Shena L. Crittendon has been named chief strategist for presidential branding and communication at Prairie View A&M University in Texas. She first joined the HBCU in 2023 as senior executive director of presidential communications. Her other experience in higher education includes leadership positions with Virginia Commonwealth University, Virginia Union University, and North Carolina A&T State University.
Dr. Crittendon received her bachelor’s degree in journalism from Virginia Union University, a master’s degree in strategic public relations from George Washington University, and a Ph.D. in strategic communication from Regent University in Virginia Beach.
Majornette Jefferson has been promoted to executive director of community engagement at Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee. An administrator at the historically Black medical school since 2022, she has previously served as director of community outreach and as director of community affairs. Her background includes over a decade of experience in higher education.
Jefferson received her bachelor’s degree from Tennessee State University.
Terri Hooper is the new chief human resources officer at Benedict College in Columbia, South Carolina. With over 17 years of professional experience, she has worked in strategic human resources leadership, compliance, employee development, and organizational growth. Most recently, she served in several capacities with the City of Columbia.
Hooper holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology and criminal justice administration from Claflin University in Orangeburg, South Carolina, and a master’s degree in management from Southern Wesleyan University in Central, South Carolina.
Jelani M. Favors has been appointed vice president of the Frederick D. Patterson Research Institute at the United Negro College Fund. He comes to his new role from North Carolina A&T State University, where he was the Henry E. Frye Distinguished Professor of History and founding director of the Center of Excellence for Social Justice. A leading historian on historically Black colleges and universities, he is the author of Shelter in a Time of Storm: How Black Colleges Fostered Generations of Leadership and Activism (University of North Carolina Press, 2019).
Dr. Favors is an honors graduate of North Carolina A&T State University, where he majored in history. He holds a master’s degree in African American studies and a Ph.D. in history from Ohio State University.
