Professor of Higher Education, University of Pennsylvania; Director, Penn Center for Minority Serving Institutions, 3819 Chestnut Street, St. Leonard’s Court, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
Dr. Marybeth Gasman
Professor of Higher Education, University of Pennsylvania; Director, Penn Center for Minority Serving Institutions, 3819 Chestnut Street, St. Leonard’s Court, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
An important issue facing the world of medicine and health care is the field’s lack of diversity, especially regarding African American doctors. African Americans made up 6% of all physicians in the U.S. in 2008, 6.9% of enrolled medical students in 2013 and 7.3% of all medical school applicants. The existing literature on the lack of diversity within the medical field emphasizes the role that inclusion would play in closing the health disparities among racial groups and the benefits acquired by African Americans through better patient-doctor interactions and further respect for cultural sensitivity. A large portion of current research regarding Black medical students and education focuses on why minority students do not go into medical school or complete their intended pre-med degrees. Common notions and conclusions are that many institutions do not properly prepare and support students, who despite drive and desire, may lack adequate high school preparation and may go through additional stress unlike their other peers. Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are institutions that were designed to support African American students by providing an educational learning environment that caters to their unique challenges and cultural understandings. Given that HBCUs have had much success in preparing minority students for STEM fields, and for medical school success more specifically, this article looks at the history of such universities in the context of medical education, their effective practices, the challenges faced by African Americans pursing medical education, and what they can do in the future to produce more Black doctors. We also highlight the work of Xavier University and Prairie View A&M University, institutions that regularly rank among the top two and top ten producers, respectively, of future African American doctors among colleges and universities.
The college and university presidency is one of the most coveted positions in academe. Due to the projected retirements of current Historically Black College and University (HBCU) presidents, the researchers interviewed 21 current presidents, institutional board members, and presidential search firm personnel to explore what current HBCU leadership identifies as important mentoring/mentee practices, mentoring/mentee opportunities, and professional advice for HBCU presidential aspirants to consider. The findings, based on the coding and analysis of semi-structured qualitative interviews, revealed that self-awareness, focusing on the essential aspects of the job and not merely the perks, openness to being mentored and willingness to shadow a successful leader, experience in serving in various administrative capacities, participating in professional leadership development activities, earning of a terminal degree, displaying humility, understanding academic politics, and learning how to present oneself as an executive is important in the preparation of a leader of an HBCU.
This study examines the 21st-century Historically Black College and University (HBCU) presidency. First, we gathered information on the skills needed for the 21stcentury HBCU president. Then, we examined the background of future HBCU presidents. Through an analysis and discussion of the responses of current HBCU presidents, trustees,1and presidential search consultants, we determined what skills are pertinent for HBCU presidential hopefuls to attain. Lastly, we made recommendations, based on our findings, regarding the skills needed for HBCU presidential aspirants to not only reach the presidency but to perform well upon doing so.
To understand the context of urban Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and their role in educating Black males, we conducted a literature review examining the academic contributions of these institutions to Black males. To bolster the literature, we examined Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System data, determining a set of urban HBCUs based on urban areas as defined by the U.S. Department of Education in 2012. We explored success among Black males, including retention, graduation, and major selection. We then presented several institutions as case studies of urban HBCUs and examined programs and services that encourage student success among Black males.
Winner of the 2012 CASE John Grenzebach Award for Outstanding Research in Philanthropy for Educational AdvancementA Guide to Fundraising at Historically Black Colleges and Universities is a comprehensive, research-based work that brings the best practices and expertise of seminal professionals to the larger Black college environment and beyond. Drawing on data-driven advice from interviews with successful Black college fundraisers and private sector leaders, this book gives practitioners a comprehensive approach for moving away from out-of-date approaches to improve their institutions. This practical guide includes: An All Campus Approach—Discussion goes beyond alumni fundraising strategies to address the blended role that faculty, administrators, and advancement professionals can play to achieve fundraising success. Practical Recommendations—End-of-chapter suggestions for quick reference, as well as recommendations integrated throughout. Best Practices and Examples—Data-based content to strengthen fundraisers’ understanding of institutional advancement and alleviate uncertainties. Examples of Innovative Approaches—An entire chapter outlining successful innovative fundraising and engagement programs at various institutions. Extensive Appendices—Useful resources related to grant procurement, endowments, alumni giving, enrollment and retention, financial aid, and other helpful HBCU information. Both newcomers and seasoned professionals in the HBCU fundraising arena will benefit from the compelling recommendations offered in A Guide to Fundraising at Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
This article explores the role of Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) in producing teachers of color. Specifically, it looks at larger national trends and highlights individual MSIs that have experienced success in the area of teacher education and the production of teachers of color. Recommendations are made to assist colleges and universities across the nation.