Brief Context and History from Maddie:

On November 18-21, the HBCU Summit will be held in Orlando, FL as a component of Online Learning Consortium (OLC) Accelerate 2024. When I (Maddie) was told that I’d be taking on the coordinator role for the Summit this year, I sought a bit of history of the Summit and its role in OLC’s community. Of OLC leadership, I asked: “What and who do we (the OLC) think the HBCU Summit is for? What and for whom does the HBCU community think the Summit is for?” In other words, I wanted to understand the what, the who, and the how, so that I could assess the ways in which the HBCU Summit does (and does not) serve the HBCU community. 

I learned that from the onset of the HBCU Summit, the program has been designed by and for members of the HBCU Community, with colleagues like Dr. Cristi Ford, Dr. Robbie Melton, and Dr. Gerry Hanley having strong leadership over its development throughout the years. I knew even before I agreed to take on the coordinator role, that the tradition of working directly with and being led by colleagues from HBCUs was one that needed to be carried forward if the Summit were to successfully serve the HBCU community. I mean, I am a white woman who went to predominantly white institutions, working for a global non-profit, who’s never been on an HBCU campus…truly, what business do I have leading the development of an HBCU Summit?

I decided early on that I would not lead the Summit this year…that would not be my role. I’d coordinate. I’d help facilitate. I’d support and organize logistics and help secure funding if needed, and serve as a liaison between the real leaders of the HBCU Summit and the OLC, as OLC’s official representative. I would play a part in it, but I would not be the face of it, because…simply put…I do not and perhaps never will understand the time-honored traditions, the legacies, the experience, and the nuances of HBCUs, and therefore I also can’t understand the unique challenges, needs, and opportunities HBCUs face today. But I can support the development and facilitation of space for those to be explored and discussed by and for the HBCU community. 

With that, I’d like to introduce you to this year’s HBCU Summit Co-Chairs, Dr. Dionne Thorne (Morgan State University) and Dr. Yan Xu (Spelman College). Together, we’ve dedicated space for you to hear their stories of what the HBCU Summit means to them in order to give you insight into the development of the sessions and overall program for this year’s Summit. 

Dionne’s Story: 

As an African American instructional designer in higher education, I believe attending the OLC HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) summit holds profound significance. This annual gathering isn’t just a professional event; it’s a vital affirmation of identity, purpose, and community within the educational landscape.

One of the most compelling reasons I attended the HBCU summit previously was the opportunity to share experiences. At the summit, however, I connected with peers who navigate similar paths and understand the nuances of our professional journey. Whether discussing strategies for preparing faculty for online course design and facilitation or addressing institutional barriers, these shared experiences foster a deep sense of connection and empowerment.

Camaraderie is another invaluable aspect of attending the HBCU summit. Being surrounded by colleagues who share my passion for quality education and instructional excellence is incredibly affirming. The bonds formed at the summit extend beyond professional networking; they become sources of mentorship, collaboration, and friendships.

Perhaps most importantly, the summit reminds me that I am not alone in my experiences. It reaffirms the importance of representation and amplifies voices often marginalized in mainstream educational discourse. Knowing that there is a collective commitment to advancing educational equity and excellence within the HBCU community inspires me to strive for positive change within my institution and beyond.

In conclusion, attending the HBCU summit isn’t just about professional development; it’s about embracing a legacy of resilience, excellence, and community. It’s about celebrating our shared heritage and leveraging our collective strength to create transformative educational experiences. For me, the summit is a beacon of empowerment and a testament to the enduring impact of African American leadership in higher education, both personally and professionally.

Yan’s Story:

As the Program Director at eSpelman and the Online Undergraduate Program Director at Spelman College, I am excited to attend the HBCU Summit. This Summit is a vital opportunity for all HBCU online education administrators and practitioners to come together, sharing our experiences and insights to enhance the educational landscape for HBCUs. 

My participation stems from a deep commitment to fostering collaboration and innovation that empowers our institutions and communities. At eSpelman – Spelman College’s new online learning enterprise launched in 2021, we have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of online learning. The challenges we’ve faced in developing our online programs have provided us with valuable lessons that I believe can benefit others. 

The first session, “Initiating and Navigating HBCU Online Learning Programs,” resonates with my experience in addressing the diverse needs of our undergraduate students and working adult learners while adapting to the rapidly changing educational environment. Sharing our case studies and engaging in meaningful dialogue with fellow HBCU educators will allow us to collectively reflect on our journeys, acknowledge our successes, and learn from our setbacks.

Moreover, the second session on “Advancing Culturally Relevant AI Futures” is particularly relevant as we explore how to integrate artificial intelligence into our teaching and learning practices. As HBCUs, we must harness the potential of AI while remaining true to our mission of equity and inclusion. I am eager to hear from esteemed community members who have successfully navigated these waters and to discuss strategies that can enhance our curricular innovations. This exchange of ideas will be invaluable as we seek to implement AI solutions that resonate with our students’ cultural contexts.

The Community Forum and Networking Event is another highlight for me. It will provide a platform to connect with other innovators and visionaries within the HBCU community. By engaging in discussions about our collective challenges and aspirations, we can shape a strategic direction that supports our work beyond the Summit. Building strong networks is crucial as we navigate the future of online education, and I look forward to fostering these connections that can lead to impactful partnerships.

Attending the HBCU Summit is more than just an opportunity for professional development; it is a chance to contribute to a larger movement aimed at enhancing educational opportunities for underrepresented communities. I look forward to meeting and exchanging ideas with online education practitioners and administrators from other HBCUs (and non-HBCUs) institutions. 

Our Invitation to You: 

We’d make the case that programming can and should be personal because our work in online learning and education more broadly is personal. If you are in a position to serve others (especially if you oversee programming meant to do so), we encourage you to reflect on your role and work to make sure you are centering the community you are serving. Afford yourself the time and space to learn from that community’s leadership and guidance, and be open to listening and adapting.

If you’re a member of the HBCU community (or an advocate) looking to join with others in dialogue around HBCUs online, as well as help set the focus and direction for HBCU-related programming and offerings into the future, consider joining us at the HBCU Summit this year. There, you will find programming anchored in personal experiences which celebrate what makes HBCUs such unique and special spaces to learn, work, and be in community.