Empowering Legacy Leaders: Celebrating 5 Years of HBCU Executive Leadership Institute

From Vision to Legacy: Celebrating Five Years of HBCU Executive Leadership Institute



The HBCU Executive Leadership Institute (HBCU ELI), located at Clark Atlanta University, has recently celebrated its fifth anniversary, signifying a pivotal moment in the development and empowerment of leaders within Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). This event was marked by honoring three significant leadership cohorts: the Community of Fellows, the HBCU New Presidents Program, and the inaugural Women Leaders Program.

Over the past five years, HBCU ELI has established itself as an innovative model aimed at bridging the gap between academic excellence and practical executive training. The program's comprehensive approach focuses on nurturing the next generation of visionary leaders who are equipped to tackle the ever-evolving challenges in higher education and to promote the bright future of HBCUs across the country.

At the heart of this celebratory milestone, the institute welcomed a diverse group of 44 participants in its Community of Fellows cohort, 19 new presidents, and 16 women leaders, with a collective total of over 150 individuals participating in the culminating event held in Atlanta. Dr. George T. French, Jr., the President of Clark Atlanta University, highlighted the importance of this achievement by stating that it not only represents individual accomplishments but also underscores the institutional obligation to foster and maintain executive talent within the HBCU community.

The June 2025 Residency also saw the bestowal of the prestigious Dr. Frederick S. Humphries Leadership Award upon Dr. David Wilson, President of Morgan State University, acknowledging his exemplary dedication to the HBCU community and his steadfast commitment to excellence. This award honors the legacy of Dr. Humphries, a pioneering leader who served as president of both Tennessee State and Florida A&M Universities, recognizing individuals who embody his vision and spirit.

Past recipients of this esteemed award include notable personalities such as Dr. Thomas W. Cole Jr. (2024), Dr. Johnnetta Betsch Cole (2023), and Dr. Robert Franklin (2022), highlighting the rich history of leadership associated with HBCUs. Dr. Phyllis Worthy Dawkins, Executive Director of HBCU ELI, articulated the broader implications of this celebration by asserting the program's ongoing commitment to developing systems of mentorship and vision-building that ensure the lasting success of HBCUs.

Recent statistics presented in the 2024 UNCF HBCU Economic Impact Report signal the urgent need for robust legacy leadership. HBCUs contribute a staggering $16.5 billion to the U.S. economy each year and provide employment for over 134,000 individuals nationwide. Despite comprising only 3% of the nation's higher education institutions, HBCUs play an essential role in educating approximately 10% of Black undergraduates. They also produce a significant portion of Black graduates in STEM fields, accounting for 26% of this population, underscoring their valuable return on investment.

Dr. Cheryl Davenport Dozier, Program Coordinator for the Community of Fellows, expressed pride in celebrating the largest cohort to date. She emphasized the importance of the support network available to these aspiring leaders in navigating their upcoming roles in higher education and carrying forward the mission of their institutions.

Moreover, the HBCU ELI Women Leaders Program experienced its inaugural June Residency at Clark Atlanta University, featuring dynamic presentations and enriching experiences that embody the theme "Empowering Women Leaders – Mind, Body, Soul." Dr. Juliette Ball Bell, the Program Coordinator, noted the positive impact of this initiative in advancing women's leadership within HBCUs.

Dr. Louis W. Sullivan, Founding Dean of Morehouse School of Medicine and a former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, echoed the essence of HBCU ELI's mission, stating that as HBCUs face unprecedented challenges, initiatives like ELI are indispensable. By arming future leaders with the necessary skills, training, and mentorship, the program ensures the longevity and effectiveness of HBCUs in the American educational landscape.

The sustained success of HBCU ELI is attributed to the generous backing of numerous partners, including the Anne Mullen Orrell Charitable Trust, the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, the ECMC Foundation, and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, among others. Their shared commitment to transforming lives through higher education creates a strong foundation for the future of HBCUs.

As the HBCU Executive Leadership Institute enters its next phase, it remains a beacon of hope and transformation, equipping emerging leaders to ensure that HBCUs continue not only to survive but to thrive in the ever-changing landscape of higher education.

For further details about the participants and more information on HBCU ELI, please visit hbcueli.com.

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