MEDIA CONTACT:
Division of Strategic Communications and Media Relations, HCF
Email: communications@hbcucampaignfund.org

The HBCU Campaign Fund (HCF) announces the selection of Dr. Valerie Kinloch, President of Johnson C. Smith University, as a recipient of the Ten Most Dominant HBCU Leaders of 2027 and Tenth Class Honors, a prestigious recognition celebrating transformative leadership, innovation, and impact across Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs).

Dr. Kinloch serves as the 15th President of Johnson C. Smith University (JCSU), having assume the presidency in August 2023. A distinguished scholar, educator, author, and alumna of the institution, she returned to lead her alma mater after an accomplished career in higher education leadership, including serving as Dean of the School of Education at the University of Pittsburgh and holding leadership roles at The Ohio State University and Teachers College, Columbia University, Under her leadership, JCSU has continued to advance its strategic vision focused on academic excellence, student success, community engagement, and institutional transformation.

The Ten Most Dominant HBCU Leaders Award & Class is a national recognition created by the HBCU Campaign Fund (HCF) that honors ten chancellors, presidents, and beginning in 2024, sports-affiliated individuals serving at or connected to HBCUs and MSIs who exemplify influential and transformational leadership. The recognition celebrates individuals who demonstrate excellence in advancing the mission, growth, visibility, and long-term progression of their institutions or organizations through impactful leadership and service.

“Dr. Valerie Kinloch represents the very essence of transformational leadership. As an accomplished scholar and proud alumna of Johnson C. Smith University, she has returned to her alma mater with a bold vision that is rooted in academic excellence and student success. Her commitment to advancing equity, empowering students, fostering meaningful community partnerships, and elevating the national profile of JCSU makes her a deserving recipient of the 10th Class of The Ten Most Dominant HBCU Leaders. Join me in congratulating Madam President Kinloch.”

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

Kinloch has spent nearly three decades in higher education and is recognized nationally for her work in literacy, equity, educational leadership, and student engagement. Throughout her career, she has championed initiatives that strengthen access to higher education while creating pathways for student achievement and community impact. She has also held leadership positions with numerous national organizations and is a fellow of several prominent educational associations.

Since assuming the presidency at JCSU, Kinloch has focused on advancing the university’s strategic priorities, strengthening partnerships, enhancing student experiences, and promoting a culture of excellence across campus and throughout the Charlotte community. Her leadership continues to position JCSU as a leading institution committed to preparing future generations of scholars, leaders, and change-makers.

The Tenth Class marks a significant milestone for HCF as it celebrates a decade of recognizing exceptional leadership throughout the HBCU community. Since its inception, the recognition has highlighted leaders whose influence extends beyond their campuses and contributes to the advancement of higher education and institutional excellence nationwide.

HCF will continue announcing selections of the Tenth Class Honors over the coming months. The Ten Class Honorees will be fully announced in early 2027. To learn more about Dr. Valerie Kinloch, click here.

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About the HBCU Campaign Fund
The HBCU Campaign Fund (HCF) is an educational non-profit and advocacy organization dedicated to supporting HBCUs and MSIs. Founded in 2012, its core mission focuses on raising funds for student scholarships, developing campus programming, and advocating for higher education equity. For more information, visit www.hbcucampaignfund.org.