As the newly elected State President of the Texas Association of Black Personnel in Higher Education (TABPHE), I have been handed the baton of an outstanding 52-year-old, premiere organization. I am standing on the shoulders of our founders -- Ivory Moore, Erma Johnson Hadley and The Honorable Reby Cary -- who gave birth to TABPHE in 1973. This is a legacy that TABPHE founders and members have left for me to continue, and under my leadership, we will follow the vision, mission and objectives so ably envisioned by our founders. The organization strives to continue to promote, maintain and assure the professional development and growth of higher education personnel in the educational process.

This is a worthwhile journey, one that is fraught with uncertainty in current times. However, I, along with the officers and Board members, will be the Servant Leaders who are committed to TABPHE in 2025 and beyond. Together, as a unified force, we can address current and new challenges in Texas higher education. TABPHE is a statewide, voluntary, educational association that is inclusive of all levels of higher education, and serves as a representative for faculty, staff, and students to ensure a better educational system for all. TABPHE was created with the intent to always be a voice for those without one, or for those who need help being heard. For us to preserve our legacy, we must be intentional in our actions. 

TABPHE has some of the brightest, innovative, gifted and intelligent personnel in the state. It’s time to put TABPHE on display! There are no challenges, nor obstacles that we cannot overcome. By our very nature, we are overcomers, and that has been our story. We are resilient people, and TABPHE must work to ensure that our faculty, staff, and especially our students are not left behind. We cannot afford to let even one of them fall through the cracks. Each one has value, and we must help!

As president, my plan is to network with other educational agencies and schools, and by creating new partnerships and new collaborations, we can present a united front. With determination, and pooling our resources and new innovative ideas, together we can create a world class educational system. Also, we must challenge and mobilize our total TABPHE membership to seize the opportunity to make a difference. All of TABPHE must know that we are needed and that we are necessary. This is our time to showcase our statewide organization, and to put her on display!

Dr. Charles Leslie

TABPHE President