Leadership

“I’m honored to take on this new role at AACTE, an organization with such a rich tradition of leadership, advocacy, and innovation,” Dr. Holcomb-McCoy said. She will assume her new role in January after eight years as dean of School of Education at American University.

"I am honored to accept the presidency of Paine College," said Dr. McCorn. "My acceptance originates from a place of deep respect and admiration for the legacy and significance of this historic institution. Connecting Paine College's historic past with a strategic vision for the future will catapult this institution into unparalleled prominence in American higher education."

Prior to her new role, Dr. Rodriguez-McClellon was the vice president of community relations and governmental affairs at Saint Augustine's University in Raleigh. She has a robust background in higher education, including service as the first African American president of Rochester Community and Technical College in Minnesota.

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

Dr. Jerry Wallace comes to his new role from Danville Community College in Virginia, where he has served as president since 2022. Earlier in his career, he was president of the Hastings campus at Nebraska Central Community College.

Blockwood currently teaches in Syracuse University's Washington, D.C. program. He has vast experience in public service, previously holding leadership roles with the departments of Veterans Affairs, Homeland Security, and Defense, as well as the Government Accountability Office.

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

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.

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.

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 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.

“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.

“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.

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.

"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.

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.

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.