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Charles Lee Isbell, Jr. Appointed Chancellor of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Dr. Isbell is slated to assume his new role on August 1. He said, “I’m energized by this chance to serve the citizens of Illinois and advance the mission of learning, discovery, engagement and economic development."

Maurice Gipson Named the Fifteenth President of Philander Smith University

“Philander Smith University has long been a place where transformation takes root — for students, for families, and for communities,” said Dr. Gipson. “As someone who has served as a trustee, a faculty member, and now as president, I am committed to ensuring that our momentum continues and that our mission is amplified.”

Jackson State University Elevates Two Black Professors to Key Academic Leadership Positions

Currently serving as dean of graduate studies, Preselfannie McDaniels has been selected to serve as interim provost at Jackson State University in Mississippi following Denise Jones Gregory's elevation to interim president. Carlos Wilson will lead the division of graduate studies on an interim basis while Dr. McDaniels takes on her new responsibilities.

Leah Ward Sears Selected to Lead Emory University in Atlanta

“Having the opportunity to serve Emory as interim president is a full circle moment for me,” said Sears. “In 1977, I was fortunate to receive a scholarship to the Emory School of Law, and it changed my life. I think my life’s work has been a payback for that gift, and I welcome the chance to serve Emory as it continues to change lives the way it did for me and my family.”

Pamela Richardson Wilks Is the New President of Clinton College in South Carolina

“Clinton holds a sacred legacy grounded in faith, resilience, and opportunity," said Dr. Wilks. "I look forward to working with the board, faculty, staff, students, alumni, and the Rock Hill community to expand access and research, elevate student success, and position Clinton College as a bold, faith-driven institution for the future.”

Three Black Professors Selected for Dean Positions at Universities

Brian Brown will lead the School of Business at Virginia Commonwealth University, Ronald Hickman was appointed dean of the Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, and Kala Burrell-Craft was named dean of the College of Education at Grambling State University in Louisiana.

William Tate IV Appointed President of Rutgers University in New Jersey

“I am honored to join the Rutgers family, where the Rutgers Edge is more than a concept. It is reflected in a history of leading with outstanding research, clinical excellence, insightful pedagogy, innovative partnerships and storied athletic feats,” said Dr. Tate. “Together, we have an opportunity to align our efforts and push to greater levels of impact.”

Three Black Professors Receive 2025 Pulitzer Prizes

Percival Everett of the University of Southern California, Branden Jacobs-Jenkins of Yale University, and Edda Fields-Black of Carnegie Mellon University have received Pulitzer Prizes in fiction, drama, and history, respectively.

A Trio of Black Scholars Elected to Membership in the American Philosophical Society

The American Philosophical Society (APS), the oldest learned society in North America, has announced the election of 38 new members. Of the 28 new members from the United States, three are African Americans with current ties to the academic world.

Marva Johnson Named President of Florida A&M University

“I will approach this role with bold vision — focused on student success, innovation, and national prominence — while building strong bridges with the FAMU community and honoring the legacy that makes this university so special,” said Johnson.

S. Keith Hargrove Appointed Chancellor of Elizabeth City State University

“Throughout my career in higher education, I have been a strong proponent of student achievement,” said Dr. Hargrove. “I am excited to lead Elizabeth City State University with a focus on academic excellence and success, fiscal and leadership stability, and a vision for growth and elevated reputation.”

Rutgers University President Jonathan Holloway Stepping Down to Lead the Henry Luce Foundation

Rutgers University's first Black president, Jonathan Holloway, was slated to step down from his presidency and return to a full-time faculty position in 2026. However, he recently announced that he will leave Rutgers to become president of the Luce Foundation on October 1.

F. DuBois Bowman Named President of Morehouse College in Atlanta

"Returning to Morehouse as its thirteenth president is the honor of a lifetime," said Dr. Bowman. "This institution shaped who I am — instilling a commitment to excellence, justice, and impact. I am excited to partner with faculty, staff, students, alumni, and supporters to build on our legacy and write the next chapter of Morehouse's transformative story."

A Change in Leadership at Jackson State University

Jackson State University President Marcus Thompson abruptly resigned on May 7. Denise Jones Gregory, the HBCU's provost, has been tapped to serve as interim president.

Willie Todd, Jr. Named the Twenty-Second President of Talladega College in Alabama

“I am profoundly honored to have been chosen to lead Talladega College, an institution with a powerful legacy and boundless potential,” said Dr. Todd. "As a proud product of an HBCU and a lifelong servant of these sacred institutions, I believe the time has come to reimagine liberal arts education as a dynamic force for the future."

Alexia Hudson-Ward to Lead the Association of College and Research Libraries

Alexia Hudson-Ward, associate director for research and learning at MIT Libraries, will serve as the president-elect of the Association of College and Research Libraries beginning on July 1. This will be followed by a one-year term as president beginning July 1, 2026.

A New Executive Order Promotes HBCU Education

President Trump has recently signed a new executive order to "promote excellence and innovation at historically Back colleges and universities." The order establishes the White House Initiative on HBCUs and the President's Board of Advisors on HBCUs.

Teresa Merriweather Orok Is the First Black Woman Leader of the University Economic Development Association

With over 35 years of professional experience, Dr. Orok currently serves as the inaugural director of the Center for Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Economic Development at Alabama A&M University.

Four Black Leaders Selected for Dean Appointments at Universities

Taking on new dean assignments are Richard Sévère at Purdue University Northwest in Indiana, Monica Carson Sheriff at Hollins University in Virginia, Christopher Jenkins at Lawrence University in Wisconsin, and Agya Boakye-Boaten at the State University of New York at Geneseo.

Derrick Scott Appointed Provost of Fort Valley State University

With an extensive background in HBCU academics and administration, Dr. Scott has served as dean of the College of Natural and Health Sciences at Virginia State University and as director of the Center for Health Disparities at Delaware State University.
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Breaking News

Charles Lee Isbell, Jr. Appointed Chancellor of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Breaking News
Dr. Isbell is slated to assume his new role on August 1. He said, “I’m energized by this chance to serve the citizens of Illinois and advance the mission of learning, discovery, engagement and economic development."

Maurice Gipson Named the Fifteenth President of Philander Smith University

Breaking News
“Philander Smith University has long been a place where transformation takes root — for students, for families, and for communities,” said Dr. Gipson. “As someone who has served as a trustee, a faculty member, and now as president, I am committed to ensuring that our momentum continues and that our mission is amplified.”

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