Cheyney University is looking to the future with a firm focus on long-term sustainability, writes Gia Savage for Diverse: Issues in Higher Education.

The nation’s oldest historically black university has recently issued a report that includes detailed recommendations on how to improve both its financial and enrollment issues.

The institution has been struggling with these growing challenges for decades. Now, it has started making reforms to ensure its long-term sustainability, led by a task force appointed by the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education Board of Governors.

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The findings and recommendations made by PASSHE were presented to the public in May. According to the report, sustainability at the university should begin with the development of an “operational model.” This should focus on how administrators can improve the success rates of students, increase enrollment, revise academic programs, and better monitor finances.

“The best thing to do when an institution is in crisis is to focus,” said Dr. Marybeth Gasman, director of the Penn Center for Minority Serving Institutions.

Another recommendation by the task force is to remove the sports programs and focus on academics.

According to the report, “Cheyney is developing a focused mission that will enable it to meet the needs of students today and tomorrow.”

Read more about Cheyney’s plans in Diverse: Issues in Higher Education by clicking here.

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