What Works at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)

Abstract

What Works at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs): Nine Strategies of Increasing Retention and Graduation Ratesby Dr. Tiffany Mfumeintroduces the historical significance of HBCUs, the challenges faced by the institutions in retaining students, maintaining (or increasing) graduation rates, and spotlights Morgan State University’sbest strategies for improved outcomes. The book is a culmination of nearly 15 years of hands-on research, testing theories,and various strategies to improve student retention outcomes. The text is organized into 10 chapters beginning with understanding the historical significance of HBCUs and their role in educating minority and underserved students to Chapter 6: “StrategicInitiatives: Programs Designed Specifically to ‘Move the Data’,” through Chapter 10’s “The HBCU Success Recipe.”The text also provides in its appendices a list of accredited HBCUs and notable Morgan State University alumni. A major focus of the text is identifying resources that helped to improve retention over time.Among those are digital learning technologies like Blackboard and Campus Labs.Mfume credits attending highereducation conferences with allowing her to network and learn about valuable resources that could be used to positively influence retention outcomes.Chapter 3, “Data Mining: Who Are Your Students, and What Do They Need?” is a bright aspect of the book in that it examines the makeup of the student body.Mfume (2016) notes that Morgan State University educates 70% first-generation college students.This chapter reveals that the higher the Pell Grant rate, the lower the retention rate, and vice versa.She points out the devastating impact of the 2008–2012 economic crisis as