Clark Atlanta University Launches New Initiative to Recruit and Develop Future HBCU Presidents

Clark Atlanta University recently launched its HBCU Executive Leadership Institute (ELI) with the help of higher education stakeholders.

The initiative will serve as an incubator for recruiting and developing the future presidents of over 100 HBCU's.

The first program of its kind, ELI will help preserve and strengthen HBCUs as a hub for education, opportunity and uplift in the Black community.

"HBCUs have a clear value proposition and continue to be the standard-bearers of Black excellence across every sector of business and society," said Dr. George T. French Jr., President of Clark Atlanta University. "Through ELI, we are committed to identifying dynamic leaders who can advance the growth and sustainability of our institutions of higher learning."

"We invite leaders of industry – from Silicon Valley and Wall Street to non-profits, government, higher education and the creative class – to submit their applications and be a part of history."

The effort is supported by The Rich Foundation, Inc., Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, Microsoft Corporation, Toyota, Educational Credit Management Corporation (ECMC), and a distinguished group of business leaders, educators and philanthropists.

ELI's robust curriculum will immerse qualified candidates in the various components of effectively leading an HBCU.

This includes operations, budgeting, alumni relations, fundraising and development, as well as board governance and human resource management.

Slated to begin in the spring of 2021, ELI's best-in-class program will support the entire HBCU ecosystem. Through a virtual platform, inaugural participants will also receive coaching and ongoing mentorship from former HBCU leaders.

Dr. Louis Sullivan, President Emeritus, Morehouse School of Medicine, Past U.S. Secretary of Health & Human Services and Chair of the Advisory Board for the HBCU ELI at CAU program added, "This is a visionary program that grew out of the Council of Past Presidents to ground prospective fellows in HBCU specific competencies."

The program seeks to identify qualified candidates to fill vacant HBCU presidencies and other executive leadership positions. Interested participants may apply online beginning April 15, 2021.