Nearing 50, NAFEO Continuing to Grow Into Role as Effective Advocate for HBCUs - Higher Education: For nearly 50 years, the National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education (NAFEO) has served as the overarching advocate for all 105 historically Black colleges and universities and 91 predominantly Black institutions (PBIs), working behind the scenes to ensure its member institutions receive their share of federal and state funding and contract opportunities. But as NAFEO’s 50th anniversary approaches, some people — including its board members — say it is time for the organization to get a facelift because a strong, national advocate for HBCUs is needed now more than ever.
“If NAFEO didn’t exist today, it would have to be created,” says Dr. Leonard Haynes III, senior director of institutional services at the U.S. Department of Education. “When it comes to higher education policy at the federal level, an advocate’s voice is important. Absent that, you don’t get the attention the community deserves.”
