September 19, 2025 – Demetrius Johnson, Jr., Founder, President & CEO of the HBCU Campaign Fund (HCF) has announced the ninth inductee of the ninth class of The Ten Most Dominant HBCU Leaders of 2026. Joining the distinguished group is Dr. Melva K. Wallace, President of Huston-Tillotson University. Her selection highlights her servant leadership, unwavering commitment to higher education, and continued advocacy for the advancement of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).

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.

“Join us in celebrating the remarkable leadership of Dr. Melva K. Wallace and her selection to the ninth class of the Ten Most Dominant HBCU Leaders of 2026. Dr. Wallace’s leadership is a testament to what an honoree of this award exemplifies — vision, resilience, and unwavering commitment to elevating the legacy and future of HBCUs. We are honored to recognize Dr. Wallace as an esteemed honoree of this distinguished class of innovative HBCU leaders. She is a true champion within the HBCU community, and her dedication and impactful contributions speak volumes. We celebrate her achievements and extend our heartfelt congratulations as she continues to lead with excellence. This recognition is truly well deserved—congratulations, Dr. Wallace!”

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

For over twenty years, Dr. Melva K. Wallace has worked in higher education as a leader and as a fierce national advocate. Prior to her current role as president of Huston-Tillotson University, Dr. Wallace provided leadership in several roles within the Southern University System which is the only HBCU college system in the world. Within the Southern University System, she served as Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management at Southern University Shreveport. Served as interim Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management at Southern University New Orleans, and honorably served two System Presidents as the first Chief of Staff of the Southern University System managing five campuses with over 1,500- students throughout the state of Louisiana. In 2022, Dr. Wallace was selected to serve as the seventh President and CEO of Huston-Tillotson University, an HBCU in Austin, TX.

Since assuming leadership, Dr. Wallace has played a key role in securing over $20 million in grants and donations. Under her guidance, the institution has also experienced significant growth in fundraising efforts, online enrollment, and male student enrollment.

Dr. Wallace is a Presidential Leadership Scholar who has studied under three U.S. Presidents and is the recipient of numerous awards, including the ATHENA Award, recognition by Diverse Issues in Higher Education as one of the top 25 dynamic women in higher education, and inclusion in the Austin Business Journal’s Texas 100 Most Influential Professionals to Watch. Her innovative work includes co-teaching the nationally recognized course The Business of Trap Music with Grammy-winning tippet Clifford “T.I.” Harris. Her deep commitment to HBCUs evidenced by her founding role with the Higher Education Leadership Foundation.

Dr. Wallace is a three-time HBCU graduate, as she holds a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication, a Master of Arts in Public Administration from Grambling State University, and a Ph.D. in Urban Higher Education from Jackson State University. She is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and continues to serve on numerous boards and community organizations nationally.

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. Wallace, 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.