Distilling The Essence Of An HBCU Leader: A Portrait of Dr. Henry Ponder

Abstract

This study explores Historically Black College and University (HBCU) leadership by examining the perceptions of Dr. Henry Ponder, who served as president of Benedict College, Fisk University, Talladega College, and Langston University. The research was conducted using qualitative portraiture methodology and elite interviews to create a narrative representation of his experiences from childhood to the presidency. Three research questions guide the study. What is Dr. Henry Ponder’s perception of his strengths as an HBCU President? What strategies did Dr. Henry Ponder employ during times of institutional challenge and uncertainty? And, what did Dr. Henry Ponder learn about HBCU leadership during his career? The investigation of his leadership unlocks access to his perspectives about his strengths and the tools he used in response to times of (institutional) challenge and stress in providing over 50-years of HBCU leadership.