HBCU Campaign Fund (HCF) Founder, President, and CEO Demetrius Johnson, Jr., has announced the next honoree for the eighth class of The Ten Most Dominant HBCU Leaders of 2025. Alabama A&M University’s 12th President, Dr. Daniel K. Wims, will join esteemed honorees Dr. Charles McClelland, Dr. Phyllis Worthy Dawkins, Dr. Cynthia Anthony, Olivier Charles, Dr. Glenda Glover, Dr. LaTonia Collins Smith, Ericke S. Cage, and two other recipients from the eighth class. Dr. Wims’ selection recognizes his exceptional leadership at AAMU and his unwavering commitment to the field of higher education.

“Join me in celebrating President Dr. Daniel Wims as an esteemed honoree of the eighth class of The Ten Most Dominant HBCU Leaders of 2025. It is an honor to recognize President Wims in such a distinguished manner. Under his leadership and the remarkable efforts of his leadership team, the growth and sustained success of AAMU is truly impressive. I commend the transformative work that is currently taking part, and I wish the campus community continued success.”

– HCF Founder, President and CEO Demetrius Johnson, Jr.

The Ten Most Dominant HBCU Leaders Award & Class is a national recognition created by the HBCU Campaign Fund that identifies ten chancellors and presidents, and as of 2024, sports-affiliated individuals serving in the role at an HBCU, MSI, or affiliated with who exemplify a prominent and influential role in leadership and model the characteristics of following responsibilities in the progression of an institution or entity forward.

Dr. Wims assumed the presidency in 2022 after serving as Provost and Vice President of Research and Sponsored Programs for twelve years. Under his leadership, AAMU has been able to strategically maneuver through the challenges of today’s higher education landscape.

Under Dr. Wims’ leadership, AAMU experienced remarkable growth, with a record-setting enrollment jump of 7,295 students for the fall semester of 2024. This remarkable increase represents a significant 10.3% overall growth, solidifying AAMU’s position as the institution with the largest enrollment in its history for the second consecutive year. Dr. Wims’ leadership also witnessed the launch of new degree programs, the construction of new campus buildings, and the receipt of substantial financial gifts to the university.

Prior to joining AAMU, Dr. Wims served in leadership roles at Fort Valley State University, South Carolina State University, Florida A&M University, Alcorn State University, and Southern University.

In June 2024, the Board of Trustees unanimously voted to extend the contract for President Wims through 2030.

Dr. Wims received his Bachelor of Science degree in Agronomy from Fort Valley State University, and a Master of Science degree in Agricultural Extension Education from the Ohio State University. He earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree from the University of Maryland – College Park. He is a graduate of Harvard University’s Management and Leadership in Education, the American Association of State Colleges and Universities Millennium Program and Hampton University’s Executive Leadership Development Program, and he has completed a continuing education program at the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, Georgia.

The honorees will be fully announced as The Ten Most Dominant HBCU Leaders of 2025 and Eighth Class in early 2025.

About the HBCU Campaign Fund
The HBCU Campaign Fund (HCF) was founded in 2012 and is one of the nation’s minority educational organizations. HCF remains a strong advocate for students and higher education. The mission of HCF is to support the significance and raise funds for scholarships, programs, and for private and public HBCUs and MSIs. For more information, visit www.hbcucampaignfund.org.

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