By Daryl D. Green
An op-ed isn’t just an opinion—it’s a chance to shape conversations. Here’s a step-by-step guide
As the nation deals with yet another federal government shutdown, Americans are questioning the value of higher education. Detractors claim that universities are out of touch with reality and failing to equip students for real-world application. However, from where I sit in Oklahoma, leading a business school at a public HBCU, I see a different story unfolding: one of resilience and innovation.
As a young program manager at the U.S. Department of Energy, I was once assigned to oversee a large nuclear decontamination project. The contractor was spending over $1 million a year without moving any material. Everyone involved had impressive titles, but no one was asking the right question. So, I asked: “Is the material stable? Can we safely hold it in place while better solutions are developed?” That mindset shift saved money and bought us more time. Years later, the K-25 facility was demolished. The job was completed. I learned then what I still believe now. We need a different mindset in higher education especially during disruption.
Sadly, too many educational institutions are stuck in legacy thinking. Curricula are created in isolation, focusing more on academic rigor than employability. Students graduate with theory but little understanding of the practical skills demanded by today’s job market. It’s time to think differently. Learning how to better connect students with experienced alumni with current students is just one example.
At Historically Black Colleges and Universities like Langston University, we’re used to making much out of little. We’ve been innovating for over a century, preparing first-generation, working-class students to overcome systemic barriers. That legacy has taught us to do more than just educate; it has taught us to transform. In today’s disruptive world with an AI-driven workforce, an innovative mindset is essential. Langston University’s School of Business is building on this legacy by reimagining what faculty leadership looks like. Faculty must embrace roles as change agents. People who are willing to mentor, adapt and innovate. We are recruiting faculty who understand the future of work: AI, data analytics and culture intelligence. These are not just buzzwords. They are the currency of tomorrow’s economy.
Our vision is to attract forward-thinking educators who want to make a real impact.
The following are ways for driving this innovative mindset in faculty:
- 1. Continuous improvement: Faculty are encouraged to refresh course materials regularly and participate in ongoing professional development.
- 2. Student-centered design: We seek to integrate student feedback into every aspect of our teaching approach.
- 3. Real-world relevance: Industry partnerships allow students to learn from business leaders and solve real problems.
- 4. Leveraging part-time faculty talent: Our part-time instructors bring fresh insights from the field and infuse new ideas for learning.
- 5. Cross-disciplinary collaboration: Faculty from business, technology, and social sciences are teaming up to explore complex issues.
- 6. Smart tech integration: We use tools like business simulations and AI-enhanced feedback, while never replacing the power of mentorship.
- 7. Commitment to culture intelligence: A diverse faculty prepares students to thrive in a global economy.
Are we, as educators, truly prepared for the work of the future? My experience at the K-25 nuclear project taught me that transformational change doesn’t always demand more funding. It demands better thinking. A simple yet transformational mindset can solve complex problems. HBCUs have always been about more than just education; they are about community, resilience and innovation. In a disruptive world, our ability to think outside the box is our greatest strength. As political leaders debate the future of education funding, we must not lose sight of the real challenge: changing our mindset to build institutions that adapt, engage and lead. Let’s pray that it is not too late.
