Diverse: Issues in Higher Education reflects on the opportunities and challenges facing historically black colleges and universities:
Once a beacon of hope for thousands of Black students denied access to higher education by predominantly White institutions, historically Black colleges and universities have educated generations of Black scientists, doctors, lawyers, educators and social activists. But today, these institutions face serious challenges. Questions of relevance have reached a fever pitch as today’s Black colleges work to address declining enrollment, low graduation rates and financial instability. Despite the challenges, however, HBCUs for many Black students – and others – remain the last best hope of succeeding in the higher education arena. As the age-old debate for and against Black colleges rages on, Diverse has identified five threats facing HBCUs and five opportunities that could define their futures.
Threats:
Prolonged Recession, Funding and Development Issues
Getting Students and Keeping Them
New Competition
Conservative Ethos/Constricting Campus Culture
Fear of Impending Closure
Opportunities:
Safe Place
Decoders of Disparities
Specialty Programs
Access
Global Influence
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Episcopal Colleges are St. Paul’s, Virginia, Voorhees, South Carolina, St. Augustine’s, North Carolina, and Cuttington, Liberia.