Episode 82: Why I Stayed, Why I Left: HBCU Faculty in Motion
Fri Nov 21 2025
In this episode, we speak with Erjia Yan (Drexel University), Robert Palmer (Howard University), and Chaoqun Ni (University of Wisconsin–Madison) to discuss their upcoming research brief on the challenges HBCUs face in recruiting and retaining faculty. They highlight the 8% decline of faculty at HBCUs between 2013 and 2022, despite the national numbers rising. The podcast explores the reasons why they leave, citing low pay, heavy workloads, limited research support, and bureaucratic hurdles, particularly when Predominantly White Institutions offer better salaries, lighter teaching loads, and stronger infrastructure. Despite the downsides, many remain deeply committed to HBCUs’ mission of educating marginalized students, strengthening the black community, and fostering close connections with colleagues and learners.
Listen as we discuss the faculty retention issues at HBCUs and their implications for educational equity and institutional sustainability.
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In this episode, we speak with Erjia Yan (Drexel University), Robert Palmer (Howard University), and Chaoqun Ni (University of Wisconsin–Madison) to discuss their upcoming research brief on the challenges HBCUs face in recruiting and retaining faculty. They highlight the 8% decline of faculty at HBCUs between 2013 and 2022, despite the national numbers rising. The podcast explores the reasons why they leave, citing low pay, heavy workloads, limited research support, and bureaucratic hurdles, particularly when Predominantly White Institutions offer better salaries, lighter teaching loads, and stronger infrastructure. Despite the downsides, many remain deeply committed to HBCUs’ mission of educating marginalized students, strengthening the black community, and fostering close connections with colleagues and learners. Listen as we discuss the faculty retention issues at HBCUs and their implications for educational equity and institutional sustainability.