The Academic Journey from “Student” to “Professor” at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)

Revised Edition - Primarily for HBCU Students, Alumni, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Professionals

An Experience of a Lifetime: The Academic Journey from “Student” to “Professor” at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) – Revised Edition offers an in-depth story about my academic matriculation at HBCUs from an undergraduate student to a Ph.D. recipient in developmental psychology.  In this account, I describe my journey from Winston-Salem State University (B.A.) to North Carolina Central University (M.A.), to Howard University (Ph.D.). I conclude the story by discussing my journey from Howard University to the professoriate at Hampton University.  

The Revised Edition includes several additions compared to the first.  In the Revised Edition, a foreword from the distinguished scholar and HBCU advocate, Dr. Marybeth Gasman is provided.  The Revised Edition also includes short narrative reviews of the book from Drs. Kevin Cokley, Janelle West, and Leah Hollis.  Finally, the Revised Edition includes three new appendices that are highlighted below. 

• Appendix A adds three historical recommendations from significant mentors that propelled me to my first professorial appointment. 

• Appendix B is my illustration of a theoretical model presented throughout the book’s content (and examples) on how HBCU culture can proactively influence student success and character development.   

• Appendix C embodies a "Where Are They Now" section.  This section provides seventy-two profiles about my significant mentors and student colleagues during my three HBCU academic experiences and first academic experience into the HBCU professoriate.

This book was written to inspire, attract, and motivate students to want to attend an HBCU. Given the many challenges that African American students are currently facing in higher education, my aim was to illuminate the special and unique educational experiences that HBCUs provide students.  It is my hope that this book continues to heighten the trajectories for HBCUs – and encourage more students to consider and attend them on the road to becoming their best selves.  It is also my hope that this book will further inform research, theory, and DEI practices toward student success at HBCUs, but also toward the mark of achieving these goals in overall higher education as well.

First Edition - Primarily for High School and Early College Students  

An Experience of a Lifetime: The Academic Journey from “Student” to “Professor” at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) offers an in-depth account of my academic matriculation at HBCUs from an undergraduate student to a Ph.D. recipient. Highlighted in the book are many culturally ambient features experienced as an HBCU student.  These include both personal and academic experiences encountered at three HBCUs.  Most important were the great mentors and advisors that HBCUs provided for me, coupled with the cultural developmental experiences of communalism, academic learning, and spirituality. Because of this distinctive collegiate environment, the book also provides several considerations for research and theory development at HBCUs and overall higher education.

If you would like to purchase ten or more books, please contact me for a reduced price bulk order.
ashburtonpressllc@gmail.com 919-453-4626

What Academic Professionals Say about An Experience of a Lifetime, Revised Edition

During times when questions are asked about the continued relevance of HBCUs, this book is a perfect antidote to illustrate the enduring need and impact of HBCUs. Additionally, in a racially regressive political climate where there are attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives and restrictions on teaching about issues pertaining to race and racism, there are increasing numbers of Black students who are choosing to attend HBCUs as an educational “balm in Gilead.”

Dr. Kevin Cokley, University Diversity and Social Transformation Professor, Associate Chair for Diversity Initiatives, Professor of Psychology - University of Michigan Ann Arbor

Overall, Cunningham’s  story is one that should be read by parents, current and future students, and HBCU alumni alike as it inspires and confirms the power of HBCUs.

Dr. Marybeth Gasman, Samuel Dewitt Proctor Endowed Chair & Distinguished Professor, Rutgers University - New Brunswick