 The main purpose of the conference was to create dialogue about race in higher education and to increase the numbers of African-Americans holding top leadership posts in American academia.When Howard announced that she was leaving the College to take on the national role of leading the AASCU, an organization that advocates for and promotes the interests of 430 public colleges and universities, Hoyt stated that her crowning achievement at the College was likely the Burchfield Penney Arts Center.Former New York State Assembly Member Sam Hoyt stated that Howard raised the College's stature both in the state and the nation.