By James H. Johnson, Jr., Ph.D., and Donna-Marie Winn, Ph.D. CHAPEL HILL – In a previous essay, I shared personal experiences to give White colleagues examples of how systemic racism is intricately woven into the fabric of predominantly White institutions of higher education (PWIs). In this essay, Dr. Donna-Marie Winn, my research colleague, and I… READ MORE
How to expand Black faculty access
By James H. Johnson, Jr., Ph.D., and Donna-Marie Winn, Ph.D. CHAPEL HILL – The previous two essays in this series offered personal reflections on systemic racism in higher education and recommendations to ensure equitable access and treatment of Blacks and other people of color, especially students, moving forward. In this essay, we offer the leadership… READ MORE
Reflections on systemic racism in higher education
By James H. Johnson, Jr., Ph.D. CHAPEL HILL – Several of my White friends and colleagues have asked me recently what changes are required to address systemic racism in higher education institutions. After reflecting on personal experiences as an African-American professor for four decades in two predominantly White institutions, I will highlight activities that have… READ MORE
Martin: Diversity in the classroom and the boardroom
By Jim Martin Even at its most refined, governance is messy. There’s no perfect process that can guarantee the right decision. The closest we can come is to make sure every voice is in the room arguing about what’s right. Diversity of thought is a bedrock principle of this country. Nothing drives discontent more than… READ MORE
WSSU & NASCAR: ‘What a great marriage’
WINSTON-SALEM – At first it sounds unlikely – a historically black university training NASCAR team members? But it’s true: Winston-Salem State University, in fact, is the only public university in the country to offer a four-year degree in Motorsports Management. The program encompasses racing operations as well as marketing and management. “It is hard to… READ MORE
“The spoils will go to the better-educated”
NEW YORK (May 31, 2018) – Policymakers and college leaders from the across the country took the stage last week at The New York Times’ Higher Education Leaders Forum. UNC System President Margaret Spellings helped set the agenda during a morning panel about declining public trust in colleges and universities. She called for stronger accountability measures… READ MORE
UNC Pembroke: An economic driver for Southeast NC
PEMBROKE – What makes the University of North Carolina at Pembroke a great university? Chancellor Robin Gary Cummings points to both its past and its future. In the accompanying video, Cummings notes how the school was first established in 1887 by seven Native American men who saw the promise of educating their children. “This was… READ MORE
Spellings: ‘Pleased but not satisfied’
CHARLOTTE – North Carolina has built one of the finest university systems in the nation, University of North Carolina System President Margaret Spellings said Monday. But it can be better. “As I like to say, we’re pleased but not satisfied,” Spellings told an audience at UNC Charlotte in the first of a series of State… READ MORE
NCCU: Mission-driven to serve as an engine of opportunity
By Johnson O. Akinleye, Ph.D. Chancellor North Carolina Central University DURHAM – The start of the 2017-2018 academic year at North Carolina Central University (NCCU) marks another milestone for the institution. As we enter our 107th year, NCCU stands firm on a strong foundation of achievement as the nation’s first publicly-supported liberal arts college for… READ MORE
Fayetteville State: New definition of an HBCU
FAYETTEVILLE – Yes, Fayetteville State University considers itself a Historically Black College and University. But the definition of an HBCU is expanding, Chancellor James Anderson says in the accompanying video. “We like to say FSU is an institution that has a great historical foundation that primarily was African-American,” Anderson says. “However, we recognize that in order… READ MORE