Fisk University is one of many historically Black schools that have felt the pain of financial issues over the years. However, under the leadership of its new president, Dr. Kevin Rome, these issues may soon diminish.
Rome was appointed president in March 2017, which would mark the beginning of the end of his four-year tenure at Lincoln University, another historically Black institution in Jefferson City, Missouri. He officially took office at Fisk University on July 1, succeeding interim president Frank Sims, who will be the new board chair in October.
“The rich history and legacy of Fisk University speaks for itself,” says Rome. “I loved my experience at Lincoln University. We had awesome students and I met great people, but there was something attractive to me about Fisk. W.E.B. DuBois and that whole era that contributed to the legacy of our HBCUs, I wanted to be a part of that.”
Serving in leadership positions is nothing new for Rome. Having served at his alma mater Morehouse College, Clayton State University, and Indiana University-Purdue University, Indianapolis, Rome has collected over 15 years of experience that can potentially be a guide to how he operates at Fisk.
His appointment with Fisk has brought a sense of comfort, stability, and hope that the financial problems the school has faced will end, and a new narrative will be created for the 151-year old school.
“I’m not talking about that narrative anymore, because it’s old and it’s tired. It’s been discussed enough,” says Rome. “Moving forward, I’m only focusing on what we’re going to do, and what we’re going to be, and we’re going to find strategies and programs that improve our financial situation. The past is the past, and as we move forward, we’re focusing on our bright future.”
President of the Nashville Fisk Alumni Association, Antonio Meeks says that Fisk has already made significant effort towards becoming more financially stable.
