Anyone interested in the acute challenges confronting Historically Black Colleges and
Universities (HBCUs) and in making a lasting difference in the larger society where their graduates will serve should read this important book and take its lessons to heart. With a wonderful mix of theory and practice, this volume is for professionals and for anyone interested in the crucial questions related to educational leadership in institutions of higher education, especially HBCUs. Edited by a preeminent American educator, this volume draws from outstanding contributors whose expertise provides an understanding of the broad spectrum of challenges faced by HBCUs. From his own background as a former urban superintendent of schools in Michigan and California, and as former Chancellor of North Carolina A&T State University, one of the nation’s largest HBCUs, Dr. Edward Fort speaks authoritatively about an important mission for HBCUs—the preparation of effective teachers and school administrators. Dr. Fort asserts that HBCU campuses have within their power the position, prestige, and ability to lead an attack on two of the greatest challenges he identifies confronting Black youth today—the twin challenges of the Black and White K-12 student achievement gap and the ‘cult of cultural deprivation.’ The sine qua non is leadership.

In this book, Fort’s prestigious colleagues, including former chancellors, vice chancellors, and a retired congressman, offer suggestions for marshaling resources from government foundations and the corporate sector. They speak to the critical importance of alumni as another vital resource for HBCUs. They provide historical as well as contemporary perspectives on leadership. They spell out the importance of cultivating positive faculty relations. And, the contributors stress the importance of some of the greatest challenges confronting these campuses—for example, economic inequality and fiscal affairs management.

As a graduate of North Carolina A&T State University, I am particularly proud that one of its former chancellors has presented this marvelous description of the leadership challenges and opportunities for Historically Black Colleges and Universities, which should become a standard textbook in higher education for years to come.

Rex Fortune, founder, Fortune School of Education and Retired School Superintendent, California