Presidential tenure at historically Black colleges and universities falls significantly below the national average, raising concerns about institutional stability and long-term strategic planning, according to a new report released by UNCF.
Dr. Walter M. Kimbrough
Presidential tenure at both private and public HBCUs remains substantially shorter—approximately 25% and 32% below the national average, respectively, the UNCF Institute for Capacity Building analysis found. Private HBCU presidents average 4.42 years while public HBCU presidents serve an average of 4 years.
Among UNCF's 37 member institutions, the average presidential tenure is even shorter at 3 years.
The report comes amid a string of high-profile presidential dismissals at HBCUs, including last week's firing of Dr. Kevin James at Morris Brown College after conflicts with the institution's board of trustees. Similar board clashes have resulted in the departures of several HBCU presidents in recent years.
"The report is more than an analysis. It is a call to action," said Dr. Walter M. Kimbrough, UNCF executive vice president for research and member engagement. "To thrive, HBCUs need enduring, consistent presidential leadership."
Kimbrough, a former president at Dillard University, Philander Smith University and interim president at Talladega College, first raised concerns about HBCU leadership turnover in a 2014 report. The new analysis shows the trend has persisted over the past decade.
