CONNECT . MOTIVATE . INSPIRE .
do when it is family. That is what you do for home.
maintain their own households (and sometimes that of their families) at a higher percentage rate than other ethnic groups. Yet despite these challenges, even organizations critical of HBCUs understand the critical place that our institutions of higher education hold. “As an essential part of America’s higher education landscape, HBCUs must continue striving for excellence while addressing their challenges to secure their vital role for future generations.” Melissa Williams shared that essential aspects of HBCU higher education include “the importance of diplomacy and being resilient and resourceful. And how critical it is to be transparent with confidence to have courageous conversations. When I think about the toughest days in my profession it is
centered around people- centric decisions that are not always the most popular stance or decisions that have an impact on people’s livelihood. Because the faculty and staff at TSU took the time to pour into me during my matriculation to help me understand the business challenges and real-life work experiences, I was able to hone my skills and understanding of the business logic and emotional intelligence needed to be successful.” And Teshia Dula conquered, “[Being a Hampton graduate] requires a life dedicated to service, echoing its great spirit through the ages. Hampton is like a kind mother, and I will eternally be grateful for the happy days I spent there in preparation for life. At Hampton, I pledged to live my life on purpose with courage and to serve God
and my community.”
A recent Washington Post opinion article stated, “HBCU’s do more with less”. As our schools work through the legal system to close the more than $12.8 billion dollar funding gap, HBCUs will be able to “do more with more” - more scholarships, fellowships, work study programs, grants, achievements, and firsts. Melissa Williams sums this up nicely: “My preparedness and readiness because of my matriculation and life experiences from attending TSU, prepared me to be a top contender with the best of them!” I will add that TSU is one of many HBCU’s that does this exceptionally well, and the legacy of excellence will continue - onward and upward!
Our schools all started with one great mission and that was to educate the descendants of Black and brown people, and sometimes it was at the administrators’ personal peril of life, liberty and worldly possessions. And yet our forbearers endured, and continue to do so despite the struggle to get students to the finish line. “Among Black students enrolled in four-year public institutions, 45.9% complete their degrees in six years. This is the lowest rate compared to other races and ethnicities.” Factors that contribute to the extended degree completion rate include students having to work their way through school to pay their tuition and
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