Fostering Equitable Partnerships between Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Predominantly White Institutions - Developing strong relationships to ensure long-term success.
1:45 PM - 2:45 PM PT
Speaker(s): Tracy Krauchun, Director of Foundation Relations, Virginia Tech, Lorelle Espinosa, Program Director, Sloan Foundation, Pamela Leigh-Mack, Professor, Computer Engineering, Virginia State University, Wayne Scales, J. Byron Maupin Professor of Engineering, Virginia Tech, Tremayne Waller, Director, Graduate Student Programs, Virginia Tech
Elective Session
Predominantly White Institutions (PWIs) have not prioritized developing equitable and effective long-lasting partnerships with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), instead “partnering” when convenient and seeing HBCUs primarily as providing access to underrepresented students. Taking a holistic approach by involving faculty, staff, and students at both institutions, as well as corporate and foundation partners, Virginia Tech and Virginia State University are laying the groundwork for a truly equitable partnership designed to improve resources at the HBCU, form peer-level partnerships, increase opportunity for underrepresented students, and increase diversity in the workforce.