(BLACK PR WIRE) – Orlando, FL, September 16th, 2014 – The State of the Florida HBCU: Pathway to Preeminence for Retention and Graduation panel discussion has formed a partnership with the United Negro College Fund. The inaugural discussion includes the leaders of Florida’s four Historically Black Colleges and Universities who have agreed to meet in Orlando this fall and discuss solutions for improving retention and graduation. On Sunday, November 23rd at 10:30 a.m., the Presidents of Florida A&M University, Bethune-Cookman University, Florida Memorial University, and Edward Waters College will serve as panelists for a forum at the Rosen Centre in Orlando.

The public event is a moderated discussion where participants will listen to important ideas, strategies and goals for increasing student accountability. Dr. Elmira Mangum from FAMU, Dr. Edison Jackson of Bethune-Cookman, Dr. Roslyn Artis of Florida Memorial, and President Nathaniel Glover of EWC are the featured guest panelists.

During the weekend of the Florida Blue Florida Classic 2014, this foundational conversation will not only bring together the leadership of all four HBCUs, but it will also benefit the entire community.

“This innovative and historic forum seeks to unify colleges and community partners, in order to discuss and develop ways of advancing minority student success and that goal is directly in line with the mission of the United Negro College Fund,” said Sherry Paramore, Area Development Director for the United Negro College Fund.

Amanda Wilkerson, who will serve as the moderator for the panel discussion, is an FAMU alumna, and says the interactive event is a crucial conversation that ultimately supports these institutions as they make improvements and strive for excellence.

For more information on The State of the Florida HBCU: Pathway to Preeminence for Retention and Graduation, contact Alexia Robinson at 904-323-1182.

Now is the time to unify and take school pride to the next level.