The HBCU Executive Leadership Institute Announces New Investment from Chan Zuckerberg Initiative

Continuing its commitment to building the next generation of HBCU legacy leaders, the HBCU Executive Leadership Institute  (ELI) at Clark Atlanta University, today announced its receipt of a grant for $1.2 million from the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative. The grant includes funding to expand ELI’s curriculum, which offers micro-credentials and prepares executives to assume leadership positions in higher education.

HBCU ELI stands as a pioneering initiative, committed to nurturing and empowering the next generation of leaders at over 100 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative was a founding sponsor of the ELI program when it first launched in 2021. The program identifies and develops the most qualified candidates to fill vital HBCU presidencies and other executive leadership positions. To date, ELI has convened a community of 85 Fellows, comprised of professionals representing both public and private sectors. Each participated in ELI’s unique professional development program, which includes 13 core competencies.

Since its inception, the groundbreaking HBCU ELI program has expanded to include the “New President’s Program.” Its focus is to provide professional development to new presidents and chancellors within their first three years of service. The first program of its kind, ELI’s extended curriculum is preserving and strengthening HBCUs as a hub for education, opportunity and uplift in the Black community.

“When we started this idea of training, supporting, and advocating for HBCU leaders, we knew we had an uphill battle, but we also knew it was critical work,” said Dr. Phyllis Worthy Dawkins, Executive Director, HBCU ELI at CAU and 18th President of Bennett College. “It is because of the continued support of sponsors, like The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, that we can welcome new Fellows and invest in the future of our institutions as well as the students who rely on HBCUs to thrive.”

“In today’s rapidly evolving world of higher education, effective leadership is paramount to ensuring that all HBCUs achieve – and sustain— success,” said Dr. George T. French, Jr., President, Clark Atlanta University. “We are grateful to the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative for their partnership as ELI continues to cultivate Fellows and help our HBCUs prosper.”

ELI’s robust curriculum equips fellows with the tools and insights needed to effectively lead an HBCU. This includes operations, budgeting, alumni relations, fundraising and development, as well as board governance and human resource management, to name a few.

For program updates visit https://hbcueli.com/.

About Clark Atlanta University

Established in 1988 by the historic consolidation of Atlanta University (1865) and Clark College (1869).  Clark Atlanta University continues a 150-year legacy rooted in African-American tradition and focused on the future.  Through global innovation, transformative educational experiences, and high-value engagement.  CAU cultivates lifted lives that transform the world.  Notable alumni include: James Weldon Johnson; American civil rights activist, poet, and songwriter (Lift Every Voice and Sing “The Black National Anthem”; Ralph David Abernathy Sr., American civil rights activist; Congressman Hank Johnson, Georgia District 4; Kenya Barris, American award-winning television and movie producer; Kenny Leon, Tony Award-winning Broadway Director; Jacque Reid, Emmy Award-winning Television Personality and Journalist; Brandon Thompson, Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion for NASCAR; Valeisha Butterfield Jones, Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer at the Recording Academy. To learn more about Clark Atlanta University, visit www.cau.edu

About HBCU ELI at Clark Atlanta University

The HBCU Executive Leadership Institute at Clark Atlanta University (ELI) serves as an incubator for recruiting and developing the future presidents of America’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). ELI equips high-potential leaders with tools and strategies that support the education and business goals of more than 100 HBCUs. Through ELI, the ability of HBCUs to survive and thrive is improved. In addition to granting thousands of degrees each year, HBCUs also boast illustrious alumni like Martin Luther King, Jr., Oprah Winfrey, and Vice President Kamala Harris, among others. For more information, visit hbcueli.com. Join the conversation on social media @hbcueli; #hbcueli.