July 20, 2021 • 42 mins
In this wide-ranging interview, Lloyd Ricketts, Vice President and Treasurer at the College of New Jersey as well as Treasurer of the Commission and a member of the Executive Committee speaks with Dr. Aminta Breaux who serves as the 10th president of Bowie State. At Bowie State, the oldest historically Black university in Maryland, Dr. Breaux is committed to ensuring that every student develops an entrepreneurial mindset to achieve success in the workplace and the community, and has added programming to support that call.
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Episode Transcript
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Lloyd Ricketts (00:15):
Welcome to the Pillars of Change Podcast
presented by Middle StatesCommission on Higher Education
I'm Lloyd Ricketts, Vice-President and Treasurer at the
College of New Jersey, as wellas Treasurer of the Commission
and a member of the ExecutiveCommittee.
I would like to thank you forjoining me for the Commission's
(00:35):
continuing series of podcasts,focusing on the topics of
diversity, equity and inclusion.
The Middle States Commission onHigher Education is closely
aligned with assure in trust andinstilling confidence in higher
education.
As an institutional accreditor,the Commission prides itself on
(00:57):
advocating for honest,self-reflection that results in
meaningful change at ourinstitution.
And because the Commissionrecognizes that it holds an
important voice and space withinthe higher education community,
this podcast series spotlightshighly effective institutional
(01:19):
practices that have made adifference in the lives of our
students through diversityequity and inclusion
initiatives.
Today, I would like to welcomeBowie State University,
president Dr.
Aminta Breaus, Dr.
Breaux serves as the 10thpresident of Bowie State, the
oldest, historically blackuniversity in Maryland.
(01:43):
She also has the note about thisthing of being the first female
president in the university'shistory.
Dr.
Breaux can lean on more than 30years of experience in higher
education while serving at adiverse array of institution.
At Bowie State, Dr.
Breaux i s committed to ensuringthat every student develops an
(02:05):
entrepreneurial mindset toachieve success in the workplace
and the community, and as addedprogramming to support that
call.
Certainly those efforts wereaided by the$25 million gift,
the largest in school history,from philanthropist Mackenzie.
Scott.
(02:26):
Dr.
Breaux is a national voice inhigher education and currently
serves an appointment to thepresident's board of advisors on
historically Black colleges anduniversities and the g overnor's
P 20 leadership council ofMaryland.
She is vice chair of the boardof directors for the Central
(02:48):
Intercollegiate AthleticAssociation.
Welcome Dr.
B reaux.
And thank you for joining metoday.
Aminta Breaux (02:56):
Thank you so much.
It's a pleasure to be with you.
And I really am so pleased to beinvited to speak about Bowie
State University and the issuesthat are facing higher education
today.
So I want to thank you andMiddle States for hosting this
podcast and it's a joy to bewith you.
Lloyd Ricketts (03:14):
Great.
So let's get started.
My first question for you iswhat is your sense of race,
diversity, and inclusion in ourcountry today?
Aminta Breaux (03:25):
Well, I guess we have to look at this last year
as an indicator, uh, the statusof race, diversity, and
inclusion in the United States.
While we've made great strides,particularly in increasing the
numbers and diversity in theworkplaces and various
industries, business, evidenceshows that we still are in great
(03:48):
need of addressing major issuesand challenges facing our
country today.
In this last year, we have seenthe advent of COVID 19 and the
rise of social justice concernsin the aftermath of the death of
George Floyd and theintersection of those two crises
(04:08):
really brought to, uh, the aheadand to a, uh, very visible, uh,
limelight, the issues that arefacing our black and brown
communities across our country.
The history of our country, uh,is fraught with a number of
challenges.
And I do believe we need tocontinue to address, uh, our
(04:33):
history our past in order toprepare for the future and to
meet it head on today.
Again, what we saw this lastyear, uh, were great disparities
disparities in health, uh, inour black and brown communities
where we've seen higherincidents of hospitalizations
and death rates.
(04:53):
Uh, we also saw a greaterdisparity and gap with
technology with regard toeducation.
When we went into the stay athome orders, what we solve are
communities that were in greatneed of technology and the
supports necessary for studentsto learn in this new normal and
this environment and what wehave continued to see are
(05:18):
concerns around, uh, socialjustice issues, uh, policing
reforms that are needed.
So on and on, uh, we have seenvery visibly that we are still
challenged with racial divides,uh, the need for greater
diversity, uh, in ourworkplaces.
(05:38):
But most importantly is theinclusion of individuals of
different backgrounds, races,ethnicities, gender, gender
orientation, to be addressed.
And each and every day we seethis in the news, the concerns
that widening gaps that must befaced head on.
(06:00):
And so I would contend that westill have a ways to go.
Here at Bowie State University,we talk about the race to
excellence.
I believe our country is in arace and we're at the very
beginning of the race.
We made some great strides, uh,in the past, in the 60s with the
civil rights era in the 50sbefore, and, uh, with the
(06:24):
emergence beforehand of ourHBCUs.
And I'm very proud to be thepresident of Bowie State
University.
So we've seen progress be made,but then here we are, and we've
taken two steps forward andthree steps back.
So there's yet a lot that liesahead for us to address.
Lloyd Ricketts (06:45):
That's a fantastic perspective.
I really liked the way youarticulate that.
So, um, that leads me into mynext question.
What role does higher educationplays in enhancing or altering
the conversation of diversityand inclusion on individual
campuses?
Aminta Breaux (07:05):
Well, when you look at our history of higher
education in this country,higher education has played a
vital role in preparing citizensto engage in the political
process in our communities.
And as a public university,Bowie State University, uh, has
(07:25):
a special responsibility.
I believe, especially publicuniversities have a special
responsibility to be here forthe public good.
To prepare our students to yes,go into the workplaces and have
the knowledge and skills theyneed.
But more and more, what we seeis a greater need for us to
(07:46):
address what it means to be acitizen in a democratic society.
And unfortunately, I think we'velost some ground there and
higher education can play avital role through our delivery
of the liberal arts andpreparing students to think
critically to, uh, addressissues that we face today, but
(08:07):
do so informed with facts withtruths, uh, to be able to have a
discourse around issues where wemight not always see eye to eye
on an issue.
And our higher ed environmentshave been that place, whether
it's private, independent, orpublic universities, we've been
(08:27):
that place where the marketplaceof ideas can emerge, where you
can agree to disagree and youcan do so civilly and explore
issues to get to a betterunderstanding of the truth and
get to the better, a betterunderstanding of perspectives,
diverse perspectives, andrecognizing that each has value
(08:48):
in our society.
So our higher ed institutionshave the ability to get us back
on course, I believe to a morejust civil and democratic
society.
And yes, again, it's importantto prepare a knowledgeable,
skilled workforce, but ouruniversities have long served
the public good and creatingeducated citizens to engage in
(09:10):
their communities.
And when they go to the polls,know who they're voting for, but
know why.
Understand platforms, understandhow our government works.
And, uh, also when I think aboutthe history of Bowie State
University, I believe as anHBCU, we also have a special
responsibility to provide ahistorical context in educating
(09:33):
our students about ourcommunities, about the history
of this country in all itsglory, and also in all of the
ugliness, that is also part ofour history.
It is who we are and to help ourstudents contextualize the
issues we face today.
So these issues didn't justemerge out of nowhere, they come
from that historical context.
(09:56):
And that includes, you know,making sure that we understand
and are able to talk about race,talk about slavery, talk about
bias, discrimination.
