Dr. Antwon D. Woods, dean of the Alcorn State University School of Business, has been appointed as an At-Large Director to the Board of Directors of the HBCU National Business Dean Roundtable, effective for a three-year term. Dr. Woods succeeds Fidelis Ikem of Jackson State University’s College of Business. His appointment comes as the Roundtable convenes its 2025 HBCU Business Deans Roundtable & Student Summit, hosted by the NYU Stern School of Business from June 5-7 in New York.
The HBCU National Business Dean Roundtable serves as a crucial forum for deans of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) business schools to address opportunities and challenges in enhancing business programs and initiatives. The organization is dedicated to cultivating strategic partnerships with corporations, government entities, and national organizations to equip students with essential tools and resources for success. The Board of Directors, comprised of nine members including five executive officers and four at-large directors, governs the nationwide roundtable of HBCU deans and heads of business programs.
“From a personal standpoint, my appointment to the HBCU National Business Dean’s Roundtable Board of Directors serves as a remarkable honor,” Dr. Woods stated. “It represents validation of my years of dedication and commitment to transforming business education at Alcorn State University and beyond.” He emphasized that this position provides a broader platform to advocate for innovative educational practices, share successful strategies, and reinforce the importance of equitable opportunities for students in business domains.
Professionally, Dr. Woods sees the role as an opportunity to “collaborate with other academic leaders who share a commitment to improving business education in HBCUs.” He envisions this collaboration fostering a community of practice where deans can exchange knowledge on curriculum development, pedagogical best practices, and responses to evolving industry demands, leading to meaningful initiatives that uplift HBCU business programs and enhance student learning outcomes.
Addressing the current landscape, Dr. Woods identified limited funding and the need for curriculum modernization as pressing difficulties. “HBCU business programs often lag in integrating technology into their curricula, which can disadvantage graduates entering competitive job markets,” he noted, citing a 2019 report by the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) indicating HBCUs collectively receive significantly less funding than predominantly white institutions. Conversely, he sees “considerable opportunity within their rich cultural context” for HBCU programs to produce well-rounded leaders. Through the Roundtable, he aims to “actively promote partnerships with private sectors and non-profits to bridge gaps in funding and resources.”
As an At-Large Director, Dr. Woods is focused on cultivating strategic alliances. “Partnerships with technological firms are one area I intend to explore further,” he said, highlighting the demand for professionals in data analytics, digital marketing, and cybersecurity. He believes collaboration with these corporations can “furnish students with essential experience and training that corresponds with employment market requirements.”
Dr. Woods brings a “distinctive combination of expertise and insights,” including extensive experience in instruction and administration, and a profound comprehension of the challenges confronting HBCUs. His expertise in economic development also provides insights into effective community engagement. “I plan to utilize this knowledge to promote local collaborations that improve student experiential learning and simultaneously benefit small businesses,” he added.
His overarching vision for his three-year term is “to position HBCU business schools as the premier option for aspiring business leaders in the 21st century.” He aims to implement strategies that raise academic standards, improve student engagement, and create experiential learning opportunities mirroring actual business challenges. “My vision is centered on the premise that HBCUs may act as innovation incubators, allowing students to thrive in a supportive yet rigorous environment,” he concluded.
The 2025 HBCU Business Deans Roundtable & Student Summit also featured two distinguished scholars from Alcorn State University’s School of Business: Destiny Oscar, a senior majoring in Accounting, and Cameron Parker, a senior majoring in Finance. They participated in a multi-day event offering education, exposure, and engagement with corporate leaders from KPMG, Yahoo, JLL, and Deloitte through workshops and networking sessions with peers and company representatives.
“The workshops addressed a variety of relevant topics, including leadership development, personal branding, emerging trends in finance and tech, and navigating early career challenges,” said Cameron Parker. “One key takeaway that stood out was the emphasis on authenticity and adaptability in the workplace.”
Destiny Oscar found the discussions on AI fluency, the G.R.I.T. mindset (Growth mindset, Resilience, Initiative, and Tenacity), and maintaining personal values particularly insightful. “Deloitte emphasized the role of AI in assisting us with problems and how to collaborate with it rather than relying solely on it,” Oscar noted. “KPMG introduced the concept of G.R.I.T…emphasizing the importance of continuous learning, taking initiative, and never settling for less.”
Regarding evening interactions, Parker described them as “incredible networking opportunities.” He added, “We had the chance to engage in meaningful conversations with company representatives, fellow students from HBCUs across the country, and summit planning members. These informal settings allowed for more personal interactions, where we discussed career aspirations, received mentorship, and even exchanged contact information for future opportunities.”
Oscar shared similar sentiments about peer and company interactions: “All the HBCU scholars were initially hesitant but eager to learn more about the representatives’ expertise. During the career fair, the scholars were actively engaged and took comprehensive notes from the representatives.”
For impactful moments, Parker highlighted “simply being surrounded by such driven and talented peers who shared the same goals of excellence and leadership. The support and camaraderie we experienced were truly inspiring.” He also found personal conversations with executives from Deloitte and JLL particularly impactful. Oscar was surprised by Deloitte’s discussion on AI’s rapid growth and its potential impact on the job market, which provided “valuable insights into how to become AI-fluent.”
“Overall, this summit was not just a learning experience; it was a transformational one,” Parker concluded. “I would absolutely love to do it again, especially with it being hosted in New York City. The exposure, connections, and inspiration gained were beyond valuable, and I’m truly grateful for the opportunity.”
“We are privileged to have Destiny and Cameron represent the Alcorn School of Business at the summit,” Dr. Woods said.
