#United States #Atlanta #executive leadership #HBCU ELI #Willa B. Player

The Launch of the Willa B. Player Executive Leaders Program

The Executive Leadership Institute at Clark Atlanta University, known as HBCU ELI, has announced an important new initiative: the Willa B. Player Executive Leaders Program (WBP Leaders Program). This program is designed to strengthen leadership capabilities within the higher education sector, specifically focusing on historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs).

A Tribute to Leadership and Heritage

The program is named after Dr. Willa B. Player, a groundbreaking figure in American education who served as the president of Bennett College. Under her leadership, Bennett College achieved significant milestones, including crucial accreditation and significant advancements in human rights advocacy. The WBP Leaders Program continues her legacy by offering dynamic resources in leadership, mentorship, and strategic development aimed at both emerging and experienced leaders in education.

Dr. Phyllis Worthy Dawkins, the Executive Director of HBCU ELI and the 18th President of Bennett College, emphasizes the program's importance stating, "Building the capacity of the next generation of executive leaders ensures that our institutions remain anchored in purpose, gain strength from their legacies, and continue to expand their societal impact."

Addressing the Leadership Void in Higher Education

The need for effective leadership in higher education has reached critical levels. According to a recent report by Deloitte on Higher Education Trends, more than 58% of current leaders in the field are anticipated to retire in the next ten years. This exodus underscores an urgent requirement for succession planning and tailored leadership training. HBCUs alone contribute over $14.8 billion annually to the U.S. economy—highlighting the necessity of grooming capable leaders who can sustain and enhance this crucial economic impact.

The WBP Leaders Program is structured around a comprehensive curriculum that includes advanced topics like governance, financial management, stakeholder engagement, and innovative practices within educational institutions. Participants will benefit from collective coaching experiences facilitated by seasoned mentors, targeted residency opportunities, virtual learning sessions, and health and wellness training. This robust approach aims to equip leaders with the skills needed to navigate the complexities of contemporary higher education.

Continuing the Legacy of Dr. Player

Dr. Juliette B. Bell, the Program Coordinator for the WBP, reflected on Dr. Player's enduring influence, saying, "Dr. Player's seminal path continues to inspire. By supporting leaders who can sustain institutional legacies and pioneer new directions in higher education, we're making a strategic investment in both heritage and lasting impact."

Fleeting Moments, Lasting Impact

Applications for the inaugural cohort of the Willa B. Player Executive Leaders Program open on August 20, 2025, with the program officially starting on October 1, 2025. Those interested in participating are encouraged to learn more by visiting hbcueli.com.

Through its initiatives, the HBCU Executive Leadership Institute strives to foster a pipeline of capable leaders equipped to address the unique challenges faced by HBCUs and to enhance their resilience and sustainability. With a mission to recruit and cultivate tomorrow's educational leaders, HBCU ELI is playing a crucial role in improving the viability and success of these historic institutions.

About HBCU ELI

HBCU Executive Leadership Institute at Clark Atlanta University serves as a pioneering platform for the recruitment and development of future presidents of HBCUs across the nation. By providing aspiring leaders with essential tools and insights, the Institute aims to bolster the educational and operational objectives of over 100 HBCUs. In addition to broadening opportunities for students, HBCUs have produced illustrious alumni such as Martin Luther King Jr., Oprah Winfrey, and Vice President Kamala Harris, cementing their status as pillars of American education.

For those wishing to be part of the next chapter in HBCU history, visit hbcueli.com to enroll and participate in an initiative designed not just for today, but for the future of higher education itself.