Embracing Howard’s strengths: Unveiling an asset-based approach to assessment at HBCUs
What To Expect
Assessment methods often unintentionally reinforce whiteness and anti-Blackness, posing challenges for HBCUs like Howard University.
Despite these obstacles, rigorous assessment remains vital to demonstrate effectiveness and a commitment to continuous improvement in Black higher education. In response, Howard’s Assessment Team developed an HBCU asset-based framework for institutional assessment practices to guide assessment strategies, techniques, and buy-in for those within the HBCU landscape.
In this webinar, Howard will share the core principles and impactful strategies behind their cultural shift in assessment, inviting both HBCU and non-HBCU communities to explore this innovative, strengths-driven approach.
Presenters:
- Pavithra Suresh, Ph.D., Director of Assessment & Survey Research, Howard University
- Alexus S.A. Laster, M.S., GCP, Ph.D. candidate in the Higher Education Leadership and Policy Studies program, Howard University
About the speakers
Pavithra Suresh, Ph.D.
Pavithra Suresh, PhD (pah-VIH-thraa soo-RAYSH) is a social scientist and Cultural Studies scholar. Pavithra’s love for data-driven storytelling, student-centered learning outcomes, and minority-serving institutions led her to her current position as the Director of Assessment & Survey Research with the Office of Institutional Research and Assessment. Her primary function in this role is managing campus-wide surveys, including Course Evaluations and the Graduating Student Exit Survey. She also supports with the facilitation of the Howard Annual Assessment Process (HAAP) for all academic and administrative units. She is passionate about recognizing the vibrant diversity of the Howard community and using assessment as a tool to continuously improve access and equity in the institution.
Alexus S.A. Laster, M.S., GCP
Alexus S.A. Laster, M.S., GCP, is a Ph.D. candidate in the Higher Education Leadership and Policy Studies program at Howard University. Drawing on her expertise in program evaluation, policy development, and her lived experiences, Alexus is committed to making higher education more inclusive and better positioned to serve its growingly diverse student population. Her work aims to improve institutional accountability, dismantle barriers that hinder Black student success, and create environments where all students can thrive.
Alexus earned a bachelor’s in Psychology and a master’s in Higher Education from Canisius College, as well as a post-graduate certificate in Assessment in Student Affairs from SUNY Buffalo State.
