Black Colleges and Universities: Their Past, Path and Leadership

The continued existence of black colleges and universities has been challenging. The lack of adequate funding, humble beginnings, ability to continue attracting students following the integration of educational institutions are factors that have presented obstacles to HBCU administrators. However, in spite of these challenges, HBCUs have graduated nearly one-third of all African American students in the United States by providing quality education and emotional support required of students who are often first-generation college students. This chapter describes the various challenges and obstacles faced by HBCUs and how these institutions have survived. The entire text speaks to the approaches these institutions may continue to take to provide effective organizational management and leadership.