Battle's career in academics spans over 3 decades. Starting in 1980, he was an assistant professor at the
University of Minnesota School of Social Work. From there, Battle would serve at public and private institutions, including
Boston University, the
University of Connecticut,
Eastern Connecticut State University, and the
University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, where he served as vice chancellor of student and multicultural affairs from 2000 to 2003.
Coppin State University On March 3, 2003, Battle was appointed as the fourth president of
Coppin State College in
Baltimore, Maryland. The Battle administration focused on a three-point plan of academic excellence, facilities improvement and external relations to improve the college. Under Battle's leadership, the campus attained university status in 2004, and changed its name to Coppin State University. According to a university press release, state support increased by more than 50 percent in the 2005–2006 fiscal year during Battle's tenure. Coppin also became the first completely wireless campus in the
University System of Maryland. Battle was also the creative force behind the establishment of the Urban Educational Corridor, a partnership involving an elementary, middle and high schools. Under his tutelage, the university also managed the Coppin/Rosemont Initiative; the only higher education institution in Maryland to manage a public school that was failing and helped raise it to the ranks of the very best city schools. In 2005, he established The Coppin Academy, a 400-student on-campus high school partially funded by the
Gates Foundation and the
Thurgood Marshall College Fund. Under Battle's leadership, the university focused on continuing to increase its national academic reputation while preparing globally competent students. During the fall of 2008, North Carolina A&T had its
College of engineering ranked among the top 25 in the nation; increased the pass rate in its
School of Nursing from 66% to a 91%, resulting in full accreditation with no sanction; and also became the only
Historically Black University to have a
Wall Street trading room.
Southern Connecticut State University After being appointed on April 1, 2010, Battle assumed the position of interim president of
Southern Connecticut State University effective in May 2010. As interim president, Battle was instrumental in the timely renovation and building of two major facilities projects on the
New Haven campus. He also hired three new deans to strengthen the academic program in addition to raising $1.4 million for the campus. Battle also established the Southern Academy, an academic enhancement program for rising 4th graders in preparation for college. This initiative led to an appearance on the
Today Show with
Bill Cosby.
Present day Battle served Central Connecticut State University as a member of the faculty from 2012 to 2013. In August 2013, it was announced that Battle would be appointed as professor of social work and the founding director of the master's degree in social work program at the
University of Saint Joseph in
West Hartford, Connecticut. ==Personal life==