BLACK COLLEGE PRESIDENTS: Pioneering On The Frontiers Of Education

Ebony, Sept, 2001

If you would like to join the ranks of the PROs, contact us. We can help you make it happen.

Grambling State University Office of Admissions * P.O. Box 864 Grambling, LA 71245 (318) 274-6183 or visit us on the web at www.gram.edu

Edward Lewis Howard University School of Communications Journalism

Manufacturing Public Affairs Manager Ford Motor Company

As a public affairs manager of manufacturing of Ford Motor Company, I do an enormous amount of writing. Pushing ideas through the corporate maze, responding to a crisis, or strategizing how best to package (and sell) news about Ford's manufacturing and logistics leadership are part of a day's work. Many of the seeds for the skill sets that I constantly try to broaden, were planted at Howard. I can still hear the advice and teachings dispensed from professor and author Samuel Yette, ("The Choice") and Tony Brown (Tony Brown's Journal).

Like so many high school seniors, I had a glimmer of what I wanted to pursue in life. For me that dream centered around journalism. As the leading HBCU in the world, Howard had one of the premier communications schools, where you could get a feel for just about any mode of communication. From radio, TV and film production, print and electronic journalism, to public relations, Howard offered a smorgasbord of choices. I sampled as many as I could.

Looking back, I have to admit that one of my least favorite memories at Howard was perhaps the most instructive. These lessons weren't taught in the classroom but at Howard's administration building. The long lines, cranky administrators and other aggravations taught me to be resourceful. I learned nothing comes easy and that perseverance often has its greatest reward.

Little did I know at the time that my years at Howard University would begin to erect the professional foundation to enable me to face the challenges everyday as a public affairs manager at Ford Motor Company.

Would I trade my experience at an HBCU? No way! Finding people with similar backgrounds and aspirations helped build the sense of an extended family away from home. Howard helped me learn about myself and gain the confidence that better prepared me for the rigors of the fast paced life at Ford Motor Company. My years at Howard University were the most demanding and rewarding of my life. Those of us at Ford, who had the privilege of attending an HBCU believe you can have the same experience, too!

The Fabric of FORD

In 1977, when a major corporation needed staffing, John W. Barfield founded Bartech Group Inc., his own professional staffing company.

In 1981, John W. turned the company over to the next generation: his eldest son, Jon E. Barfield, now President and CEO. Through me Ford Minority Supplier Development Program, Bartech became one of Ford Motor Company's top staffing suppliers. Jon E, states, "Ford's program is more than just pictures and words. Their support of the Bartech Group is just one example of Ford Motor Company's commitment to diversity." Today, Bartech stands as one of the nation's largest minority-owned staffing companies, with more than 45% of their 3,000 employees being members of minority groups.