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In this episode of In The Margins, we are joined by Julian Thompson, Senior Director for Strategy Development, and Rev. Dr. Darryl Ann Lai Fang, Assistant Vice President for Transformation Support at the UNCF Institute for Capacity Building, for a deep dive into what long-term sustainability truly requires for HBCUs.
As the institute approaches its 20th anniversary, Thompson and Dr. Lai Fang reflect on how UNCF’s work has evolved from discrete technical assistance to a holistic, networked transformation model designed to help institutions move from survival to sustained impact. Their conversation with The EDU Ledger host David Pluviose explores executive leadership stability, board governance, data-informed decision-making, and why collaboration (not isolation) is now essential in a volatile political and economic landscape.
From change management and presidential support to career pathways, accreditation-aligned initiatives, and the future role of AI in higher education, this episode offers a candid, experience-driven look at how HBCUs can strengthen their foundations without losing their mission.
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“HBCUs are a miracle in a certain way — in terms of the way that they’ve been able to sustain with limited resources and still deliver transcendent value.” – Julian Thompson
