About

Center Mission

The Center for HBCU Research, Leadership, and Policy at Howard University is distinctly positioned to serve as a generator and repository of research that examines issues of significance to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The Center for HBCU Research, Leadership, and Policy brings together researchers and practitioners: 

  • to support a thriving HBCU ecosystem by producing empirical research studies and offering programs and resources that leverage the collective strength of HBCUs;  
  • to identify best practices in higher education that build upon the achievements and culture-driven missions of HBCUs to ensure their 22nd century success; and
  • who embrace institutional collaboration as a core strategy. 

 

Melanie Carter, Ph.D.
Associate Provost & Director

Ebonierose Wade-Ndiaye, Ed.D.
Assistant Director for Administration & Programs 

Pyper Harvey, MBA
Communications Specialist

Leslie Hall, MSW
Graduate Assistant

Center Goals

  • The Center for HBCU Research, Leadership, and Policy at Howard University will build a community of HBCU and HBCU-allied researchers whose scholarship informs higher education leadership, policy, and practice. The Center’s goals are grounded in three areas:

The Center's goals are grounded in three areas:

Center Goal I: Research

  • Conduct, sponsor, and disseminate interdisciplinary empirical research on topics of particular significance to HBCUs.

Center Goal II: Leadership

  • Create formal collaborative initiatives among institutions based on shared priorities, strategic goals, and commitment to the success of HBCUs.

 

  • Offer credit and non-credit leadership development programs to current and aspirant HBCU administrators and faculty.

 

Center Goal III: Policy

  • Advance policy discourse and action that is aligned with HBCU’s mission, priorities, and goals through engagement with external stakeholders, networks, and organizations.

 

  • Provide expert consultation to HBCUs and policymakers in critical areas (i.e., accreditation, fundraising, student success, academic planning, enrollment management, etc.)

Explore the Center

HBCU Center Programs Alignment with Howard Forward

The HBCU Center Goals

  • Illuminate (Research) 
  • Inform (Leadership)
  • Impact (Policy) 

Strategic Priority I: Enhance Academic Excellence

  • Research, Practice and Graduate Student Affiliate Roles
  • Executive Leadership Certificate Programs 
  • HBCU Student Success Collaborative 

Strategic Priority II: Inspire New Knowledge

  • Research and Grant Initiatives
  • HBCU Situations and Solutions Series
  • Annual Policy Forum/ Report 
  • Policy Conference 

Strategic Priority III: Serve the Community

  • Center Us: The HBCU Center Book Club 
  • Lucy D. Slowe Institute
  • Online Community Discussion Forum 
  • "Gather Around" Newsletter
  • Partnership 
  • Student Success Collaborative