UNCF implemented the HBCU Executive Leadership and Governance Program with funding from the American Express Foundation to address the unmet professional needs of HBCU executives and improve board governance. Key focus areas include: presidential leadership, effective trusteeship, governance, succession planning, financial management, accreditation, fundraising and strategic planning.
By elevating institutional effectiveness and performance in these areas, UNCF member institutions will be managed more efficiently and will be better equipped to provide optimal learning environments for African American students.
The two major program components are:
- UNCF/AGB Institute for Trusteeship – In collaboration with the Association of Governing Boards of Colleges and Universities (AGB), UNCF hosted a three-day Institute for UNCF member presidents and board chairs (up to 12 teams) in June 2009 for the purpose of addressing the specific challenges associated with leading a minority institution with limited resources combined with fiscal, enrollment and accreditation challenges. Following the Institute, UNCF/AGB provided technical assistance over a six-month period to institutions to provide advice or feedback pertaining to proposed or completed actions that are intended to strengthen institutional leadership and governance.
- UNCF/Harvard Institute for Higher Education Initiative – This Initiative providesHBCU administrators with critical leadership training and education through participation in Harvard Institutes for Higher Education’s professional development seminars. Numerous summer fellowships have been awarded since 2007 to allow UNCF presidents and administrators to participate free-of-charge in an HIHE seminar.li>