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In a recent interview, the president of the American Association of Blacks in Higher Education (AABHE) sheds light on key strategies for enhancing the retention of Black faculty and staff, as well as other critical challenges facing the academic community.
Leah Jackson, HigherEdJobs: AABHE aims to amplify the voices of Black Americans in higher education. What pressing issues need to be addressed by the broader academic community?
Kimberly Smith, president of AABHE: There are several crucial issues to tackle, including access and affordability for underrepresented and underserved students, the recruitment and retention of diverse faculty and staff, rising student debt levels, declining enrollment numbers, decreased state funding, post-graduate preparation, and addressing the achievement gap affecting underrepresented populations.
Jackson: AABHE focuses on disseminating best practices for developing Black faculty and staff organizations on campuses. What gaps do you often observe at institutions? What is your top recommendation for nurturing this talent?
Smith: Many institutions fail to provide leadership development programs that adequately serve a diverse demographic. Effective leadership focuses on enhancing engagement among faculty and staff, establishing a talent pipeline, improving recruitment and retention, and clearly articulating the necessary skills to guide higher education institutions strategically. Often, existing programs overlook cultural differences that affect leadership development. This includes recognizing how various identities, such as race and gender, can influence professional advancement. AABHE addresses these gaps through initiatives like the Leadership Mentoring Institute (LMI) and the Rising Leaders Institute (RLI).
Jackson: During Black History Month, we celebrate the generations of Black Americans who have championed equal rights. What higher education achievements deserve recognition this month?
Smith: This month, we acknowledge the growing emphasis on fostering a sense of belonging among students at both Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Predominantly White Institutions (PWIs). We are also reimagining what constitutes student success and encouraging greater student engagement in High Impact Practices (HIPs).
Jackson: As AABHE’s president, what guidance do you have for other organizations striving for change and opportunity?
Smith: I encourage students and professionals to create and engage in communities where they feel valued and respected. This engagement requires intentionality and the support of mentors who have successfully navigated their careers. Individuals should work to foster their own agency—a sense of control over their professional and personal journeys.
Jackson: What does the future look like for Black professionals in higher education?
Smith: As discussions around diversity and equity continue to evolve in higher education, institutions must acknowledge the unique needs of their faculty, staff, and students to facilitate effective growth and development. Research indicates that retaining existing employees and students is more economical than investing heavily in recruitment.
Jackson: Can you share your role in higher education and with AABHE, and what inspired you on this path?
Smith: Currently, I hold the position of Associate Vice Provost for Student Success Initiatives at Virginia Tech. In this capacity, I lead university-wide efforts aimed at enhancing student learning, overseeing integrated programs and partnerships that form an educational pathway supporting young scholars from pre-college through graduate studies. I collaborate with a qualified team to help students improve their academic performance, acquire essential skills for professional success, and boost their self-confidence.
Additionally, I serve as the current president of AABHE, a continuation of the Black Caucus from the former American Association of Higher Education (AAHE). AABHE has a rich tradition of advocating for Black Americans in academia on both national and international fronts, having initiated the Summit for Blacks in Higher Education.
Throughout its history, AABHE has engaged in numerous efforts, focusing on the pipeline for Black faculty and staff and bringing relevant issues to light within the larger academic community while also celebrating Black achievements in education.
As the voice for Black Americans in higher education, AABHE remains committed to its mission. Though it has evolved from its origins with the AAHE Black Caucus, its commitment to advocacy and support remains steadfast. AABHE comprises individual and institutional memberships, backed by colleges, universities, and supporting corporations across the nation.
Beyond AABHE, I am also a Board Member for the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA) and serve as a faculty member for NACADA’s Consultant and Speakers Bureau. These roles provide opportunities to contribute to the Excellence in Academic Advising (EAA) collaborative between NACADA and the Gardner Institute, aimed at enhancing student learning, success, and degree completion through a comprehensive assessment process that promotes excellence in academic advising.
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