“What is going on here”? Exploring Why HBCU Presidents are Successful in Producing STEM Graduates

This multiple case study seeks to explore the leadership characteristics of HBCU presidents associated with success of some historically Black colleges and universities (HBCU) in producing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) graduates. Success, in this context, is defined by the ability of institutions to recruit and retain students in undergraduate and graduate STEM programs. Using purposive sampling, data were collected through semi-structured interviews with four HBCU presidents by the Center for the Advancement of STEM Leadership (CASL). In addition, the researchers used the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) enrollment and graduation data. Implications for HBCU leadership practices in the recruitment, retention, and graduation of STEM students are considered in relation to HBCU leadership studies.