America’s HBCUs: A Deep Well of Potential

The Future Of HBCUs: Q&A With Mark Reimonenq

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) represent only 3 percent of colleges in the U.S., yet produce roughly 20 percent of Black graduates, signaling the important role they play in educating and career pathing the lives of so many aspiring young Black professionals. In this Q&A, Mark Reimonenq, a Kaplan veteran of nearly two decades and former director of the company’s university partnerships, draws upon his years of experience working with many leading HBCUs to discuss their promises and challenges and heightened relevance in a post-affirmative action world.

What are the most important things that the general public should know about HBCUs but don’t?

Historically Black Colleges and Universities are vital institutions that have played pivotal roles in advancing education and breaking down racial barriers in the U.S. Established during the Jim Crow era, HBCUs have been key in providing Black students with access to higher education and social and professional advancement. Think about the “H" in HBCUs. This is true with every HBCU I've been to. They all have a story about the impact they’ve made, especially during the Civil Rights Movement. They have all produced their heroes. This also happened during the two decades immediately following the Civil War. Each school’s rich history inspires deep thinking whenever I’m on campus.

Beyond their historical significance, these schools consistently produce accomplished professionals, leaders, and influencers across diverse fields. For instance, Xavier University of Louisiana, which Kaplan has been proudly partnering with for many years, produces more Black students who graduate from medical schools each year than any other university in the United States. But despite their integral role in shaping American society, HBCUs often face financial challenges and receive less attention compared to other institutions. Recognizing the critical role HBCUs play in developing future talent is crucial for promoting diversity, equity, and the continued advancement of education and social progress.

Over the past few years, we’ve seen companies including Google, Amazon, IBM, Northrop Grumman, Novartis, NBCUniversal, and the airlines United, Delta, and Southwest, among others, establish formal partnerships with HBCUs. What can you tell us about this trend? Why is it happening?

I speak with employers regularly, and I’ve been hearing, among other things, a desire to bring in a more diverse and well-educated workforce. And that’s good news for HBCUs who check the boxes on both of those employee qualities. There’s no question that the murder of George Floyd in 2020 drove deep introspection and reflection about diversity and equity in the U.S., which resulted in many of the nation’s largest employers coming to recognize the need to be more intentional about cultivating diverse talent in the workforce. HBCUs saw a significant spike in interest from employers who saw an opportunity to recruit individuals with varied perspectives, backgrounds, and skills.

What I find exciting is the recent willingness of employers to invest in meaningful partnerships focused on talent development. We’ve seen increased interest in internship programs, for example, which help prepare students for professional roles and create a pipeline of skilled and diverse talent. Kaplan is proud to have launched such a program earlier this year with several HBCUs, and we’re pleased with the results we’re seeing.

It’s important to remember that 90% of African American undergraduates attend schools that are not HBCUs and they certainly deserve support as well, but there is undeniable value in concentrating resources in institutions with a stated mission of educating Black students.

What do you see as the future for HBCUs now that race-conscious admissions policies have been banned by the U.S. Supreme Court?

The Supreme Court striking down affirmative action was nothing less than a thunderbolt for the higher education landscape. And HBCUs may feel the most impact, with many school leaders anticipating a surge in applications for the upcoming admissions cycle. Many Black students understandably concerned about declining diversity in higher ed in a post-affirmative action world may turn to HBCUs, where this value is part of these institutions’ DNA. That said, while the Supreme Court ruling may contribute to increased interest in HBCUs, these institutions were and are already focused on growth. Notably, The HBCU Transformation Project aims to increase enrollment by 25%.

One major unknown will be how and how many HBCUs will be able to increase the number of seats they have. Some are struggling with how much more selective they may have to become in order to accommodate an influx of interest. Much of this will be dependent on financial resources, which for many HBCUs remains a challenge. But keep in mind that many HBCUs are already highly selective and nobody should view these as “back-ups.” This is a topic of conversation that’s happening at the highest levels among HBCU administrators and we should know more over the next academic year.

That said, we’re already seeing innovative solutions among HBCUs. Xavier University of Louisiana and Morgan State are both opening up their own medical schools. And the Morehouse School of Medicine is opening satellite campuses across the country. It’s an exciting time for these schools and their students.

Build Your Future With Kaplan

Whether you're an HBCU administrator or a student still figuring out your college plan, Kaplan has resources for every stage of your education journey. Learn more about how Kaplan can help you succeed today.