That is part of our history,just as much as the emergence of
innovations in this country.
And as we talk about being thegreatest in the world, well, we
(10:17):
also have to talk about the, notso good side of our history.
So when you look at our value ofhigher education, I believe we
have a huge opportunity to getthis country back on track
giving that historical context,preparing citizens, but in a
(10:37):
manner that engages citizens andour students in discussion in
dialogue to address the issuesof today only then I think, can
we get to problem solving anddoing it in a way that has
meaning.
Meaning and long lastingconsequences.
Lloyd Ricketts (10:56):
Excellent.
Um, it's really commendable.
I've been looking at, um, yourinstitution's strategic plan,
and I see where diversity,equity, and inclusion is
forefront in your goals and yourcore values.
So in essence, your, you know,your preaching and your
practice, you're walking thewalk.
And that, that is fantastic.
(11:17):
I really admire that.
Aminta Breaux (11:18):
Thank you for that.
I'd like to think so that, uh,as a leader, I set the example
and making sure that we'retalking about these issues, but
giving, uh, action to what'sneeded today.
Lloyd Ricketts (11:33):
Great.
That is fantastic.
Um, I'd like you to react to thefollowing two statements.
The first statement, statementsof support are important to
solidify the position of, of theuniversity or college.
The second statement, actionsand engagement are the hallmarks
(11:55):
of institutional position andchange.
How do you react to thesestatements and do you see them
as being complimentary in anyway?
Aminta Breaux (12:05):
Well, uh, let me take the first part of your
question.
Uh, statements of support areimportant to solidifying the
position of the college anduniversity definitely, uh, using
my voice and, uh, position tospeak out in times of crises in
times of challenge that weresuch as we're facing today is
(12:28):
extremely important for helpingus set the tone, to bring
attention to the issues that areimportant for higher education
and for those on my campus, butthose across our great nation.
And our presidents ofuniversities have a, a, um, that
ability to have a platform.
(12:49):
And I don't think we should beon the sidelines.
We should be front and centerspeaking out.
So our campuses understand wherewe are as an institution, and
then where we need to positionour institutions to make that
impact.
As I was sharing earlier toharken back to our role in the
society to enact change.
(13:12):
So definitely, uh, statements ofsupport are critical.
Uh, and then actions andengagement are the hallmarks of
our institutional, uh, positionsand, and change, uh, actions
allow us to, uh, demonstrate andutilize our resources to bring
about that change that's needed.
(13:32):
So it's the two arecomplimentary, and it's
important for us to see thevalue that we bring as leaders
in driving home, the priorities.
You mentioned my strategic planat Bowie State University that
is visible for all to see, I cansit in a room and write up a
(13:52):
strategic plan, but that's notwhat is going to bring about
change.
That strategic plan that you seewas developed with campus wide
engagement over the course of ayear, so that this campus
understands where we're going,feels a part of it.
They understand the vision thatI have for the institution, but
(14:13):
we joined together as onecommunity and making sure that
we bring about the change sothat this institution is leading
the way in a united way.
And then also giving, uh, great,um, leadership to the rest of
the region and the country toaddress these issues.
So words are important without adoubt, but to bring about true
(14:38):
change requires action.
And, uh, when I, I think aboutwhat we're facing today, uh,
from, uh, threats to ourdemocracy elections, again, the
universities across this greatnation, have that ability to get
us back on course.
And I think about what, um, Dr.
(15:00):
King said, uh, some time agoabout the ultimate measure of a
man is not where he stands inmoments of comfort and
convenience, but where he standsat times of challenge and
controversy.
And if not now, when do I use myvoice and my platform to speak
out,
Lloyd Ricketts (15:18):
That is great.
And you teed it up very nicelyfor this next question I have is
what role does the college or auniversity president play as it
relates to diversity andinclusion, not only on your
campus, but in the surroundingcommunities?
Aminta Breaux (15:35):
Well, It, it, uh, speaks to...
that question, speaks to therole of using my voice, u h,
ensuring that the studentsunderstand the issues today
through their curricular, u h,endeavors, but also
co-curricular.
Ensuring that from day one, whenthey start even just looking at
(15:58):
Bowie State University, theylook at what we're asking
students to do when they come toBowie State University.
We're asking them to join acommunity community.
We're asking them, u h, when Istart to talk to students in new
student orientation, I, I letthem know you're expected to
give back.
I know you haven't stepped footon the campus yet, but you need
(16:19):
to know that this institutiondidn't emerge from nowhere.
It exists because of people whodedicated their lives, their
resources, their time, talent,treasures, to make sure that you
have a pathway to highereducation.
So likewise, you're expected tol eave this place better than
the way you found it to have animpact on this institution.
(16:41):
And then that's when I getglazed over look sometimes like,
what is she talking about?
But the message needs to beupfront, front and center.
And letting students know thatthat's the expectation that we
have for you.
You're more than having astudent sitting in a seat.
You are joining a community andthat's especially profound for a
(17:03):
historically Black college anduniversity and Bowie State
University is the first HBCU inthe state of Maryland.
So this is part of our cultureand our history that we instill
in students from the verybeginning.
And I use my voice in that wayon the campus to help set that
tone.
Set the expectation and set thebar high, letting students know
(17:26):
that we expect a lot of you.
And we also expect that beyondBowie State University, you will
give back to the largercommunity because there's great
need.
And you have the ability, thosewho are given much to those who
are given much, much asexpected, give back to leave
your footprint in the communityto enrich it.
(17:49):
We want you to be prepared forthe workplaces, but we expect
that you will contribute to theenrichment of communities and to
our society.
And then that's where tying inthe political governmental, uh,
uh, element, helping students tounderstand the society in which
we live, which is a democraticsociety, a capitalistic society.
(18:12):
So what does that mean for them?
Where do they fit into theworld, but they need to
understand that these are issuesthey need to wrestle with, and
we're going to help guide them.
But this is a partnership inthat learning process.
So for me as the president ofBowie State University, and by
the way, the first femalepresident in over 150 years, I
(18:34):
believe I have the ability toinspire students to, um, be, uh,
their best selves.
Lloyd Ricketts (18:43):
That is great.
And that level of orientation,as you said before, they even
set foot on campus is, is, isfantastic because, um, students,
um, you know, after four years,you graduate and move on, some
students forget about theirinstitution.
So I think the way you'reactually conducting the
(19:05):
orientation and engaging studentfrom the onset, it's perfect, um
, setting up these students tobe the next generation of
leaders
Aminta Breaux (19:14):
And lloyd, if I might add, um, beyond the
students and impacting whathappens here on the campus,
presidents have a vital role toplay in educating the rest of
the society, our businesses, our, uh, industry leaders, our, um,
(19:34):
communities at large about thevalue of higher education and
what we offer today.
And I know that there arechallenges and, uh, student loan
debt, and you hear a lot about,uh, those types of challenges,
but our institutions bring ahuge value.
When I look at what a BowieState University provides in the
(19:57):
way of talent and resources toworkplaces and to communities, I
do think we need to use ourvoices to remind our communities
and especially industry andbusiness leaders about the value
that we bring.
And I'm very pleased to be ableto do that.
And recently, um, couple ofyears ago, actually, I signed on
(20:18):
to, uh, the CEO Action forDiversity, with Price Waterhouse
Coopers that now has over 2000signatories on a pledge
agreement to address diversityand inclusion across the
country, in business andindustry and being a part of
those types of organizations,particularly that one allows me
(20:39):
the opportunity to shareinformation, to remind, uh,
other leaders in industry andbusiness about the true value of
higher education.
