CASE SUMMIT Welcome From The Desk of President Clarence D. Armbrister
Dear Colleagues, It is my distinct privilege to welcome you to Johnson C. Smith University (JCSU) for the 6th Annual Carolinas Alliance for Success in Education (CASE) Summit. For this momentous occasion, we have gathered prominent educators, funders, providers, community members, and other partners to engage in invaluable cross-sector dialogue. Over the next three days, our discussions will be guided by the overarching theme, "Collective Impact Investing: The Business Case for HBCU Digital Development.” It is wonderful to see our HBCU sister institutions from North Carolina and South Carolina at this year’s Summit. The ideas being examined through interactive panel discussions and networking are critical to the mission of all HBCUs and the communities we anchor. It is my sincere hope that the results produced from this Summit will pave the way to equality and prosperity. As HBCUs, we are force multipliers for economic growth in both urban and rural areas, and to that end, it is vitally important that we prepare our students and served communities to fully harness economic opportunities by eliminating the digital divide and connecting them to the future. I am delighted to acknowledge our HBCU Presidents, Mr. Jonathan Holifield of the White House Initiative on HBCUs, and Ms. Diane Rinaldo, Dr. Francine Alkisswani, and Ms. Maureen Lewis of the National Telecommunications Information Administration (NTIA) for serving as partners at this year's Summit. Their pivotal role in helping to develop the agenda, secure resources, and identify subject matter experts has been integral to making this much-needed gathering a reality. I would also like to express my appreciation to Dr. Diane Bowles and her staff for their continued dedication, loyalty, and teamwork. Finally, I thank each of you for attending this annual event and sharing your expertise. The keys of destiny are in our hands, and it is up to us to guide HBCUs down the road of success. Have a wonderful Summit and thank you again for joining us. Should you have the opportunity to do so, I encourage you to take advantage of the many amenities offered by the beautiful “Queen City” of Charlotte. Sincerely,
Clarence D. Armbrister Page 3
Clarence D. Armbrister, J.D. President
Collective Impact Investing: Business Case for HBCU Digital Development