school and in the practice were the absolute best preparation for leading a higher education institution .”
During her time in the higher education arena , Artis says the COVID-19 pandemic has been the single greatest challenge she has experienced .
“ We navigated the pandemic in the same way we meet any challenge — with a laser focus on what ’ s best for the students ,” she says .
This focus led Artis and the college ’ s leadership to financially support students in every way possible . After the campus closed and students were forced to leave in 2020 , many traveling to their hometowns , Benedict raised nearly $ 50,000 in less than 36 hours to purchase more than 120 airplane , train and bus tickets for students . The money was also used to purchase luggage , provide cash for food for students with long layovers and run a 24-hour shuttle service to airports in three states .
When the Benedict faculty learned that many of its students did not own personal computers , the college purchased and mailed hundreds of laptops and hotspots while also providing food subsidies and housing stipends to students living in poverty .
“ Nearly 31 % of our students have some form of housing insecurity . In the face of those staggering numbers , we knew failure was not an option . We had to support our students in every way we could ,” she says .
For her role in the school ’ s COVID- 19 response , Higher Ed Dive recognized Artis as President of the Year .
“ With students as our polar star and safety as our guiding principle , we responded to the pandemic in ways that affirmed our commitment to students , protected the lives of our community members and simultaneously addressed the most critical needs of our community ,” says Artis . “ To be recognized nationally for our efforts was both affirming and encouraging .”
Outside of her work at Benedict , Artis serves on the American Council on Education board of trustees , Council of Independent Colleges board of directors , National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity and United Negro College Fund . She also invests time as a mentor to students , especially other women .
“ I believe that to whom much is given , much is required . I am committed to reinvesting in my community with my time , talent and treasure ,” she says . “ The single greatest way to increase the number of women leading is to create latices upon which the women coming behind us can grow and climb . I take this responsibility very seriously .”
Artis advocates for a variety of policies
and organizations that impact the communities she serves , including digital equity and access to broadband for historically black colleges and universities ( HBCUs ).
“ Despite being historically underfunded , these institutions have had an oversized impact on our nation and the world ,” she says . “ As a graduate of an HBCU — West Virginia State University — and a two-time HBCU president , it is my responsibility to advocate for these institutions in a very clear way . HBCUs are merely 3 % of the higher education ecosystem , yet they have produced most of the doctors , lawyers , educators , engineers , religious leaders and legislators of color in this country . We have been punching above our weight for generations , and that story must be told .” •
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