| Scope and method of study. The purpose of this study was to collect and analyze the perceptions of members of selected historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) about the most important roles of HBCU presidents and the most valuable qualifications for aspiring presidents of HBCUs.;Findings and conclusions. Participants at public and private HBCUs felt that articulating a vision, assembling an administrative team, providing leadership during crises, planning for future directions, managing resources, providing a sense of unity, shaping and reshaping goals, and providing an environment for leadership development were the most important roles of HBCU presidents. For aspiring presidents of HBCUs, business, English/language arts, social sciences, psychology, law, and education were thought to provide the most valuable academic preparation; experiences as a professor, department chair, academic dean, academic vice president, president, and ACE fellow were considered most valuable; and good interpersonal skills, effective communication skills, political astuteness, a high energy level, a future focus, and effective management skills were considered the most valuable personal qualities.;Findings also revealed that the importance or value attributed to presidential roles and qualifications differed by type of institution.;The sample consisted of twelve persons, three from each of two public and two private HBCUs. Each institution was represented by its president, academic vice president, and a senior faculty member. Data were collected from structured interviews at each institution. |
