FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Communications@wileyc.edu
THE HIGHER EDUCATION LEADERSHIP FOUNDATION AND WILEY UNIVERSITY
PARTNER TO IMPACT HBCUS
Marshall, TX - Wiley University is pleased to announce that the Higher Education Leadership Foundation (H.E.L.F.), as part of its integration of academic life at Wiley University, will host the 2023 Leadership Institute on campus from December 7-10, 2023. The Institute will welcome over 40 mid/senior level administrators and 17 Historically Black Colleges & University (HBCU) presidents from across the nation to Marshall, TX.
H.E.L.F. was founded in March 2015 by Wiley University’s President & CEO Herman J. Felton, Jr., along with Elfred A. Pinkard (Retired President, Wilberforce University) and Melva Wallace Thomas (President & CEO, Huston Tillotson University). The program offers individuals committed to the thrivability of Historically Black Colleges and Universities opportunities to develop their leadership skills through sponsorship, institutes, executive coaching, and communities of practice.
To date, the H.E.L.F. impact includes 400 plus Alumni Fellows who have served at 70+ HBCUs and hosted 16 cohorts over the past eight years. Additionally, 12% of participants have become senior administrators, with a total of 11 of the fellows rising to the level of chief executive officer of HBCUs and a community college leader. The integration of H.E.L.F. at Wiley University, offers the opportunity for the institution to regularly engage with individuals who are invested in the growth and strength of HBCUs.
“Positioning H.E.L.F. at Wiley University is an intentional action that offers a physical laboratory for practitioners to engage in philosophical and practical thought, policymaking, and practice. We imagine the collaboration will center Wiley University as a home for participants, and our new graduate program in higher education administration will provide incredible synergy for those interested in the longevity of HBCUs.” - President & CEO Herman J. Felton, Jr.
In addition to the 2023 Fall Leadership Institute next week, H.E.L.F. will be an integrated experience within the new Higher Education Administration graduate program at Wiley University, which begins January 8, 2024. The Higher Education Administration Program participants will have access to practitioners who have demonstrated their commitment to the sustainability and future of HBCUs. H.E.L.F. and Wiley University collaboration is designed to strengthen the leadership pipeline for HBCUs. The Higher Education Leadership Foundation reviewed potential sites for its permanent academic home. Wiley University was chosen for its strong history of producing leaders. “The academic community at Wiley University embraces H.E.L.F. and looks forward to the opportunity to explore and implement high-impact practices for leadership at HBCUs. This is an exciting time for HBCUs, as Wiley, an established powerhouse, partners with H.E.L.F., a trailblazer in leadership development, come together to contribute to the well-being of HBCUs.” - Dr. JoAnn Scales, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Strategic Retention
For more information about the Higher Education Leadership Foundation or Wiley University, please inquire at communications@wileyc.edu.
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About Wiley University:
Wiley University, formerly known as Wiley College, is a premier liberal arts institution affiliated with the United Methodist Church, with an intentional focus on social good and leadership.
