Preparing Future HBCU Presidents

HBCU Executive Leadership Institute

Professional black women in formal attire stand with arms crossed.
Professional black women in formal attire stand with arms crossed.
Collage of Black professionals.

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.

Image of ELI advisory council and community fellows

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].

Clipboard graphic on black background

Apply for the HBCU ELI at CAU Community of Fellows

Eligibility Requirements

  1. Minimum ten (10) years in higher education or related field, with at least three (3) years in Dean-level or equivalent leadership positions.
  2. Ability to transition to senior leadership within two-three years, showcasing requisite knowledge, skills, dispositions, and commitment.
  3. Strong recommendation from current or past supervisors, or senior institutional leaders.
  4. Proven track record of progressive leadership and successful performance across multiple institutional levels.

Register Now

To learn how to be a part of next cohort, please send inquiries to hbcueli@cau.edu

Partners & Supporters

Chan Zuckerberg Foundation logo"
Microsoft logo"
ECMC Foundation logo"
Toyota logo"
Charles Stewart Mott Foundation logo"
The Riche's Foundation logo"

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.

Scroll to top

2025 Applications Deadline is October 15th

Skip to content