Transformation Initiatives Office

Blue Meridian Partners invested $60M during the Project’s first year, $32.5M of which is being regranted to HBCU partners to fund specific Transformation initiatives.  In support of the second year of the Transformation Project, Blue Meridian recently provided another $124 Million in funding support.

As of the Spring of 2024, N.C. A&T has received approximately $5 Million in funding from the Project.  This funding has supported over 40 initiatives within 5 functional areas.  More funding is committed and yet to be disbursed and the Transformation Office is exploring more sources of funding support.

The five transformation functional areas of focus for the university are as follows:

• Enrollment Management
• Office of Career Services
• Extended Campus/Online Learning
• Facilities
• The Stakeholder Experience

The Transformation Office has 7 key areas of responsibilities as follows:

• Strategic Planning- Develop detailed project plans
• Initiative Management- Initiative management and implementation for university initiatives aligned with the mission and vision
• Coordination- Manage cross-functional team interactions that will drive transformation
• Analysis and Reporting- Assess and integrate data to support evidence-based decision-making and adoption of innovations
• Communications- Communicate planning and progress with internal and external stakeholders
• Return on Investment (ROI)- Determine both qualitative and quantitative return on investment (ROI) of the initiatives as a measure of internal and external impact
• Sustainability- Plan for long-term sustainability of initiatives beyond the initiative funding period of the Transformation Project

Q1: What is the HBCU Transformation Project?

A1: The HBCU Transformation Project is a groundbreaking initiative designed to support and enhance the mission of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). This collaboration involves Blue Meridian Partners, the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, the United Negro College Fund, the Partnership for Education Advancement, participating HBCUs, and consultants. The project aims to provide consulting and financial support to 17 public HBCUs to help them achieve sustainable growth and development.

Q2: Who are the key partners in the HBCU Transformation Project?

A2: The key partners in the HBCU Transformation Project include:

• Blue Meridian Partners: A philanthropic organization that invests in social change initiatives.
• Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF): An organization that supports publicly-supported HBCUs and predominantly Black institutions.
• United Negro College Fund (UNCF): A philanthropic organization that funds scholarships for Black students and general scholarship funds for 37 private HBCUs.
• Partnership for Education Advancement: An organization focused on advancing education and improving outcomes for underserved students.
• Participating HBCUs: 17 public HBCUs that are the primary beneficiaries of this project.
• Consultants: Experts who provide specialized knowledge and strategies to help HBCUs achieve their goals.

Q3: What are the main goals of the HBCU Transformation Project?

A3: The main goals of the HBCU Transformation Project are to:

• Enhance the operational and financial sustainability of participating HBCUs.
• Improve educational outcomes and opportunities for students.
• Strengthen institutional capacity through tailored consulting services.
• Foster collaboration and knowledge sharing among HBCUs.
• Ensure long-term impact and growth for HBCUs through strategic investments and support.

Q4: Which HBCUs are participating in the project?

A4: The project consists of 17 public HBCUs. While the specific institutions involved are not listed in this document, they are selected based on their readiness and potential to leverage the consulting and financial support provided by the project to achieve transformative outcomes.

Q5: How does the consulting aspect of the project work?

A5: The consulting aspect of the project involves providing participating HBCUs with access to expert consultants who specialize in various areas such as financial management, strategic planning, academic programming, technology integration, and more. These consultants work closely with the institutions to identify challenges, develop strategies, and implement solutions tailored to each HBCU’s unique needs and goals.

Q6: What type of financial support do the participating HBCUs receive?

A6: Participating HBCUs receive financial support in the form of grants and investments from Blue Meridian Partners and other collaborating organizations. This funding is aimed at supporting specific projects, initiatives, and overall institutional capacity building efforts. The financial support is designed to be flexible, allowing each HBCU to address its most pressing needs and priorities.

Q7: How will the success of the HBCU Transformation Project be measured?

A7: The success of the HBCU Transformation Project will be measured through various metrics, including:

• Improvements in student retention and graduation rates.
• Enhanced financial stability and growth of participating HBCUs.
• Successful implementation of strategic initiatives and projects.
• Positive feedback from students, faculty, and administrators.
• Long-term sustainability and impact on the participating HBCUs and their communities.

Q8: Why is the HBCU Transformation Project considered a first-of-its-kind collaboration?

A8: The HBCU Transformation Project is considered a first-of-its-kind collaboration due to its scale, comprehensive approach, and the unique coalition of partners involved. It brings together major philanthropic organizations, advocacy groups, and educational experts in a concerted effort to support public HBCUs. This level of collaboration and the combination of consulting and financial support focused specifically on HBCUs is unprecedented, aiming to create a significant and lasting impact on these institutions and their students.

Q9: How can stakeholders and the public learn more or get involved with the HBCU Transformation Project?

A9: Stakeholders and the public can learn more about the HBCU Transformation Project by visiting the websites of the key partners involved, such as Blue Meridian Partners, TMCF, UNCF, and the Partnership for Education Advancement. These websites provide detailed information about the project, its goals, and ways to get involved or support the initiative. Additionally, updates and success stories may be shared through press releases, social media, and other communication channels.