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In this Higher Ed Careers interview, Andrew Hibel spoke with the President of the National HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) Alumni Associations Foundation, Tyrone E. Couey. Honoring Black History Month, Couey comments on the current state of HBCUs, how they have weathered the pandemic, and their legacy and future.
Andrew Hibel, HigherEdJobs: Please give us an update on the state of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) over the past decade?
Tyrone E. Couey (Ty), President NHBCUAAF: HBCUs continue to be a best buy resource providing positive outcomes at an affordable cost to students. They are predominantly located in the Southeast, near areas with relatively low levels of economic well-being therefore generating economic activity is particularly important. Today, there are 101 accredited HBCUs that enroll almost 300,000 students, approximately 80 percent of whom are African American, and 70 percent are from low-income families. According to the United Negro College Fund’s HBCUs Make America Stronger Report, HBCUs help African American college students earn bachelor’s degrees, and more. In 2014, for example, HBCUs accounted for only 3 percent of public and not-for-profit private institutions receiving federal student aid, but
- enrolled 10 percent of African American college students nationwide
- Accounted for 17 percent of the bachelor’s degrees earned by African Americans and 24 percent of the degrees earned by African Americans in “STEM” fields: science, technology, engineering, and math.
The National Historically Black Colleges and Universities Foundation (NHBCUAAF) continues to support the HBCU community by providing a clearing house of information for all HBCU alumni associations, providing employment assistance for HBCU students and alumni, and recently supporting student civic engagement projects at multiple HBCUs in North Carolina during the 2020 election cycle. An example is found in the US Airways Article, “HBCUs Spell Success.”
Hibel: In light of 2020, can you share your perspective on how the pandemic has affected HBCUs and how have you seen HBCUs overcoming the social and economic challenges of 2020?
Couey: HBCUs have been adversely impacted because of the COVID-19 pandemic effects on communities of color but have weathered the storm with flying colors. Students attending HBCUs have a grounded realistic perspective of the importance of higher education and tend to take fewer risks as compared to their white counterparts. The severity of the pandemic is top of most HBCU students’ minds and that motivates them to be more compliant and take fewer risks that would expose them or a loved one. The alumni associations and other donors have stepped up to provide financial/economic resources, assistance with the purchase of technology, food, transportation, personal items, as well as sending letters of encouragement to students to stay strong.
The NHBCUAAF is keenly aware of the circumstances that our students face and remain engaged to assist our HBCUs where possible. We work closely with our HBCU Alumni Associations to respond to requests for assistance and/or assist families through the alumni network in addressing any financial need.
Hibel: The recent COVID-19 relief bill has been called a ‘transformative’ measure for HBCUs. In your opinion, will the relief live up to the needs of HBCUs? If there is more that needs to be done, what does that look like?
Couey: I am totally impressed with the herculean efforts by Congresswoman Alma Adams, Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF), United Negro College Fund (UNCF), National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education (NAFEO), HBCUs great leadership, and other stakeholders. However, I see the relief bill as a one-time starting point for HBCUs. When the Federal government re-engages in the enforcement of the “Adams v. Richardson” 1972 court case, enforces the compliance of contract awardees to include HBCUs in their delivery structure and provides investment levels commensurate with the Predominately White Institutions (PWIs) counterparts, then I would call the COVID-19 relief bill “transformative!”
The NHBCUAAF is engaged in activities to address the documented disparities of federal funding, compliance of contract awardees and initiatives to increase the investment amounts into our beloved HBCUs.
Hibel: Athletics have played a dynamic role in the history of HBCUs, what are some of the current challenges and opportunities HBCU athletic departments are facing?
Couey: Indeed, athletics at HBCUs are extremely important as they are at most schools. However, most HBCU athletics departments early during the pandemic made wise and harsh decisions to cancel fall sports, which they knew would be disproportionately severe economically to the HBCUs, athletes, student body, and community. I am hopeful the COVID-19 relief bill will provide some short-term opportunities to increase their athletics scholarships, improve infrastructure, and spur recruitment.
