I am excited to serve as the new Executive Director of the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities. I view my appointment as a unique opportunity to improve the working relationship between the federal government and the HBCU community, a community that I have a lifelong affection for and that has been a profound influence in my life. As an HBCU graduate, Virginia Union University class of 1962, and a former Cheyney Board of Trustee member, I fully understand the unique and important role HBCUs play in the life of many Americans, particularly those who have, traditionally, found the path to higher education difficult, if accessible at all.

As we look forward, please know that I want to work with you to build upon the progress of the past; and to envision a future that sees all Historically Black Colleges and Universities as academically stimulating, financially prosperous and socially inspiring institutions of higher learning, capable of adapting and flourishing in this new century. So on behalf of the President’s Board of Advisors on Historically Black Colleges and Universities, we would be honored to have you attend this year’s national conference as we work to strengthen these institutions that have a long tradition of creating new successes and meeting new challenges with a great deal of tenacity.