Discusses recent high-profile appointments of Black presidents at predominantly White colleges and explores the issue of a two-track system in which leaders of historically Black colleges are not considered to be in the same candidate pool as Whites or Blacks who have served at White colleges. Also explores the goals of Black colleges that have…

More black leaders are making the deliberate choice to serve historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs). However, black leaders whose careers have been mainly at black schools find it nearly impossible to attain leadership positions at either majority white schools or national higher education organizations. Controversy over the issue…

The first GI Bill, Servicemen's Readjustments Act of 1944, provided the foundation for today's black middle class and educated the generation who spearheaded the civil rights movement. It is also credited with catalyzing development of adult and continuing education. Coinciding with the GI Bill was legislation to improve and expand black colleges.…

Experiences of three historically black universities illustrate advantages and problems of college ownership of hotels and conference centers. Tuskegee University (Alabama) hopes its city, university, and conference facility will draw African American groups. Clark Atlanta University (Georgia) has purchased and renovated a hotel and restaurant.…

Increasingly, African American academics are appointed to political positions in the federal government. This career path can be both beneficial and difficult, dependent on high-level political support and the party in power. Most are short-term jobs, may slow the tenure process, and can adversely affect the faculty-college relationship. Several…

Prominent African American photojournalists are profiled and discuss the education, characteristics, and experiences they feel young photojournalists must have to excel in a highly competitive field. A combination of real world work experience and classroom education is seen as essential preparation, with internships an important element. (MSE)

Discussion of opportunities for minorities in information technology (IT), especially in the Washington, DC area, focuses on the region's exploding IT growth, opportunities for public and private postsecondary institutions, outreach initiatives to attract underrepresented minorities to the IT field, government's role, and the role of black…

Fearing a federal court in Oklahoma might end a state-financed merit-scholarship program targeted by a discrimination lawsuit, black legislators passed a bill making the program race and gender neutral. State regents are criticized for failing to develop effective policy to remedy past discrimination. (MSE)

In the wake of a new Institute of Medicine report that shows a disproportionately low federal investment in cancer research among minorities, some researchers are demanding a change. The National Cancer Institute, the nation's largest funder of cancer research, is taking note of the report's recommendations, and has agreed to adjust some…

Coalition-building among Black and Latino groups is an effective way of shaping public policy. Since the Civil Rights era, the groups have found common ground in issues and candidates at all levels. Nationally, coalitions have generally revolved around specific issues (affirmative action, education, anti-discrimination, census). As Latino…

In 1990 when African American governor of Virginia L. Douglas Wilder appointed an African American secretary of education, it signaled to many a concern for ensuring educational access for all Virginians. However, during the difficult economic period that followed, college tuition rose. Some remember his administration more for austerity and…

Three articles explore career opportunities and patterns in higher education for African Americans and other minorities. Articles cover African American research centers, African Americans in senior administrative positions, and tenure. Data on black and Hispanic faculty at doctoral institutions in 1997, noting ethnic distribution and tenure…