Tony Allen, the president of Delaware State University, will step down as chairman emeritus and board member of the President’s Board of Advisors on Historically Black Colleges and Universities on Jan. 20. President Joe Biden appointed Allen to the role in 2021. Since then, he has been pivotal in shaping policies and initiatives that bolster the nation’s HBCUs.

The President’s Board of Advisors on HBCUs operates under the White House Initiative on HBCUs and was established by the Carter Administration in 1980. This initiative aims to provide HBCUs with the necessary resources to deliver quality education and competitive opportunities to underrepresented student populations. Under the Biden-Harris administration, federal investments in HBCUs have reached an unprecedented $20 billion.

Reflecting on his tenure, Allen expressed deep appreciation for the opportunity to serve. “It has been my high honor to serve in this role and to do so under the Biden Administration,” he said. He noted the significance of his colleagues’ voting him Chairman Emeritus and emphasized their collective efforts to enhance the educational landscape for minority students nationwide.

HBCUs have long been engines of opportunity, producing a substantial percentage of professionals in critical fields, including engineering, education, and medicine. These institutions contribute to the professional workforce and stimulate significant economic impacts. According to a recent report from the United Negro College Fund, HBCUs generate approximately $16.5 billion in direct economic impact across the nation, supporting over 136,000 jobs.

A Lasting Impact

Enrollment in HBCUs has notably increased, rising by 7% between 2020 and 2023, highlighting their growing importance in higher education. Looking ahead, Allen believes the Biden-Harris administration’s impact on HBCUs will be felt in the years to come.

In his farewell remarks, Allen acknowledged the enduring influence of the board’s decisions on future generations. “Your decisions will have an impact on generations of students who attend HBCUs, the faculty and staff who pour their whole hearts into providing HBCU education, and their families who sacrifice so much in favor of boundless futures for their children,” he said. 

As Allen transitions from his role, the legacy of his leadership and continued support for HBCUs remain paramount in shaping an equitable educational future for all students. 

This article sources information from The Philadelphia Tribune.