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

The HBCU Campaign Fund (HCF) announces the selection of Zaldwaynaka “Z” Scott, President of Chicago State University, as a recipient of The Ten Most Dominant HBCU Leaders of 2027 and Tenth Class Honors, a prestigious national recognition celebrating transformative leadership, innovation, and impact across Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs).

President Scott’s selection to the Tenth Class is especially significant as she becomes one of a select group of leaders to receive this honor for a second time. She was previously recognized as a member of The Ten Most Dominant HBCU Leaders of 2020, further underscoring that her sustained leadership and impact continue to reflect excellence and lasting influence.

The Ten Most Dominant HBCU Leaders Award & Class is a national recognition created by the HBCU Campaign Fund (HCF) that honors ten chancellors, president, and sports-affiliated leaders 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 and organizations.

“President Z Scott has consistently demonstrated what it means to lead with vision, courage, and purpose. Her unwavering commitment to educational equity, institutional transformation, and community advancement has elevated Chicago State University and strengthened the national voice of Predominantly Black Institutions. Being named to The Ten Most Dominant HBCU Leaders for a second time is a reflection of her sustained impact and exceptional leadership. Join me in congratulating President Scott on this well-deserved honor.”

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

President Scott serves as the 12th permanent of Chicago State University, assuming the role in July 2018 after being unanimously elected by the university’s Board of Trustees. Since taking office, she has led a remarkable institutional transformation focused on student success, enrollment growth, innovation, community engagement, and advancing equity in higher education. Under her leadership, Chicago State University has strengthened its reputation as a leading Predominately Black Institution (PBI) and has emerged as a national voice in advocating for educational access and opportunity.

“A college education means that you will earn more in your lifetime, that you are more likely to be civically engaged and vote… that your communities are stronger, that you will live longer.” — Chicago State President “Z” Scott

A respected attorney, educator, and higher education advocate, President Scott has spent decades advancing public service and leadership. Prior to assuming the presidency at Chicago State University, she served as a federal prosecutor, Illinois Executive Inspector General, and an educator at several prominent law schools. Throughout her career, she has championed initiatives that expand access, improve student outcomes, and strengthen institutional accountability.

Her leadership extends beyond Chicago State University through national efforts supporting Predominantly Black Institutions and addressing barriers to higher education access and success. She has played a pivotal role in advancing conversations surrounding educational equity and economic development, helping position institutions that have underrepresented students for long-term sustainability and growth.

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

HCF will continue announcing selections of the Tenth Class Honors throughout the coming months. The complete Tenth Class of The Ten Most Dominant HBCU Leaders of 2027 will be announced in early 2027.

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.

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