Preparing Future HBCU Presidents
HBCU Executive Leadership Institute
The Vision: Developing the Next Generation of HBCU Legacy Leaders
The HBCU Executive Leadership Institute endeavors to bolster the readiness of future HBCU presidents and executive leaders. Through the development of a performance-based program, it seeks to actively involve aspiring leaders in authentic HBCU contexts, fostering a learning environment where proficiency can be honed and demonstrated in real-time scenarios.
Goals
The HBCU Executive Leadership Institute (ELI) at Clark Atlanta University recruits and develops future presidents and executive leaders for over 100 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), enhancing their supply of qualified candidates.
Outcomes
The HBCU ELI prioritizes the implementation of a robust, and highly-curated curriculum for program each cohort, aiming to select up to 30 Fellows annually through a rigorous process. It seeks to increase the competence of prospective HBCU Presidents and executive leaders, offering personalized leadership pathways and establishing a “Fellow Alumni Network” for ongoing support.
HBCU Eli Advisory Board
- Dr. J. Fidel Turner, Jr., Dean, CAU School of Education
- Dr. Cheryl Dozier Davenport, Program Coordinator & President Emerita, Savannah State University
- Dr. Mary A. Hooper, Curriculum Designer, Associate Provost, CAU Online Learning & Continuing Education & Professor of Educational Leadership
- Mr. Cameron Randle, Program Manager & Educational Leadership Doctoral Student
- Dr. Dorothy Cowser Yancy, President Emerita, Shaw University & Johnson C. Smith University, Member,
- HBCU AB/C-HBCU-PP Curriculum Committee
- HBCU AB/C-HBCU-Past Presidents Selection Committee (Lyons, Lomotey, Hatton, Dolinger)
- TalentQuest, External Program Evaluator Consultants
Curriculum & Micro-credentials
The ELI Competency Model includes core leadership competencies of relationship building and networking, communication for influence, emotional intelligence skills, decision making, strategic planning, finance, and operations. Executive-specific competencies for HBCUs include branding, funding, recruiting, academic management, team building, board relations; recruiting and developing the management team; leading through crisis and uncertainty; and advocating for racial and social justice.
These competencies provide the foundation needed for executives to ensure the success of students by equipping them with career enhancing tools (credentials, certificates, internships, etc.) to complement their subject matter training.
Download a pdf of The ELI Competency Model. [PDF - 78 KB].
Apply for the HBCU ELI at CAU Community of Fellows
Eligibility Requirements
- Minimum ten (10) years in higher education or related field, with at least three (3) years in Dean-level or equivalent leadership positions.
- Ability to transition to senior leadership within two-three years, showcasing requisite knowledge, skills, dispositions, and commitment.
- Strong recommendation from current or past supervisors, or senior institutional leaders.
- Proven track record of progressive leadership and successful performance across multiple institutional levels.
Fellows Expectations and Commitments
- Click here for 2025 Seminar Timeline. (Click Here to Download Timeline)
- Submit your $1,500 Tuition, if selected as a Fellow. Limited scholarships available as funding permits.
- Be an active participant in all discussions and activities, including application and reflection protocols in between the virtual sessions.
- Complete assigned readings, assessments, and applied practice tasks.
- Contribute to the learning and work collaboratively with Institute faculty, mentors, and other fellows.
- Complete all assessments and review results with assigned mentor.
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Make a formal presentation of experiences during the culminating virtual session in December.
- Scholarships: Limited scholarships available as funding permits.
Application Submission instruction
1. Current CV that includes descriptions of roles for all leadership positions.
2. A letter of introduction (not to exceed three pages) addressing the following topics:
- Your vision of how the role of HBCU leader can impact student and institutional success, and
- Specific personal and professional goals that will be supported through the 6-month experience as an HBCU ELI Fellow.
3. Names, positions, relationships, and contact information for three references as follows:
- a senior institutional leader familiar with your work,
- current or past supervisor, and
- others with a working knowledge of your professional leadership skills.
Step 1: Register Yourself
Step 2: Verify Email
Step 3: Complete Online Application Form, Add References
Step 4: Upload CV/Resume and Introduction
Step 5: Submit Your Application
To learn how to be a part of next cohort, please send inquiries to hbcueli@cau.edu
Contact
HBCU Executive Leadership Institute
Clark Atlanta University
School of Education
Rufus E. Clement Hall, Suite 110
223 James P. Brawley Dr., SW
Atlanta, GA 30314
Phone: 404-880-6012
Email: hbcueli@cau.edu
The HBCU Executive Leadership Institute at Clark Atlanta University (HBCU ELI) equips high-potential leaders with tools and strategies that support the education and business goals of more than 100 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Through HBCU ELI’s comprehensive curriculum, mentorship opportunities, and hands-on experiences, the institute prepares Fellows to take on executive roles and drive positive change within the HBCU community. For HBCU ELI program updates, visit cau.edu. Join the conversation on social media @hbcueli; #hbcueli.