Council of Presidents

Our 11 Black College Fund institutions are blessed to have some of today's most accomplished and visionary leaders anywhere on the planet. From economists, mathematicians, public policy experts, and the like, they inspire, challenge, mentor and transform lives, campuses and communities through their ongoing commitment to excellence and service.

If you haven't visited one of these beautiful campuses lately, plan a visit today and see your gifts at work in the hearts and hands of some of today's most diverse, exciting and essential college campuses anywhere.

A native of Kingstree, South Carolina and a 1965 magna cum laude graduate of Claflin University, Dr. Tisdale returned to his alma mater as its eighth president in 1994. Described as a high energy and visionary president, Dr. Tisdale, in the tradition of Claflin’s presidents, has been a servant leader while also overseeing tremendous growth in all areas of the University’s campus and academic... more
Carlton E. Brown, Ed.D., became the third president of Clark Atlanta University on August 1, 2008, after serving as Executive Vice President and Provost of the university for one year. Prior to joining Clark Atlanta University as Executive Vice President and Provost, Dr. Brown was appointed by Georgia Board of Regents Chancellor Errol Davis to assist in the implementation of major system-wide... more
A post in education that was only supposed to last one year resulted in a 34-year career filled with numerous accomplishments, successes, and a presidential appointment. Effective July 1, 2000, Dr. Larry L. Earvin was appointed by the Board of Trustees as the fifth president and chief executive officer of Huston-Tillotson College, located in Austin, Texas. His millennium year appointment was made... more
On January 1, 2007, Wayne Joseph Riley became the 10th President and Chief Executive Officer of historic Meharry Medical College, Nashville, Tennessee, the nation’s largest, private, independent, historically black academic health center dedicated to educating health professionals. Previously, he served as Vice-president and Vice Dean for Health Affairs and Governmental Relations and Associate... more
Dr. George C. Bradley is the 14th president of Paine College in Augusta, Georgia. He holds the Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education with a minor in Mathematics from South Carolina State University. He also earned a master’s degree in Mathematics Education from South Carolina State University and a doctorate in Higher Education with a cognate in Statistical Research and... more
David L. Beckley, the longest tenured senior college President in Mississippi, was appointed president of Rust College in Holly Springs, Mississippi on January 16, 1993 and assumed the position on July 1, 1993. Before assuming the position as 11th president of Rust College, he served as 12th president of Wiley College in Marshall, TX (1987-1993). Since returning to Mississippi, he has been... more
Dr. Haywood L. Strickland presently serves as President of Wiley College, Marshall, Texas. From October 1994-November 2000, Dr. Strickland served as President of Texas College, Tyler, Texas. Prior to his selection as President of Texas College, Dr. Strickland was Vice President of Grants Management and National Director, Campaign 2000 for the United Negro College Fund. In this position, Dr.... more