Unpopular Opinions/Facts on HBCUs

The Forgotten Person at an HBCU is Often the Scholar | Photo by Ron Lach

My credentials to speak on the topic: I am a Black woman who graduated from an HBCU and has actively contributed to non-profit support of HBCUs

Poor Leadership

Higher education leadership at HBCUs often is about tenure and politics more than the credentials to lead a large entity such as an HBCU. It is much more than just the academic aspect, but the business, organizational, and daily operations of the HBCU that require a tactical and strategic mindset along with strong business acumen. It is like leading a large business, but many can only do extensive research, write academic papers well, and give great speeches. This is why a lot of universities have misappropriated funds and poor school conditions while the President and his/her cabinet are living the high life. It is almost like those ill-equipped, money-hungry pastors leading churches with no business acumen or strategic vision for the church and its flock.

I witnessed this first-hand when I had the pleasure of being in a room of HBCU Presidents at a major tech company that was offering their assistance. The HBCU Presidents were mostly mute and unwilling to sign up to write a proposal, which was the tech firm’s standard to discuss new ideas at the corporate level, to establish a partnership. They can hold their hands out, but they didn’t know how to communicate — oral…