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Jeffrey O. Smith Appointed Secretary of Education for Virginia

Dr. Smith has over three decades of experience in education, particularly as an administrator at several public school districts throughout Virginia. A graduate of historically Black Virginia Union University, Dr. Smith has taught at Old Dominion University and the College of William and Mary.

A Trio of New Deans at Prairie View A&M University

Prairie View A&M University in Texas recently hired three new deans. Quincy C. Moore III is dean of the Honors College and Aneika L Simmons is dean of the College of Business. Effective April 1, Carmen R. Cater will serve as the inaugural dean of the University College.

Danielle M. Conway Is the New President of the Association of American Law Schools

“This is a pivotal moment for us all in the legal academy to come together in coalition around academic freedom,” said Professor Conway, dean of Penn State Dickinson Law and the School of International Affairs. “We may disagree on many other things, but we must collectively uphold academic freedom.”

A Change in Leadership at Morris Brown College in Atlanta

Kevin James, president of Morris Brown College, has been removed from office by the HBCU's board of trustees. In a recent Facebook post, Dr. James wrote, “This action is deeply concerning. Research and my lived experience demonstrate that many HBCUs have struggled with board overreach and interference. Unfortunately, those dynamics are evident in this situation.”

Sonja M. Brown to Lead Academic Affairs at Fayetteville State University

Dr. Brown is the new interim provost at Fayetteville State University in North Carolina. She currently serves as the HBCU's associate vice chancellor for academic and faculty affairs.

Martin University Trustees Announce the College’s Permanent Closure

One month after the trustees of Martin University announced the college would pause operations indefinitely, the board has decided to permanently close Indiana's only predominantly-Black institution of higher education.

Darius Watson Named Dean of the School of Professional Studies at Lincoln University of Missouri

“Darius Watson has demonstrated exceptional leadership, vision, and commitment to academic excellence,” said Lincoln University President John Moseley. “His innovative approach and dedication to our students and faculty make him the ideal choice to lead the School of Professional Studies.”

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Chancellor Rodney D. Bennett Announces Resignation

Dr. Bennett will end his service as chancellor of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln on January 12 - some six months before his contract was set to expire. He began his role in July 2023, following nearly 10 years as president of the University of Southern Mississippi.

Kecia Williams Smith Promoted to Dean of the Business School at North Carolina A&T State University

Dr. Smith has led North Carolina A&T State University's Willie A. Deese College of Business and Economics on an interim basis since July 2025. She has taught at the university for the past six years and directs the HBCU's master of accountancy degree program.

U.S. Department of Education Questions the Constitutionality of Race-Based Grant Programs

“We cannot, and must not, attach race-based conditions when allocating taxpayer funding,” says U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon. “This is another concrete step from the Trump Administration to put a stop to DEI in government and ensure taxpayer dollars support programs that advance merit and fairness in all aspects of Americans lives.”

Virginia State University Extends Contract for President Makola Abdullah

“I am deeply honored to continue serving this great institution and its incredible students,” said Dr. Abdullah. “Virginia State University’s mission is powerful — to transform lives and communities through education, opportunity, and excellence.”

Douglas LaVergne to Lead the College of Agricultural, Life and Natural Sciences at Alabama A&M

Dr. LaVergne currently serves as associate vice president for academic affairs and undergraduate studies at Alabama A&M University. He has an extensive background in agricultural education, including service as vice president for land-grant engagement and dean of the College of Agriculture, Environmental, and Human Sciences at Lincoln University of Missouri.

Britt Hudson Named Dean of Students at Purdue University Northwest

Hudson has worked for Purdue University Northwest for the past six years, overseeing initiatives that advance student success, cross-campus partnerships, and holistic care.

Orlando McMeans to Lead Southern University in Louisiana

Beginning January 1, Dr. McMeans will serve as interim president of Southern University in Louisiana. For the past six years, he has served as chancellor of the Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center and dean of the university's College of Agricultural, Family, and Consumer Sciences.

A Change in Leadership at Allen University in South Carolina

Ernest McNealey has stepped down as president of Allen University in Columbia, South Carolina, effective December 15. The HBCU's board of trustees has selected Stanley Pritchett, Sr., former president of Morris Brown College, to serve as Allen's interim president.

Glenn Chambers to Lead the Michigan State University Honors College

Dr. Chambers has led the Michigan State University Honors College on an interim basis since the Spring 2024 semester. He has held several leadership roles at the university, including associate dean of the Honors College and director of the African American and African studies program.

Airea Matthews Named Provost of Bryn Mawr College in Pennsylvania

Professor Matthews has taught creative writing and poetry at Bryn Mawr College since 2017. As a poet and educator, she centers her work on the intersections of language, economics, race, and social policy.

Texas Southern University Announces Two New Dean Appointments

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.

Deborah Jones Named President of the MGH Institute of Health Professions

“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.”

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