Welcome to the 2025 HBCU Summit!

We’re thrilled to have you with us for this year’s HBCU Summit. Check-in and continental breakfast will be available on the 5th floor outside the Taubman Center.
We look forward to a powerful day of learning and meaningful connections.

Join us as we kick off day two of the 2025 HBCU Summit with a warm welcome and opening remarks from Building Bridges Education and Harvard University.

Participants should select 1 of the 3 workshops to attend. Capacity is limited to 45 participants per workshop.

Workshop Session I: Beyond the Executive Order: Securing the Future of HBCUs
Today’s Revolution, Tomorrow’s Future highlights the ongoing struggle for diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) in federal policy and its profound impact on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). As national priorities shift, the fight for equitable education continues, shaping opportunities for underrepresented communities. President Donald Trump’s Executive Order 14151 marks a significant policy reversal, dismantling DEIA initiatives established under previous administrations. This shift jeopardizes critical funding, research grants, and institutional support that have long enabled HBCUs to expand educational access for marginalized students. This presentation examines the historical influence of executive orders on DEIA policies, the far-reaching implications of recent changes, and strategic measures HBCUs can adopt to sustain their missions. By strengthening private partnerships, engaging policymakers, and expanding alumni advocacy, HBCUs can counteract federal rollbacks. Ultimately, this presentation underscores the resilience of these institutions in safeguarding an inclusive educational future amidst evolving political landscapes.

Presenters:
Dr. Claude Hutto, Dean and Assistant Vice Provost, Morehouse College,
Dr. Robert R. Jennings, former President of Alabama A&M University and Lincoln University of Pennsylvania 
Room: Allison Room, Taubman Building, 5th Fl 

Workshop Session II: Am I our brother's keeper? Yes, I am! Strategies to engage male learners.
There is a myriad of bad news percolating in the larger society about the perceived academic struggles of young men of color. However, rarely is the proper question asked. What do these young men need in order to feel included and prepared to excel? During this workshop, Dr. Chris Vick will lead participants on a quest for answers. How can you put in place systems, structures, and supports that will make it impossible for your Black and Latino male students to fail? Participants will leave this workshop with new skills and dispositions, all of which will lead to the increased achievement of the young men of color you are privileged to serve.

Presenter:
Dr. Christopher Vick, Associate Director of the Sherman STEM Teachers Scholars Program and founder of A2Z College Consulting
Room: NYE A, B, C Taubman Building, 5th Fl

Workshop Session III: The HBCU Advantage: Empowering Counselors and Community Organizations to Guide Students
A resurgence of interest in the nation’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities has resulted in more high school counselors seeking information about how best to expose their school communities to HBCUs. HBCUs, like other  institutional types, have their own set of distinct benefits, features, and challenges. While there are many common aspects to navigating HBCUs in the college search landscape, it is a misstep to believe that HBCUs are a monolith. This session aims to introduce attendees to the various institutional types under the HBCU umbrella, guidance on how to organically integrate HBCUs in your college counseling philosophy, provide an understanding of how systemic factors have empowered HBCUs to "do more, with less", and shed light on how the same systemic inequities have acted as barriers to HBCU exposure in the college counseling office and beyond.

Presenters:
Chelsea Holley, Director of Admissions, Spelman College
Dominique Harrison, Director of Admissions, North Carolina A&T State University
Room: Room: Wex 434 AB, 4th Fl

Participants should select 1 of the 3 workshops to attend. Capacity is limited to 45 participants per workshop.

Workshop Session I: Bridges, Not Gaps: Building Collaborative Partnerships Between High Schools and Universities
This workshop invites high school and college educators to reimagine what’s possible when institutions work together (rather than in isolation) to enrich student learning. Focusing on collaboration, participants will explore how shared curriculum development, mentorship programs, campus engagement, and sustained partnerships can expand academic and cultural opportunities for students. This session offers practical strategies to begin designing bold, student-centered initiatives that bridge institutional divides and build stronger, more inclusive academic spaces.

Presenter:
Ms. Sheggai Tamerat, Educator
Room: Allison Room, Taubman Building, 5th Fl 

Workshop Session II: Level Up: Eliminating Student Success Barriers through Support and Advocacy
Today’s students are navigating college like a high-stakes game—and they need the right “power-ups” to succeed. This session equips higher education professionals with practical, research-informed strategies to enhance student engagement, improve academic outcomes, and promote holistic success. Using a proven framework, we’ll explore actionable approaches to coaching, resource awareness, proactive advising, and classroom support. Participants will walk away with tools to help students build resilience, use campus systems more effectively, and stay on track toward graduation. Whether you work in advising, academic support, or student affairs, this session offers fresh, relatable tactics to “level up” your impact.