Hibel: What university events, on-campus or virtual, have you experienced that are the most rewarding when honoring Black History Month? How have you seen institutions connecting and bringing together diverse communities, on-campus or virtually, that inspire you?
Couey: I remain inspired by the attention that our HBCUs give to Black History Month (BHM). Their connection to the faith-based communities which sponsor HBCU Sundays that highlight the successes of our beloved HBCUs are not only educational but evoke a sense of pride. African Americans can be proud as the nation recognizes the contributions of Black Americans to the building of America. The contributions of Blacks cannot be overstated and should always be highlighted in the education of our students year-round, not just during BHM.
The most rewarding events during Black History Month include convocations and the celebrations of the contributions of influential living legends that can interact with the student body. These activities allow students and other diverse communities to recognize the role and achievements of African Americans, discover awareness about various cultures, traditions, and legacies. They also allow attendees to see history in the making. I find pride in the educational series being broadcasted at North Carolina Central University (NCCU).
Hibel: As the president of the NHBCUAAF, working with leaders, associates, and alumni from HBCUs, what advice do you have for other associations/organizations that aim to cultivate change and opportunity?
Couey: Join the NHBCUAAF to enhance their understanding of the power and new information available to them that will allow them to move onward and upward. Donate to the NHBCUAAF since we are the only organization representing HBCU alumni. The NHBCUAAF is keenly engaged to support student civic engagement projects at designated HBCUs in NC and welcome investments from our alumni, family, and friends of our beloved HBCUs. Visit NHBCUAAF for ways to support us.
Hibel: If you could forecast the future, what do you see transpiring for HBCUs in the next decade?
Couey: The future for HBCUs remains challenged, but bright. Investments in our HBCUs is higher recently than ever before in our history. Numerous members of the Biden Administration and Congress are graduates of our beloved HBCUs. HBCU students played a critical role in voter registration, education, motivation and get out the vote in the 2020 election cycle. The election of the first Black Vice President and Senator from Georgia speaks volumes to the leadership capability of our HBCU graduates and critical role that HBCUs play in developing future leaders to function at the highest levels of government and in industry. It is a clear example of what can be if individuals are afforded a fair opportunity to serve. I remain hopeful that this development will yield a continued pathway to service and an increase of HBCU funding and students attending.
Hibel: In a previous interview, we addressed a quotation from Dr. Julianne Malveaux, president emerita of Bennett College, which states, “There is something special about the HBCU space that is inspirational and fulfilling. It is something that is to be embraced and encouraged. In some ways, HBCUs are a national treasure.” Can you share your examples of how you’ve experienced this sentiment?
Couey: Who could ever disagree with Dr. Malveaux’s assessment of HBCUs? Every day I have had the pleasure to work with HBCUs, students, alumni, parents, and stakeholders it became crystal clear HBCUs are national treasures and the best-kept secrets. I have witnessed firsthand the most innovative, intellectual, and successful blacks in this nation that I have the good fortunes to call my friends!
The NHBCUAAF remains fully committed to supporting our HBCUs so that they can continue to produce the most competitive graduates that excel to the highest levels of government and industry.
Hibel: What keeps you motivated and inspired to work for NHBCUAAF? What have you learned about yourself in the past year that you will bring with you in your profession and what will you leave behind?
Couey: We know that HBCUs provide a special contribution to America’s higher education, economy, and culture. My motivation comes from successful implementation of the mission of the NHBCUAAF in finding resources to help HBCUs, students, and alumni. I have been inspired by finding my passion in working with the HBCU community. My own self-actualization during the past year has simply reinforced what I learned working in corporate America and government about the joy and need to give back to society. I will leave behind the legacy that I only have one life to give to HBCUs.
We want to pass the history and legacy forward and help other African Americans, like me, to be successful.