including Kurt Carr will teach at the institution.
In recent years, many female HBCU presidents are no longer in the seat of leadership. Dr. Wallace expressed her concerns about the future of women in leadership, not only at HBCUs, but in all aspects. “Right now, I am troubled, but also, I remain hopeful that women do not get discouraged by the challenges that others have had and still move forward with presenting themselves for this hazardous duty that we call the HBCU college presidency,” she explained.
A motto that Dr. Wallace has applied to her life is, “Be faithful over little and he’ll make you rule over many.” “If you can do that, if you can bloom where you are planted; if you just water your grass, it will grow.” Dr. Wallace says not only is being a college president a reward, but being impactful is and has always been the goal. “My inspiration has been believing that we are enough. Black people – that we have all we need, everything we need within our community to be successful.”
Dr. Wallace shared her excitement about the university’s African American male teacher initiative – which entails creating at least 100 Black male teachers. “I think all HBCUs have strong education programs. Imagine if we all decide that that becomes a priority that we all address - putting Black males in classrooms. That will change the game for young Black boys seeing representation.” Dr. Wallace states that she would not be who she is as a human if it were not for her HBCU experience. “I believe in the product. I believe in what we’re putting out. I’m not selling anything I didn’t purchase. If I had to sum it up in one word about my HBCU experience, it has been empowering.” Dr. Wallace is a fierce supporter of young women and women issues, especially women in leadership.
She encourages Black women to take up space and shine brightly.
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“We cannot dim our lights just because someone else around us doesn’t find value. You still have to be in the spaces. I would encourage Black women to continue no matter what to be in the space to speak up, to take up space, to lean in, lean on it, step on it, or whatever it is that is required to share your thoughts,” she said.
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