Dr. Henry N. Tisdale served as President of Claflin University for 25 years, transforming the institution from a struggling HBCU into a nationally recognized liberal arts college. His new book, Beyond the Western Wall, chronicles this remarkable transformation and offers a blueprint for institutional change. I recently sat down with Tisdale to talk with him about the book and his storied career in higher education.
Diverse: Why did you write Beyond the Western Wall: Audacious Transformation of a Small Liberal Arts College?
My goal really was to have this book serve small liberal arts institutions, especially the HBCUs, and help them shift from this continuing surviving mode into a thriving mode. By sharing Claflin's success story and repositioning over the 25 years I was president, I hoped it would benefit them. When they look at what Claflin University was able to do, I want them to believe they can do it too.
Diverse: You mention "transformational visioning," can you explain what you mean by that strategy?
Dr. Tisdale: I believe the success of any institution is predicated on a vision, and it's very difficult for a president to move someone else's vision. A president who comes in and has their own vision can really impact the institution and its future.
When I interviewed for president at Claflin University, I shared this vision: "Claflin College will become recognized as one of the premier liberal arts institutions in the southeastern region of the United States. An institution of the highest quality that demonstrates its excellence by doing and being the best she can with what she has, by carrying out her mission, and by continuously striving for better."