So when those workforce leadersare looking for talent for
graduates who can read andcommunicate and write
effectively, analyze, thinkcritically and all of those
(21:00):
skills that are sometimes calledsoft skills, I have to take an
opportunity to say, I call thoseessential skills and you know
what?
We provide that through ourliberal arts education.
And so we don't want to losesight.
Yes, we will prepare disciplinesspecific, uh, talent, but we
(21:21):
have to support the liberal artsbecause when the jobs change
over and over again, we don'teven know what the next five
years are going to hold with allthe technological changes.
You're going to need people whocan read, who can write,
analyze, think for themselves,and then innovate and be
(21:41):
creative and lead yourorganizations.
Lloyd Ricketts (21:45):
Great that, you know, I love that you mentioned
the value proposition, becausethat is so critical.
Um, you know, as you said, um,you know, sometime you see the
soundbites about the cost ofhigher ed and that discount the
value proposition that, you know, higher ed is bringing to the
country.
So I, I think that that isgreat.
(22:06):
Um, in terms of my nextquestion, what have been your
greatest opportunities andchallenges in advancing your
efforts on your campus?
Aminta Breaux (22:16):
Well, I, I look at the world these days in terms
of pre COVID and posts, and, uh,COVID, uh, over this last year
and a half, uh, we've been goingthrough the pandemic and the
emergence re-emergence of socialjustice issues.
There's been great challenge.
But there's a saying that, uh,out of adversity, you know, the,
(22:39):
the saying, uh, comesopportunity.
And so the challenges over thislast year and a half have been
similar to what I'm sure you andothers have encountered, and
that is addressing COVID 19.
Uh, making sure we kept ourcampus safe and putting in
protocols and safety measuresfrom testing, tracing, and now
(23:01):
vaccinations happening on thecampus to ensure the safety of
our campus.
Uh, we have poured, uh, funds,resources, financial, and, uh,
other resources into justoperating this year.
And thank goodness for thefederal dollars that came to our
universities that allowed us toaddress COVID-19 and its impact,
(23:26):
uh, because without those funds,I'm not sure where we would be
today.
So those federal dollars helpedus in addressing the health and
the welfare of our institution.
Those federal dollars helpedclose in on that technology
divide that we saw, especiallyfor our campus, where many of
our students did not have accessto wifi.
(23:47):
They were sitting in parkinglots at McDonald's and other
places trying to get wifiaccess.
So over this last year, we gaveout laptops, we gave out
Chromebooks and hotspots.
So we continue to do that toclose in on that digital divide.
So there's been a great manychallenges, uh, with COVID-19.
(24:08):
Prior to COVID-19 as a HBCU, uh,particularly in the state of
Maryland, we were facing theissues around funding for our
universities.
And you may be aware that therewas a settlement recently of the
coalition case for HBCUs in thestate of Maryland, that
(24:28):
recognize that there wasdiscrimination against, uh, in
the courts.
It was recognized.
And the finding showed thatthere was discriminatory
practices, uh, for our HBCUs.
The remedy has been put forwardfor new funding to come to our
HBCUs f or of our HBCUs over 10years, with$577 million coming
(24:51):
to our HBCUs.
So prior to COVID 19, we werefacing those challenges.
And frankly, post C OVID-19,even with those funds, we will
still need to close in on thegap for our institution because
of the history that was here.
And I think we need to recognizethat we've made great progress,
(25:15):
but the challenge is still facesin terms.
S o our infrastructure, while Ihave new buildings on campus, I
have aging infrastructure whileI have, u h, new programs
operating.
I have other issues, u h, with,u h, marketing.
So we're still very much tryingto get to that level playing
(25:36):
field.
However, let me talk about greatopportunities that have come our
way.
In addition to the coalitioncase being settled, we realized
the largest gift in our historythis year from McKenzie Scott,
and we are truly indebted toher.
And so thankful for$25 million,that was given to Bowie State
(25:57):
University, and we are usingthose funds towards innovation
to pick up pace, to accelerateour progress so that we can stay
competitive in this new normal.
So we've signed on to newpartnerships, the likes of which
we wouldn't have seen, uh, inthe past.
(26:18):
We're very fortunate that we nowhave greater attention on our
HBCUs, including Bowie StateUniversity that is bringing new
partnerships to the campuscompanies such as IBM and
Google, Amazon Web Services.
Truest is our, uh, one of ournewest partners, uh, BG and E.
And all of these companies thatare saying, we recognize we're,
(26:41):
we're hearing that there havebeen these disparities, and we
recognize the talent that HBCUshave provided to work forces,
uh, throughout our history ofover 150 years.
And so I'm so thankful for thesenew opportunities.
Again, we have not seen this.
(27:01):
I have not seen this type ofattention in my 35 plus years in
higher ed, on HBCUs as I have inthe last couple of years.
And especially through, um, theattention of social justice
concerns and with the ongoingchallenges through the pandemic.
(27:22):
So, uh, there are challenges, nodoubt, but I see great
opportunities coming our way,and we're very thankful to all
of our legislators for thosecares dollars and the
philanthropy and the corporatesupport that we're realizing
now.
Lloyd Ricketts (27:38):
That's great.
And, um, I just want to saykudos to you.
I see, I read your latestinitiative, establishing the
entrepreneurship academy tocreate that next generation of
innovators.
I thought that's fantastic.
I'm like way to go.
That, that's just great.
Aminta Breaux (27:57):
Thank you.
And, you know, it speaks to thisenvironment that's rapidly
changing, and you mentioned inthe introductory remarks, the
vision that I have is for everystudent to graduate with an
entrepreneurial mindset, if theywant to create a new product or
new business, so be it.
And I think that may be neededin their, uh, their career along
(28:21):
the way.
But it's a way of thinking aboutthe workplaces today that I want
them focused on that when theysee change coming about, they
need to be able to identifythose signals early on in order
to help their organizations.
If they're working for a largeorganization, a smaller
organization recognize thosesignals of change and be part of
(28:44):
driving that change and notreacting to it, but being more
in that leadership driver's seatand seeing how they can still
contribute and recognizing thatthey still can contribute.
But riding that wave and beingat the, at the forefront of that
wave and not being, you know, atthe end and say, oh my gosh,
(29:06):
well now what do I do?
So that's the world that thisgeneration has inherited and
generations I suspect, uh, tocome for many years.
Lloyd Ricketts (29:17):
Great.
That's excellent.
Um, my next question for you is,um, how can the lessons learned
from issues highlighted in 2020and 2021 around the pandemic,
black lives matter, theelection, et cetera, advance
your thoughts about diversity,equity, and inclusion, and how
(29:40):
can these lessons best appliedto both Bowie State University?
Aminta Breaux (29:45):
The big lesson is that we can never become
complacent where concerns aredemocracy, uh, education and
providing access and opportunityto education, providing access
and opportunity to better health, health care, um, providing
(30:05):
access and opportunity for ourcitizens in our communities.
And I do fear that there wascomplacency as I look back on
what we've gone through inrecent years, I believe that we
were lulled into a false senseof security that our democracy
is just going to happen.
(30:27):
Well, it doesn't just happen.
And someone once said that ademocracy is, is not a spectator
sport, it really isn't.
And the lessons learned is, uh,is really about engaging,
staying vigilant, being involvedin the process, making sure that
we contribute and making lifebetter, not just for ourselves,
(30:51):
but for our, our entirecommunity.
