Leadership

At historically Black Texas Southern University, Aisha Moultry has been named interim dean of the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences and Cheree Daniels has been named interim dean of the College of Transdisciplinary Studies.

“I am inspired by the [MGH Institute for Health Professions'] mission to educate health professionals and researchers who will drive innovation in the delivery of equitable and interprofessional care,” said Dr. Jones. “This mission aligns deeply with my own purpose, which is to bring together people, ideas, and systems for the greater good, because the greater good is stronger than any individual part.”

Dr. Allen-Handy, professor of urban education at Drexel University, is slated to become dean of Hofstra University's School of Education on January 1. She is a leading scholar on the social foundations and social contexts of education.

Roscoe Jones, Jr., the first Black dean of the Drake University Law School, has been tapped to serve as co-chair of the national board of the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. He has also been appointed to the Association of American Law Schools Deans Steering Committee.

Dennis Shields, president of the Southern University System and chancellor of Southern University and A&M College, has been dismissed from his post. He will join the HBCU's law school faculty after a sabbatical.

“This is an exceptional opportunity to collaborate with students and colleagues to build something new within such a storied institution, and I look forward to supporting and challenging undergraduates to maximize their learning across their varied experiences inside and outside of the classroom,” said Dr. McKnight, who will begin his new role on June 1, 2026.

In addition to his corporate background, Dr. Finley has extensive administrative experience with historically Black universities. Most recently, he has been serving as chief operating officer at Harris-Stowe State University in St. Louis. Earlier, he was an assistant vice president at Prairie View A&M University in Texas.

A full professor of mathematics and statistics at Pomona College in California, Dr. Goins is slated to become the Mathematical Association of America's first Black president in its 110-year history.

The new deans are Ebony Gilbreath at Tuskegee University in Alabama, Michelle Hayes at Talladega College in Alabama, Calvin Johnson at Texas Southern University, and DeOnte Brown at Florida State University.

Dr. Mason has led the Interdenominational Theological Center on an interim basis for the past year. He has over 35 years of experience in education, including academic leadership roles at several historically Black colleges.

A McNeese State University administrator since 2005, Dr. Nicholas was recently selected to serve as the university's interim president. Prior to his new role, he was senior vice president for student affairs.

“I have been deeply impressed by Germanna’s strong sense of community and its steadfast commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and student success,” said Dr. Griffith. “I look forward to building upon this remarkable foundation as we continue advancing the College’s mission and impact across the region.”

Dr. Randolph has extensive experience leading academic affairs at historically Black colleges. Prior to her new role, she was the chief academic officer at both Morris Brown College in Atlanta and Clinton College in South Carolina.

William Harris is dean of academic affairs for the College of Arts and Sciences at Presbyterian College, Brittany Palmer is dean of industrial technologies and professional services at Georgia Piedmont Technical College, and Audrey Miller is dean of the School of Nursing at Barry University.

Dr. Gaba is the first woman and the first African American to serve as president of Atlantic Cape Community College in New Jersey. Before her current role, she was provost of Union County College in New Jersey for 15 years.

With over 25 years of experience, Dr. Bailey most recently served as director for research development at historically Black Virginia State University. A scholar of early childhood education, she has held academic and leadership roles with numerous universities across the United States.

Dr. Mitchell has taught at the Ivy League dental school for over three decades. He has made significant research contributions regarding the oral manifestations of HIV, particularly among patients from underserved populations. He also has served in senior university administrative roles since 2014, focusing on faculty advancement and development.

“I’m excited to build on the Graduate School’s strong momentum and to further the academic and scholarly work that connects our students and faculty across disciplines,” said Dr. Abebe. “This is both a challenge and an opportunity to build the data scaffolding needed to identify synergies and gaps so Auburn’s graduate education can grow in impact and reach.”

Xavier Whitaker is the new vice president for student affairs and dean of students at Talladega College; Taviare Hawkins is the new dean of the School of Science at Hampton University; and Shannon Campbell is the new dean of the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences at North Carolina A&T State University.

“Community College of Philadelphia truly feels like home,” said Dr. Marshall. “Every day, I witness the extraordinary dedication of our faculty and staff who work tirelessly to ensure our students are supported, challenged, and inspired to succeed.”