Education Commons^™

The Characteristics Of Historically Black College And University Presidents And Their Role In Grooming The Next Generation Of Leaders, Sydney Freeman Jr., Marybeth Gasmen

Sydney Freeman Jr., PhD, CFD

Background/Context: Although research on college and university presidents has grown in recent decades, historically Black college and university (HBCU) presidents have rarely been included in this research. We know almost nothing about the pathways to the HBCU presidency or the role that current presidents play in grooming future presidents. More literature is needed in order to deepen our understanding of the HBCU presidency.

Purpose: With this study, we sought to capture the background characteristics of HBCU leaders, to lay the ground work for future studies on HBCU presidents, and to understand the role these leaders play in grooming and mentoring …

Strategies For Doctoral Students Who Desire To Become Higher Education Faculty Members At Top-Ranked Programs, Sydney Freeman Jr.

Sydney Freeman Jr., PhD, CFD

This study investigated what strategies doctoral students could employ to ensure their competitiveness in higher education graduate program faculty searches. A total of 39 program coordinators, department heads, and deans were asked how graduates from non-ranked higher education programs could prepare themselves for faculty opportunities, including searches at top-ranked schools. The findings indicate that developing grantmanship, networking, presentation, and publishing skills will help students to become more competitive. Additionally, participants suggested that students collaborate with other scholars, show initiative in their own professional development, understand the expectations of different program types, and be willing to participate in post-doctoral fellowships. These …