February - A Special Month

There is nothing like the month of February. The shortest month is just a tad bit longer each leap year and it's the only month without a full moon! It's also a month that holds the holiday that's not a holiday, called Valentine's Day (aka my birthday). Did you know that the month of February is named after a Roman Festival? The festival of Februa, is a festival celebrating purification and sacrifice. Speaking of sacrifice, you also probably know that February is Black History Month, where we recognize and celebrate the achievements of African Americans throughout history while acknowledging their struggles. In this edition of The EdUp WrapUp, I highlight one of the first HBCU Presidents we interviewed on The EdUp Experience Podcast, the President of Claflin University , Dwaun Warmack, Ed.D. on episode #85 , released in October 2020!

We talk about retention, overall student satisfaction, and student engagement that are infused into the culture of HBCUs. The people work there [at a HBCU] because it’s mission work.

Barrier-Breaking Leadership

Dr. Dwaun Warmack has confronted discrimination even as an esteemed African American leader, bravely speaking against microaggressions in academia. Progress depends on collectively addressing inequity. He transparently recounted personal experiences of bias, including getting detained entering his own neighborhood and having police weapons drawn on him despite his credentials. Yet he persists in bravely speaking out against racial microaggressions and implicit prejudices that pervade academia. Dr. Warmack suggests that an institutional culture rooted in inclusion and empowerment manifests results. When faculty and staff intrinsically buy into uplifting minority leaders, personal and institutional values align.

The Courage to Challenge Bias

The film “42” chronicles how Jackie Robinson stared down racism, discrimination, and threats in courageously becoming the first Black Major League Baseball player with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947. His resilience and leadership would lay critical groundwork in the fight for civil rights. His actions, like stealing home triumphantly amid desegregation resistance, seemed small yet changed America.

In the interview, Dr. Warmack encapsulates why HBCU student outcomes excel. But, it's not just work at HBCUs making the difference, the work to diversify staff and faculty is a critical issue for predominantly white institutions serving students of color. Educators must foster visibility and empathy toward minorities through policies and actions. Dr. Warmack suggests that an institutional culture rooted in inclusion and empowerment manifests results. When faculty and staff intrinsically buy into uplifting minority leaders, personal and institutional values align.

Advancing Inclusion and Representation

Dr. Warmack spotlights how HBCUs embed customized student success strategies focused on nurturing and empowerment. This breeds confidence and resilience, evident in outcomes excelling other institutions. Dr. Warmack reminded us that our progress depends on the collective will to call out injustice and build understanding. By "speaking life”, colleges can transform trajectories.

Dr. Warmack challenges rising African-American talent to also open doors once at the proverbial table. Lifting as we climb remains the mission. Dr. Warmack made clear his presidency centers on giving back through education by living the values of service and social justice. As Jackie Robinson famously declared, greatness means serving others - a timeless truth fitting this Black History Month.

5 Key Takeaways for Leaders According to Dr. Dwaun Warmack

1. Holistically embed customized student support strategies into mission and operations systemwide - don't outsource retention.
2. Foster institutional cultures of inclusion focused on empowering minority learners instead of simply "checking a diversity box".
3. Collectively address racial biases in higher ed through courageous conversations and measurable anti-discrimination policies.
4. Provide representation and visibility for diverse leadership talent; advocate for rising professionals once doors open.
5. Continue innovating tech-forward and hybrid learning models aligned to contemporary digital-first student expectations and experiences.

Dr. Warmack spotlights Claflin’s rich legacy as South Carolina’s first HBCU in this episode while underscoring their continued innovation and outcomes success. By embedding customized retention strategies focused on nurturing underrepresented learners into the institutional culture, Claflin continues surpassing national benchmarks.

Ladies and Gentlemen, YOU've just EdUpped

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