The 53 rd Annual Conference of the Pennsylvania Black Conference on Higher Education was held on March 23 – 24 at the Sheraton Harrisburg-Hershey Hotel in Harrisburg; reconvening in the capitol city of Pennsylvania, which is home to prominent colleges and universities that play a vital role in educating the next generation of leaders, advancing the city’s workforce development, and generating breakthrough discoveries.
The conference theme, “The Quest Continues: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Higher Education” facilitated deep enriching conversations around the changing climate of higher education: funding, access, retention and success for African Americans and underrepresented groups. It explored critical issues of how Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion policies and activities within our campuses affects students, staff and faculty across our communities. Over the past decade, there have been unique changes in how communities of color have been excluded, and we must name and address them if we have any chance of countering the negative policies that the PBCOHE members have witnessed.
Moreover, what will PBCOHE’s focus and strategies be in the coming years to assist members, stakeholders, and partners to address these concerns? PBCOHE is seeking to learn from leaders, faculty, and staff and graduate students whose work examines or addresses the impact of DEI policies and activities on their campus, practice, pedagogy, and/or research. These works may include policies or research on anticipated policies, innovations involving recruitment, admission and retention efforts, advancements in technology and online learning, or local and national educational practices or programs, and how minority students might benefit from or be hindered by these policies, forces, or changes in the coming years.
The conference provided attendees with a rich opportunity to explore the myriad of issues related to ensuring student success while creating bonds with educators from across the Commonwealth.
Thank you for joining us as we celebrated fifty-three years of service, leadership, and scholarship.
Yours in Service, 2023 Conference Planning Committee Dr. Curtis L. Spencer, Co-Chair Ms. Danielle N. Martin, Co-Chair
