This article discusses how Dr. Donna Oliver, an untested but eager first-time president, was able to lead Mississippi Valley State University, a historically Black college and university (HBCU) in the right path during turbulent times with the help of her advisory team. Dr. Donna Oliver hardly had time to savor her rise to the top ranks of higher education as a college president when she got the sobering news from her new bosses: cut the school's budget by 5 percent immediately and be prepared for some more cuts later. She said the cuts have been achieved without major damage to the school's core programs or employment rolls and with input from a university community advisory group. The group has helped her navigate the school through its tough economic times, challenges mirrored at colleges and universities across the state and nation. Oliver is among the corps of career academicians making up the growing ranks of first-time presidents at HBCUs. They are taking on the challenge of championing HBCUs for the 21st century as the schools face a growing chorus of politicians and others questioning their continued value as demands grow for the schools to beef up their academic performance and needed funds--from public and private sources--become harder to come by.