Our History

The National Council on Black American Affairs(NCBAA) is a Council of the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC).
The Council serves as a collaborative voice promoting the academic and professional success of African American staff and students within the community college system nationally. NCBAA initiated the Leadership Development Institute to expand leadership opportunities and participation in community colleges and to foster an environment that encourages professional and personal development. Ultimately, NCBAA established a National Leadership Institute for Midlevel Administrators in order to activate a qualified pool of individuals for administrative positions in community colleges. The targeted audiences for the Institute include community college professionals: deans, faculty, program managers, coordinators, directors and others in midlevel positions and/or those making transitions into leadership positions in community colleges. Trustees and individuals from the private sector and 4-year institutions are also welcome. After approximately two years of planning and discussion with the Presidents Roundtable, NCBAA launched its initial Institute in October 2002 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana with the focus of preparing 20 African Americans for leadership positions in community colleges. This inaugural Institute was held in conjunction with the Lakin Institute for Mentored Leadership sponsored by the Presidents Roundtable. NCBAA received invaluable assistance from Dr. Jack Daniel of the Presidents Roundtable.

In March 2004, a collaborative partnership was established between NCBAA and the Community College Leadership Doctoral Program (CCLDP) at Morgan State University. This partnership united two historically black entities, with complimentary missions, in the professional development of African Americans in community colleges.

Although the original Institute goal was to prepare 20 African American professionals for leadership positions, the response was so overwhelming that 42 participants were accepted the first year. Forty-one community college midlevel administrators completed the inaugural Institute in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, October 14-18, 2002. Dr. Walter Bumphus, System President of the Louisiana Community College System served as the host for the Institute. Dr. Angel Royal, Administrative Assistant provided invaluable service to the Institute. The scholars, representing 17 states and 24 community colleges, had the opportunity to participate, learn, prepare and network with some of the most distinguished leaders in the community college system. This Institute received a grant from the Fannie Mae Foundation in support of the Institute goals.

The second Institute was held in Sacramento, California, October 18-22, 2003. Twenty-six scholars representing 16 Community colleges were invited to participate in the Institute. During the weeklong Institute, scholars were Exposed to an awesome array of powerful and knowledgeable information presented by the distinguished panel of college presidents, vice presidents and administrators. Twenty-four community college midlevel administrators completed the Institute. Institute scholars attended interactive workshops focused on developing and enhancing their leadership skills and preparing them for upward career mobility in the nation’s community colleges. The scholars represented 10 states and 18 community colleges.

The third Institute was held in Baltimore, Maryland in October in recognition of the partnership between NCBAA and the Community College Leadership Doctoral Program (CCLDP) at Morgan State University. Dr. Christine Johnson McPhail, Director of CCLDP was the official host for the Baltimore Institutes; Dr. Kelley Costner and Mr. Russell Davis, two Research Associates at Morgan State University, were her assistants. In 2004, 19 scholars, representing 6 states and 16 community colleges, 1 high school and 1 university participated in the Institute. Two scholars were from Bermuda. This energetic and professional group confirmed the validity of the professional development curriculum through its evaluations.

The 2005 Institute incorporated the above suggestions. Thirty scholars completed the Institute. They represented 16 states and 23 community colleges. Five scholars from the Black Leadership Initiative in London, England and 2 scholars from Bermuda participated. This international presence should add another dimension to the Institute. Sixteen scholars were selected for the 2006 Institute in Atlanta, Georgia. They represented 16 states and 15 community college districts.

The sixth annual Institute is returning to Baltimore, Maryland to partner with the Community College Leadership Doctoral Program at Morgan State University directed by Dr. Christine Johnson McPhail. Under the leadership of its President, Dr. Carolane Williams, Baltimore City Community College is serving as the host community college for the Institute. With the joint efforts of the staff at BCCC and the CCLDP, a very exciting, intensive week is planned. The participants represent 9 states and 11 community college districts. The Institute continues to be a very viable entity for preparing midlevel administrators for upward leadership positions in community colleges. The 2002 Institute certified 41 scholars, the 2003 Institute 24 scholars, the 2004 Institute 19 scholars, the 2005 Institute 34 scholars and the 2006 Institute 16. Including the 2007 twenty-two scholars, NCBAA will have prepared 156 primarily African American men and women for more advanced leadership roles in the community colleges.

The seventh annual institute will be held in Baltimore, Maryland. Baltimore City Community College, Dr. Carolane Williams, President, is the official host institution. It is anticipated that the Institute goal of 20 participants will be met in 2008. The Memorandum of Understand with Morgan State University’s Community College Leadership Doctoral Program, under the direction of Dr. Rosemary Gillett-Karam, continues to support the Institute. Additionally, 3 Maryland Community Colleges lead by Dr. Carolane Williams, President of Baltimore City Community College, Dr. Charlene Dukes, President of Prince George’s Community College and Dr. Brian Johnson, President of Montgomery College are cosponsoring the Scholars Banquet. Collaborations such as these make the Institute extremely successful and strong.

The Distinguished Faculty of the Institute MUST be recognized for their commitment and support of the Institute. Without them, the Institute would not exist. Their professional expertise and personal commitment are invaluable. The initial awarding of the Marian C. Shivers Scholarship was postponed. The scholarship was funded by the 2007 Scholars to assist a scholar with fees for the Institute. It will be awarded to a scholar with at least 5-10 years of progressive experience in the field of higher education with an emphasis on the community college, a proven understanding and appreciation for the community college, and evidence of advancing to leadership
positions within the community college. This seventh year program will be filled with excitement, enthusiasm and commitment