Because when you have thisgrowing gap of wealth, you have
the growing gap in health and,uh, financial wealth.
What we see is, should not be asurprise to any of us.
When we have a greater, uh,population of the have nots, uh,
(31:14):
and that widening gap, thiscreates turmoil and, and, um,
really creates the, the concernsand challenges that we're
facing.
So, yes, I'm biased because I'min higher education, but I truly
believe that when I'm look atthe history that access and
affordability to qualityeducation, not just in higher
(31:36):
ed, but from P through 20 isimportant to our democracy and
our way of life.
And so the lessons learned, andI've lived long enough to see,
um, history repeat itself.
And I don't believe that's wherewe want to be as a country.
And we have to stay vigilant onthese issues and engage in the
(31:59):
process, making sure we'reeducated about issues and
engaging in the process.
And that's not to say, and I'vebeen asked periodically, what do
you think everybody should go tohigher education?
I believe that those who want toand, uh, want to go to higher
education and are prepared,should come into higher
education.
(32:19):
I think they should have theopportunity to choose.
And we in higher education canpartner with P through 12th
grade and with our communitycolleges to create pathways and
with voc-tech with vocationalinstitutions to create pathways
for our citizens to find wayforward, to find the best way
(32:43):
that meets their needs to giveback to our communities.
Lloyd Ricketts (32:47):
Great.
That's great.
Um, to what do you attribute thelarger recognition and embrace
of Juneteenth as a federalholiday, which passed with
overwhelming bipartisanship andpublic support?
Aminta Breaux (33:05):
Well, I do think it's been an evolution, uh, for
the longest time, as you know,many of our citizens never heard
of Juneteenth, but I do think itcomes with growing diversity in
critical leadership roles inbusiness, industry, education,
(33:26):
where information is being morewidely shared, bringing greater
attention, uh, with the changesthat we've seen with greater
attention to our HBCUs, there ismore dialogue around, uh, HBCUs
and what they mean to history.
There's been a more researchconducted on social justice
(33:47):
issues.
The, uh, I would say areawakening of interest in the
black culture, inAfrican-American history.
And so it's been an evolutioncoming to this point.
And then of course we have torecognize that we have the first
vice president of these UnitedStates who is a graduate of an
(34:10):
HBCU, and African-American awoman of color who highlights
and, and just puts that finerpoint on the cultural aspects,
uh, of our society that bringsinterest and curiosity.
And so it's not as thoughJuneteenth, didn't, it, it
(34:32):
wasn't known, especially in theAfrican-American community, but
it's become much more widelyknown through all of these, uh,
evolutions in different sectors.
And now with the election of thefirst VP of color, a woman, and
there's just a lot of interests.
And so to have Biden and Harrisnow bring this about for a
(34:56):
national holiday that puts thatfine point.
Uh, and again, in increases evengreater interest for, I would
dare say, there's still peoplein this country who are
scratching their heads and say,what is Juneteenth, but it helps
highlight and bring attentionand curiosity, uh, and, uh, to
(35:17):
what it is and what it standsfor.
And reminding everyone about,again, that earlier point I made
about our history in all itsglory, but in those, um, other
and the other aspects of ourhistory in this country,
Lloyd Ricketts (35:33):
Right.
That's such a great perspective.
Um, the question I have for youis, in what ways do you hope
your institution's effort ondiversity, equity, and inclusion
will impact your currentstudents and future students?
Aminta Breaux (35:50):
Well, it is truly my hope that history will not
repeat itself, that, uh, inlearning our history, coming to
terms with our history will helppave a brighter future for
generations to come.
That is my vision.
(36:11):
When I think about, um, where weare today, I don't want my
children and grandchildren andtheir children and future
generations to have to go backover these issues.
These biases, the issues ofdiscriminatory practices, the
have, and the have-nots, thewealth gap and all of these
(36:32):
challenges, I would like toensure that we have long lasting
systemic change that puts thiscountry in a better position to
lead the world in innovation, inall, and really finally
recognize and come to terms withwhat we have said we want to be
(36:54):
and who we are with truly who weare as a nation, recognizing the
great potential we have in ourcitizens and their unique
abilities to drive change andinnovation and lead the world.
But for over 150 years, ourgraduates said Bowie State
(37:16):
University have provided a hugevalue.
And yet I know that there aremany who don't know about Bowie
State University.
I want to change that.
I want, as we say, here on thecampus, our students, our
graduates to be Bowie bold, goout and let the world know about
all the excellence that I see,but I want them to leave their
footprint here and on ourcountry and make sure that they
(37:40):
continue to lead our greatnation to a greater future.
And, uh, I, I do think we canget there, but it's going to
take a more comprehensive,intentional and systemic
approach where we work withpartners, as I just mentioned,
uh, with Pricewaterhouse orTruest or Google and all the
(38:03):
other partners, and withphilanthropists who understand,
like MacKenzie Scott, the valueof giving back, because if we
all just sit back and say, well,I got mine, you go get yours.
I think that's going to be arecipe for a very bleak future.
But I see in our students on ourcampus today, their strong
(38:24):
interest.
They're saying, Dr.
Breaux, how can we bring aboutchange?
What can we do is veryfrustrating through this
pandemic because we were in thestay at home orders.
When we were seeing the socialunrest and our students, they
said, they're not staying athome.
Yeah.
They put on their mask, but theywere marching in DC.
They were there saying, I wantmy voice to be heard.
(38:46):
I can't sit on the sidelines.
And so I know our students wantto make a difference.
They want to bring about changethis year.
Um, for our first year seminar,we gave the choice of our first
year students, uh, to choosethemes.
One of the themes was onentrepreneurship as we were
talking.
Um, but they had a choice of twoother themes.
(39:06):
One was on civic engagement andthe other was on social justice.
To delve deeply into theseissues and why they're important
today.
And it was a great, great wayfor us to allow students to
dialogue in the classroom,whether it be virtual or
in-person to dialogue aroundthese issues.
(39:28):
So not sweep it under the carpetor say, well, we'll deal with
that when you come back from thepandemic.
We faced that head on.
And we gave our first yearstudents that choice.
We continue to have civicengagement opportunities.
We continue to have in-person,uh, co-curricular opportunities
on the campus in spite of allthe challenges.
(39:49):
So what I know is that if we cando all of that through this
pandemic, the future is brightbecause of our students and
their capabilities because ofBowie State University, and what
we have provided for over 150years.
And because I do think there's anew momentum in this country to
(40:10):
say, not again, not on my watch,we're going to do something
about this.
And I believe higher educationhas a vital role to play in
that.
Lloyd Ricketts (40:19):
Wonderful.
Dr.
Breaux, I really want to thankyou for sharing your perspective
with us today for the workyou've already done.
And I know we'll, you'llcontinue to do to advance issues
of diversity, equity, andinclusion, not only at your
institution, but at the broadercommunity.
You know, um, I strongly believethat, you know, the type of
(40:43):
leadership you've shown and yourcommitment to these areas, this
should serve as a model withinour higher ed community.
I really, really deeplyappreciate you taking the time
out this morning to have thisdiscussion and wish you all the
best.
Aminta Breaux (40:59):
Thank you so very much.
And thank you to middle statesfor having me today and best
wishes to all as we embark on anew normal, but I believe higher
ed is ready and prepared to leadthe way.
Thank you.
Lloyd Ricketts (41:12):
Thank you.
To our listeners.
Thank you for joining us.
If you want the Commission tohighlight the efforts of your
institution in a future podcast,then please visit M S C H
E.org/pillars of change tosubmit your suggestion.
