“We’ve decided that for the time being we will focus on our well-established leadership and mentoring institute,” says Dr. Joseph H. Silver, senior vice president for academic affairs at Savannah State University and one of the Black caucuses’ staunchest supporters. The institute, which convenes at Savannah State, enrolls approximately 30 rising administrators each summer. Support for the institute has come from the AT&T Foundation, the American Council on Education and Savannah State.
The Black caucus will also continue to sponsor their study abroad trips to Africa and other destinations. The caucus has met twice since AAHE disbanded, and actually considered going the same independent route a few years ago. However, unlike the Hispanic caucus, historically, the group felt like their needs were being addressed by AAHE, according to Dr. William B. Harvey, vice president and chief diversity officer at the University of Virginia.
In the meantime, the groups sound like they are amenable to working together.
“We have heard from the Black caucus and would love to work with and help them,” Chahín says.
— Frank L. Matthews
© Copyright 2005 by DiverseEducation.com
