Clark Atlanta University's HBCU ELI Welcomes Record Number of 2025 Fellows for Executive Leadership

HBCU Executive Leadership Institute Welcomes Record Number of Fellows for 2025

The Executive Leadership Institute (HBCU ELI) at Clark Atlanta University is thrilled to announce its largest group yet, with 46 exceptional candidates joining the 2025 Community of Fellows. This initiative is pivotal in recognizing individual contributions while focusing on strengthening leadership within Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

In its fifth year, the HBCU ELI is recognized as one of the most esteemed programs dedicated to nurturing executive talent among HBCUs across the United States. The participating fellows were carefully selected as proven leaders and innovators ready to engage in an enriching blend of virtual and residency seminars. These experiences are designed to equip them with essential knowledge and practical skills across 13 core competencies, culminating in a certification and optional micro-credentials.

The HBCU ELI delivers a transformative approach to learning, empowering its participants to tackle the multifaceted issues currently facing HBCUs. The blend of academic rigor and hands-on mentoring ensures that graduates emerge as forward-thinking leaders, prepared to foster significant change and uphold the enduring legacy of HBCUs.

Dr. George T. French, Jr., President of Clark Atlanta University, emphasized the necessity of such programs stating, “HBCU ELI is devoted not only to current leaders in these institutions but also to those who aspire to future leadership roles. A multifaceted preparation across different fields is vital for achieving success.” This commitment underscores the initiative’s aim to invest in emerging leaders and enhance the overall efficacy and impact of HBCUs.

The success of the HBCU ELI program has been bolstered by generous contributions from several prominent organizations, including the Chan Zuckerberg Institute, ECMC, and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. These partnerships signify a united effort to advance the success trajectory of HBCUs nationwide.

In a celebration of the program’s fifth anniversary, Dr. Phyllis Worthy Dawkins, Executive Director of HBCU ELI, commended the program's trailblazing path and congratulated the Class of 2025 for embarking on this transformative journey. She stated, “Programs like HBCU ELI are vital in providing the next generation of leaders with the wisdom and tools to uphold our institutions' proud legacies, all while adapting to the complexities of today’s educational landscape.”

Among the notable speakers for the 2025 Fellows program are distinguished leaders such as Dr. Cheryl Davenport Dozier, former President Emeritus of Savannah State University, and Dr. Samuel D. Jolley, Jr., former President of Morris Brown College. Their collective experiences further enrich the fellows’ learning environment, guiding them towards innovative leadership practices tailored for HBCUs.

Dr. Dozier also underlined the vital role of sustainable leadership in HBCUs. She remarked, “As leaders, your mission transcends advancing your institutions; it includes ensuring that HBCUs serve as pivotal forces for equity and empowerment within communities of color.” Encouraging forward-thinking practices, she highlighted the need for innovative partnerships and strategies to foster positive impacts that resonate beyond their campuses.

Historically, HBCUs have played a crucial role in enhancing access to higher education for Black Americans, contributing significantly to the social and educational advancement of these communities. Their legacy continues to be honored through programs like HBCU ELI, which aims to build the capacity of HBCUs to thrive in today’s educational landscape.

In summary, the HBCU Executive Leadership Institute at Clark Atlanta University stands as a beacon of hope and opportunity for future leaders of Historically Black Colleges and Universities. By nurturing talent and fostering a spirit of innovation, it equips the next generation to continue the legacy and mission of HBCUs, propelling them towards greater heights of success and impact.