Dr. Ronald Mason, Jr., President of the University of the District of Columbia (UDC), joined this episode of the Illuminate Higher Education podcast to address issues of race in higher education and the role of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).

Dr. Mason began his career in law but transitioned to higher education. After 17 years at Tulane University, he identified opportunities within the HBCU space at Jackson State University and Southern University System before joining UDC. 

In this episode, Dr. Mason and Kiran begin by establishing a working definition of HBCUs as they relate to predominantly white institutions. They are institutional reflections of the Black experience in America, beginning with little to no access to wealth.

Dr. Mason and Kiran agree that education should be a great equalizer and should be a talent production pipeline for future employers. Yet employers insist they cannot find the talent they need. Ongoing systemic challenges of wealth inequality are just one reason why the system, as-is, destroys more talent than it produces.

The conversation also addresses hot topic issues such as historical roots of white supremacy, dangers of miseducation, and Dr. Mason’s optimistic predictions for the future of higher education.

Learn more about The University of the District of Columbia and Dr. Ronald Mason’s leadership by visiting UDC.edu and following @UDC_edu on Twitter.

Subscribe to email updates about the Institute for the Study and Elimination of White Supremacy in America here.

This episode is brought to you by N2N’s Illuminate App, The iPaaS for Higher Education. Learn more at https://illuminateapp.com/web/higher-education/