The HBCU Executive Leadership Institute (HBCU ELI) at Clark Atlanta University announced its 2026 Community of Fellows, a selective cohort of leaders preparing to serve as the next generation of presidents and senior executives across Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), MSIs, and PBIs. Now in its sixth year, more than 40 executive leaders from higher education, business, technology, and non-profit organizations will participate.
To view a full list of the 2026 HBCU ELI Community of Fellows, click HERE.
Fellows are chosen through a highly competitive, multi-step review designed to identify leaders with demonstrated institutional impact, executive readiness, and a clear commitment to the mission of HBCUs. HBCU ELI’s competency-based model is designed to select Fellows annually through a rigorous process, with eligibility requirements that include a minimum of 10 years of experience in higher education or a related field, as well as at least three years in dean-level or equivalent leadership roles.
“In this moment, our institutions need leaders who can steward heritage and accelerate innovation at the same time,” said Clark Atlanta University President George T. French, Jr., Ph.D. “The 2026 Community of Fellows is prepared to meet the charge of building the next generation of HBCU leaders—and strengthening communities that rely on HBCUs as engines of opportunity for all.”
Executive leadership programs such as HBCU ELI are increasingly essential as new and aspiring presidents face a widening set of challenges—from financial and operational pressures to campus governance, faculty issues, free speech, and student mental health.
A competency-driven curriculum built for real-world HBCU executive leadership
The 2026 cohort will participate in a structured learning experience centered on HBCU ELI’s 13 core competencies—six core leadership competencies and seven HBCU-specific executive competencies.
Core leadership competencies:
Cultivating Relationships & Networks
Communicating with Influence
Emotional Intelligence Skills
Models for Excellence
Making Sound Decisions
Strategic Planning
HBCU-specific executive competencies:
Navigating Board Governance
Building High-Performing Teams and Pipeline
Funding the Future
Leads Finance and Operations Stability
Delivering Academic Excellence
Leading Through Uncertainty and Crisis
Educating for Racial and Social Justice
“Our Fellows are immersed in a competency-driven experience that prioritizes executive judgment, strategic clarity, and mission-aligned leadership,” said Dr. Phyllis Worthy-Dawkins, Executive Director of HBCU ELI and 18th President of Bennett College. “This cohort brings the talent and the discipline to lead through complexity—while keeping students, outcomes, and institutional sustainability at the center.”
“We welcome the sixth cohort of executive leaders to the Community of Fellows Program with pride. The new cohort of Fellows includes several HBCU alumni and employees, which is also exciting,” said Dr. Cheryl Davenport Dozier, Program Coordinator for the HBCU Community of Fellows and President Emeritus of Savannah State University. “This will be another year of intentionality and purpose as we continue to prepare future higher education executive leaders.”
Program structure and 2026 launch milestones
The 2026 Community of Fellows launches with a virtual orientation on January 3, 2026, followed by additional bi-monthly competency-based seminars through April 2026. The in-person residency will be hosted on the campus of Clark Atlanta University from June 10–12, 2026, and will continue with applied leadership work. The culminating Virtual Celebration of Leadership will take place on November 20, 2026. Other HBCU ELI initiatives include the Willa B. Player Women’s Program and the New Presidents Program. Learn more at hbcueli.com.
About HBCU ELI at Clark Atlanta University
The HBCU Executive Leadership Institute at Clark Atlanta University (HBCU ELI) is a groundbreaking incubator for recruiting and developing the future presidents of America’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities. ELI equips high-potential leaders with tools and strategies that support the education and business goals of more than 100 HBCUs. Through ELI, the ability of HBCUs to survive and thrive is improved. In addition to granting thousands of degrees each year, HBCUs boast illustrious alumni like Martin Luther King, Jr., Oprah Winfrey, and Vice President Kamala Harris, among others. Visit hbcueli.com for more information and join the conversation on social media @hbcueli; #hbcueli.
