In March, the American Baptist College (ABC) Board of Trustees announced the retirement of President Dr. Forest E. Harris, Sr., marking the conclusion of a distinguished 25-plus year tenure as the College’s leader. Since assuming the presidency in July 1999, Dr. Harris has been a visionary force, guiding the institution with a steadfast commitment to theological education, social justice, and the empowerment of future leaders.

“Dr. Harris’s leadership has been instrumental in strengthening ABC’s mission, elevating its national profile, and expanding its impact in Christian ministry, social justice advocacy, and higher education. I have known him for years and personally appreciate the legacy he has created through his untiring service to American Baptist College.

– Dennis Marshall, chair of the ABC Board of Trustees

Among his many achievements, Dr. Harris spearheaded initiatives related to:

• Institutional growth and accreditation: Led efforts to strengthen accreditation, ensuring the College’s academic rigor and credibility while fostering strategic partnerships with national and global institutions.
• Financial sustainability and expansion: Secured significant funding, including multi-million-dollar grants and partnerships, leading to campus development, increased scholarships, a renewed focus on fundraising initiatives, and increased advocacy and public relations activities.
• Social justice and public advocacy: Advanced ABC’s historical legacy as a training ground for vocations in social justice leadership, enhancing student engagement in national conversations on race, faith, and democracy.

The ABC Board of Trustees will launch a nationwide search for the College’s next president.

The HBCU Campaign Fund (HCF) Founder, President and CEO Demetrius Johnson, Jr., has announced the selection of Dr. Forest E. Harris, Sr. as a honoree of the Dr. Lawrence A. Davis Jr. Trailblazer of Higher Education Award among the ninth class of The Ten Most Dominant HBCU Leaders of 2026. The Dr. Lawrence A. Davis Jr. Trailblazer of Higher Education Award among The Ten Most Dominant HBCU Leaders was created in honor and now in remembrance of Dr. Davis. As the highest accolade within this esteem recognition, this award is bestowed upon a current or retired president or chancellor who has served an HBCU or MSI, embodying the decade-long values and contributions that have significantly impacted the field of higher education.

“Dr. Harris’s exceptional leadership exemplifies the qualities of a great leader who has made substantial contributions to our HBCUs and the millions of students that American Baptist College has served. His unwavering commitment to the mission of ABC, demonstrated through efficiency, dignity, vision, and loyalty, has left an indelible mark. Dr. Harris’s impact extends beyond Christian ministry and social justice advocacy, as he has also made significant strides in higher education. His contributions are truly commendable. We express our deepest gratitude for Dr. Harris’s invaluable service to higher education and extend our heartfelt congratulations on his upcoming retirement. In recognition of his outstanding achievements, we are honored to present Dr. Harris with the Dr. Lawrence A. Davis Jr. Trailblazer of Higher Education Award amongst The Ten Most Dominant HBCU Leaders of 2026. Thank you for your exceptional job well done.”

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

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.

The honorees of The Ten Most Dominant HBCU Leaders of 2026 and ninth class will be fully announced in early 2026.

The College plans to honor Harris’s extraordinary legacy, as it will host the “Legacy of Leadership Gala,” a presidential transition celebration and fundraiser, on June 28, 2025, at the Cal Turner Family Center at Meharry Medical College. This momentous occasion will celebrate the College’s future endeavors, as well as Harris’s unwavering dedication to the historic institution.

ABC invites alumni, supporters, church leaders, and community partners to participate in this historic celebration. For more information on the gala and sponsorship opportunities, please click here, or contact the Office of Institutional Advancement at roadto100@abcnash.edu.

###