In its Fall/Winter 2025 issue, Essence Magazine has named Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott Jr. and Benedict College President Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis to its 2025 Power Players, honoring Black leaders who have transformed their respective industries.

Essence recognizes Mayor Scott for making history as Little Rock’s first elected Black mayor and for his efforts to move the capital city forward through crime reduction and job creation. Dr. Artist is recognized for her leadership of one of America’s most prestigious HBCUs and for making history as the first woman to serve as president at two HBCUs. The feature also highlights her pride in the institution’s continued rise in graduation rates under her leadership.

Scott was named among notable leaders including Louisiana Senator James “Jimmy” Harris and Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott. Dr. Artis joined an accomplished group of women such as Valeisha Butterfield, Founder of Global State of Women and SEED, and Imani Ellis, Founder and CEO of CultureCon & The Creative Collective.

The HBCU Campaign Fund (HCF) celebrates Essence Magazines for recognizing Mayor Scott and Dr. Artis. Little Rock serves as the tentative home of HCF’s office and supports the leadership of Mayor Frank Scott. Dr. Artis is a past recipient of HCF’s Ten Most Dominant HBCU Leaders Award & Class in 2018.

###