Commentary

COMMENTARY: Cheyney headed in the right direction

THE PHILADELPHIA TRIBUNE — The university hopes to raise about $4 million over the next few months

Published

7 years ago

March 11, 2019

Irv Randolph

By Irv Randolph

Founded in 1837, Cheyney has historically given African Americans a chance at education. Alumni include civil rights activist Octavius V. Catto; Bayard Rustin, a chief organizer of the 1963 March on Washington; and “60 Minutes” broadcast journalist Ed Bradley. (In full disclosure, Robert W. Bogle, chair of Cheyney’s council of trustees, is the president and CEO of The Philadelphia Tribune.)

In recent years, the nation’s oldest historically Black college has struggled with plummeting enrollment, financial woes and the threat of losing accreditation.

Walton has announced a credible plan intended to balance the school’s budget and lure new top-tier students. His plan should be given the chance to work.

The plan includes an ambitious fundraising campaign and sweeping changes to the school’s business model.

“We will have a balanced budget,” he said, vowing to make it happen by June 30.

The specifics of the revenue-generating plan include the following:

Epcot Crenshaw Corp., a West Chester-based company that develops technology to solve environmental problems, will establish research labs, greenhouses and an aquaponics facility where Cheyney students can get real-world experience in emerging environmental technology.

Thomas Jefferson University is committing to construction of a medical facility on the campus. A joint research project has already begun between Thomas Jefferson University and Cheyney that focuses on health disparities in the Philadelphia region. The collaboration is also designed to help Cheyney graduates enter postgraduate studies at Jefferson. Jefferson will also place a medical facility on campus to give practical experience to Cheyney students interested in health sciences.

Cheyney is not without its doubters and critics.

Daniel Greenstein, chancellor of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, told state senators that Cheyney was likely to lose accreditation and looked as if it would be short on cash by as much as $10 million. He said the university may have to operate as an unaccredited institution, possibly offering career training.

Without accreditation, the school would be ineligible for federal and state financial aid, which many of its students depend upon.

Kenn Marshall, a spokesman for the state system, told the Philadelphia Inquirer on Tuesday that the chancellor stands by his remarks at the Senate hearing.

“We’re going to continue to work with Cheyney and support them,” Marshall said. “Obviously, President Walton has a plan, and we hope it’s successful.”

During a meeting with the Tribune’s editorial board last week, Walton said he expected the university to retain its accreditation and asserted that much of the $10 million funding hole Greenstein referenced is a cash-flow problem he expects to be resolved.

Walton said the university hopes to raise about $4 million over the next few months under a new campaign to make sure the budget is balanced.

There are clear reasons for hope that the university will be successful in meeting its financial goals.

Since June 2017, Cheyney’s new administration has made significant progress including attracting more academically prepared students, establishing a model to retain students and forming partnerships to provide students with more opportunities for internships and hands-on research experience. This fall there was a 33 percent increase over last fall in the number of applications received.

All indications show that Cheyney is moving in the right direction and has made substantial progress with its new leadership and vision. The university is too valuable to this region to fail. Through the progress it has made in such a short period of time, Cheyney is demonstrating that it has earned the right to maintain accreditation and support.

This article originally appeared in The Philadelphia Tribune.

Irv Randolph

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Oakland Post: Week of February 18 – 24, 2026

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of – February 18 – 24, 2026

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2 weeks ago

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Advice

Rising Optimism Among Small And Middle Market Business Leaders Suggests Growth for California

“Business leaders across the Pacific region continue to demonstrate a unique blend of resilience and forward-thinking, even in the face of ongoing economic uncertainty,” said Brennon Crist, Managing Director and Head of the Pacific Segment, Commercial Banking, J.P. Morgan. “Their commitment to innovation and growth is evident in the way they adapt to challenges and seize new opportunities. It’s this spirit that keeps our region at the forefront of business leadership and progress. We look forward to helping our clients navigate all that’s ahead in 2026.”

Published

2 weeks ago

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Sponsored by JPMorganChase

Business optimism is returning for small and midsize business leaders at the start of 2026, fueling confidence and growth plans.

The 2026 Business Leaders Outlook survey, released in January by JPMorganChase reveals a turnaround from last June, when economic headwinds and uncertainty about shifting policies and tariffs caused some leaders to put their business plans on hold.

Midsize companies, who often find themselves more exposed to geopolitical shifts and policy changes, experienced a significant dip in business and economic confidence in June of 2025. As they have become more comfortable with the complexities of today’s environment, we are seeing optimism rebounding in the middle market nationwide – an encouraging sign for growth, hiring, and innovation. Small businesses, meanwhile, maintained steady optimism throughout 2025, but they aren’t shielded from domestic concerns. Many cited inflation and wage pressures as the top challenges for 2026 and are taking steps to ensure their businesses are prepared for what’s ahead.

Overall, both small and midsize business leaders are feeling more confident to pursue growth opportunities, embrace emerging technologies and, in some cases, forge new strategic partnerships. That bodes well for entrepreneurs in California. Here are a few other key findings from the Business Leaders Outlook about trends expected to drive activity this year:

Inflation remains the top concern for small business owners. Following the 2024 U.S. presidential election, many anticipated a favorable business environment. By June 2025, however, that feeling shifted amid concerns about political dynamics, tariffs, evolving regulations and global economic headwinds.
Going into 2026, 37% of respondents cited inflation as their top concern. Rising taxes came in second at 27% and the impact of tariffs was third at 22%. Other concerns included managing cash flow, hiring and labor costs.

For middle market leaders, uncertainty remains an issue. Almost half (49%) of all midsize business leaders surveyed cited “economic uncertainty” as their top concern – even with an improved outlook from a few months ago. Revenue and sales growth was second at 33%, while tariffs and labor both were third at 31%.
And tariffs are impacting businesses costs. Sixty-one percent of midsize business leaders said tariffs have had a negative impact on the cost of doing business.
Despite challenges, leaders are bullish on their own enterprises. Though the overall outlook is mixed, 74% of small business owners and 71% of middle market companies are optimistic about their company’s prospects for 2026.
Adaption is the theme. For small business owners surveyed across the U.S., responding to continuing pressures is important in 2026. Building cash reserves (47%), renegotiating supplier terms (36%) and ramping up investments in marketing and technology are among the top priorities.
Big plans are on the horizon. A majority midsized company leaders expect revenue growth this year, and nearly three out of five of (58%) plan to introduce new products or services in the coming year, while 53% look to expand into new domestic and/or international markets. Forty-nine percentsay they’re pursuing strategic partnerships or investments.

The bottom line

Rebounding optimism among U.S. business leaders at the start of the year is setting the stage for an active 2026. With business leaders looking to implement ambitious growth plans that position themselves for the future, momentum in California could be beneficial for leaders looking to launch, grow or scale their business this year.