Over the years there has been an increase in the turnover of Historically Black College and University (HBCU) presidents. As the turnover rates at HBCUs continues to increase, many higher education researchers have noted that HBCUs are currently being plagued by a leadership crisis (Evans et al., 2002; Freeman & Palmer, 2020; Kimbrough, 2017).…

Black women remain underrepresented in higher education leadership roles, especially in the college presidency. Since the middle of the 20th century, women have emerged as leaders throughout every field of human endeavor; however, their rise to the college presidency remains slow and steady. The number of women college presidents has increased…

Expressions of criticism have plagued historically black college and university (HBCU) presidents' leadership practices since the 1970s. Unstable leadership at these institutions could threaten their existence. The purpose of this qualitative exploratory single case study was to explore how HBCU presidents develop new facets of their leadership…

Although there is an increase in literature on Black women's leadership in academia, the majority of studies have concentrated on their experiences at institutions that are predominately White (Jean-Marie & Tickles, 2017, p. 102). Furthermore, despite advanced degrees and a strong presence in most professional areas, women remained excluded…

This purpose of this qualitative exploratory study was to identify culturally relevant fundraising strategies that can empower leaders of public, under-resourced, tuition dependent HBCUs on how to effectively reduce tuition dependence. University presidents and advancement professionals face a growing dilemma of identifying ways to strengthen…

With roots going back to the early 1830s and up to today, African-Americans continue to choose Historically Black College and Universities (HBCUs) for their post-secondary education needs. To understand the fundraising strategies utilized at HBCUs, this dissertation examines the efforts of a targeted group of HBCU presidents who have excelled in…

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have had a solid and rich legacy of providing Black students educational opportunities since the late 19th century. Having a distinct educational history, HBCUs have a historical purpose linked to providing an educational experience to Black students during an era when higher education…

African American women seeking senior administrative roles in higher education have few role models or defined pathways for advancement. These women only comprise 4% of all full-time college and university faculty which represents a gateway position to leadership roles. With low representation among faculty and in senior leadership positions,…

The purpose of this experimental research study is to garner systematic dynamics and governance understanding of what prohibited and subsequently advanced women's considerations to obtain a presidential appointment at historically black colleges and universities (HBCU) across the United States from 2020 through 2023; and why those appointments…

Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.- James BaldwinBlack women have always been in the forefront leading change and supporting the attainment of education in the academy. They have been the greatest hidden figures. This study strives to nuance the experiences of Black women presidents at…

In March 2020, the United States faced the COVID-19 pandemic that had already crippled the rest of the world. COVID-19 impacted every aspect of our lives, including imposing an immense negative impact on higher educational institutions, most notably among Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). This case study focused on Zion Hill…

Historically, research suggests that African American women are disproportionately represented in higher education leadership positions. There have been few studies that provide insight into the actual barriers African American women face as they climb the leadership ladder to senior level positions in higher education. The purpose of this…

As the landscape of higher education continues to evolve, so too do the challenges associated with the job of University President, especially at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Heightened public scrutiny pertaining to topics such as minority degree completion rates, college debt, and gainful employment, combined with low…

From a historical perspective, the Black Church and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have had tremendous impacts on their constituencies and the communities in which they exist. In several cases, throughout their history and even in some cases today, individuals with bi-vocations, meaning they have or have held the most senior…

This research provided a deeper insight into the problem of short tenure rate and high turnover rate of African American female presidents at Historically Black Colleges and Universities through the use of a case study of interviews. This was accomplished by obtaining personal perspectives and lived experiences of those serving in the capacity of…