James Earl Lyons Sr. was appointed interim president of the University of the District of Columbia. Elaine Crider, chair of the board of trustees of the University of the District of Columbia, stated, “Dr. Lyons brings an impressive academic history having served as president of three universities over the past three decades. We are very fortunate to have Dr. Lyons join us at this important time and will certainly benefit from his extensive leadership experience.”
Dr. Lyons has served as president of Bowie State University, Jackson State University, and California State University Dominguez Hills. From 2007 to 2010 he was secretary of the Maryland Higher Education Commission.
Dr. Lyons holds a bachelor’s degree in Spanish, a master’s degree in student personnel, and a doctorate in higher educational administration, all from the University of Connecticut.
