Council of Presidents

BCF Council of PresidentsOur 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.

  • Bennett College: Dr. Julianne Malveaux
  • As the 15th President of Bennett College for Women, Dr. Julianne Malveaux has been the architect of exciting and innovative transformation at America’s oldest historically black college for women.

    Under her leadership, the administration has identified four key focus areas: women’s leadership, entrepreneurship, excellence in communications, and global awareness.
  • Bethune-Cookman University: Dr. Trudie Kibbe Reed
  • Dr. Trudie Kibbe Reed assumed the presidency of then-Bethune-Cookman College on August 16, 2004 after a successful career in higher education as both a college president and a high-ranking administrator within The United Methodist Church.

    She is a student-centered leader, educator, taskmaster, administrator, visionary, transformative leader, public speaker, motivator, and fund-raiser.
  • Claflin University: Dr. Henry N. Tisdale
  • 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 endeavors.

  • Clark Atlanta University: Dr. Carlton E. Brown
  • 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 initiatives.
  • Dillard University: Dr. James Earl Lyons, Sr.
  • An esteemed Educator and Administrator, Dr. James Earl Lyons, Sr. became interim President of Dillard University on July 1, 2011, and he will serve in that capacity until Dillard’s seventh president is appointed this fall. Dr. Lyons brings with him a wealth of leadership experience.

    Over the past three decades, he has served as the President of three universities: California State University, Dominquez Hills; Jackson State University; and Bowie State University.
  • Huston-Tillotson University: Dr. Larry L. Earvin
  • 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 during the College’s 125th anniversary.
  • Meharry Medical College: Wayne J. Riley, M.D., MPH, MBA, MACP
  • On January 1, 2007, Wayne Joseph Riley became the 10th President and Chief Executive Officer of historic Meharry Medical College, Nashville, Tennessee. Meharry is 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 Professor of Internal Medicine at the renowned Baylor College of Medicine (BCM) in Houston, Texas.
  • Paine College: Dr. George C. Bradley
  • 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 Evaluation from Iowa State University. He has also studied at Harvard through the Institute for Educational Management.
  • Philander-Smith College: Dr. Walter M. Kimbrough
  • Dr. Walter M. Kimbrough is the 12th president of Philander Smith College in Little Rock, Arkansas.

    Known as the Hip Hop president, he is one of the youngest college presidents in the nation. Prior to Philander Smith College, he served in administrative capacities at Albany State University, Old Dominion University, Georgia State University and Emory University.
  • Rust College: Dr. David L. Beckley
  • 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).
  • Wiley College: Dr. Haywood L. Strickland
  • 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.

For More Information Contact:

Dr. Cynthia Bond Hopson
Assistant General Secretary
Black College Fund
Email: bcfumc@gbhem.org
Phone: 615-340-7378
General Fax: 615-340-7379
The Black College Fund

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