Leadership

Jackson State University Elevates Two Black Professors to Key Academic Leadership Positions

Currently serving as dean of graduate studies, Preselfannie McDaniels has been selected to serve as interim provost at Jackson State University in Mississippi following Denise Jones Gregory's elevation to interim president. Carlos Wilson will lead the division of graduate studies on an interim basis while Dr. McDaniels takes on her new responsibilities.

Leah Ward Sears Selected to Lead Emory University in Atlanta

“Having the opportunity to serve Emory as interim president is a full circle moment for me,” said Sears. “In 1977, I was fortunate to receive a scholarship to the Emory School of Law, and it changed my life. I think my life’s work has been a payback for that gift, and I welcome the chance to serve Emory as it continues to change lives the way it did for me and my family.”

Pamela Richardson Wilks Is the New President of Clinton College in South Carolina

“Clinton holds a sacred legacy grounded in faith, resilience, and opportunity," said Dr. Wilks. "I look forward to working with the board, faculty, staff, students, alumni, and the Rock Hill community to expand access and research, elevate student success, and position Clinton College as a bold, faith-driven institution for the future.”

Three Black Professors Selected for Dean Positions at Universities

Brian Brown will lead the School of Business at Virginia Commonwealth University, Ronald Hickman was appointed dean of the Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, and Kala Burrell-Craft was named dean of the College of Education at Grambling State University in Louisiana.

William Tate IV Appointed President of Rutgers University in New Jersey

“I am honored to join the Rutgers family, where the Rutgers Edge is more than a concept. It is reflected in a history of leading with outstanding research, clinical excellence, insightful pedagogy, innovative partnerships and storied athletic feats,” said Dr. Tate. “Together, we have an opportunity to align our efforts and push to greater levels of impact.”

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.
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