Register Now: Peril & Promise – A Conversation on College Leadership
What does it mean to lead with integrity in a time of change?
How can institutions honor their histories while meeting the demands of today’s students?
What wisdom can we draw from leaders who have navigated the highest levels of higher education?
Join us for Peril & Promise: A Conversation on College Leadership on Monday, November 3, 2025, at 6:00 PM at Rackham Auditorium (doors open 5:30pm).
Hosted by the Trotter Multicultural Center, in partnership with the Central Student Government and the National Center for Institutional Diversity, this important conversation brings two of the most distinguished voices in higher education to our campus:
- Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum – President Emerita of Spelman College, psychologist, and author of Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria?
- Dr. Ruth J. Simmons – President Emerita of Prairie View A&M University, Brown University, and Smith College, and a national voice on equity and institutional transformation.
Moderated by Dr. Earl Lewis, the discussion will explore the challenges and opportunities facing colleges today, including student activism, institutional memory, and the importance of courageous leadership in contested spaces. Rooted in Dr. Tatum’s newest book, Peril and Promise: College Leadership in Turbulent Times, this event will offer essential insights for students, faculty, and staff alike.
Following the program, stay for a book signing —a chance to continue the conversation with our distinguished guests and one another.
📅 Save the Date: Monday, November 3, 2025
📍 Rackham Auditorium
Come be part of this timely dialogue on the future of higher education.
This event is made possible through the generous sponsorship of the Trotter Multicultural Center in partnership with Central Student Government, National Center for Institutional Diversity, The Inclusive History Project, CEW+ Frances & Sydney Lewis Visiting Leaders Fund, Rackham Graduate School, Alumni Association, Center for Social Solutions, Center for the Study of Higher and Postsecondary Education, Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy, LSA First-Generation Commitment, U-M Black Alumni Association, The Program on Intergroup Relations, Graduate Organization of Students in Higher Education, Women In Science and Engineering, Black Undergraduate Psychological Association, MLEAD, Barger Leadership Institute, Support for Incoming Black Students, Rackham Student Government, and Public Health Students of African Descent.
We also extend our special thanks to the The Office of Academic and Multicultural Initiatives, Caribbean Student Association, Black Graduate Psychology Association, and Black Graduate Student Association whose partnership and commitment as a proud community partner help make this event possible.