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Dexter Wakefield to Lead College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences at Alcorn State University

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.

Judge Rules That the U.S. Naval Academy Can Still Consider Race in Admissions Decisions

The U.S. Naval Academy enrolls about 4,450 students, according to the most recent data from the U.S. Department of Education. Blacks make up just 6 percent of the student body. A federal judge has ruled that the USNA may continue to consider race in its admissions decisions.

Kimo Ah Yun Named First Black President of Marquette University

“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.

Darrin Martin Appointed President of Bluefield State University in West Virginia

“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.

NCA&T Chancellor Emeritus Harold Martin Receives Lifetime Achievement Award

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.

Four Black Students Who Have Been Awarded Rhodes Scholarships

Typically the Rhodes Trust does not reveal the race or ethnicity of scholarship winners. Of this year’s 32 Rhodes Scholars from the United States, it appears that four are Black. A year ago, six of the 32 Rhodes Scholars were African Americans. In both 2017 and 2020, there were 10 African American Rhodes Scholars, the most in any one year.

Spelman College President Helene Gayle Officially Steps Down After Personal Leave of Absence

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.

Ebonee Dendy Appointed Dean of Students at the University of North Georgia-Oconee

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

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Chancellor Robert Jones Announces His Resignation

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.

Debra Haggins Appointed Inaugural Dean of the Hampton University School of Religion

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.

Two Black Scholars Receive the Barry Prize for Distinguished Intellectual Achievement

This prestigious annual prize honors those whose work has made outstanding contributions to humanity’s knowledge, appreciation, and cultivation of the good, the true, and the beautiful. It is presented by the American Academy of Sciences and Letters.

Swarthmore College President Valerie Smith Receives Contract Extension

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

Jerry Wallace Appointed President of Potomac State College in West Virginia

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.

James-Christian Blockwood Named President of the National Academy of Public Administration

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.

Leslie Rodriguez-McClellon Named Seventeenth President of Arkansas Baptist College

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.

Huge Enrollment Decline at Historically Black Tennessee State University

At historically Black Tennessee State University, overall enrollments are down by 23 percent. Most strikingly, enrollments of students in first-year programs are down by more than 50 percent.

Historically Black Central State University in Ohio Placed on Fiscal Watch Amidst Financial Challenges

The Ohio Department of Higher Education has placed historically Black Central State University on fiscal watch. The department, the Auditor of State's office, and the Central State board of trustees will work with university officials to develop a financial recovery plan.

Lester Agyei McCorn Named President of Paine College in Georgia

"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."

Cheryl Holcomb-McCoy Named President of the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education

“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.

National Student Clearinghouse Research Center Releases Fall 2024 Enrollment Report

According to the report, Black undergraduate enrollment increased by 6.2 percent over the past two years. In comparison, total undergraduate enrollment increased by 5.2 percent and White undergraduate enrollment decreased by 2.8 percent over the same time period.

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