Donald Comer Named Interim President of Lane College in Tennessee
Dr. Comer has extensive experience as an advocate for HBCUs and African American business education serving on the board of trustees for Stillman College and LeMoyne-Owen College. He will assume his new duties on August 1.
Three Black Women Appointed to Dean Positions at Universities
The new deans are Henrika McCoy at the University of Denver, Jeannine Dingus-Eason at Rider University, and Vanessa Lopez-Littleton at the University of Washington Bothell.
Florida A&M University Appoints Two African American Scholars to Dean Positions
Florida A&M University has appointed Shannon Smith as dean of the School of Nursing and G. Dale Wesson as dean of the College of Agriculture and Food Sciences.
Michael Bailey Will Be the First Black President of the American Veterinary Medical Association
Dr. Bailey, an experienced veterinary radiologist and educator, will serve as president-elect of the American Veterinary Medical Association for the 2024-2025 academic year. In July 2025, he will become the association's first Black president.
A Change in Leadership at Florida A&M University
Tim Beard will become Florida A&M University's interim president on August 5, following the recent resignation of former president Larry Robinson. Dr. Beard recently retired earlier this year after spending nine years as president of Pasco-Hernando State College.
Monica Williams Named First President of Texas Woman’s University at Houston
“I look forward to working with the university community and building on a legacy of excellence by producing more talented professionals who will make our community and the state of Texas stronger," said Dr. Williams.
Four Black Women Selected for Dean Positions at Colleges and Universities
The new deans are Erika Smith at Connecticut College, Angela Gilmore at the University of the District of Columbia, Gail Orum-Alexander at Marshall B. Ketchum University in Claremont, California, and Theodorea Regina Berry at Montclair State University in New Jersey.
Abiódún Gòkè-Pariolá Named President of North Central College in Illinois
Dr. Gòkè-Pariolá brings nearly five decades of higher education experience to his new role. For the past nine years, he has served as North Central College's provost and vice president for academic affairs.
Maurice Gipson to Lead Philander Smith University in Little Rock, Arkansas
Dr. Gipson's career in higher education has centered around institutional advancement, diversity initiatives, and community engagement. He most recently served as vice chancellor of inclusion, diversity, and equity at the University of Missouri.
Three Black Women Scholars Selected for Dean Positions
The dean appointments are Donna Stoddard at Babson College, Bridgett Golman at Tennessee State University, and Felisa Higgins at Purdue University.
Joyce Buckner-Brown Appointed Provost of Alcorn State University
Dr. Buckner-Brown brings over two decades of experience in higher education and public health to her new role. She has recently served as Alcorn's interim provost and associate provost for undergraduate education and success.
Solomon Ofori-Acquah Selected to Lead the Georgia Solve Sickle Cell Initiative
The Georgia Solve Sickle Cell Initiative aims to expand the state's sickle cell research and care, as well as enhance the clinical trials, therapies, and treatments at Children's Health of Atlanta.
Michael Bloomberg Announces $600 Million Donation to the Nation’s Historically Black Medical Schools
“We have much more to do to build a country where every person, regardless of race, has equal access to quality health care – and where students from all backgrounds can pursue their dreams,” said Bloomberg.
Victor Brown Named Provost of Husson University in Maine
Dr. Brown, currently an associate provost with the City University of New York, is a 2023 recipient of the United States Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award. He will begin his new role with Husson University on September 9.
Tashni-Ann Dubroy Named First Black Woman Chair of the National Association of College and...
"I am immensely optimistic about the future of NACUBO," said Dr. Dubroy. "We’ve never been stronger, and I look forward to working with my fellow board members to strengthen the value we provide to our member institutions, and in turn, to the students they serve."
Significant Drop in Black First-Year Enrollments at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology has announced that just 5 percent of its entering class is Black. This is down from an average of 13 percent Black over the last four admissions cycles.
Alanka Brown Appointed CEO of Arizona State University’s California College
“I look forward to fostering a culture where students, faculty and staff can thrive academically, personally and professionally as their best selves," said Dr. Alanka Brown, newly appointed CEO and dean of Arizona State University's California College.
Roger Mitchell Named President of Howard University Hospital
Dr. Mitchell has extensive experience overseeing medical departments within the District of Columbia government and Howard University's College of Medicine. He currently serves as chief medical officer for the Howard University Faculty Practice Plan.
The White House Presents Its Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award to Karen Ivy
Dr. Ivy was recognized by the White House for her outstanding background in community service. She is known for creating the U.S. to Uganda Connections Program, an international initiative that uses technology to inspire and empower youth through educational exchanges and leadership development.
Rolanda Horn Named Chair-Elect of NASPA’s Center for Women
The Center for Women within the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators was established in 2001 to bring attention to issues concerning women in higher education. Dr. Horn has served as a board member for the center for the past two years.
Herman “Skip” Mason, Jr. to Lead Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta
"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.
The Aftermath of the Supreme Court Ruling Outlawing Race-Sensitive Admissions
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.
Andrea Hayes Dixon Named Chair of Federal Scientific Management Review Board
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.
Ira Bates to Lead School of Business and Industry at Florida A&M University
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.
Naronda Wright Elected First Black President of NAGAP, The Association for Graduate Enrollment Management
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.
A Change in Leadership at the College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at Florida...
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.
Jonathan Holloway to Step Down as President of Rutgers University
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.
Forbes Magazine Names Howard University the Top HBCU in the Country
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.
Two Scholars Selected for Dean Appointments at HBCUs
The new deans are Obadiah M. Njue at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and LaVie Leasure at Winston-Salem State University in North Carolina.
JacQuene Rainey Appointed President of the Tennessee College of Applied Technology Jackson
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.
U.S. News and World Report Names Spelman College the Top HBCU in the Nation
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.
Many HBCUs See a Surge In Enrollments
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.
Leapetswe Malete Named President-Elect of the National Sport and Physical Activity Organization
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 Appointed Dean of Students at Middlebury College in Vermont
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.
More High-Ranking Colleges and Universities Report Declines in Entering Black Students
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.
Kimberlé Crenshaw Honored With Harvard’s W.E.B. Du Bois Medal
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.
