Alvin J. SchexniderAfrican-AmericanBlack Colleges and Universities: Charting a Path to TransformationalRecent, so-called “transformational” gifts to HBCUs, most notably MacKenzie Scott’s multi-million dollar beneficence to twenty-two public and private HBCUs, present huge opportunities to reimagine and reposition some extraordinary institutions. No reasonable person can deny that these gifts with no strings attached represent a significant investment in these schools as well as an affirmation of their worth. They are not, ipso facto, transformational, however. These monies have the potential to be transformational only if meaningful conversations occur among institutional leadership, governing boards and stakeholders.April 16, 2021Social JusticeRace and Higher Education in VirginiaI remain fascinated by how the higher education landscape has changed. Madison College now is highly competitive James Madison University. The former Northern Virginia campus of the University of Virginia now is George Mason University. Christopher Newport University, Old Dominion University and Virginia Commonwealth University — essentially commuter schools three decades ago — have undergone major transformations.August 26, 2020Leadership & PolicyStrengthening Governance at Historically Black Colleges and UniversitiesOnce this pandemic has receded or is over, higher education as we have known it will not return to normal. Effective governance will be more important than ever because it affects all aspects of an institution’s sustainability including accreditation, tuition and fee policies, curricular offerings and services, learning outcomes, facilities, and technology infrastructure, among others.April 5, 2020HBCUsWhen the Margin for Error is ZeroIt is a supreme irony that in a season when many Black colleges are celebrating 150 years of existence, several also are fighting for survival. A confluence of circumstances has created the perfect storm for closure. One bad decision can literally take down even the most vaunted minority-serving institutions. And in carrying out their fiduciary duties of these institutions, boards must ensure that the interests of the universities are protected. The margin for error is zero.May 24, 2018HBCUsReflections on ‘The Changing Face of Historically Black Colleges and Universities’The report fills a void by presenting empirical research that informs our understanding of Black colleges rather than relying on anecdotes and assertions.June 2, 2013HBCUsBook Review: Mapping Out a Blueprint for Fundraising SuccessNew book by Dr. Marybeth Gasman and Nelson Bowman zeros in on critical need for HBCUs to engage in robust fundraising.September 23, 2012HomeAppreciation: Murry DePillars, 1938-2008I met Dr. Murry DePillars shortly after I began working at Virginia Commonwealth Union in July 1979.June 18, 2008African-AmericanPerspectives: The Future of Public HBCUs Depends On Exceptional LeadershipHBCUs make up 3 percent of colleges, but 23 percent of Black graduates. Surely, Black institutions add value to American higher education. The question is how can they contribute more?February 10, 2008Faculty & StaffThe evolving HBCU niche – historically Black colleges and universitiesIn recent years, much has been written about the challenges confronting American higher education. There is a growing interest in applying standards of accountability, and many states have reduced financial support, as colleges and universities find themselves competing with prisons and health care for the public treasury. On a variety of fronts, the nation’s colleges and universities are re-examining themselves and their value to society.July 11, 2007Page 1 of 1
