Stable Leadership: The Foundation of HBCU Success explores one of the most urgent and underexamined challenges facing Historically Black Colleges and Universities today: presidential turnover. While HBCUs continue to serve as pillars of access, opportunity, and cultural legacy, many are navigating persistent instability in executive leadership—disrupting long-term strategy, fundraising, stakeholder trust, and institutional momentum.

Drawing on internal UNCF analysis and insights from veteran HBCU presidents, this report examines why sustained leadership is not simply a governance issue, but a strategic necessity for institutional resilience and growth. It highlights the structural factors contributing to short tenures and outlines a path forward centered on stronger presidential searches, improved onboarding and mentorship, more effective board governance, and deeper sector-specific research.

Read more to explore the full findings, data, and recommendations shaping the future of HBCU leadership.