(41:35):
On behalf of the Middle StatesCommission on Higher Education
and our guest, Dr.
Aminta Breaux.
I'm Lloyd Ricketts, saying thankyou and have a great day.
(41:57):
[inaudible].
Welcome to the Pillars of Change Podcast
presented by Middle StatesCommission on Higher Education
I'm Lloyd Ricketts, Vice-President and Treasurer at the
College of New Jersey, as wellas Treasurer of the Commission
and a member of the ExecutiveCommittee.
I would like to thank you forjoining me for the Commission's
(00:35):
continuing series of podcasts,focusing on the topics of
diversity, equity and inclusion.
The Middle States Commission onHigher Education is closely
aligned with assure in trust andinstilling confidence in higher
education.
As an institutional accreditor,the Commission prides itself on
(00:57):
advocating for honest,self-reflection that results in
meaningful change at ourinstitution.
And because the Commissionrecognizes that it holds an
important voice and space withinthe higher education community,
this podcast series spotlightshighly effective institutional
(01:19):
practices that have made adifference in the lives of our
students through diversityequity and inclusion
initiatives.
Today, I would like to welcomeBowie State University,
president Dr.
Aminta Breaus, Dr.
Breaux serves as the 10thpresident of Bowie State, the
oldest, historically blackuniversity in Maryland.
(01:43):
She also has the note about thisthing of being the first female
president in the university'shistory.
Dr.
Breaux can lean on more than 30years of experience in higher
education while serving at adiverse array of institution.
At Bowie State, Dr.
Breaux i s committed to ensuringthat every student develops an
(02:05):
entrepreneurial mindset toachieve success in the workplace
and the community, and as addedprogramming to support that
call.
Certainly those efforts wereaided by the$25 million gift,
the largest in school history,from philanthropist Mackenzie.
Scott.
(02:26):
Dr.
Breaux is a national voice inhigher education and currently
serves an appointment to thepresident's board of advisors on
historically Black colleges anduniversities and the g overnor's
P 20 leadership council ofMaryland.
She is vice chair of the boardof directors for the Central
(02:48):
Intercollegiate AthleticAssociation.
Welcome Dr.
B reaux.
And thank you for joining metoday.
Aminta Breaux (02:56):
Thank you so much.
It's a pleasure to be with you.
And I really am so pleased to beinvited to speak about Bowie
State University and the issuesthat are facing higher education
today.
So I want to thank you andMiddle States for hosting this
podcast and it's a joy to bewith you.
Lloyd Ricketts (03:14):
Great.
So let's get started.
My first question for you iswhat is your sense of race,
diversity, and inclusion in ourcountry today?
Aminta Breaux (03:25):
Well, I guess we have to look at this last year
as an indicator, uh, the statusof race, diversity, and
inclusion in the United States.
While we've made great strides,particularly in increasing the
numbers and diversity in theworkplaces and various
industries, business, evidenceshows that we still are in great
(03:48):
need of addressing major issuesand challenges facing our
country today.
In this last year, we have seenthe advent of COVID 19 and the
rise of social justice concernsin the aftermath of the death of
George Floyd and theintersection of those two crises
(04:08):
really brought to, uh, the aheadand to a, uh, very visible, uh,
limelight, the issues that arefacing our black and brown
communities across our country.
The history of our country, uh,is fraught with a number of
challenges.
And I do believe we need tocontinue to address, uh, our
(04:33):
history our past in order toprepare for the future and to
meet it head on today.
Again, what we saw this lastyear, uh, were great disparities
disparities in health, uh, inour black and brown communities
where we've seen higherincidents of hospitalizations
and death rates.
(04:53):
Uh, we also saw a greaterdisparity and gap with
technology with regard toeducation.
When we went into the stay athome orders, what we solve are
communities that were in greatneed of technology and the
supports necessary for studentsto learn in this new normal and
this environment and what wehave continued to see are
(05:18):
concerns around, uh, socialjustice issues, uh, policing
reforms that are needed.
So on and on, uh, we have seenvery visibly that we are still
challenged with racial divides,uh, the need for greater
diversity, uh, in ourworkplaces.
(05:38):
But most importantly is theinclusion of individuals of
different backgrounds, races,ethnicities, gender, gender
orientation, to be addressed.
And each and every day we seethis in the news, the concerns
that widening gaps that must befaced head on.
(06:00):
And so I would contend that westill have a ways to go.
Here at Bowie State University,we talk about the race to
excellence.
I believe our country is in arace and we're at the very
beginning of the race.
We made some great strides, uh,in the past, in the 60s with the
civil rights era in the 50sbefore, and, uh, with the
(06:24):
emergence beforehand of ourHBCUs.
And I'm very proud to be thepresident of Bowie State
University.
So we've seen progress be made,but then here we are, and we've
taken two steps forward andthree steps back.
So there's yet a lot that liesahead for us to address.
Lloyd Ricketts (06:45):
That's a fantastic perspective.
I really liked the way youarticulate that.
So, um, that leads me into mynext question.
What role does higher educationplays in enhancing or altering
the conversation of diversityand inclusion on individual
campuses?
Aminta Breaux (07:05):
Well, when you look at our history of higher
education in this country,higher education has played a
vital role in preparing citizensto engage in the political
process in our communities.
And as a public university,Bowie State University, uh, has
(07:25):
a special responsibility.
I believe, especially publicuniversities have a special
responsibility to be here forthe public good.
To prepare our students to yes,go into the workplaces and have
the knowledge and skills theyneed.
But more and more, what we seeis a greater need for us to
(07:46):
address what it means to be acitizen in a democratic society.
And unfortunately, I think we'velost some ground there and
higher education can play avital role through our delivery
of the liberal arts andpreparing students to think
critically to, uh, addressissues that we face today, but
(08:07):
do so informed with facts withtruths, uh, to be able to have a
discourse around issues where wemight not always see eye to eye
on an issue.
And our higher ed environmentshave been that place, whether
it's private, independent, orpublic universities, we've been
(08:27):
that place where the marketplaceof ideas can emerge, where you
can agree to disagree and youcan do so civilly and explore
issues to get to a betterunderstanding of the truth and
get to the better, a betterunderstanding of perspectives,
diverse perspectives, andrecognizing that each has value
(08:48):
in our society.
So our higher ed institutionshave the ability to get us back
on course, I believe to a morejust civil and democratic
society.
And yes, again, it's importantto prepare a knowledgeable,
skilled workforce, but ouruniversities have long served
the public good and creatingeducated citizens to engage in
(09:10):
their communities.
And when they go to the polls,know who they're voting for, but
know why.
Understand platforms, understandhow our government works.
And, uh, also when I think aboutthe history of Bowie State
University, I believe as anHBCU, we also have a special
responsibility to provide ahistorical context in educating
(09:33):
our students about ourcommunities, about the history
of this country in all itsglory, and also in all of the
ugliness, that is also part ofour history.
It is who we are and to help ourstudents contextualize the
issues we face today.
So these issues didn't justemerge out of nowhere, they come
from that historical context.
(09:56):
And that includes, you know,making sure that we understand
and are able to talk about race,talk about slavery, talk about
bias, discrimination.
That is part of our history,just as much as the emergence of
innovations in this country.
And as we talk about being thegreatest in the world, well, we
(10:17):
also have to talk about the, notso good side of our history.
