to help create another source of income.
If your dollars are ch ...more
rickey johnson • 84 Views • October 23rd, 2026 |
 |
Hydration and health: Why water matters more than most people realiseAn image of a healthy person drinking fresh water outdoors on a bright day.
Water is one of the most basic requirements for life, yet it is often overlooked in discussions about health and wellness ...more
Joel Savage • 74 Views • October 23rd, 2026 |
 |
Today's children, tomorrow's leaders in an uncertain, changing worldAn image showing children from diverse cultural backgrounds standing together in a bright outdoor setting, with hope, resilience, education, and leadership in an uncertain world.
The children of ...more
Joel Savage • 69 Views • October 23rd, 2026 |
 |
The Wellness Trilogy: Diet, Fitness, and Yoga ExplainedPhoto: A healthy individual practicing yoga outdoors while embracing balanced nutrition and physical fitness in a peaceful natural setting.
In today's fast-paced world, maintaining good health h ...more
Joel Savage • 110 Views • October 22nd, 2026 |
 |
How to Choose a Supreme Court Lawyer for Reliable Legal Services in Delhi and Trusted Legal Firms in Delhi
Choosing the right legal professional is an important step when dealing with a legal problem. Whether you are facing a property dispute, a civil case, a business disagreement, or an appeal, the righ ...more
Searching ing24 • 106 Views • October 21st, 2026 |
Popular Blogs
 |
Divorce in America in 2009 – What’s love got to do, got to do with it?
Join Brother Marcus and the cast and the crew of the Brother Marcus Show live this Sunday evening on February 1, 2009 @ 8:00 p.m. for another hot topic in our community! “Divorce in America in 2009 ...more
Brother Marcus! • 75,708,286 Views • January 27th, 2009 |
 |
VISINE ALERT!!!Seemingly innocent medication such as Visine eyedrops are used by people to concoct a mixture with similar effects as a date-rape drug.
When mixed with alcohol and taken orally, the eyedrops can l ...more
Siebra Muhammad • 122,800 Views • May 23rd, 2009 |
 |
"Chain Hang Low" check out the real meaning of the Lyrics!Recently there is a new artist out of Saint Louis that goes by the name JIBBS. Jibbs debut single "Chain hang low" has a history that most people are not aware of. The particular nursery rhyme that th ...more
Tyhesha Judge-Fogle • 81,818 Views • November 9th, 2006 |
 |
HBCU Marketplace Gifts: Divine 9 Premium Fraternity / Sorority Playing CardsVendor: Charles Jones
Item Price: $20.00
Price Includes Shipping: Yes - Shipping Included
Item Description:
Pantheon Series - Divine 9 - Premium Playing Cards (choose Gold Series or Silve ...more
Hija Chang • 64,817 Views • December 2nd, 2018 |
 |
Black College Student Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison for Kissing a White GirlAlbert N. Wilson, a former University of Kansas student, has been sentenced to 12 years in prison and a lifetime of probation after being convicted by an all-white jury of raping a white teen girl. Bu ...more
Roger Gates • 57,551 Views • June 4th, 2020 |
