What makes historically Black colleges and universities influential is the cultural impact the faculty and staff have on the students. These institutions are known to cultivate an atmosphere and experience that builds confidence, knowledge, and a pride in oneself that can only be found on HBCU campuses.
An August 12 panel of former HBCU presidents shared their personal experiences around what leading these historic institutions means to them, the students, and their communities.
There were key lessons from each leader, but the conversation revolved around one question: what is the “secret sauce” that keeps these institutions relevant?
Dr. Everett Ward, former president of St. Augustine University; Dr. Elfred A. Pinkard, former president of Wilberforce University; former Johnson C. Smith and Shaw University President Dr. Dorothy Yancy; and former Livingstone College President Dr. Jimmy Jenkins have worked for decades to unite communities through their leadership of these institutions that, together, help make up the cornerstones of Black America.
Jenkins said the president’s job is not only listening to others, but considering them in every decision the leader makes. An HBCU president has to tailor his or her vision to meet the expectations of the board of trustees, faculty, students, alumni, and the general public. “In the zeal of carrying out your mission, you have to be sure that you’re carrying them along with you and recognize that some decisions you make will satisfy the constituents but not the others,” he said.
“I think you need to spend time with your people,” said Yancy. She recalls how she once asked all of her staff for their resumes so she could get to know their experience and understand their career trajectories, because “you don’t want to keep them for life.”
“We try to train [staff and faculty] so they can move forward and continue to lead someplace else,” she added.
