Confessions of a Black Academic

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Retired university president Alvin J. Schexnider reflects on his career and the challenges of race, spending half his time at predominantly white institutions. He navigated complex policies and practices, influenced by his youth experiences, including segregation, a local execution of a Black man, lynching, and civil rights opposition. His commitment deepened during his tenure at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Schexnider offers insight into the evolution of his career from the early days of affirmative action to today’s focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion. He highlights the ongoing impact of race on recruiting, promoting, and retaining Black faculty, contrasting affirmative action with diversity initiatives, noting that current trends often favor ethnic groups other than Blacks in higher education. The book concludes with a discussion on the future of HBCUs, which are currently receiving significant attention but face challenges that may threaten their sustainability. Schexnider identifies both obstacles and opportunities for HBCUs and proposes strategies to secure their future. His experiences and observations provide a critical perspective on the intersection of race and education in America.