Kyle Williams Appointed Dean of Intercultural Engagement at Oberlin College in Ohio
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.
Sherita Johnson Appointed Director of the Africana Research Center at Pennsylvania 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.
James Frazier Appointed President of the International Council for Arts Deans
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.
Spelman College President Helene Gayle Announces Personal Leave of Absence
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.
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.
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.
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."
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Rotesha Harris Appointed President of Knoxville College in Tennessee
"I am committed to ensuring that Knoxville College continues to be a beacon of opportunity and excellence. Together, we will strengthen our foundation and work diligently to regain accreditation, ensuring a vibrant future for generations to come," said Dr. Harris
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.
