Exploring the Experiences of African American College Presidents at Public Historically Black Colleges and Universities

Presidents at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) must be effective leaders while dealing with myriad issues and challenges. In this study, the researcher explored the personal philosophies, leadership strategies and mentoring experiences self-identified African American presidents of HBCUs utilized to impact their institution positively. This qualitative dissertation employed both case study and critical race theoretical approaches based in the naturalistic and critical theorist paradigms. Data based on interviews with currently serving African American presidents of HBCUs were presented within the study. Research subtopics included information covering a brief historical analysis of American higher education, HBCUs, and HBCU presidents. Additionally, current literature based on some of the following topics were explored: Critical Race Theory, challenges facing HBCU leaders, HBCU funding issues and negative attitudes toward HBCUs, and HBCU presidents. Findings from the study showed that the HBCU presidents all spoke positively and realistically regarding being successful in their positions through deeply embedded leadership strategies, lifelong mentoring experiences, and highly developed personal philosophies. Overwhelmingly, the HBCU presidents expressed mentoring and cultural identity and exploration was a key factor success. Also, their leadership philosophies and strategies were molded by their lived experiences. Several strategies were shared to enhance and sustain HBCU leadership.