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Julius Edwards Named President of Eastern Maine Community College

Dr. Edwards has been serving as vice chancellor of academic affairs at Ivy Tech Community College in Indiana. He is slated to become the new president of Eastern Maine Community College on April 1.

Olympia Ross Duhart Appointed Dean of Nova Southeastern University’s Law School

Duhart has been a faculty member with the Shepard Broad College of Law at Nova Southeastern University in Florida for over two decades. An expert in legal writing, Duhart recently completed a second term as co-president of the Society of American Law Teachers.

Crystal Burns Is the Inaugural Executive Director of the Tri County HBCU Alliance

The Tri County HBCU Alliance serves students, families, and alumni of historically Black colleges and universities in Chester, Lancester, and York Counties of South Carolina. An alumna and former member of the board of visitors at Virginia State University, Crystal Burns is the alliance's inaugural strategic leader.

Loren J. Blanchard Appointed President of California State University, Long Beach

Dr. Blanchard has served as president of the University of Houston-Downtown for the past five years. He is slated to assume the presidency of California State University, Long Beach on May 1.

Tougaloo College Announces Three Finalists for President

Historically Black Tougaloo College in Mississippi has announced a field of three finalists to become the fifteenth president of the educational institution. In March, a candidate is expected to be chosen to become president.

Annice Yarber-Allen Named Provost of Albany State University

Originally trained as a social worker, Dr. Yarber-Allen has worked in higher education for over two decades. Her prior experience includes academic leadership roles with Auburn University at Montgomery and Columbus State University.

Fort Valley State University President Paul A. Jones Announces Upcoming Retirement

“As I look toward the conclusion of my presidency, I do so with confidence in Fort Valley State’s future,” said Dr. Jones. ”This confidence comes from knowing the strength of the people who sustain this institution and the clarity of the mission that continues to guide us.”

Nannette C. Turner to Lead the College of Health Professions at Mercer University

Dr. Turner currently serves as executive associate dean of Mercer University's College of Health Professions. A faculty member for nearly two decades, she has over 25 years of experience as public practitioner in Texas and Georgia.

Nikki Youngblood-Giles Selected to Oversee Campus Life and Student Experience at Barnard College

In her new role as interim co-dean of Barnard College, Dr. Youngblood-Giles will provide leadership to all aspects of campus life and student experience at the New York City-based liberal arts institution. She first joined the Barnard administration in 2008 and currently serves as vice dean.

Kevin James Reinstated as President of Morris Brown College

One week after their abrupt removal of Morris Brown College President Kevin James, the HBCU's board of trustees has reversed their decision, reinstating Dr. James as the college's nineteenth president.

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.”

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