Presenter:
Dr. Dawn Nail, Executive Director, Center for Academic Excellence, North Carolina A&T State University
Room: NYE A, B, C Taubman Building, 5th Fl

Workshop Session III: Beyond the Classroom: Innovating Student Support Services at HBCUs
As HBCUs continue to serve as vital institutions for fostering academic achievement, cultural identity, and social mobility, the need for innovative student support services is more important than ever. This interactive session explores forward-thinking strategies for student success that extend beyond the traditional classroom. From mental health and wellness programs to financial literacy, career readiness, and culturally responsive advising, HBCUs are reimagining holistic support systems that reflect the unique needs of their students. Participants will hear from educators, administrators, and student affairs leaders spearheading transformative initiatives across campuses. The session will showcase proven strategies, scalable models, and data-informed practices that boost retention, enrich student experiences, and help students thrive academically and personally. Attendees will also engage in collaborative discussions to develop new ideas and explore cross-campus partnerships. In a rapidly evolving educational landscape, this session offers a chance to examine how HBCUs are leading the way in comprehensive student care. Learn how to harness technology, strengthen community ties, and implement innovative approaches tailored to diverse student populations. Walk away with practical tools and insights to enhance support services within your own institution.

Presenter:
Destinee Kerr, Director of Digital Engagement and Community Relations Office: Office of International Students and Joint Programs, Xavier University of Louisiana
Room: Room: Wex 434 AB, 4th Fl

Join us for a special Networking Lunch featuring words from our Boston City Councilor Brian Worrell, community activist, and champion for our communities. This gathering is an opportunity to connect with fellow attendees, build meaningful relationships, and hear from a leader who continues to uplift and advocate for equity, opportunity, and progress in our city.

Participants should select 1 of the 3 workshops to attend. Capacity is limited to 45 participants per workshop.

Workshop Session I: Resilient by Design: How HBCUs Lead Through Federal Change and Inspire Inclusive Excellence
In today's evolving educational landscape, HBCUs continue to stand as pillars of academic excellence and social progress. This panel will explore how HBCUs are navigating the shifting terrain of DEI policies, turning challenges into opportunities for growth and innovation. Panelists will share insights on sustaining inclusive practices, fostering community engagement, and leveraging partnerships to enhance student success. Join us for an inspiring discussion on the enduring commitment of HBCUs to equity, inclusion, and transformative education.​

Panelists:
Hugh Durham, Executive Director of Admissions, Howard University
George "Chip" Greenidge, Founding Executive Director of Greatest MINDS
Cedric E. Walker, Associate Director of Recruitment, Tuskegee University 
Room:Allison Room, Taubman Building, 5th Fl

Workshop Session II: Becoming While Doing: Identity-Driven Development for Aspiring Black Male Teachers Through Early Teaching Experiences

Black male college students exploring teaching often do so while still shaping their professional identity. Early classroom experiences—when paired with mentorship, community, and affirmation—can be pivotal in building the confidence, clarity, and commitment needed to thrive in education. In this session, we will explore how community-based partnerships create structured opportunities for Black male undergraduates to become teachers while doing the work of teaching. Join us to reimagine how colleges can walk alongside Black male students as they grow into the educators they are becoming. Promote meaningful summer teaching opportunities on your campus—and ensure your students receive the structured support they need to thrive through and beyond the experience.

Presenter:
Robert J. Hendricks III is the Founder & CEO of He is Me Institute
Room: NYE A, B, C Taubman Building, 5th Fl

Workshop Session III: Right Action, Real Impact: Sustaining Yourself While Showing Up for Students
Historically Black Colleges and Universities have long been catalysts for excellence, resilience, and social transformation—modeling what it means to cultivate brilliance even in the face of systemic challenges. Today, as educators confront federal policy rollbacks and intensifying political pressures, the legacy of HBCUs reminds us that excellence is not just an outcome, but a practice rooted in community, care, and aligned action. This workshop invites educators to embody that legacy by grounding themselves in right action—action that is purposeful, sustainable, and centered on both student success and personal well-being. Through the lens of self-care as a leadership skill, we’ll explore how wellness is integral— not optional—to sustaining the energy, clarity, and courage needed to show up fully for students and communities. Participants will leave with tangible tools for navigating distressing news cycles and ongoing challenges while staying aligned with the enduring mission of HBCUs: to nurture brilliance, belonging, and justice.

Presenter:
Ashley Mitchell, Co-Founder of The Courage Campaign
Room: Wex 434 AB, 4th Fl

Dr. Bettina Love—award-winning author, scholar, and co-founder of the Abolitionist Teaching Network—will draw from her acclaimed New York Times bestseller Punished for Dreaming to examine four decades of failed educational reform and its lasting harm on Black students and communities. Dr. Love will underscore the far-reaching consequences of these reforms, from entrenched systemic inequalities to the diminished futures they impose on marginalized students. Dr. Love will lay out a reparative path forward, stressing that true transformation must center on the needs of all children, especially those most affected by historical injustices. Advocating for reparations, she presents a comprehensive roadmap for healing and systemic change, emphasizing that meaningful reform can only occur by addressing the root causes of inequity in education.

As we convene for the HBCU Summit, Dr. Love’s message will serve as both a wake-up call and a call to action—reminding us that centering equity, justice, and the lived experiences of Black learners is not optional, but essential for true educational transformation.

Special Guest: Dr. Bettina Love

Closing Reflections by Building Bridges Education
As we close out the 2025 HBCU Summit, Building Bridges Education will offer final reflections to uplift the powerful insights, bold ideas, and shared commitments that emerged throughout our time together. This closing moment will honor the legacy of HBCUs, the strength of our community, and the collective resolve to advance educational justice. Join us as we look ahead with purpose, unity, and renewed inspiration.