Project description
As recent as the 1950s more than three-fourths of African-American undergraduates were enrolled at HBCUs (historically black colleges and universities). Today, HBCUs enroll approximately 14% of all African-Americans in postsecondary institutions. HBCUs enroll 28% of African-American students in Southern states. HBCUs now compete with predominately white institutions (PWIs) and the community college sector for students. At the same time, African-American participation at predominately white four-year institutions is dismal and expected to worsen. African-Americans (along with Native Americans) have the lowest graduation rates (41%) of all participants at predominately white institutions. With the serge of anti-affirmative action policy and already low enrollment/graduation rates among African-Americans, the capacity of HBCUs remains a critically important locale for higher education access and degree attainment.
Historically the role of HBCUs was well defined. Today however, they are the source of befuddlement for many higer education leaders in the public sector. Race, politics, social contexts, student enrollment trends, and the law create complex decision-making conditions. There is a general uncertainty in the higher education community about the future of public HBCUs. This project is intended to establish the role HBCUs now play in public higher education systems, examine current policies that affect them, and consider the role they play in a contemporary context relative to the needs of their respective states and students they traditionally serve.
This project is supported by the generosity of Lumina Foundation for Education. The interpretations, findings, and recommendations resulting from this project are mine and do not necessarily reflect those of the supporting foundation.
Contemporary HBCU Report
Minor, J.T. (2008). Contemporary HBCUs: Considering institutional capacity
and state priorities. A research report. Michigan State University, College of
Education, Department of Educational Administration. East Lansing, MI.