Leadership

Marva Johnson Named President of Florida A&M University

“I will approach this role with bold vision — focused on student success, innovation, and national prominence — while building strong bridges with the FAMU community and honoring the legacy that makes this university so special," said Johnson.

S. Keith Hargrove Appointed Chancellor of Elizabeth City State University

“Throughout my career in higher education, I have been a strong proponent of student achievement,” said Dr. Hargrove. “I am excited to lead Elizabeth City State University with a focus on academic excellence and success, fiscal and leadership stability, and a vision for growth and elevated reputation.”

Rutgers University President Jonathan Holloway Stepping Down to Lead the Henry Luce Foundation

Rutgers University's first Black president, Jonathan Holloway, was slated to step down from his presidency and return to a full-time faculty position in 2026. However, he recently announced that he will leave Rutgers to become president of the Luce Foundation on October 1.

F. DuBois Bowman Named President of Morehouse College in Atlanta

"Returning to Morehouse as its thirteenth president is the honor of a lifetime," said Dr. Bowman. "This institution shaped who I am — instilling a commitment to excellence, justice, and impact. I am excited to partner with faculty, staff, students, alumni, and supporters to build on our legacy and write the next chapter of Morehouse's transformative story."

A Change in Leadership at Jackson State University

Jackson State University President Marcus Thompson abruptly resigned on May 7. Denise Jones Gregory, the HBCU's provost, has been tapped to serve as interim president.

Willie Todd, Jr. Named the Twenty-Second President of Talladega College in Alabama

“I am profoundly honored to have been chosen to lead Talladega College, an institution with a powerful legacy and boundless potential,” said Dr. Todd. "As a proud product of an HBCU and a lifelong servant of these sacred institutions, I believe the time has come to reimagine liberal arts education as a dynamic force for the future."

Alexia Hudson-Ward to Lead the Association of College and Research Libraries

Alexia Hudson-Ward, associate director for research and learning at MIT Libraries, will serve as the president-elect of the Association of College and Research Libraries beginning on July 1. This will be followed by a one-year term as president beginning July 1, 2026.

Teresa Merriweather Orok Is the First Black Woman Leader of the University Economic Development Association

With over 35 years of professional experience, Dr. Orok currently serves as the inaugural director of the Center for Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Economic Development at Alabama A&M University.

Four Black Leaders Selected for Dean Appointments at Universities

Taking on new dean assignments are Richard Sévère at Purdue University Northwest in Indiana, Monica Carson Sheriff at Hollins University in Virginia, Christopher Jenkins at Lawrence University in Wisconsin, and Agya Boakye-Boaten at the State University of New York at Geneseo.

Derrick Scott Appointed Provost of Fort Valley State University

With an extensive background in HBCU academics and administration, Dr. Scott has served as dean of the College of Natural and Health Sciences at Virginia State University and as director of the Center for Health Disparities at Delaware State University.

Pamela Simms-Mackey Is the First Black Woman President of the American Board of Pediatrics

"The significance of this personally is to show young women of color, who are in various stages of their careers, that women can lead and be effective leaders at the highest levels," said Dr. Simms-Mackey, an HBCU alumna and volunteer professor at the University of California, San Francisco.

A Change in Leadership at Arkansas Baptist College

Following a period of “extreme financial challenges,” Leslie Rodriguez-McClellon has resigned as president of Arkansas Baptist College. The HBCU's board of trustees has selected former employee George Herts to serve as interim president.

Claudia Schrader Appointed as the Eighth President of York College in New York

Dr. Schrader has served as York College's interim president since January. She has extensive background in higher education, including recent service as the first Black president of Kingsborough Community College in Brooklyn.

Denise Whisenhunt Named President of Fresno City College

Whisenhunt is slated to assume the presidency of Fresno City College in July. She has extensive experience with California community colleges, including her current role as president of Grossmont College.

Darris Means to Lead the National Rural Education Association

Beginning in the role of president-elect designate, Dr. Means will serve as key leader of the National Rural Education Association for a five-year term. His career has been dedicated to advancing education for underrepresented students, particularly in STEM.

New Dean Appointments for Six Black Leaders in Academia

The new deans are Judette Louis at Old Dominion University in Virginia, Kimberly Poole at Clemson University in South Carolina, Matthew Johnson-Roberson at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, MarQuita Barker at Davidson College in North Carolina, Shawn(ta) Smith-Cruz at Barnard College in New York City, and Yarneccia Dyson at the University of Houston.

Two African Americans Taking on Key Leadership Roles at the American Educational Research Association

Jerome Morris has been named president-elect of the AERA Council and Tabbye Chavous has been appointed as the association's executive director.

Darnell Williams Named Eighth President of North Central University in Minnesota

Dr. Williams has been a faculty member with North Central University for the past three years. His presidency is set to begin at the end of the current academic year.

Sherry Turner Appointed as the First Black President of Hartford International University in Connecticut

“I treasure this opportunity to provide leadership to solidify HIU’s position as the nation’s leading resource for inter-religious education, research, and peace studies,” said Dr. Turner. “I look forward to collaborating with our trustees, administrators, faculty, staff, and students to create a shared vision and roadmap for doing so.”

Thomas Gibson Appointed Chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Milkwaukee

“I look forward to working with students, faculty, and staff to collectively define a vision for the future,” said Dr. Gibson. “Students considering UW-Milwaukee should know that our faculty and staff are dedicated to your success, and I’ll be right there with them cheering you on.”
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Marva Johnson Named President of Florida A&M University

Leadership
“I will approach this role with bold vision — focused on student success, innovation, and national prominence — while building strong bridges with the FAMU community and honoring the legacy that makes this university so special," said Johnson.

S. Keith Hargrove Appointed Chancellor of Elizabeth City State University

Leadership
“Throughout my career in higher education, I have been a strong proponent of student achievement,” said Dr. Hargrove. “I am excited to lead Elizabeth City State University with a focus on academic excellence and success, fiscal and leadership stability, and a vision for growth and elevated reputation.”

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