The board of advisors of the nation's Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) presented President Bush with a resolution commending him for his visionary leadership, and his commitment and contributions to strengthening the nation's 105 HBCUs. The board also noted that the president's commitment enhances the HBCUs' ability to continue to produce high-quality graduates to serve the nation and ensures equal opportunity in higher education.

"HBCUs wouldn't be where they are today, academically or financially, without the continued support of President Bush," U.S. Secretary of Education Rod Paige said. "Not only has he kept his promise of increasing the budget for HBCUs, he has also appointed 20 committed advisory board members to oversee the development and the continued success of HBCUs nationwide."

The 20 leaders met briefly with President Bush on the occasion of the HBCU Board of Advisors meeting this week in Washington, D.C., where they presented him with their annual report and resolution. Louis Sullivan, chairman of the HBCU Advisory Board, expressed his gratitude to President Bush for his support and shared ideas with him on ways to further improve HBCUs this coming year.

The resolution highlighted President Bush's commitment to increase funding by 30 percent by 2005 for HBCUs and Historically Black Graduate Institutions (HBGIs), in recognition of the unique and vital role they play in providing higher education opportunities to minority and disadvantaged students. The 2005 request meets that goal by proposing $240.5 million for HBCUs and $58.5 million for HBGIs.

In addition, the board of advisors thanked President Bush for his appointments of African Americans, many of whom are HBCU graduates, to important positions within the administration. "These appointments speak volumes about the understanding of the diverse needs of the nation as reflected by the President's commitment to providing positive role models for all of our youth, especially African Americans," the resolution said.

The HBCU President's Advisory Board issues the Annual Federal Plan for Assistance to HBCUs to the president on the participation of HBCUs in federally sponsored programs. It provides advice to the secretary of education and makes recommendations in the annual report to the president on ways to increase both the public- and private-sector roles in strengthening HBCUs. The board places particular emphasis on enhancing institutional infrastructure and facilitating planning, development and the use of new technologies to ensure the goal of long-term viability and enhancement of these institutions. Advisory board members are appointed by the president and include representatives of HBCUs, other institutions of higher education, business and financial institutions, private foundations and secondary education organizations.

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