UNCF’s 2025 NAC Conference: A Legacy of Leadership and Opportunity in Memphis

The 2025 National Alumni Council (NAC) and Pre-Alumni Council Leadership Conference, set to take place in Memphis, TN, from Feb. 1-4, promises to be a powerful gathering of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) alumni, students and advocates from around the country. Since its inception, the NAC has played a vital role in connecting HBCU graduates, providing resources to students and advancing UNCF’s mission to help students from underrepresented backgrounds gain access to quality higher education. This annual conference represents the heart of the NAC’s mission, blending leadership development with networking, advocacy and philanthropy.

A History Rooted in Service and Support

For 80 years, UNCF has worked to enhance educational opportunities for Black students by supporting HBCUs and advocating for educational equity. The NAC, an essential arm of UNCF founded in 1946 by Fisk University alumnus James E. Stamps to support UNCF’s member HBCUs by fostering alumni engagement and facilitating fundraising initiatives. These inter-alumni councils, which operate in cities across the United States, raise funds, provide scholarships and build a network of resources that HBCU students and institutions rely on.

This annual conference has become a central event for NAC and UNCF, bringing together leaders, alumni and pre-alumni (current HBCU students) to share insights, collaborate on projects and discuss strategies to increase alumni support for HBCUs. The event serves as a platform for alumni to re-engage with their alma maters and for students to learn from leaders who have paved the way.

Dr. Rubye Taylor-Drake, an NAC veteran and a Tuskegee University alumna, is passionate about the conference’s impact. “One of the best ways for alumni to support students is to get them to this leadership conference, so they can see other students also engaged in leadership development,” she said.

Empowering the Next Generation of HBCU Leaders

The 2025 NAC Conference promises to continue its tradition of equipping the next generation of HBCU leaders. Each year, alumni associations provide funding for students to attend, giving them access to workshops, networking opportunities and mentorship that deepens their understanding of leadership and community engagement. This event also underscores the NAC’s commitment to political engagement and advocacy, helping students see the value of their voices in shaping the future.

“The NAC conference’s role fosters this sense of empowerment,” said Taylor-Drake. “The NAC has always focused on political involvement and support for individual institutions. We work to prepare students to give back, not just to their universities but also to their communities.” By encouraging students to become advocates for their institutions and the issues that matter to them, the conference aims to foster a culture of leadership and service that will benefit communities nationwide.

Highlights of the 2025 Conference

The 2025 NAC Conference will offer attendees an inspiring venue for learning and collaboration. Highlights of the conference include:

• Workshops and Panels: The sessions, tailored to students and alumni, cover various topics, from fundraising to engagement to NAC leadership to political advocacy. Joint workshops foster collaboration between alumni and current students, allowing them to share insights and strategies.
• Networking Opportunities: With representatives from UNCF’s 37 member HBCUs, attendees can connect with alumni associations, university representatives and community leaders, expanding their professional networks and forging important connections.
• Student Sponsorships: Alumni are encouraged to sponsor students at the conference, offering students an invaluable opportunity to experience leadership development firsthand.

“The NAC hopes the 2025 conference will attract a diverse array of alumni and pre-alumni, each 

bringing unique perspectives and passions,” Taylor-Drake explained. She highlighted the importance of this intergenerational exchange: “At the conference, we try to have workshops where both students and alumni can share and benefit. This cross-generational engagement builds a network of support and knowledge-sharing that strengthens the future of HBCUs.”

For many, the NAC Conference is a gateway to deeper involvement, reminding alumni of the impact they can have on current students and HBCUs as a whole. “It starts with becoming engaged with your alumni associations,” Taylor-Drake added. “Pay your dues, support activities and stay connected. Alumni play a crucial role in the continued success of HBCUs.”

Join the 2025 NAC Conference in Memphis

UNCF encourages all HBCU alumni and supporters to join this journey. The 2025 NAC Conference is an opportunity to celebrate HBCU pride and ensure that these institutions continue to thrive for generations.

This conference is more than just a meeting; it’s a movement to uplift and sustain the HBCU community. By attending, alumni can reconnect with their roots, support current students and contribute to a legacy of educational empowerment.