From PWI to HBCU: Navigating the Intersection of Identity, Equity, and Institutional Transformation in Higher Education

• In Event: MSI's in the Social Context of Education

Abstract

This paper explores my personal and professional journey from a tenure-line position at a predominantly white institution (PWI) to a tenure-line position at a Historically Black College and University (HBCU), examining how these transitions shape my approach to research, teaching, and service. Drawing on my experiences as an HBCU graduate, I analyze how the distinct cultural, historical, and community-oriented context of HBCUs offers unique opportunities to advance educational justice, equity, and inclusion. This paper also delves into the transformative role that MSIs, particularly HBCUs, play in challenging systemic inequalities within higher education. By reflecting on the intersection of my academic work with the mission and values of an HBCU, I highlight how these institutions serve as cultural sanctuaries that resist historical erasure and empower students to achieve success while embracing their racial and cultural identities. This session will contribute to the broader conversation on how MSIs are reimagining academic excellence and community engagement in ways that honor marginalized voices and foster a more equitable educational future.

Author

• Aaron R. Campbell, University of Missouri