Effective immediately, Spelman College President Helene Gayle is on a personal leave of absence. The college did not specify the reason for her leave, nor her expected return date. Roz Brewer, former chair of Spelman's board of trustees, has been named interim president.
James Frazier has decades of experience in higher education and professional dance performance. He currently serves as a full professor of dance and dean of the College of Fine Arts at Florida State University.
Sherita Johnson is a scholar of nineteenth-century African American literature and print culture. She has conducted extensive archival research on the experiences of Black writers, activists, and public intellectuals.
In the aftermath of the June 29, 2023 United States Supreme Court decision banning the consideration of race in college admissions decisions, more high-ranking colleges and universities have reported a drop in Black enrollments for their entering classes this fall.
Dr. Williams comes to Oberlin College and Conservatory from Emory University in Atlanta, where he served as dean of campus life. His career in student affairs has been dedicated to advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion in college communities.
Presented by Harvard University, the W.E.B. Du Bois Medal is considered the university's highest honor in the field of African and African American studies.
Many of the nation's historically Black colleges and universities had a record number of applicants this past admissions cycle. And many HBCUs have reported a significant increase in enrollments this fall.
The North American Society for the Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity has appointed Leapetswe Malete to the post of president-elect. The Michigan State associate professor will serve as president-elect for one year, followed by one year as president.
Joe Russell is the new dean of students at Middlebury College. He previously spent nearly two decades at the University of Vermont, most recently serving as assistant dean of students.
Dr. Rainey has held both academic and administrative roles within the Tennessee College of Applied Technology system for the past 15 years. She assumed the presidency of the system's Jackson campus on October 1.
This is the eighteenth consecutive year U.S. News and World Report has named Spelman College as the best HBCU in the country. Howard University was second, Florida A&M University and Tuskegee University tied for third, and Morehouse College was fifth.
Rutgers University's first Black president, Jonathan Holloway, has announced his intent to step down at the conclusion of this academic year. While the university has experience significant enrollment and fundraising growth, Dr. Holloway has faced controversy around his response to pro-Palestine protests on campus.
This year, Forbes magazine listed Howard University as the top HBCU and 273rd best higher education institution in the United States. Spelman College, Morehouse College, Florida A&M University, North Carolina A&T State University, and Hampton University were also listed among the country's top 500 colleges and universities.
Johnnie Early II, former dean of the FAMU College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, has stepped down from his role and returned to a full-time faculty position. Seth Ablordeppey, longtime FAMU professor, has been selected to serve as interim dean.
Dr. Bates' new appointment as interim dean of the FAMU School of Business and Industry follows the reassignment of former dean, Shawnta Friday-Stroud, who returned to a full-time faculty position.
The Scientific Management Review Board supervises and reviews the operation of all scientific research programs within the United States Department of Health and Human Services. Dr. Hayes Dixon will serve as board chair through June 2026.
As a member of the NAGAP, The Associate for Graduate Enrollment, Dr. Wright held several positions with the organization prior to her new presidential election. She previously served as conference chair and vice president.
Black enrollments at many of the nation's highest ranked universities are down significantly. But some top schools have been able to maintain a diverse student body despite the Supreme Court ban of race-sensitive admissions.
"I am committed to continuing the mission of this beloved institution, standing on the shoulders of the trailblazing faculty who have shaped us into prophetic problem solvers," said Dr. Mason, interim president of the Interdenominational Theological Center.