HBCU advisory council

The core components of the HBCU Initiative are shaped and defined under the guidance of the HBCU advisory council of current and former HBCU presidents and chancellors.

Astrik Tenney
Senior director, grants management
Nichole Torpey-Saboe
Vice president, research
Katherine Valle-Palacios
Senior vice president, public policy
Claire Viall
Vice president, public policy, postsecondary education, and finance
James Ward
Vice president, research
Ruth Watkins
President, postsecondary education
Michelle R. Weise, Ph.D.
Pete Wheelan
Ben Wildavsky
Ardine Williams
Secretary, board of visitors, William & Mary
Jake Williams
Director, research
Headshot of Aminta Breaux, smiling at the camera.
“We want them to have that sense that generations before had — that you’re here, and you can have an impact. As we look to the future, I think that’s where we really need to be.”

— Aminta Breaux, co-chair, Strada HBCU advisory council

“Part of the responsibility of higher education is obviously to help young people get a job and begin a career. Another key function of higher education, though, is to prepare leadership for the next generation.”

— Marshall Grigsby, co-chair, Strada HBCU advisory council