HBCU Presidents: Who’s Leading the Legacy?

There’s been a lot of buzz around HBCU presidents lately. From the transition of leadership at Howard University back to Dr. Wayne Frederick after Ben Vinson III stepped down to the public conversations surrounding FAMU President Marva Johnson, who started her tenure on August 1st, 2025, it’s clear that the role of a college president carries enormous responsibility. And just like any leadership position that comes with high stakes, these moments are complex, but they’re also powerful opportunities for learning.

At HBCU Leggings, we’re committed to lifting up HBCUs and celebrating the people who help them thrive. That’s why we want to take a closer look at college presidents: their roles, what makes a good one, and who some of today’s standout leaders are. Let’s break it down.

What Does a College President Actually Do?

If someone asked you to describe the role of a college president in 30 seconds or less, you’d probably pause, maybe even break a sweat, and try to change the subject (I know I would have). It’s a challenging job that requires a tremendous amount of skill and experience. But if you think about a university like a company, the picture may become clearer: every strong company needs a CEO to guide its strategy, lead its team, and keep its mission on track. That’s exactly what a college president does.

An HBCU president wears many hats. They:

• Oversee financial management and budgeting, ensuring the institution remains sustainable.
  
• Drive fundraising and endowment growth to support scholarships, programs, and faculty.
  
• Shape institutional policies that foster academic success and inclusion.
  
• Serve as the university’s face for external relations, partnerships, and community engagement.
  
• Lead during crises, from public controversies to natural disasters.

To put it simply, they’re the captains, advocates, and caretakers of the institution and its future. But what sets a truly great HBCU president apart?

What Makes a Great HBCU President?

A strong HBCU president balances tradition with innovation. In order to serve well, you have to know and be committed to the community you’re serving. A good HBCU president knows how to honor the history and mission of their institution while preparing students for the future. Here are some of the qualities of a solid HBCU president:

• Visionary Leadership: They see the big picture and have a plan to best serve their communities and create positive academic and cultural impact in the present and usher it into the future.
  
• Financial Expertise: They know how to secure funding, manage budgets, and protect resources for students and faculty.
  
• Advocacy: They are aware of and support the needs of students and staff, pushing for opportunities, research, scholarships, and equitable policies.
  
• Community Engagement: They build bridges between students, alumni, local communities, and national stakeholders.
  
• Crisis Management: When challenges arise, they respond promptly with transparency, clarity, and a commitment to the university’s mission.
  
• Cultural Stewardship: They celebrate and preserve the legacy of Black excellence in higher education.

Dr. Mark A. Brown, via The Journal of Blacks in Higher Education

Spotlight on Today’s HBCU Presidents

Now that you know a little more about the makings of a strong HBCU president, let’s highlight some leaders who are making their mark right now:

Helene D. Gayle, M.D., MPH  – Spelman College

If you’ve ever wondered what it looks like to lead one of the most prestigious HBCUs for women, look no further than Dr. Helene Gayle. As the 11th president of Spelman College, she holds 18 honorary degrees (yes, 18!) and has spent her career leading global health initiatives, running nonprofits, and driving social change. At Spelman, she’s bringing that same energy to the campus—supporting students in STEM, social sciences, and the arts while working as a fully tenured professor in the Department of Environmental and Health Sciences. Seriously, if you’re a Spelman alum, know your school is in great hands.

Dr. Mark A. Brown – Tuskegee University

Dr. Brown made history as the first Tuskegee alum to become president. Talk about a full-circle moment! He’s committed to growing academic programs, strengthening research initiatives, and making sure Tuskegee students leave not just with a degree, but with the tools to succeed in the real world. His leadership capabilities are bar none, as he served in the Air Force for 32 years. After graduating from Tuskegee, Dr. Brown became Chief Operating Officer of Federal Student Aid for the U.S. Department of Education over Title IV funding.

Dr. David K. Wilson – Morgan State University

Dr. David K. Wilson has spent more than 30 years in higher education, and it shows in every aspect of his leadership at Morgan State University. As the 10th president of Maryland’s premier public urban research university, he’s driving Morgan toward national recognition, with a focus on research, innovation, and student success. He has served on presidential advisory boards for HBCUs, the NCAA Board of Governors, and the National Science Foundation Committee on Equal Opportunities in Science and Engineering. He’s received countless accolades, including Forbes’ “Top Black Higher Ed CEO to Watch” and the Baltimore Business Journal’s Top 10 CEO. Academically, he brings both depth and experience, with degrees from Tuskegee University and Harvard University, plus over 20 scholarly publications and two books.

Dr. Darrell K. Williams – Hampton University

Dr. Darrell K. Williams, a retired three-star U.S. Army general, educator, and seasoned business leader, became Hampton University’s 19th president on July 1, 2022—39 years after earning his bachelor’s degree there. His leadership combines decades of military experience, where he oversaw 26,000 personnel as director of the Defense Logistics Agency and led the Army Combined Arms Support Command, with a deep commitment to providing students a transformative university experience. Williams emphasizes rigorous academics, holistic support for mental and physical well-being, access to cutting-edge research, and global partnerships. Alongside his wife, Myra Richardson Williams (who is also a Hampton graduate), he embodies the university’s values of service, leadership, and community engagement. He holds advanced degrees in business, military art, and national security strategy, making him a force of nature in his role as president. 

Dr. Teresa Harlee – Bennett College

Dr. Teresa Hardee, EdD, CPA, LSSBB, stepped in as Interim President of Bennett College on June 1, 2025, guiding the historic women’s HBCU through a critical period of transition and renewal. With over 20 years of leadership experience in higher education, state agencies, and business, Dr. Hardee brings expertise in financial and operational management, enrollment strategy, and organizational effectiveness. Her focus at Bennett includes stabilizing enrollment, strengthening institutional advancement, and ensuring the college’s mission as one of only two HBCUs for women in the nation continues to thrive. Dr. Hardee herself reflects, “Bennett’s legacy is unmatched, and its future holds even greater promise. Together with the Bennett community, I am committed to building on its strengths and charting a bold path forward.”

Who’s leading your HBCU’s legacy?

So, what stood out to you the most? Did you learn something new about what it takes to lead an HBCU? It takes a lot to keep an HBCU running well, serving its community, and furthering its mission. Yes, HBCU presidents are at the helm when it comes to the long-lasting impact of these institutions; students, faculty, and alumni play a big part, too. These leaders set the vision, but it’s the entire HBCU community that keeps it alive, through scholarship, service, and culture. At HBCU Leggings, we’re committed to supporting our HBCUs through our licensed apparel. Take a moment to celebrate the presidents shaping the future of your school, and remember: their work today is building the legacy you’ll carry forward tomorrow. Who’s your HBCU president? Give them a shoutout and share the love!

 

Cover photo, Dr. David K. Wilson via Morgan.edu