The HBCU Campaign Fund (HCF) has released its annual The Ten Most Dominant HBCU Leaders Award & Class. This national distinction was established by HCF, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advocating for historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and minority-serving institutions (MSIs)

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs) are shaping the demand of a new generation of leadership skills and capabilities in America. These institutions deliver high-quality education to low-income, first-generation, and academically underprepared students. Despite their longstanding role as a cornerstone of higher education, HBCUs and MSIs have been historically underrepresented for more than 150 years.

According to HCF’s Founder, President & CEO Demetrius Johnson, Jr., the ninth selected of leaders have “demonstrated exceptional responsibility in shaping policy, influencing perspectives, and making decisions that impact millions within the higher education landscape, while addressing the everyday needs and community contributions of HBCUs and MSIs.”

The organization 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.

Additionally, the organization introduced the inaugural Dr. Lawrence A. Davis Jr. Trailblazer of Higher Education Award as part of The Ten Most Dominant HBCU Leaders recognition in 2022. As the highest distinction within this prestigious honor, the award is presented to a current or retired president or chancellor who has served an HBCU or MSI and exemplifies a decade or more of values-driven leadership and transformative contributions to higher education. This year’s honorees are Dr. Forest E. Harris, Sr., retired president of American Baptist College, and Dr. Charlie Nelms, a nationally recognized leader in higher education.

“Join me in celebrating the ten honorees named The Ten Most Dominant HBCU Leaders of 2026,” said Demetrius Johnson, Jr., founder, President & CEO, HCF. “These distinguished leaders have made profound contributions to advancing higher education and have impacted millions throughout their careers. They exemplify excellence in leadership and continue to make extraordinary contributions to our HBCUs and to the world.”

“It is also an honor to recognize Dr. Forest E. Harris, Sr., and Dr. Charlie Nelms as the 2026 Dr. Lawrence A. Davis Jr. Trailblazer of Higher Education honorees. We commend them for their outstanding service and celebrate them as they embark or endure on and in their next chapters. Congratulations to all of this year’s honorees,” Johnson continued.

Click here to view “The Ten Most Dominant HBCU Leaders of 2026” award and eighth class honorees.

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About The Ten Most Dominant HBCU Leaders Award & Class
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.

About the HBCU Campaign Fund
The HBCU Campaign Fund (HCF) was founded in 2012 and is a non-profit educational organization that 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.