Today, the HBCU Campaign Fund (HCF) Founder, President, and CEO Demetrius Johnson, Jr., has announced the next selection of the honorees of the ninth class of The Ten Most Dominant HBCU Leaders of 2026. Joining the previously named honorees is Talladega College President-Elect Dr. Willie L. Todd, Jr. His selection to the prestigious honor underscores his infused passion for advancing historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and sincere dedication to the field of higher education.

“Join us in congratulating Dr. Willie L. Todd, Jr., on his selection to the ninth class of The Most Dominant HBCU Leaders of 2026. Dr. Todd’s leadership at Denmark Technical College was truly remarkable and deserves celebration. He has transformed the college, and as he enters the president role at Talladega College, he joins a distinguished lineage of past leaders, including former honoree Dr. Billy C. Hawkins. Dr. Todd’s invaluable leadership will guide Talladega’s mission as a premier HBCU and one of the leading Black colleges in Alabama into its next chapter. We express our gratitude to Dr. Todd for his continued leadership and extend our best wishes as he embarks on his leadership journey at Talladega College.”

– 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.

A Track Record of Transformational Leadership — with 32 years of higher education leadership under his belt, Todd has led an impressive turnaround at Denmark Technical College (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 his appointment to the president role at Talladega College, Todd served as the president and chief executive officer of DTC in Denmark, South Carolina since 2020. Prior to taking on the role of president at DTC, Todd served DTC as vice president for academic affairs and student affairs. Before his arrival at DTC, Todd served as 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. Todd will assume the role of president July 1, 2025.

Under Todd’s leadership, DTC achieved the following achievements:

• 870% increase in fundraising with over $32 million raised in five years
• 400% increase in scholarship offerings
• 54% increase in enrollment along with increases in retention and graduation rates
• 1,104% increase in revenue generated by DTC’s Workforce and Continuing Education program
• Probationary status Southern Association of Colleges and Schools-Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) lifted within one year

Todd 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 a Master of Education in English education and a Bachelor of Arts in English from Albany State University.

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

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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.