Bridging Campus and Capitol: The Hunt Institute Launches Inaugural MSI Leaders Lab for North Carolina HBCU Leaders
June 30, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 30, 2026
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Eight senior executives from North Carolina’s HBCUs complete a landmark three-part leadership experience connecting campus leadership to state policy.
Cary, N.C. (June 30, 2026) — Eight executive leaders from North Carolina’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) completed the Minority-Serving Institutions (MSI) Leaders Lab, a high-impact, immersive leadership experience designed to connect HBCU leadership directly with state policymakers. Convened by The Hunt Institute and funded by the John M. Belk Endowment, the program intentionally aligns the state’s minority-serving institutions with North Carolina’s broader education and economic policy discussions.
Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority-Serving Institutions serve as vital economic engines and hubs of talent development, driving upward mobility for students and fueling state workforces. Through the MSI Leaders Lab, participants gained unique exposure to the state’s most pressing education policy issues, collaborated directly with top state leaders on the future of postsecondary education, and explored solutions to the unique opportunities and challenges facing MSIs today.
“Governor Hunt understood that higher education is a cornerstone of economic development and individual opportunity. Our historically Black institutions are foundational to North Carolina’s success,” shared Dr. Javaid Siddiqi, President and CEO of The Hunt Institute. “We honor that legacy by creating the MSI Leaders Lab to equip these visionary campus executives with direct lines of engagement to state policymakers. By fostering deep-dive dialogue and sustained connections, we are preparing leaders to drive both institutional excellence and statewide economic growth.”
“My experience has been exceptional. Learning from chancellors both within and outside the UNC System, as well as from our system colleagues, has provided valuable perspectives on higher education across the country,” Dr. Alyn Goodson, Executive Vice Chancellor at North Carolina Central University, said. “The opportunity to exchange ideas and best practices has strengthened my understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing colleges and universities and will help inform my leadership moving forward.”
A Three-Part Learning Experience
The comprehensive, three-part experience began in April 2026, as part of The Hunt Institute’s 2026 Holshouser Legislators Retreat. Held in partnership with bipartisan co-chairs Senator Brad Overcash, Senator Sydney Batch, Representative Zack Hawkins, and Representative David Willis. Cohort members collaborated directly with lawmakers on critical higher education priorities and exchanged perspectives across sectors.
The experience continued with a virtual peer learning and reflection session on May 20, 2026, providing a dedicated space for peer exchange alongside Dr. Michael Sorrell, President of Paul Quinn College and Dr. Bonita J. Brown, Chancellor of Winston Salem State University, In June 2026 the series concluded by featuring a session with representatives from North Carolina Governor Josh Stein’s office, and a closing session alongside North Carolina Representative Zack Hawkins and former State Senator Deanna Ballard to synthesize policy priorities, reflect on shared insights, and solidify long-term partnerships.
“What stayed with me after our conversation was the commitment every leader in this cohort has to their students and their institutions,” said Senator Deanna Ballard. “I really hope the connections built through the MSI Leaders Lab keep going well beyond the program. When HBCU leaders and legislators sit down together and build real relationships, we get better policy, and North Carolina is stronger for it.”
Inaugural MSI Leaders Lab Cohort
- Dr. Gary Brown, Vice Chancellor and Chief of Staff, North Carolina Central University
- Dr. Ivey Brown, Vice Chancellor for Institutional Integrity and General Counsel, Winston-Salem State University
- Dr. Catherine Edmonds, Interim Provost & Executive Vice Chancellor, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University
- Dr. Alyn Goodson, Executive Vice Chancellor, North Carolina Central University
- Dr. Jim Harper II, Associate Provost & Dean, Graduate Studies, North Carolina Central University
- Dr. Stevie Lawrence, Provost and Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs, Winston-Salem State University
- Dr. Nakeshia Williams, Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University
- Dr. Ontario Wooden, Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, North Carolina Central University
“At the John M. Belk Endowment, we believe investing in leadership is essential to strengthening North Carolina’s higher education ecosystem,” said MC Belk Pilon, President and Board Chair of the John M. Belk Endowment. “Through our partnership with The Hunt Institute and the MSI Leaders Lab Cohort, we’re supporting the future HBCU leaders whose vision, collaboration, and commitment to student success will help ensure these institutions continue to transform lives, strengthen communities, and drive North Carolina’s economic and civic future.”
The MSI Leaders Lab reflects a growing statewide commitment to higher education investment, ensuring that North Carolina’s MSI leaders have the collaborative network and policy insights necessary to drive long-term institutional and student success.
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About The Hunt Institute
The Hunt Institute, an affiliate of Duke University’s Sanford School of Public Policy, is a leader in transforming public education. Marshaling expertise from a nationwide partner network since its establishment in 2001, The Hunt Institute brings together people and resources that help build and nurture visionary leadership and mobilize strategic action for greater educational outcomes and student success. For more information, please visit: http://www.hunt-institute.org/.