So when you look at our value ofhigher education, I believe we
have a huge opportunity to getthis country back on track
giving that historical context,preparing citizens, but in a
(10:37):
manner that engages citizens andour students in discussion in
dialogue to address the issuesof today only then I think, can
we get to problem solving anddoing it in a way that has
meaning.
Meaning and long lastingconsequences.
Lloyd Ricketts (10:56):
Excellent.
Um, it's really commendable.
I've been looking at, um, yourinstitution's strategic plan,
and I see where diversity,equity, and inclusion is
forefront in your goals and yourcore values.
So in essence, your, you know,your preaching and your
practice, you're walking thewalk.
And that, that is fantastic.
(11:17):
I really admire that.
Aminta Breaux (11:18):
Thank you for that.
I'd like to think so that, uh,as a leader, I set the example
and making sure that we'retalking about these issues, but
giving, uh, action to what'sneeded today.
Lloyd Ricketts (11:33):
Great.
That is fantastic.
Um, I'd like you to react to thefollowing two statements.
The first statement, statementsof support are important to
solidify the position of, of theuniversity or college.
The second statement, actionsand engagement are the hallmarks
(11:55):
of institutional position andchange.
How do you react to thesestatements and do you see them
as being complimentary in anyway?
Aminta Breaux (12:05):
Well, uh, let me take the first part of your
question.
Uh, statements of support areimportant to solidifying the
position of the college anduniversity definitely, uh, using
my voice and, uh, position tospeak out in times of crises in
times of challenge that weresuch as we're facing today is
(12:28):
extremely important for helpingus set the tone, to bring
attention to the issues that areimportant for higher education
and for those on my campus, butthose across our great nation.
And our presidents ofuniversities have a, a, um, that
ability to have a platform.
(12:49):
And I don't think we should beon the sidelines.
We should be front and centerspeaking out.
So our campuses understand wherewe are as an institution, and
then where we need to positionour institutions to make that
impact.
As I was sharing earlier toharken back to our role in the
society to enact change.
(13:12):
So definitely, uh, statements ofsupport are critical.
Uh, and then actions andengagement are the hallmarks of
our institutional, uh, positionsand, and change, uh, actions
allow us to, uh, demonstrate andutilize our resources to bring
about that change that's needed.
(13:32):
So it's the two arecomplimentary, and it's
important for us to see thevalue that we bring as leaders
in driving home, the priorities.
You mentioned my strategic planat Bowie State University that
is visible for all to see, I cansit in a room and write up a
(13:52):
strategic plan, but that's notwhat is going to bring about
change.
That strategic plan that you seewas developed with campus wide
engagement over the course of ayear, so that this campus
understands where we're going,feels a part of it.
They understand the vision thatI have for the institution, but
(14:13):
we joined together as onecommunity and making sure that
we bring about the change sothat this institution is leading
the way in a united way.
And then also giving, uh, great,um, leadership to the rest of
the region and the country toaddress these issues.
So words are important without adoubt, but to bring about true
(14:38):
change requires action.
And, uh, when I, I think aboutwhat we're facing today, uh,
from, uh, threats to ourdemocracy elections, again, the
universities across this greatnation, have that ability to get
us back on course.
And I think about what, um, Dr.
(15:00):
King said, uh, some time agoabout the ultimate measure of a
man is not where he stands inmoments of comfort and
convenience, but where he standsat times of challenge and
controversy.
And if not now, when do I use myvoice and my platform to speak
out,
Lloyd Ricketts (15:18):
That is great.
And you teed it up very nicelyfor this next question I have is
what role does the college or auniversity president play as it
relates to diversity andinclusion, not only on your
campus, but in the surroundingcommunities?
Aminta Breaux (15:35):
Well, It, it, uh, speaks to...
that question, speaks to therole of using my voice, u h,
ensuring that the studentsunderstand the issues today
through their curricular, u h,endeavors, but also
co-curricular.
Ensuring that from day one, whenthey start even just looking at
(15:58):
Bowie State University, theylook at what we're asking
students to do when they come toBowie State University.
We're asking them to join acommunity community.
We're asking them, u h, when Istart to talk to students in new
student orientation, I, I letthem know you're expected to
give back.
I know you haven't stepped footon the campus yet, but you need
(16:19):
to know that this institutiondidn't emerge from nowhere.
It exists because of people whodedicated their lives, their
resources, their time, talent,treasures, to make sure that you
have a pathway to highereducation.
So likewise, you're expected tol eave this place better than
the way you found it to have animpact on this institution.
(16:41):
And then that's when I getglazed over look sometimes like,
what is she talking about?
But the message needs to beupfront, front and center.
And letting students know thatthat's the expectation that we
have for you.
You're more than having astudent sitting in a seat.
You are joining a community andthat's especially profound for a
(17:03):
historically Black college anduniversity and Bowie State
University is the first HBCU inthe state of Maryland.
So this is part of our cultureand our history that we instill
in students from the verybeginning.
And I use my voice in that wayon the campus to help set that
tone.
Set the expectation and set thebar high, letting students know
(17:26):
that we expect a lot of you.
And we also expect that beyondBowie State University, you will
give back to the largercommunity because there's great
need.
And you have the ability, thosewho are given much to those who
are given much, much asexpected, give back to leave
your footprint in the communityto enrich it.
(17:49):
We want you to be prepared forthe workplaces, but we expect
that you will contribute to theenrichment of communities and to
our society.
And then that's where tying inthe political governmental, uh,
uh, element, helping students tounderstand the society in which
we live, which is a democraticsociety, a capitalistic society.
(18:12):
So what does that mean for them?
Where do they fit into theworld, but they need to
understand that these are issuesthey need to wrestle with, and
we're going to help guide them.
But this is a partnership inthat learning process.
So for me as the president ofBowie State University, and by
the way, the first femalepresident in over 150 years, I
(18:34):
believe I have the ability toinspire students to, um, be, uh,
their best selves.
Lloyd Ricketts (18:43):
That is great.
And that level of orientation,as you said before, they even
set foot on campus is, is, isfantastic because, um, students,
um, you know, after four years,you graduate and move on, some
students forget about theirinstitution.
So I think the way you'reactually conducting the
(19:05):
orientation and engaging studentfrom the onset, it's perfect, um
, setting up these students tobe the next generation of
leaders
Aminta Breaux (19:14):
And lloyd, if I might add, um, beyond the
students and impacting whathappens here on the campus,
presidents have a vital role toplay in educating the rest of
the society, our businesses, our, uh, industry leaders, our, um,
(19:34):
communities at large about thevalue of higher education and
what we offer today.
And I know that there arechallenges and, uh, student loan
debt, and you hear a lot about,uh, those types of challenges,
but our institutions bring ahuge value.
When I look at what a BowieState University provides in the
(19:57):
way of talent and resources toworkplaces and to communities, I
do think we need to use ourvoices to remind our communities
and especially industry andbusiness leaders about the value
that we bring.
And I'm very pleased to be ableto do that.
And recently, um, couple ofyears ago, actually, I signed on
(20:18):
to, uh, the CEO Action forDiversity, with Price Waterhouse
Coopers that now has over 2000signatories on a pledge
agreement to address diversityand inclusion across the
country, in business andindustry and being a part of
those types of organizations,particularly that one allows me
(20:39):
the opportunity to shareinformation, to remind, uh,
other leaders in industry andbusiness about the true value of
higher education.
So when those workforce leadersare looking for talent for
graduates who can read andcommunicate and write
effectively, analyze, thinkcritically and all of those
(21:00):
skills that are sometimes calledsoft skills, I have to take an
opportunity to say, I call thoseessential skills and you know
what?
