A new report reveals how some presidents of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) are building business and industry partnerships to improve the stability of their institutions.
The Samuel DeWitt Proctor Institute for Leadership, Equity and Justice at Rutgers University and Brightspot Strategy recently released the second of a three-part report called “Presidents and their Strategies to Build Partnerships at HBCUs.”
The report, featured in the “Year of Leadership,” series details how HBCUs are at a disadvantage in comparison to predominantly white institutions and explains how five of these college presidents have created successful partnerships with fellow HBCUs, other institutions, major industries, and community partners.
“HBCUs are sometimes required to find external support to ensure success for their students and improvement of their campus resources,” said Zachary Brown, a doctoral student and assistant director for student recruitment in the Office of Multicultural Programs for the College of Agriculture at Purdue University.
Brown, along with Dr. Janelle L. Williams, associate dean at Widener University and Dr. Levon Esters, a professor at Purdue University spoke with five HBCU presidents to see what partnerships they have established for their institution and students.
Drs. Roslyn Clark Artis of Benedict College, Aaron Walton of Cheyney University, Rick Gallot of Grambling State University, Michael J. Sorrell of Paul Quinn College, and Makola Abdullah of Virginia State University all participated.
The report disclosed the driving forces behind their partnership development which is based upon certain factors including focusing on the needs of their students, the local community, and career and workforce preparation.
