The Role of an Executive Leader in Student Affairs at a Historically Black University: Opportunities for Promoting Student Growth and a Pathway to the Presidency

Using a narrative analysis approach, this chapter explores the experiences of a vice president of student affairs at an Historically Black College and University (HBCU). The questions that guided this study were: (1) What are the challenges and rewards of a vice president of student affairs at HBCUs and how might this role prepare one for other executive leadership roles, namely the presidency? (2) What strategies are useful for a vice president of student affairs at an HBCU in helping to promote and support student holistic development? This chapter provides greater insight into the work of student affairs professionals at HBCUs, particularly those serving in the capacity of a senior administrator. This chapter fills a critical void in the literature, as there is a lack of research that provides an understanding of the role and scope of a vice president of student affairs at HBCUs