Today, Demetrius Johnson, Jr., Founder, President & CEO of the HBCU Campaign Fund (HCF) has announced the latest addition to the ninth class of The Ten Most Dominant HBCU Leaders of 2026. Joining the distinguished group is Claflin University President Dr. Dwaun J. Warmack, who was previously honored as one of The Ten Most Dominant HBCU Leaders of 2018. His selection stands as a testament to his impactful leadership and deep devotion to the field of higher education.

“Dr. Warmack’s remarkable leadership has earned national recognition, including his selection as one of The Ten Most Dominant HBCU Leaders of 2018. This honor celebrates his unwavering commitment to advancing higher education, fostering academic excellence, and championing student success. We are proud to recognize him once again as a two-time honoree and to welcome him into the distinguished ninth class of this prestigious award. I have personally witness the transformative impact of his leadership both at Harris-Stowe State University and Claflin University—it is truly visionary. We extend our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes for his continued success. Please join me in celebrating Dr. Warmack on this well-deserved recognition.”

– 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.

Prior to his current role as president of Claflin University, Dr. Warmack served as president of Harris-Stowe State University for five years. Under his tenure, Harris-Stowe witnessed a transformation, unheralded in its 160-year history. Dr. Warmack was selected as the ninth president of Claflin University by the Board of Trustees and and began his tenure on August 1, 2019.

Dr. Warmack continues to achieve distinguished milestones, bringing over 20 years of progressive administrative experience in higher education. He is also only the second individual to serve as chancellor or president and be named twice to the prestigious Ten Most Dominant HBCU Leaders Award and Class. A visionary with a unique understanding and appreciation for today’s Generation Z students, Dr. Warmack provides a brand of leadership that is characterized by an unqualified insistence on data driven decision-making and a commitment to higher education’s current best practices.

In 2004, Dr. Warmack was honored as the Times and Democrat’s Person of the Year. Under his leadership, Claflin University has maintained a strong record of impressive national rankings and celebrated the opening of its New Student Center—home to Orangeburg County’s largest conference and banquet facility. Most recently, Claflin was recognized with the Institutional Excellence Award at UNCF’s UNITE 2025 Summit, further solidifying its reputation for academic and institutional distinction.

Dr. Warmack earned a bachelor’s degree in education and master’s degree in sociology from Delta State University. He earned his doctorate in educational leadership with a specialization in higher education from Union University, and his post-doctoral studies in educational leadership at Harvard University School of Education.

The honorees of The Ten Most Dominant HBCU Leaders of 2026 and Ninth Class will be fully announced in early 2026. To learn more about Dr. Warmack, click here.

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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.