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.
Professor Smith was honored for her newest poetry collection, The Intentions of Thunder. She currently teaches creating writing in the Lewis Center for the Arts at Princeton University.
“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.
The financial management of historically Black Texas Southern University is under investigation by state officials following an audit that revealed the potential misappropriation of thousands of invoices totaling over $400 million.
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.
MacKenzie Scott has made record-breaking donations to North Carolina A&T State University, Bowie State University, Philander Smith University, and Prairie View A&M University. In just the past two months, the billionaire philanthropist has invested nearly $800 million in direct support of historically Black colleges and universities.
“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.
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.”
“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.”
Dr. Corley comes to Elizabeth City State University from another HBCU, Virginia State University, where he was a special advisor to the president. Earlier, he spent more than a decade on the faculty of historically Black Tuskegee University in Alabama.
Bonham, former acting director of the National Human Genome Research Institute, has been named president of Meharry Medical College's Diaspora Human Genetics Institute, where scholars are currently working to build the largest African ancestry genomics research database. Bonham will also direct Meharry's Center for Bioethics, Social, and Behavioral Research.
The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation recently announced the 22 latest recipients in its fellowship program, commonly referred to as “genius grants.” Of this year’s 22 winners, two are African American scholars with current ties to the academic world in the United States.