Clark Atlanta University's HBCU Executive Leadership Institute now Accepting Applications for Second Cohort to Prepare Next Generation of HBCU Presidents

ATLANTA, Oct. 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The HBCU Executive Leadership Institute (HBCU ELI) at Clark Atlanta University is accepting applications for its second class of Community Fellows, with an October 25^th, 2021 deadline. 

Funded in large part by the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI), the program seeks to identify qualified candidates to fill vacant HBCU presidencies and other executive leadership positions.

Slated to begin its second cohort in January 2022, ELI's best-in-class program continues to serve as an incubator for recruiting and developing the next generation of leaders for over 100 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), with fellows receiving coaching and mentorship from past and present HBCU leaders. Interested participants may apply online today.

HBCU ELI launched its first cohort in April 2021 that included a roster of 58% women, making it the nation's most diverse cohort of future HBCU leaders. Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms was also named the program's first honorary fellow.

ELI's robust curriculum immerses qualified candidates in the various competencies of effectively leading an HBCU. This includes operations, budgeting, academics, fundraising and development, as well as board governance, and racial and social justice. Several inaugural cohort fellows offered the following reflections on their ELI experience:

• "You will quickly find yourself in a professionally supportive space to explore and advance your leadership attributes such as crisis management, institutional advancement, and board governance, while also acquiring a keen understanding of how these multifaceted aspects of leadership can be successfully navigated as an HBCU President." – Fellow Dr. Ann Lampkin-Williams, University of Michigan, Dearborn. 
• "The ELI program has challenged me to become a better leader and helped me better understand board governance and relationship issues." –  Fellow Dr. Rochelle Ford, Elon University.
• "I have gained valuable information that has proven to be useful. I know will be of value as I continue my leadership journey in higher education." – Fellow Dr. Gwynth Nelson, South Carolina State University.

Participating mentors, speakers and past HBCU presidents added:

• "America needs the human and financial capital that HBCUs have produced for nearly two centuries. Our HBCUs need talented, visionary institutional leaders who have integrity, competence and imagination to sustain that amazing track record of excellence."  — Dr. Robert M. Franklin, President Emeritus of Morehouse College and HBCU ELI Seminar Speaker.
• "The ELI is expanding and accelerating that pipeline by offering a high-impact leadership formation experience— rich in theory and practice—that is provided by an impressive ensemble of experienced mentors. I much enjoyed participating in the development of these new leaders and engaging with them in a stimulating exchange."— President Reynold Verret, Xavier University.

"We look forward to preparing the second cohort of fellows for the next generation of leaders for HBCUs," said Dr. Phyllis Worthy Dawkins, Executive Director of the HBCU Executive Leadership program.

Before the Civil Rights movement, HBCUs offered Black Americans one of their only routes to a college degree. These institutions helped Black people pursue professional careers, earn graduate degrees, and advance their education. ELI helps preserve and strengthen HBCUs as a hub for education, opportunity and uplift in the communities they serve.

In addition to the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, the effort is supported by the ECMC Foundation, Microsoft, Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, Toyota, The Rich Foundation, Inc., United Methodist Church, and more.

About The HBCU Executive Leadership Institute (ELI at CAU)

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 ELI, the ability of HBCUs to survive and thrive is improved. In addition to granting thousands of degrees each year, HBCUs also boast illustrious alumni like Martin Luther King, Jr., Oprah Winfrey, and Vice President Kamala Harris, among others. For program updates and to apply for the inaugural cohort, visit https://www.cau.edu/hbcueli/. Join the conversation on social media @hbcueli; #hbcueli.

About Clark Atlanta University

Established in 1988 by the historic consolidation of Atlanta University (1865) and Clark College (1869). Clark Atlanta University continues a 150-year legacy rooted in African American tradition and focused on the future. Through global innovation, transformative educational experiences, and high-value engagement. CAU cultivates lifted lives that transforms the world. Notable alumni include: James Weldon Johnson; American civil rights activist, poet, and songwriter Lift Every Voice and Sing "The Black National Anthem"; Ralph David Abernathy Sr., American civil rights activist; Congressman Hank Johnson, Georgia District 4; Kenya Barris, American award-winning television and movie producer; Kenny Leon, Tony Award-winning Broadway Director; Jacque Reid, Emmy Award-winning Television Personality and Journalist; Brandon Thompson, Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion for NASCAR; Valeisha Butterfield Jones, Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer at the Recording Academy. To learn more about Clark Atlanta University, visit www.cau.edu.

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SOURCE Clark Atlanta University