Date of Conferral

6-19-2025

Degree

Doctor of Business Administration (D.B.A.)

School

Business Administration

Advisor

Warren Lesser

Abstract

In the United States, private Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) have been declining in enrollment, revenues, and profitability, and many have closed permanently. The problem, which is important to HBCU leaders, is the lack effective strategies for sustainability. Grounded in the transformational leadership theory as the conceptual framework, the purpose of this pragmatic inquiry research project was to explore the successful strategies some successful HBCU leaders have used to increase enrollment and maintain profitability for sustainability. Data were collected through personal interviews and publicly available documents or documents provided by participants. Yin’s 5-step process was used for data analysis, which confirmed data saturation and revealed five, practicable strategic themes. The themes were: (a) Start with an experienced, competent team, (b) Conduct an objective needs assessment, (c) Develop an achievable business plan, (d) Embark on a proactive, continuous quality improvement journey and involve stakeholders at all levels of the organization, and (e) Develop relationships with key community members and other partners to enhance enlistment and retention of students. A key recommendation is that a transformational leader must be in charge of the HBCU renewal/sustainment process. The findings in this study may contribute to social change by showing how HBCU leaders can improve HBCU survivability to serve the higher educational needs of students and quality of life for citizens of underrepresented communities.

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