ALABAMA A&M UNIVERSITY, Ala. – Alabama Cooperative Extension System Assistant Director Kimberly Sinclair-Holmes recently graduated from the national Historically Black Colleges and Universities Executive Leadership Institute (HBCU ELI) in Atlanta, Georgia. Holmes completed the program in November and received her certification along with 32 other 2023 fellows. During the fellowship, she also completed a micro-credential in navigating board governance.

“We congratulate Dr. Holmes on completing the HBCU ELI program and wish her continued success in using her leadership skills to further the goals of Alabama Extension and Alabama A&M University,” said Interim Extension 1890 Administrator Majed El-Dweik.

About the HBCU ELI

In 2018, the HBCU Council of Past Presidents recognized the need to develop future leadership for historically black educational institutions across the nation. It was Clark Atlanta University that answered the call, and the first Community of Fellows was selected in 2022.

The HBCU ELI is a 12-month program that provides fellows with training using 13 core competencies and micro-credentials to master skills in a particular area. The program also includes a virtual coaching component and matches each fellow with a past or current HBCU president who serves as a mentor.

“The lessons learned from past and present HBCU presidents and skills sharpened in the program have positioned me to optimally address the challenges we face as we provide opportunities for improving quality of life and economic mobility for all Alabamians,” Holmes said.

Roles at HBCUs

At AAMU, Holmes directs a team of seven specialists and eighteen urban regional Extension agents that deliver Extension programming in more than 44 counties across Alabama. She also served in administrative positions at other HBCUs, including Kentucky State University, Savannah State University and Albany State University.