DaVante Pondexter has been appointed executive director of enrollment services at Voorhees University in South Carolina. He comes to his new position from Benedict College in South Carolina, where he has served as the senior admissions recruiter and counselor for the past six years.
Pondexter holds a bachelor’s degree in biology and an MBA from Benedict College.
Danisha Williams has been promoted to executive director of enrollment management at Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri. She has served as the university’s director of admissions for the past two years. Earlier in her career, she held admissions and enrollment positions with Mississippi Valley State University and Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee.
Dr. Williams received her bachelor’s degree in sociology from Fisk University, a master of public administration degree from Southern Illinois University Carbondale, and a doctorate in leadership and professional practice from Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville.
Felicia Washington has been appointed vice president of human resources at the University of Pennsylvania. For the past five years, she has served as senior vice president of human resources at the University of Southern California. Earlier, she was the vice chancellor for workforce strategy, equity, and engagement at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Washington holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a juris doctorate from the University of Virginia.
Vernon Harris has been appointed director of the university choir at Philander Smith University in Little Rock, Arkansas. He most recently served as a department chair and teacher of choral music education at Pulaski Heights Middle School in Little Rock. His contributions to music education led to recognition as a quarterfinalist for the 2025 Grammy Music Educator Award.
Harris is an alumnus of Philander Smith University, where he majored in business administration. He holds a master of education degree in teaching, learning, and leadership from Arkansas Tech University.
Shalanda Baker has been named the inaugural vice provost for sustainability and climate action at the University of Michigan. She currently serves as the director of the Office of the Energy Justice and Equity and the secretarial adviser on equity at the United States Department of Energy. Previously, she served as the Department of Energy’s chief diversity officer.
Baker is a graduate of the United States Air Force Academy. She holds a master of law degree from the University of Wisconsin and a juris doctorate from Northeastern University.
Eddie Holloway has been appointed senior associate provost for community and belonging success at the University of Southern Mississippi. His career with the university spans over four decades. Prior to his new appointment, he held several leadership positions include dean of students and senior associate provost for diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Dr. Holloway holds four degrees from the University of Southern Mississippi, including a doctorate in educational administration.
