LESSONS IN LEADERSHIP & LIFE
College presidents are often legendary because of their famous students or the historical reputation of their institutions. Others are distinguished through nationally earned reputations. The seven retired presidents featured here are tops in both categories and while they are gifted and visionary history makers and role models, they are servant leaders first. Their work is a calling, a sacred privilege, and the United Methodist-related Historically Black Colleges and Universities they have been a part of are better because of their commitment and service.
In this oral history collection, we gain the knowledge of almost 100 years of lessons learned and taught as these dynamic leaders share their best advice, hopes, and successes. Included are: Dr. Gloria Dean Randle Scott, Bennett College; Dr. Trudie Kibbe Reed, Bethune Cookman University and Philander Smith College; Dr. Thomas Winston Cole, Jr., Clark Atlanta University; Dr. Larry L. Earvin, Huston-Tillotson University; Dr. Julius S. Scott Jr., Paine and Wiley Colleges; Dr. Shirley A.R. Lewis, Paine College; and Dr. Haywood L. Strickland, Wiley College.
The Black College Fund’s Council of Presidents is proud to present Privileged to Serve: Lessons in Leadership & Life, the collective wisdom of its emeriti members. This work is produced in conjunction with the African American Methodist Heritage Center and the General Commission on Archives and History Ebony Bishops’ Oral History Project. The General Board of Higher Education and Ministry’s commitment to capture and preserve the voices and experiences of this distinct group is noteworthy, indeed. The pride and humility in the unique experiences of each speaker is coupled with a spirit of thankfulness for the privilege to serve and share.
We now have the sacred honor to listen and learn, and for this, we are grateful.
Dr. Thomas Winston Cole, Jr.
Clark Atlanta Achievements
Clark Atlanta Alma Maters
GBHEM Roles
Leadership Lessons
Pioneering Chemist
Dr. Larry L. Earvin
Fundraising and Health Initiatives
GBHEM and HBCUs
Hispanic Students
Huston-Tillotson Presidency
Landmark Achievements
Leadership Lessons
Road to Presidency
Student Trustee
Dr. Shirley A. R. Lewis
Paine College Achievements
GBHEM and HBCUs
Leadership Lessons
Learning to Read
Only Black Student
Presidential Health
Road to Presidency
Tutu Visits Paine
Dr. Trudie Kibbe Reed
Burying Students
GBHEM and HBCUs
Leadership Lessons
Philander Smith Presidency
Portraying Bethune
Road to Presidency
Transformative Leadership
Women College Presidents
Dr. Gloria Dean Randle Scott
Bennett Presidency
Getting Baptized
Landmark Achievements
Leadership Lessons
Women’s Leadership
Dr. Julius S. Scott Jr.
Childhood and Education
Emeritus Roles
GBHEM Roles
Landmark Achievement
Leadership Lessons
President is Decider
Road to Presidency
Dr. Haywood L. Strickland
Choir and Chapel
College-Bound Churchgoer
GBHEM and HBCUs
Great Debaters
Landmark Achievements
Leadership Lessons
Role Models
18-Year Presidency
