While there is extensive research on the historical development and impact of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the United States, there remains limited research focused on the current condition of public HBCUs, and strategies used by their leaders to achieve organizational outcomes. In addition, research has not often included the perspectives of leaders at public HBCUs responsible for ensuring their success and sustainability. This research study was designed to help address this gap in research through the exploration of understanding the (1) external factors that influence or constrain the decision-making of leaders at public HBCUs and (2) what strategies leaders at public HBCUs use to achieve their organizational outcomes. Due to the rising expectations and costs from state governments, this study focused on organizational outcomes related to increasing their endowments, increasing their research productivity, and reducing their tuition dependence. Six senior leaders representing five public HBCUs were interviewed and responded to the research questions that guided this study using a qualitative research design. Furthermore, the factors and strategies were examined using Resource Dependence Theory. The findings of this study revealed the importance of public HBCUs moving away from a dependence on government funding to a more sustainable and independent approach. This approach emphasizes building organizational infrastructure and capital, increasing fundraising capacity, and leveraging their Board of Trustees to engage in mutually beneficial relationships with public and private sectors. These recommendations were followed by recommendations for future research in this area. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]