Leadership

Loren J. Blanchard Appointed President of California State University, Long Beach

Dr. Blanchard has served as president of the University of Houston-Downtown for the past five years. He is slated to assume the presidency of California State University, Long Beach on May 1.

Tougaloo College Announces Three Finalists for President

Historically Black Tougaloo College in Mississippi has announced a field of three finalists to become the fifteenth president of the educational institution. In March, a candidate is expected to be chosen to become president.

Annice Yarber-Allen Named Provost of Albany State University

Originally trained as a social worker, Dr. Yarber-Allen has worked in higher education for over two decades. Her prior experience includes academic leadership roles with Auburn University at Montgomery and Columbus State University.

Fort Valley State University President Paul A. Jones Announces Upcoming Retirement

“As I look toward the conclusion of my presidency, I do so with confidence in Fort Valley State’s future,” said Dr. Jones. ”This confidence comes from knowing the strength of the people who sustain this institution and the clarity of the mission that continues to guide us.”

Nannette C. Turner to Lead the College of Health Professions at Mercer University

Dr. Turner currently serves as executive associate dean of Mercer University's College of Health Professions. A faculty member for nearly two decades, she has over 25 years of experience as public practitioner in Texas and Georgia.

Kevin James Reinstated as President of Morris Brown College

One week after their abrupt removal of Morris Brown College President Kevin James, the HBCU's board of trustees has reversed their decision, reinstating Dr. James as the college's nineteenth president.

New UNCF Report Examines Presidential Tenure at HBCUs

Although the average tenure of all college presidents in the United States is 5.9 years, the tenure of HBCU presidents averages just 4.22 years, with public HBCU presidents serving an average of only 4 years.

A Trio of New Deans at Prairie View A&M University

Prairie View A&M University in Texas recently hired three new deans. Quincy C. Moore III is dean of the Honors College and Aneika L Simmons is dean of the College of Business. Effective April 1, Carmen R. Cater will serve as the inaugural dean of the University College.

Danielle M. Conway Is the New President of the Association of American Law Schools

“This is a pivotal moment for us all in the legal academy to come together in coalition around academic freedom,” said Professor Conway, dean of Penn State Dickinson Law and the School of International Affairs. “We may disagree on many other things, but we must collectively uphold academic freedom.”

A Change in Leadership at Morris Brown College in Atlanta

Kevin James, president of Morris Brown College, has been removed from office by the HBCU's board of trustees. In a recent Facebook post, Dr. James wrote, “This action is deeply concerning. Research and my lived experience demonstrate that many HBCUs have struggled with board overreach and interference. Unfortunately, those dynamics are evident in this situation.”

Sonja M. Brown to Lead Academic Affairs at Fayetteville State University

Dr. Brown is the new interim provost at Fayetteville State University in North Carolina. She currently serves as the HBCU's associate vice chancellor for academic and faculty affairs.

Darius Watson Named Dean of the School of Professional Studies at Lincoln University of Missouri

“Darius Watson has demonstrated exceptional leadership, vision, and commitment to academic excellence,” said Lincoln University President John Moseley. “His innovative approach and dedication to our students and faculty make him the ideal choice to lead the School of Professional Studies.”

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Chancellor Rodney D. Bennett Announces Resignation

Dr. Bennett will end his service as chancellor of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln on January 12 - some six months before his contract was set to expire. He began his role in July 2023, following nearly 10 years as president of the University of Southern Mississippi.

Kecia Williams Smith Promoted to Dean of the Business School at North Carolina A&T State University

Dr. Smith has led North Carolina A&T State University's Willie A. Deese College of Business and Economics on an interim basis since July 2025. She has taught at the university for the past six years and directs the HBCU's master of accountancy degree program.

Virginia State University Extends Contract for President Makola Abdullah

“I am deeply honored to continue serving this great institution and its incredible students,” said Dr. Abdullah. “Virginia State University’s mission is powerful — to transform lives and communities through education, opportunity, and excellence.”

Douglas LaVergne to Lead the College of Agricultural, Life and Natural Sciences at Alabama A&M

Dr. LaVergne currently serves as associate vice president for academic affairs and undergraduate studies at Alabama A&M University. He has an extensive background in agricultural education, including service as vice president for land-grant engagement and dean of the College of Agriculture, Environmental, and Human Sciences at Lincoln University of Missouri.

Britt Hudson Named Dean of Students at Purdue University Northwest

Hudson has worked for Purdue University Northwest for the past six years, overseeing initiatives that advance student success, cross-campus partnerships, and holistic care.

Orlando McMeans to Lead Southern University in Louisiana

Beginning January 1, Dr. McMeans will serve as interim president of Southern University in Louisiana. For the past six years, he has served as chancellor of the Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center and dean of the university's College of Agricultural, Family, and Consumer Sciences.

A Change in Leadership at Allen University in South Carolina

Ernest McNealey has stepped down as president of Allen University in Columbia, South Carolina, effective December 15. The HBCU's board of trustees has selected Stanley Pritchett, Sr., former president of Morris Brown College, to serve as Allen's interim president.

Glenn Chambers to Lead the Michigan State University Honors College

Dr. Chambers has led the Michigan State University Honors College on an interim basis since the Spring 2024 semester. He has held several leadership roles at the university, including associate dean of the Honors College and director of the African American and African studies program.

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