HBCU Governance Initiative Receives $1.3M Lumina Foundation Grant

Event summary

  • TM² Executive Search, a subsidiary of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF), received a $1.3 million grant from Lumina Foundation.
  • The 18-month initiative will assess governance at a cohort of HBCUs and produce recommendations for institutions and a sector-wide brief.
  • The initiative will be led by HBCU governance scholars Dr. Felecia Commodore and Dr. Toya Barnes-Teamer.
  • TM² has completed over 60 executive searches since its founding in 2016.

The big picture

HBCUs have historically faced governance challenges due to limited resources and support. This grant represents a targeted effort to address this gap, potentially improving institutional stability and student outcomes. Lumina Foundation’s investment aligns with its Goal 2040, which aims to increase credential attainment and equity in higher education, suggesting a broader strategic focus on HBCU strength as a key lever for achieving that goal.

What we're watching

Implementation Risk
The success of the initiative hinges on the ability of TM² and its partners to effectively implement the assessments and recommendations across a diverse cohort of HBCUs, potentially facing institutional resistance or resource constraints.
Sector Adoption
The broader HBCU sector’s willingness to adopt the recommendations and insights generated by the initiative will be critical in driving systemic governance improvements.
Long-Term Impact
Whether the initiative’s findings translate into sustained improvements in HBCU board effectiveness and institutional outcomes beyond the 18-month timeframe remains to be seen.