News Articles
Dec 17, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Marshall, TX – The Higher Education Leadership Foundation (H.E.L.F.) hosted the Inspire Leadership Institute on the campus of Wiley University from December 12–15, 2024. The H.E.L.F. Leadership Institute offered experiential opportunities focused on cultivating leadership and fostering learning at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). This winter marked the 17th iteration of the Institute, which welcomed 35 Fellows, along with distinguished HBCU presidents, leaders, and activists.
Known as the Pi Cohort, these 35 Fellows represented institutions across the United States and held diverse leadership roles. By joining the H.E.L.F. Leadership Institute, the Pi Fellows became part of a robust network of over 400 H.E.L.F. Fellows—a community dedicated to supporting and advancing leadership within the HBCU ecosystem and beyond.
Founded in 2015, H.E.L.F. was established by Herman J. Felton, Jr., Ph.D., J.D. (President and CEO of Wiley University), Elfred Anthony Pinkard, Ed.D. (Retired President of Wilberforce University), and Melva K. Wallace, Ph.D. (President and CEO of Huston-Tillotson University). Together, they have been committed to strengthening the HBCU leadership pipeline and preparing the next generation of principled, highly skilled, and visionary leaders to serve these vital institutions.
As H.E.L.F. approaches its 10th anniversary, the organization will celebrate with the Ideation. Innovation. Collaboration. (IIC2) Conference, set to take place in Charlotte, NC, in May 2025. This landmark event will bring together thought leaders, scholars, and innovators from across the country to explore the future of HBCUs through ideation, innovation, and collaboration.
For more information about the Higher Education Leadership Foundation (H.E.L.F.) and the IIC2 initiative, please visit www.heleaders.org. For details about Wiley University, please contact Catherine G. Sellers, Executive Director of Marketing, Communications, and Brand Management, at communications@wileyc.edu or at www.wileyc.edu.
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About Wiley University:
Wiley University, formerly known as Wiley College, is a premier liberal arts institution affiliated with the United Methodist Church. The university is dedicated to fostering social good and developing leaders who make a meaningful impact in their communities and beyond.
About the Higher Education Leadership Foundation (H.E.L.F.): The Higher Education Leadership Foundation (H.E.L.F.), established in March 2015, is dedicated to cultivating visionary leaders for the 21st century and beyond. Through bold, engaging, and innovative learning and mentoring opportunities, H.E.L.F. empowers current and aspiring leaders, particularly within Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), to "lift as they climb," ensuring these institutions thrive as national models of achievement. By fostering communities of practice, offering executive coaching, and organizing immersive leadership institutes, H.E.L.F. plays a vital role in preparing principled, highly skilled, transformational leaders committed to the advancement and sustainability of HBCUs.
