Howard University is launching a new program that is the first doctoral program of its kind in the country. The program will offer a Ph.D. in Higher Education Leadership and Policy Studies (HELPS). The goal of the program is to prepare students to serve as the staffing, administration and management positions at minority-serving Institutions.  The program gives students an opportunity to learn about not only the obstacles that these schools face, but also about the rich history of the schools. The program, which has a research heavy base, is four years and includes the opportunity for students to take courses in the evening. Dr. Robert T. Palmer is the brains behind the programs as he serves as its program coordinator.

“This program really fills a niche,” Palmer said. “We really want to admit people who have a passion for research.” Palmer has worked to create partnerships with American Council on Education, Excelencia in Education, United Negro College Fund and The Education Trust. Howard, along with these partners, will provide the students with graduate assistantships. Coursework will center around the responsibilities that come along with college and university presidency, fundraising in higher education, board and community relations, accreditation, contemporary issues in higher education and ethics in decision-making.

So far they have received endorsements from the U.S Department of Education, The United Negro College Fund, the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities,  the American Council on Education, American Public-Land Grant Universities, National Association for Equity Opportunity in Higher Education and Excelencia. This program sounds promising and is sure to create advocates and change agents for minority serving institutions.


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