Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) face a pivotal decision point. To avoid extinction, HBCUs must creatively maximize their mission and purpose. To achieve their mission, HBCUs should develop innovative spiritual leadership models, because leadership is about the future. The future is about children/students, because it is spiritually written: “Lo, children are a heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.” (Psalm 127: 3). Therefore, without a vision for children, individuals perish. Thus, leadership is not about instant socio-economic gratification. I joined the faculty of Texas Southern University (TSU) as a sociology professor in 1977, after teaching at several predominantly white institutions (PWIs).
My campus debut was eye- opening. Initially, I met with a senior level administrator. He expressed his appreciation for my academic qualifications and indicated that, should I choose to cooperate with him, there would be significant opportunities
for advancement at TSU. Immediately, I was offered an administrative job. I left that administrator’s office stunned by a sense of Administrative Ego-tripping that I had not experienced before in any previous academic setting. I refused to play ball. Two years later I was fired. At the previous PWI where I was an assistant dean and professor of sociology, the University President in a creative way at the Christmas break reminded everyone that the university’s mission was student development: teaching and learning.
My initial encounter with a senior level administrator at TSU was vastly different. Consequently, I was inspired to write a short blueprint on: “How To Wreck A University”. There is an ole spiritual adage that is currently on full display in every facet of American society that was coined by Brinkman: “There is nothing like authoritative ignorance”. Ignorance destroys, it does not create and build. For example, on Friday, December 5th, 2025, TSU’s Board of Regents had an emergency Board meeting.
During that meeting, the Board of Regents approved (5) new contracts. The State Auditor’s Report was published on December 8th. On December 9th, Governor Abbott ordered TSU to stop awarding new contracts. Obviously, a quorum of the TSU’s Board of Regents’ leadership has malnutrition of the brain and did not understand the consequences of “451 million dollars” that could not be “systematically” tracked and accounted for before issuing new contracts. The Taxpayers of the State of Texas are asking the Marvin Gaye question: “What’s Going On?” The answer undoubtedly is BOLD authoritative ignorance!
In closing, here is the blueprint treatise I wrote after my encounter with the senior- level TSU administrator in 1977 on “How University”: Employ personnel who are not capable emotionally or intellectually of implementing the conceptual philosophy of the university: Excellence in Achievement.
Compete internally for resources both human and nonhuman, as though the university’s existence is not grounded in the same mandate, philosophy, and goals. Be oblivious to the social fact that evaluation data impacts institutional/ social change. Violate established systems, processes, and procedures that are designed to rationalize and make efficient university operations.
Do not create an inquiry design to involve different units and individuals in university decision-making. Alienate individuals from power resources within the university structure. Encourage the concept “us” and “them” in intra/interpersonal relations, power and authority relationships, and staff and line positions.
Encourage artificial and arbitrary distinctions that enhance racism, sexism, and general and specific incompetence.
Encourage behaviors that violate human rights, civil rights, and human integrity; that is, encourage behaviors that are not related philosophically to and consistent with the university’s mission statement.
Establish goals on a “post hoc ergo proper hoc” or after the fact basis, which encourages inefficiency and lack of accountability.
