New Dean Appointments for a Trio of Black Scholars

Titus Awokuse has been promoted to vice provost and dean of international studies and programs at Michigan State University. He has also been named the Red Cedar Distinguished Professor of Agricultural and Applied Economics. Previously, he was the associate dean for research and strategic partnerships for international studies and programs. Earlier in his tenure with Michigan State, he was chair of the department of agricultural, food, and resource economics.

Dr. Awokuse earned his Ph.D. in applied and agricultural economics from Texas A&M University.

Chanel L. Fort has been named dean of academic programs and services at Gadsden State Community College in Alabama. She comes to her new role from Jefferson State Community College in Birmingham, Alabama, where she served as director of outcomes assessment. Earlier in her career, she was the founding CEO and learning strategist at Fortified Learning Solutions.

Dr. Fort holds a bachelor’s degree in health sciences and health services administration from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, a master’s degree in human services and healthcare administration from Capella University, and a doctorate in education, global leadership, and change from Pepperdine University in California.

Maulin “Chris” Herring has been appointed dean of transfer and comprehensive programs at Sandhills Community College in Pinehurst, North Carolina. With over 30 years of higher education experience, he currently serves as the chair of the community college’s social and behavioral science department. Previously, he was the executive director of the Institute for Homeland Security and Workforce Development at North Carolina Central University, a historically Black educational institution.

Dr. Herring is an alumnus of North Carolina Central University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in political science and criminal justice and his master of public administration degree. He received a master’s degree in sociology from the University of Tennessee and a master’s degree in human services from Capella University. He also holds a master of divinity degree and doctor of ministry degree from the Apex School of Theology in Durham, North Carolina.

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