We provide that through ourliberal arts education.
And so we don't want to losesight.
Yes, we will prepare disciplinesspecific, uh, talent, but we
(21:21):
have to support the liberal artsbecause when the jobs change
over and over again, we don'teven know what the next five
years are going to hold with allthe technological changes.
You're going to need people whocan read, who can write,
analyze, think for themselves,and then innovate and be
(21:41):
creative and lead yourorganizations.
Lloyd Ricketts (21:45):
Great that, you know, I love that you mentioned
the value proposition, becausethat is so critical.
Um, you know, as you said, um,you know, sometime you see the
soundbites about the cost ofhigher ed and that discount the
value proposition that, you know, higher ed is bringing to the
country.
So I, I think that that isgreat.
(22:06):
Um, in terms of my nextquestion, what have been your
greatest opportunities andchallenges in advancing your
efforts on your campus?
Aminta Breaux (22:16):
Well, I, I look at the world these days in terms
of pre COVID and posts, and, uh,COVID, uh, over this last year
and a half, uh, we've been goingthrough the pandemic and the
emergence re-emergence of socialjustice issues.
There's been great challenge.
But there's a saying that, uh,out of adversity, you know, the,
(22:39):
the saying, uh, comesopportunity.
And so the challenges over thislast year and a half have been
similar to what I'm sure you andothers have encountered, and
that is addressing COVID 19.
Uh, making sure we kept ourcampus safe and putting in
protocols and safety measuresfrom testing, tracing, and now
(23:01):
vaccinations happening on thecampus to ensure the safety of
our campus.
Uh, we have poured, uh, funds,resources, financial, and, uh,
other resources into justoperating this year.
And thank goodness for thefederal dollars that came to our
universities that allowed us toaddress COVID-19 and its impact,
(23:26):
uh, because without those funds,I'm not sure where we would be
today.
So those federal dollars helpedus in addressing the health and
the welfare of our institution.
Those federal dollars helpedclose in on that technology
divide that we saw, especiallyfor our campus, where many of
our students did not have accessto wifi.
(23:47):
They were sitting in parkinglots at McDonald's and other
places trying to get wifiaccess.
So over this last year, we gaveout laptops, we gave out
Chromebooks and hotspots.
So we continue to do that toclose in on that digital divide.
So there's been a great manychallenges, uh, with COVID-19.
(24:08):
Prior to COVID-19 as a HBCU, uh,particularly in the state of
Maryland, we were facing theissues around funding for our
universities.
And you may be aware that therewas a settlement recently of the
coalition case for HBCUs in thestate of Maryland, that
(24:28):
recognize that there wasdiscrimination against, uh, in
the courts.
It was recognized.
And the finding showed thatthere was discriminatory
practices, uh, for our HBCUs.
The remedy has been put forwardfor new funding to come to our
HBCUs f or of our HBCUs over 10years, with$577 million coming
(24:51):
to our HBCUs.
So prior to COVID 19, we werefacing those challenges.
And frankly, post C OVID-19,even with those funds, we will
still need to close in on thegap for our institution because
of the history that was here.
And I think we need to recognizethat we've made great progress,
(25:15):
but the challenge is still facesin terms.
S o our infrastructure, while Ihave new buildings on campus, I
have aging infrastructure whileI have, u h, new programs
operating.
I have other issues, u h, with,u h, marketing.
So we're still very much tryingto get to that level playing
(25:36):
field.
However, let me talk about greatopportunities that have come our
way.
In addition to the coalitioncase being settled, we realized
the largest gift in our historythis year from McKenzie Scott,
and we are truly indebted toher.
And so thankful for$25 million,that was given to Bowie State
(25:57):
University, and we are usingthose funds towards innovation
to pick up pace, to accelerateour progress so that we can stay
competitive in this new normal.
So we've signed on to newpartnerships, the likes of which
we wouldn't have seen, uh, inthe past.
(26:18):
We're very fortunate that we nowhave greater attention on our
HBCUs, including Bowie StateUniversity that is bringing new
partnerships to the campuscompanies such as IBM and
Google, Amazon Web Services.
Truest is our, uh, one of ournewest partners, uh, BG and E.
And all of these companies thatare saying, we recognize we're,
(26:41):
we're hearing that there havebeen these disparities, and we
recognize the talent that HBCUshave provided to work forces,
uh, throughout our history ofover 150 years.
And so I'm so thankful for thesenew opportunities.
Again, we have not seen this.
(27:01):
I have not seen this type ofattention in my 35 plus years in
higher ed, on HBCUs as I have inthe last couple of years.
And especially through, um, theattention of social justice
concerns and with the ongoingchallenges through the pandemic.
(27:22):
So, uh, there are challenges, nodoubt, but I see great
opportunities coming our way,and we're very thankful to all
of our legislators for thosecares dollars and the
philanthropy and the corporatesupport that we're realizing
now.
Lloyd Ricketts (27:38):
That's great.
And, um, I just want to saykudos to you.
I see, I read your latestinitiative, establishing the
entrepreneurship academy tocreate that next generation of
innovators.
I thought that's fantastic.
I'm like way to go.
That, that's just great.
Aminta Breaux (27:57):
Thank you.
And, you know, it speaks to thisenvironment that's rapidly
changing, and you mentioned inthe introductory remarks, the
vision that I have is for everystudent to graduate with an
entrepreneurial mindset, if theywant to create a new product or
new business, so be it.
And I think that may be neededin their, uh, their career along
(28:21):
the way.
But it's a way of thinking aboutthe workplaces today that I want
them focused on that when theysee change coming about, they
need to be able to identifythose signals early on in order
to help their organizations.
If they're working for a largeorganization, a smaller
organization recognize thosesignals of change and be part of
(28:44):
driving that change and notreacting to it, but being more
in that leadership driver's seatand seeing how they can still
contribute and recognizing thatthey still can contribute.
But riding that wave and beingat the, at the forefront of that
wave and not being, you know, atthe end and say, oh my gosh,
(29:06):
well now what do I do?
So that's the world that thisgeneration has inherited and
generations I suspect, uh, tocome for many years.
Lloyd Ricketts (29:17):
Great.
That's excellent.
Um, my next question for you is,um, how can the lessons learned
from issues highlighted in 2020and 2021 around the pandemic,
black lives matter, theelection, et cetera, advance
your thoughts about diversity,equity, and inclusion, and how
(29:40):
can these lessons best appliedto both Bowie State University?
Aminta Breaux (29:45):
The big lesson is that we can never become
complacent where concerns aredemocracy, uh, education and
providing access and opportunityto education, providing access
and opportunity to better health, health care, um, providing
(30:05):
access and opportunity for ourcitizens in our communities.
And I do fear that there wascomplacency as I look back on
what we've gone through inrecent years, I believe that we
were lulled into a false senseof security that our democracy
is just going to happen.
(30:27):
Well, it doesn't just happen.
And someone once said that ademocracy is, is not a spectator
sport, it really isn't.
And the lessons learned is, uh,is really about engaging,
staying vigilant, being involvedin the process, making sure that
we contribute and making lifebetter, not just for ourselves,
(30:51):
but for our, our entirecommunity.
Because when you have thisgrowing gap of wealth, you have
the growing gap in health and,uh, financial wealth.
What we see is, should not be asurprise to any of us.
When we have a greater, uh,population of the have nots, uh,
(31:14):
and that widening gap, thiscreates turmoil and, and, um,
really creates the, the concernsand challenges that we're
facing.
