Leadership

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.”

Gina Spivey-Brown Named President of Oakwood University in Alabama

Upon assuming her new role on July 1, Dr. Gina Spivey-Brown will become the first woman to lead Oakwood University. She has served as dean of Howard University's College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences for the past decade.

Two Black Women to Lead Academic Affairs at Colleges

Chawne Kimber has been named dean of faculty at Pitzer College in California and Anita Thomas has been named provost of Meredith College in North Carolina.

Anthony Graham Selected as Next Chancellor of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff

"Leading UAPB is more than a role - it is a calling - as the university has a proud legacy of producing transformative servant leaders. I look forward to elevating the UAPB brand, which is synonymous with excellence," said Dr. Graham.

Shantay Bolton Named President of Columbia College Chicago

Dr. Bolton is slated to become Columbia College Chicago's first woman of color president on July 1. She has extensive experience in higher education administration, including key leadership positions with Georgia Tech, Washington University, and Tulane University.

Arrick Jackson Appointed Chancellor of Indiana University Northwest

“As chancellor, I look forward to building upon IU Northwest’s strong foundation while charting an exciting course forward with all the vibrant communities of Northwest Indiana. I am eager to begin this journey and meet the remarkable individuals who make IU Northwest special," said Dr. Jackson, who is slated to begin his new role on July 1.

Kevin Howell Appointed Chancellor of North Carolina State University

An alumnus and former student body president at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, Howell is slated to become the university's next chancellor on May 5. He has held several leadership roles at the university and at the University of North Carolina.

Black American Educator Named President of the University of the Bahamas

Robert Blaine III is slated to become the next president of the University of Bahamas on July 1. With a background in both the public sector and academia, he previously held leadership roles with two HBCUs in Mississippi.

Jonathan McElderry Appointed President of ACPA-College Student Educators International

ACPA - College Student Educators International is a professional organization dedicated to advancing student affairs and engaging college students. Dr. McElderry, dean of student inclusive excellence at Elon University, will lead the association for one year.

American Association of Community Colleges President Walter Bumphus Announces Retirement

“I have spent my career in higher education and will always champion the nation’s community colleges and its leaders,” said Dr. Bumphus. “I know first-hand the challenges and rewards of leading a community college and I am grateful to the many colleagues and friends that I have made along the way.”

Ron Patterson Appointed President of Murray State University

Dr. Patterson comes to his new role from Chadron State College in Nebraska, where he serves as the institution's twelfth president. His background includes over two decades of administrative experience in higher education.

Byron D’Andra Orey Elected President of the Southern Political Science Association

A Jackson State University faculty member for nearly two decades, Dr. Orey is a scholar of race and politics, biopolitics, political psychology, and legislative politics and voting.

Michelle Mayo Appointed Provost of Claflin University in South Carolina

Dr. Mayo has significant experience in academic leadership at HBCUs, including associate provost roles at North Carolina Central University and Harris-Stowe State University.

Robert Scott Named President of Albany State University

With a background in both industry and academic research, Dr. Scott currently serves as vice president of research and development at The Kraft Heinz Co. He also has experience with historically Black institutions, previously teaching at Norfolk State University in Virginia and Spelman College in Atlanta.

Suzanne Walsh Will Be the First Person of Color to Lead the City University of Seattle

For the past five and a half years, Walsh has served as president of Bennett College, an HBCU in North Carolina. She has an extensive background in higher education and philanthropy.

Two Black Women Selected for Dean Appointments at Universities

The new deans are Malekah Salim-Morgan at Reach University in Oakland, California, and Cordelia Nnedu at Tuskegee University in Alabama.

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