Leadership

New Dean Appointments for a Trio of Black Scholars

The new deans are Titus Awokuse at Michigan State University, Chanel Fort at Gadsden State Community College in Alabama, and Maulin "Chris" Herring at Sandhills Community College in Pinehurst, North Carolina.

Monique Guillory Named Ninth President of Dillard University

Dr. Guillory has served as Dillard University's interim president for the past seven months. Her background includes over three decades of higher education administration experience.

Robert Q. Berry III to Lead School of Education at Indiana University

Dr. Berry, dean of the University of Arizona College of Education, has spent his career studying equity issues in mathematics. His new deanship at Indiana University will begin in April.

GerShun Avilez Appointed Dean of the College of Liberal Arts at the University of Minnesota

Dr. Avilez's background includes teaching and academic leadership appointments with the University of Maryland, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and Yale University. His scholarship focuses on Black Diasporic literature and visual culture.

DJ Washington Named First Black President of Union Commonwealth University in Kentucky

“This institution holds a special place in my heart, and it is a privilege to serve the Union community as we work together to build on our legacy and forge a path of continued growth and innovation," said Dr. Washington, the first Black president of Union Commonwealth University.

Floyd L. Wormley, Jr. Appointed Provost of Texas Christian University

“TCU has been my home for nearly six years, and I am thrilled to be able to build upon the academic excellence, important scholarship and creative activity already in progress," said Dr. Wormley.

Marlin Nabors Named Dean of Students at the University of Pittsburgh

With over two decades of experience in higher education administration, Nabors comes to the University of Pittsburgh from Endicott College in Massachusetts, where he served as dean of students for four years.

Soyica Diggs Colbert Appointed Interim Provost at Georgetown University

A Georgetown faculty member for more than a decade, Dr. Colbert has been serving as the inaugural vice president for interdisciplinary studies and the Idol Family Professor in the department of Black studies and the department of performing arts.

Steven Jones Appointed President of Mississippi Delta Community College

Dr. Jones has been serving as Mississippi Delta Community College's vice president of administrative and student services. He is slated to become the institution's 10th president on January 1.

The College of Nursing and Health Sciences at Georgia Southwestern State University Names a New Leader

Dr. Ross has focused his career on advancing nursing education through evidence-based practices and interdisciplinary collaboration. He currently serves as dean of nursing and chief nurse administrator at St. Paul's School of Nursing in New York.

Rotesha Harris Appointed President of Knoxville College in Tennessee

"I am committed to ensuring that Knoxville College continues to be a beacon of opportunity and excellence. Together, we will strengthen our foundation and work diligently to regain accreditation, ensuring a vibrant future for generations to come," said Dr. Harris.

Dexter Wakefield to Lead College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences at Alcorn State University

Dr. Wakefield joined the Alcorn State University faculty in 2021 as a professor and associate dean of academic programs for the College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences. He has served as the college's interim dean for the past two years.

Kimo Ah Yun Named First Black President of Marquette University

“My top priority is ensuring we continue to provide a transformational education for our students so that our graduates are problem-solvers and agents of change,” said Dr. Ah Yun, the first Black president of Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Darrin Martin Appointed President of Bluefield State University in West Virginia

“Bluefield State is uniquely positioned to expand opportunities for its students and strengthen its impact in the region. I look forward to continuing to work collaboratively with faculty, staff, and the community to build on the university’s successes," said Dr. Darrin Martin.

NCA&T Chancellor Emeritus Harold Martin Receives Lifetime Achievement Award

Dr. Martin served as chancellor of North Carolina A&T State University from 2009 to 2023. Throughout his long tenure, the university experienced substantial growth in enrollment, and is now the largest HBCU in the country.

Spelman College President Helene Gayle Officially Steps Down After Personal Leave of Absence

Spelman College President Helene Gayle has officially resigned after taking a personal leave of absence in October. Interim President Roz Brewer will continue to serve in her role while the women's college searches for its next leader.

Ebonee Dendy Appointed Dean of Students at the University of North Georgia-Oconee

Dendy, a first-generation college graduate, has focused her career on supporting student conduct issues and fostering safe campus environments in higher education.

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Chancellor Robert Jones Announces His Resignation

Nine years ago, Dr. Jones was named the first African American chancellor of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. He will retire at the end of the current academic year, following a decade of enrollment growth, academic improvements, and successful fundraising.

Debra Haggins Appointed Inaugural Dean of the Hampton University School of Religion

Dr. Haggins is the first woman to serve as university chaplain at Hampton University. She will now serve as the inaugural dean of the recently established School of Religion.

Swarthmore College President Valerie Smith Receives Contract Extension

Valerie Smith was named president of Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania in 2015. She will continue in her role through at least June 2027.

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