The Talladega College Board of Trustees has announced the appointment of Dr. Willie L. Todd Jr. as the 22nd president of Talladega College. Todd served as the president and chief executive officer of Denmark Technical College (DTC) in Denmark, South Carolina since 2020. Todd will succeed Interim President Dr. Walter M. Kimbrough, who have served since June 2024.

”We are excited to have Dr. Willie L. Todd Jr., join our community. His experience and dedication will be invaluable as we navigate the next chapter of Talladega College’s rich history and continue on our path forward to build back better and stronger. I look forward to working with President Todd, and I believe that he is equipped with the skills and experiences to help the College achieve its goals. In addition, I would like to thank the entire search committee, and especially chair and trustee Dr. Monique Gardner Witherspoon, for running an organized and efficient search process.”

– Rica Lewis-Payton ‘81, chair of the Board of Trustees

With 32 years of higher education leadership under his belt, Todd has led an impressive turnaround at DTC. Infused with his passion for advancing Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Todd reimagined DTC’s future through a bold vision, compassion, creative problem-solving, and a student-centered approach that expanded student leadership while building a culture of care.

Prior to taking on the role of president, Todd served DTC as vice president for academic affairs and student affairs. Before his arrival at DTC, Todd served as the provost and vice president for academic affairs at Wiley College (now Wiley University), vice provost and associate vice provost at Norfolk State University, and he served in various positions at Clark Atlanta University and Albany State University.

“I am profoundly honored to have been chosen to lead Talladega College, an institution with a powerful legacy and boundless potential. This institution was founded in defiance of limitation and in pursuit of possibility. That legacy calls us to lead with boldness and integrity. As a proud product of an HBCU and a lifelong servant of these sacred institutions, I believe the time has come to reimagine liberal arts education as a dynamic force for the future. I look forward to forging a culture of true collaboration, grounded in shared vision and mutual respect, with the Board of Trustees, administration, students, faculty, staff, alumni and the greater Talladega College community.”

– Dr. Willie L. Todd Jr., Talladega College President-Elect

“We are pleased to learn of the selection of Dr. Willie L. Todd Jr. as the next president of Talladega College. Joining a distinguished lineage of past leaders, Dr. Todd brings a wealth of expertise and experience to the helm. His commitment to expanding growth opportunities for Talladega College as it embarks its next chapter as a leading HBCU is truly commendable. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Todd for his impressive leadership at DTC and we are excited for his next journey at Talladega. The organization stands unite in its unwavering support for Dr. Todd’s leadership and looks forward to the immense success that awaits Talladega College and its vibrant campus community.”

– Demetrius Johnson, Jr., founder, President & CEO, HCF

A native of West Point, Georgia, Todd grew up in Decatur, Georgia. He holds a Ph.D., in English from Georgia State University, a Master of Education in higher education administration with a student affairs concentration from Regent University, and both a Master of Education in English education and a Bachelor of Arts in English from Albany State University.

Todd will assume the role of president July 1 with an inauguration ceremony to follow at a later date.

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