When President Obama maps out his plans for his next four years as the nation's chief executive, presidents in higher education are hoping he keeps his commitment to support and boost federal support for their institutions. When recently asked to identify three issues in higher education they felt were most important for the president to address…

In an age of increasing pressures on the future workforce, the Presidents' Round Table, a network of African-American community college presidents and chief executives, seeks to meet the demand for supplying and training the next generation of educated employees for the evolving job picture. Among its varied goals, the Round Table works to empower…

A photo gallery of noteworthy graduates stretches across two walls in the office of the Community College Leadership Program, or CCLP, at the University of Texas at Austin. Dr. John Roueche, the director of CCLP, points to the photos with pride, listing the accomplishments of his former students. Scanning the portraits, one of his greatest…

When Norman Francis arrived at Xavier University of Louisiana in 1948 as a first-generation college student fresh out of high school from the poor side of Lafayette, Louisiana, his drive, intelligence, discipline and winning personality quickly earned him election as freshman class president. It was the start of something big. Today, Dr. Francis…

The hazing death of Florida A&M (FAMU) drum major Robert Champion and the long-concealed child sexual abuse by Jerry Sandusky at Penn State University have prompted an intense focus within higher education on how campus leaders should respond in times of crisis, particularly one involving suspected criminal activity. Experts say college…

When Dr. Kumea Shorter-Gooden took on her newly created job this month at the University of Maryland's flagship College Park campus, she assumed a challenge at the school with a lot riding on her shoulders--helping the University of Maryland strengthen its diversity efforts and, thus, its relevance to the state in the future and standing among the…

When the U.S. Supreme Court takes up "Fisher v. Texas" in the fall--its first major consideration of affirmative action policies in higher education since 2003--scholars, legal experts and university administrators say the policies that are the basis of affirmative action in the nation's colleges and universities may be coming to an end. While…

Dr. Carole Berotte Joseph, the new president of Bronx Community College, or BCC, has been training to lead an institution of higher education since grade school, taking on the role of master teacher since she played on her parents' stoop with the neighborhood children in Brooklyn. Growing up, she didn't play with dolls much. She played with real…

For Dr. Freeman Hrabowski III, nothing beats the view from the top of the world that he helped shape during the past 20 years. Even on a day when storm clouds hover, the president of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, or UMBC, humbly acknowledges that his academic kingdom looks mighty good. He has been key in shaping the university into…

When asked what has made them successful, four community college leaders from around the country--not graduates of the Texas program--echo many of the ideas of Dr. John Roueche, director of the Community College Leadership Program at the University of Texas at Austin. They emphasize building relationships with students, faculty, staff and local…

When President Obama delivered the commencement address at Miami Dade College (MDC) in April, it was yet another coup for the high-profile institution--but not a first. Presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton also were graduation speakers, as the community college continues to be a magnet for national and international dignitaries. MDC has…

This article discusses how Dr. Donna Oliver, an untested but eager first-time president, was able to lead Mississippi Valley State University, a historically Black college and university (HBCU) in the right path during turbulent times with the help of her advisory team. Dr. Donna Oliver hardly had time to savor her rise to the top ranks of higher…

The Registry for College and University Presidents places former executives in interim presidential and other senior-level posts and is familiar with the challenges interim executives and institutions encounter in times of leadership transitions. However, the one big advantage interims bring to institutions, says Registry Vice President Kevin J.…

For this special edition on "Higher Education Careers," "Diverse" caught up with some legends whose careers have made an indelible impact on the academy. "Diverse" found that even in retirement, or semi-retirement, these pioneers never venture far from the passions that made them great educators and diversity advocates. This article features four…

This article discusses how historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) presidents persuade parents and students to enroll in their institutions despite the problem on accreditation and other issues. As president of Morris Brown College, a small unaccredited institution in downtown Atlanta, Dr. Stanley Pritchett knows he has a tough job…