This study examined the extent to which the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) accreditation processes influenced the leadership and governance at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Howard University an HBCU was chosen as a case study and in this research three research questions were addressed: 1) How has the Middle States Commission's accreditation processes between 1989 and 2009 influenced changes in leadership and governance at Howard University? 2) How has Howard University's mission statement changed between 1989 and 2009, and what has informed such changes? 3) What are the lessons learned from Howard University's successful accreditation experiences from 1989-2009 that may be of benefit for other HBCUs struggling with the accreditation and reaffirmation process? The research was conducted using a single case study research design. Data was gathered through semi-structured interviews with faculty and administrators; analysis of Middle States documents as well as Howard University historical documents and previous Self-Study Reports. The goal of this research was to explore two of the fourteen standards of the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) years of 1989-2009 -- Standard 1 (Mission and Goals) and Standard 4 (Leadership and Governance). Further we examined how Howard University has managed to successfully meet requirements for reaffirmation, and perhaps pass on these strategies so that other HBCUs in the Mid-Atlantic region or other regions can also maintain accreditation status. HBCUs, including Howard University, should make it a priority to continue competitively promoting excellence and innovation to minorities and people of color. One major way this can be achieved most notably is by identifying those criteria necessary to better understand and successfully navigate the accreditation and reaffirmation process. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]