The shortage of black faculty at predominantly white institutions is discussed, along with the efforts of Western Michigan University to increase the number of black faculty. Reasons cited for the shortage of black faculty (about 4% of U.S. faculty in 1980 were black) include institutional racism, failure of affirmative action policies, low numbers of black Ph.Ds, declining emphasis on recruiting and retaining minority graduate students, and a discouraging job outlook for new doctorate holders. A decreasing black faculty presence means fewer role models for black graudate students, who may find white colleges inhospitable. Western Michigan University has created The Black College Program to promote the professional development of faculty from historically black institutions. Junior faculty from black schools can enroll in graduate programs to attain advanced degrees or specialized training. Fellowships and assistantships are available, and reciprocal financial support from the home institution is encouraged. The university hopes to increase the number of blacks holding advanced degrees and to recruit graduates to become its faculty, as well as to broaden the exposure of its white faculty and students to the black culture. The home institution may also increase the number of black faculty with advanced degrees. (SW)