Alphonso W. Knight Sr., is a retired architectural engineer, teacher, and college administrator. He served as superintendent of buildings and grounds at Fessenden Academy in Martin, Florida and at Virginia Union University in Richmond, Virginia. He taught in the public school system is St. Louis, Missouri and taught at Forest Park College in St. Louis, Missouri. Coupled with his teaching, he practiced architecture. He earned a B.S. degree in architectural engineering from Hampton Institute in Hampton, Virginia in 1947, a M.A. degree in Mathematics from Webster University in St. Louis, Missouri, and did further study at St. Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri. His work experience also includes alumni administration at both Hampton University in Hampton, Virginia and at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia. He was a consultant in alumni affairs to more than 25 institutions of higher education.

In December 2008, Georgia state senator Seth Harp ignited controversy when he proposed merging two historically Black colleges with nearby predominantly white colleges to save money. Less than a year later, Mississippi governor Haley Barbour sought to unite Mississippi's three predominantly Black colleges. These efforts kindled renewed interest in historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) across the nation and the globe. In this study, HBCU officials and faculty attempt to identify the challenges that HBCUs face, explore the historic origin of HBCU management systems, and identify models of success that will improve the long-term viability of the HBCU. By analyzing HBCUs within a larger framework of American higher education and the cultural context in which HBCUs operate, these essays introduce a new paradigm in the quest to ensure that HBCUs continue to play an important role in the education of Americans of all races.

Highlighting the voices and experiences of Black graduate students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), this book features the perspectives of students from a variety of academic backgrounds and institutional settings. Contributors discuss their motivation to attend an HBCU for graduate studies, their experiences, and how these helped prepare them for their career. To be prepared to serve the increasing number of Black students with access to graduate programs at HBCUs, university administrators, faculty, and staff require a better understanding of these students’ needs and how to meet them. Addressing some of today’s most urgent issues and educational challenges, this book expands the literature on HBCUs and provides insight into the role their graduate schools play in building a diverse academic and professional community.

Though scholars have explored various topics related to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), little empirical research has critically examined the increasingly changing racial demography and social diversity of HBCUs and their impact on HBCU stakeholders. This volume provides meaningful context and initiates discussion on the increasingly changing diversity of HBCUs. It: • offers new information that will help HBCUs be more intentional about creating an inclusive campus environment for all enrolled students, • discusses the experiences of LGBT, Latino/a, and other minority students enrolled at HBCUs, and • examines myths and historical contexts of HBCUs. Aside from the practical implications provided herein, the volume also provides salient context for researchers and policymakers interested in the diversification of HBCUs. Given the range and the depth of the issues covered, it is a must read for anyone interested in HBCUs in general and student success within these institutions specifically. This is the 170th volume of the Jossey-Bass quarterly report series New Directions for Higher Education. Addressed to presidents, vice presidents, deans, and other higher education decision makers on all kinds of campuses, it provides timely information and authoritative advice about major issues and administrative problems confronting every institution.

This book focuses on the experiences of underserved student and faculty at historically Black colleges and universities. Encompassing institutional supports, identity development, and socialization patterns, it explores how “outsider” perspectives will impact future research and practice, while also emphasizing issues of diversity and inclusion.

In this edited collection, the authors grapple with both the strengths and challenges that HBCUs face as the nation's demographics change, from their place in American society and growing diversity on HBCU campuses to class and elitism issues to study abroad and honors programs.