Men struggling to finish at black colleges

Clark, you make some good points. But that is the case on all campuses. It was no different for me back in the 60's. Indication are, however, that the decline at HBCUs is greater than other schools -- where many claim that they arejust a number. Where is the caring and nurturing role that HBCUs claim as their strength?

Your analysis fits any college student leaving home for the first time. Are there any viewers who are on HBCU campuses today? What are your experiences? What are the colleges doing to strengthen their profiles?

This type of news turns prospective students away. At one time our HBCUs attracted our best and brightest. Where is the value proposition for our best?

Clark,
You raise an interesting question about the comparisons. The answers would be revealing. Here is an excerpt from the AP article:
UNCF, the United Negro College Fund, which represents 39 private HBCUs, said on its Web site the "average graduation rate at HBCU(s) is higher than the average graduation rate for African-Americans at majority institutions" — a claim that is contradicted, both for HBCUs and UNCF members, by the AP's findings.

After inquiries from the AP, the organization removed that statement.

This suggests that things are worse at UNCF schools.

I agree that the problem seems to rest squarely on the HBCUs. The article highlights some of the actions being taken at Philander Smith College, as an example of new strategies. There is tremendous value on these campuses. Our heritage in this country, our striving and achieving is captured in ways on these campuses that can never be duplicated elsewhere. There is more work to be done to reverse this trend.

Earl,

I didn't want o be the first one to ask. When my children went off to school, that was my challnge to them. No fith year seniors. Work hard, stay focused, and finish on time. In fact, I refused to allow my son to have a car on campus. I promised him that I would give him my car if he finished on time. One of the proudest moments in my life as a father was turning over the keys to my car when he marched across that graduation stage -- on time! At the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. This was not an HBCU school, but the principle remains.

We accepted the challenge because the Registrar at Chapel Hill cautioned us that Black students should take a reduced load to help them to perform better. They were recommending that we plan for our childfrn to graduate in five years! I was insulted, and challenged my son to help prove them wrong. It may have been the most stressful and difficult thing he ever did in his life. But he made us all proud.

Thanks for asking.

Roger

Corey, thanks for your feedback. I hope a couple of old guys who have been ther and done that will encourage your to rise to your fullest potential.