On the Yard takes a look at the culture and leadership trends happening across Historically Black Colleges and Universities nationwide. Host Ashley Northington explores the unique issues faced by these institutions through a series of conversations with HBCU leaders and advocates. On the Yard is powered by the RW Jones Agency, the nation&#39;s only strategic communications and issues management firm focused on education. Since 1987, it has supported more than 100 colleges, universities and affiliated organizations in their strategic communications, media relations and issues management efforts.

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In this episode of On The Yard, we talk with Emile Parker, Director of Alumni Relations at <a href="https://oakwood.edu/" rel="nofollow">Oakwood University</a>, and Cheri Wilson, Executive Director of University Advancement, about how HBCUs and other minority-serving institutions can effectively position themselves as beneficiaries of major philanthropic gifts.

Alumni Engagement is Key in HBCU Philanthropy

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In this episode of On The Yard, we learn how Allen University President Dr. Ernest McNealey is blazing a new pathway for Allen University through strong fiscal management. A major challenge that many Historically Black Colleges and Universities face is a lack of adequate financing. This is why Dr. McNealey emphasizes the importance of presidents taking ownership of the financial affairs of their university and thinking strategically about money as a tool to enhance the institution&#39;s overall goals.

The Importance of Owning the Finances

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There is a rising interest in HBCUs among college-aged students. In this episode of On The Yard, we learn about the recruiting and enrollment issues that HBCUs are now facing from Dr. Cynthia Warrick; yet, at Stillman College, they make it easy for students to attend, graduate and become leaders in their respective fields.

The Importance of Collaboration and Access

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HBCUs have long prioritized Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and Martin University is no exception. <a href="https://www.martin.edu/leadership" rel="nofollow">Martin University President Dr. Sean L. Huddleston</a> believes in the importance of incorporating diversity and inclusion initiatives into a university&#39;s goals and strategies as an essential component of a university. In this episode of On The Yard, we discuss the value of diversity, equity, and inclusion in HBCUs and how these institutions have their own level of diversity.

Activating Diversity and Equity on HBCU Campuses

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In this episode of On The Yard, we discuss the ways in which these historic institutions bring society full circle to confront the issues that are facing our communities. Dr. Harris believes that HBCUs are historically devoted to social justice and have a legacy of demonstrating what they can accomplish to improve society and the world. “HBCUs have been advocating for a whole sense of democracy, justice, freedom, and giving people full access to the things that make a human flourish,” said Dr. Harris.

Elevating the Legacy of Social Justice

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In the eyes of many HBCU leaders and champions, these historical institutions are the leading experts in educating first-generation, under-resourced, and Pell-eligible students. In this episode of On The Yard, we sit down with Lane College President Logan Hampton to explore how HBCUs provide many under-resourced yet brilliant and capable students with an opportunity to attend college and graduate.

Leveraging the Expertise of HBCUs

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The greatest challenge that Historically Black Colleges and Universities confront today is funding. However, Tougaloo College is worth the investment, according to Tougaloo College President Carmen Walters.In this episode of On The Yard, we discuss the value of strategic partnerships and donors in propelling HBCUs forward, as well as the role Tougaloo College plays in connecting the past to the present through these initiatives. Dr. Walters share how she developed a strategy that includes goals for improving the student learning experience and driving Tougaloo College forward through academic rigor and social justice.Watch on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1qObf9r97E" rel="nofollow">YouTube</a>Link to <a href="https://www.rwjonesagency.com/blog/on-the-yard/oty-the-significance-of-investing-in-hbcus" rel="nofollow">blog</a>

The Significance of Investing in HBCUs

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In this episode of On the Yard, we sit down with Southern University Vice President of External Affairs and University Relations Robyn Merrick, Ph.D. to discuss how HBCU campuses managed the pandemic while educating their communities and protecting students and faculty. We explore how HBCUs managed to make shifts rapidly and what the fall may look like for these historic institutions.

How HBCUs Battled the Pandemic

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It is no secret in certain circles that HBCUs don’t receive public funds at the same level as predominantly white institutions. But, what’s being done about it? Tennessee State Rep. Harold M. Love, Jr. is leading a legislative committee which found the state owed its only public HBCU between $150 million and $544 million. This is happening at a time when historically Black institutions in Maryland are rejoicing after settling a landmark case that determined the state discriminated against its four Black colleges. This issue is not just an issue for HBCUs in Tennessee or Maryland. Take a listen to find out what&#39;s happening in Tennessee, how the Maryland case presents a unique opportunity for HBCUs, and what leaders and advocates can do to help.

Addressing the Legacy of Underfunding HBCUs

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The power of networking and developing authentic relationships could be a key to success for HBCU leaders and advocates, according to Rust College President Ivy Taylor. In this episode of On the Yard, we explore the importance of collaboration and relationship building as a method to move HBCUs forward.

Collaboration and Partnerships at HBCUs

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What, exactly, IS frozen success? In this episode, On the Yard explores the phenomenon of &#39;frozen success&#39; detailing what it is, how it happens and what HBCU institutions can do to overcome it. In a conversation with St. Augustine&#39;s University Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Josiah J. Sampson and Stillman College of Business Dean Isaac McCoy, the pair explain how intentional storytelling and purposeful partnerships are key to bolstering and extending the relevance of these historic campuses.

Overcoming Frozen Success

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The episode explores the connection between the larger community and Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Through a conversation with <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/yaoaddae/" rel="nofollow">Isaac Y. Addae</a>, Assistant Professor of Business Administration at Tennessee State University (TSU), On the Yard showcases the extent to which these historic institutions must be supported by business, government, and community leaders.

The Importance of Community Partnerships

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This episode explores what historically Black and minority-serving institutions can expect from the Biden-Harris presidential administration. Through a conversation with Dr. Terrell Strayhorn, Director of Virginia Union&#39;s Center for the Study of HBCUs, On the Yard highlights the policy agenda established by President Joseph R. Biden.

HBCUs and the Biden-Harris Administration

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Dr. Brittany Mosby shares her insight on the trends happening across the HBCU landscape. Dr. Mosby is the director of HBCU Success for the Tennessee Higher Education Commission.

The Landscape

On the Yard takes a look at the culture and leadership trends happening across Historically Black Colleges and Universities nationwide.

On the Yard takes a look at the culture and leadership trends happening across Historically Black Colleges and Universities nationwide. Host Ashley Northington explores the unique issues faced by these institutions through a series of conversations with HBCU leaders and advocates. 

On the Yard is powered by the RW Jones Agency, the nation's only strategic communications and issues management firm focused on education. Since 1987, it has supported more than 100 colleges, universities and affiliated organizations in their strategic communications, media relations and issues management efforts.