So, yes, I'm biased because I'min higher education, but I truly
believe that when I'm look atthe history that access and
affordability to qualityeducation, not just in higher
(31:36):
ed, but from P through 20 isimportant to our democracy and
our way of life.
And so the lessons learned, andI've lived long enough to see,
um, history repeat itself.
And I don't believe that's wherewe want to be as a country.
And we have to stay vigilant onthese issues and engage in the
(31:59):
process, making sure we'reeducated about issues and
engaging in the process.
And that's not to say, and I'vebeen asked periodically, what do
you think everybody should go tohigher education?
I believe that those who want toand, uh, want to go to higher
education and are prepared,should come into higher
education.
(32:19):
I think they should have theopportunity to choose.
And we in higher education canpartner with P through 12th
grade and with our communitycolleges to create pathways and
with voc-tech with vocationalinstitutions to create pathways
for our citizens to find wayforward, to find the best way
(32:43):
that meets their needs to giveback to our communities.
Lloyd Ricketts (32:47):
Great.
That's great.
Um, to what do you attribute thelarger recognition and embrace
of Juneteenth as a federalholiday, which passed with
overwhelming bipartisanship andpublic support?
Aminta Breaux (33:05):
Well, I do think it's been an evolution, uh, for
the longest time, as you know,many of our citizens never heard
of Juneteenth, but I do think itcomes with growing diversity in
critical leadership roles inbusiness, industry, education,
(33:26):
where information is being morewidely shared, bringing greater
attention, uh, with the changesthat we've seen with greater
attention to our HBCUs, there ismore dialogue around, uh, HBCUs
and what they mean to history.
There's been a more researchconducted on social justice
(33:47):
issues.
The, uh, I would say areawakening of interest in the
black culture, inAfrican-American history.
And so it's been an evolutioncoming to this point.
And then of course we have torecognize that we have the first
vice president of these UnitedStates who is a graduate of an
(34:10):
HBCU, and African-American awoman of color who highlights
and, and just puts that finerpoint on the cultural aspects,
uh, of our society that bringsinterest and curiosity.
And so it's not as thoughJuneteenth, didn't, it, it
(34:32):
wasn't known, especially in theAfrican-American community, but
it's become much more widelyknown through all of these, uh,
evolutions in different sectors.
And now with the election of thefirst VP of color, a woman, and
there's just a lot of interests.
And so to have Biden and Harrisnow bring this about for a
(34:56):
national holiday that puts thatfine point.
Uh, and again, in increases evengreater interest for, I would
dare say, there's still peoplein this country who are
scratching their heads and say,what is Juneteenth, but it helps
highlight and bring attentionand curiosity, uh, and, uh, to
(35:17):
what it is and what it standsfor.
And reminding everyone about,again, that earlier point I made
about our history in all itsglory, but in those, um, other
and the other aspects of ourhistory in this country,
Lloyd Ricketts (35:33):
Right.
That's such a great perspective.
Um, the question I have for youis, in what ways do you hope
your institution's effort ondiversity, equity, and inclusion
will impact your currentstudents and future students?
Aminta Breaux (35:50):
Well, it is truly my hope that history will not
repeat itself, that, uh, inlearning our history, coming to
terms with our history will helppave a brighter future for
generations to come.
That is my vision.
(36:11):
When I think about, um, where weare today, I don't want my
children and grandchildren andtheir children and future
generations to have to go backover these issues.
These biases, the issues ofdiscriminatory practices, the
have, and the have-nots, thewealth gap and all of these
(36:32):
challenges, I would like toensure that we have long lasting
systemic change that puts thiscountry in a better position to
lead the world in innovation, inall, and really finally
recognize and come to terms withwhat we have said we want to be
(36:54):
and who we are with truly who weare as a nation, recognizing the
great potential we have in ourcitizens and their unique
abilities to drive change andinnovation and lead the world.
But for over 150 years, ourgraduates said Bowie State
(37:16):
University have provided a hugevalue.
And yet I know that there aremany who don't know about Bowie
State University.
I want to change that.
I want, as we say, here on thecampus, our students, our
graduates to be Bowie bold, goout and let the world know about
all the excellence that I see,but I want them to leave their
footprint here and on ourcountry and make sure that they
(37:40):
continue to lead our greatnation to a greater future.
And, uh, I, I do think we canget there, but it's going to
take a more comprehensive,intentional and systemic
approach where we work withpartners, as I just mentioned,
uh, with Pricewaterhouse orTruest or Google and all the
(38:03):
other partners, and withphilanthropists who understand,
like MacKenzie Scott, the valueof giving back, because if we
all just sit back and say, well,I got mine, you go get yours.
I think that's going to be arecipe for a very bleak future.
But I see in our students on ourcampus today, their strong
(38:24):
interest.
They're saying, Dr.
Breaux, how can we bring aboutchange?
What can we do is veryfrustrating through this
pandemic because we were in thestay at home orders.
When we were seeing the socialunrest and our students, they
said, they're not staying athome.
Yeah.
They put on their mask, but theywere marching in DC.
They were there saying, I wantmy voice to be heard.
(38:46):
I can't sit on the sidelines.
And so I know our students wantto make a difference.
They want to bring about changethis year.
Um, for our first year seminar,we gave the choice of our first
year students, uh, to choosethemes.
One of the themes was onentrepreneurship as we were
talking.
Um, but they had a choice of twoother themes.
(39:06):
One was on civic engagement andthe other was on social justice.
To delve deeply into theseissues and why they're important
today.
And it was a great, great wayfor us to allow students to
dialogue in the classroom,whether it be virtual or
in-person to dialogue aroundthese issues.
(39:28):
So not sweep it under the carpetor say, well, we'll deal with
that when you come back from thepandemic.
We faced that head on.
And we gave our first yearstudents that choice.
We continue to have civicengagement opportunities.
We continue to have in-person,uh, co-curricular opportunities
on the campus in spite of allthe challenges.
(39:49):
So what I know is that if we cando all of that through this
pandemic, the future is brightbecause of our students and
their capabilities because ofBowie State University, and what
we have provided for over 150years.
And because I do think there's anew momentum in this country to
(40:10):
say, not again, not on my watch,we're going to do something
about this.
And I believe higher educationhas a vital role to play in
that.
Lloyd Ricketts (40:19):
Wonderful.
Dr.
Breaux, I really want to thankyou for sharing your perspective
with us today for the workyou've already done.
And I know we'll, you'llcontinue to do to advance issues
of diversity, equity, andinclusion, not only at your
institution, but at the broadercommunity.
You know, um, I strongly believethat, you know, the type of
(40:43):
leadership you've shown and yourcommitment to these areas, this
should serve as a model withinour higher ed community.
I really, really deeplyappreciate you taking the time
out this morning to have thisdiscussion and wish you all the
best.
Aminta Breaux (40:59):
Thank you so very much.
And thank you to middle statesfor having me today and best
wishes to all as we embark on anew normal, but I believe higher
ed is ready and prepared to leadthe way.
Thank you.
Lloyd Ricketts (41:12):
Thank you.
To our listeners.
Thank you for joining us.
If you want the Commission tohighlight the efforts of your
institution in a future podcast,then please visit M S C H
E.org/pillars of change tosubmit your suggestion.
(41:35):
On behalf of the Middle StatesCommission on Higher Education
and our guest, Dr.
Aminta Breaux.
I'm Lloyd Ricketts, saying thankyou and have a great day.
(41:57):
[inaudible].
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