Challenges, Opportunities and Traditions: A Snapshot Look at Today’s HBCUs

Think you need to know more about HBCUs than you do? You're probably right:

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) add a rich texture to the fabric of higher education in the United States. Their legacy is one of access and opportunity.

Like every institution of higher learning, HBCUs must work continually to sustain quality. Always a test, that’s even more difficult in today’s economic climate. While in many ways the issues that HBCUs face mirror those of all universities, the unique HBCU mission adds an overlay of additional factors that must be considered. At times, presidents of HBCUs must feel like they’re walking a tight rope in a typhoon.

In a series of recent interviews, the leaders of several HBCUs in the AASCU membership shared their perspectives on some of the key challenges they face today. Their observations provide a snapshot look at the current state of public HBCUs.