Opportunities and Challenges at Historically Black Colleges and Universities by Marybeth Gasman and Felecia Commodore (review)

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) occupy a unique and important space in American postsecondary education. No other minority serving institution (MSI) type boasts the rich history or the far-reaching effect on this country’s social and political landscape. Despite their contributions and continued relevance, particularly as arbiters of opportunity for low-income Black collegians and bachelor’s degree producers of Black doctoral and professional degree earners, HBCUs are still forced to justify their very existence. Even with over a century of research on the form and function of HBCUs, there are noticeable gaps in the literature. In Opportunities and Challenges at Historically Black Colleges and Universities, the editors constructed a tome that addresses some of the limitations in the research literature by exploring the needs and experiences of diverse stakeholders.

After a contemporary context setting introduction by the editors Marybeth Gasman and Felecia Commodore, each of the 16 chapters offers a distinctive perspective on an aspect of HBCUs. The chapters are divided into 3 parts: (a) “Pipelines and Plans”; (b) “People and Programs”; and (c) “Purpose and Philosophy.” Though student issues are the central focus, there are chapters attending to faculty issues, the influence of industrial philanthropy, fundraising, and even the far-reaching influence of HBCU marching bands.

In chapter 1, Quinton Stroud examines HBCU media portrayals using the critical race theory lens of counter-storytelling. He suggests that for HBCUs to change unflattering perceptions about their contribution to higher education, they must do a better job of celebrating their successes in local and national media outlets. The chapter uses the public engagement of three HBCU presidents to highlight strategies for reshaping the conversation about HBCUs. Noteworthy is the discussion of Paul Quinn College president Michael Sorrell’s engagement with local developers and religious leaders in an attempt to improve living and working conditions not only for his institution, but for the citizens of south Dallas as a whole. In chapter 2, Sakinah Rahman uses a case study approach to highlight student success initiatives at Spelman College. The chapter explores the Spelman MILE (My Integrated Learning Experience) liberal arts curriculum program and the importance of faculty’s dual role as both teacher and career advisor. Overall, this chapter suggests that Spelman’s excellence is due to the environment it intentionally creates where students are motivated to succeed through their relationships with faculty, staff and peers. In chapter 3, Matthew Nelson and Phillip Scotton use interviews with two HBCU presidents, Walter Kimbrough of Dillard University and Dianna Suber of St. Augustine University, to frame a discussion about declining Black male enrollment at HBCUs. Various approaches to reversing these trends are discussed including enrollment management strategies, curricular modifications, and strengthening the relationship between HBCUs and local community colleges.

Chapter 4 author Ufuoma Abiola explores the complex relationship between racism, equity and access legislation, and the underrepresentation of Black doctoral students, faculty and presidential leaders in higher education. Beyond noting their role in producing Blacks doctoral degree earners, she underscores the critical role HBCUs play by offering career opportunities to Black faculty and college presidents. In chapter 5, Atiya Strothers extends the focus on faculty with a chapter dedicated to the experiences and motives of White faculty who elect to teach at HBCUs. Chapter 6 closes part 1 with a discussion of young alumni giving at HBCUs. In this chapter, authors Brandy Jackson and Jacqueline Amparo implore readers to look beyond financial donations as the primary form of alumni giving by featuring programs and young alumni societies that emphasize mentoring, volunteering, and scholarship programs. The chapter closes with a list of recommendations for promoting the engagement and giving of young alumni.

In chapter 7, Paola Esmieu and Andrew Martinez address the role of HBCUs in meeting the needs of the growing Latino student population in the United States. They note the convenient location of many HBCUs in locales with surging Latino populations, and...