Based on Schexnider's years as chancellor of Winston-Salem State University, a historically black university in North Carolina, Saving Black Colleges makes clear both the challenges and the opportunities and prospects for change historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) now face. Schexnider describes his approach to leading Winston-Salem State University during 1996-2000 and the problems he encountered. He details what he found, how he was received, what he was able to accomplish, and what he failed to achieve during a period of enormous change. He examines how these issues affect other HBCUs and makes clear in practical terms how courageous leadership, improved governance, and successful fundraising can deal with and help to overcome the problems HBCUs are facing.

Saving Black Colleges makes clear the challenges, opportunities, and prospects for change historically black colleges and universities now face. Schexnider, the former chancellor of Winston-Salem State University, details what he could and could not accomplish, examines how these issues affect other HBCUs, and outlines a practical way forward. Alvin J. Schexnider is the president of Schexnider & Associates, LLC. He previously served as the president of Thomas Nelson Community College and as the executive vice president and interim president of Norfolk State University.