Join me in celebrating the ten honorees named to The Ten Most Dominant HBCU Leaders of 2026 and ninth class. These outstanding individuals exemplify visionary leadership, having made profound and lasting contributions to higher education while educating and empowering millions throughout their careers. They represent the very best of leadership—individuals whose extraordinary impact continues to elevate our HBCUs and influence the world beyond them.
To our esteemed Dr. Lawrence A. Davis Jr. Trailblazer of Higher Education honorees, we extend our deepest gratitude for your unwavering commitment and exemplary service. We wish you continued success in all future endeavors and fulfillment in your well-deserved retirement. Your dedication, hard work, and lasting impact from a powerful legacy—one that will continue to inspire students, uplift families, and strengthen communities across the nation for generations to come.
I am honored to join your campus communities, colleagues, students, and surrounding partners in extending my heartfelt congratulations on this distinguished achievement. With great pride, I present The Ten Most Dominant HBCU Leaders of 2026 and ninth class!
— Demetrius Johnson, Jr.
Founder, President & CEO, HCF
Dr. Lawrence A. Davis Jr. Trailblazer of Higher Education Award
Dr. Lawrence A. Davis, Jr., served as Chancellor of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) from 1991 until his retirement in 2012. During this tenure at UAPB, Dr. Davis led the university through a period of academic growth and spearheaded the accreditation and reaccreditation of various academic programs throughout the university. He also led the construction of three new academic buildings in the center of campus, as well as the renovation and construction of on-campus housing. A native of Pine Bluff, Dr. Davis graduated from Arkansas AM&N College (now UAPB), and completed his doctorate degree at Iowa State University.
The Dr. Lawrence A. Davis Jr. Trailblazer of Higher Education Award among The Ten Most Dominant HBCU Leaders was created in honor and now in remembrance of Dr. Davis. As the highest accolade within this esteem recognition, this award is bestowed upon a current or retired president or chancellor who has served an HBCU or MSI, embodying the decade-long values and contributions that have significantly impacted the field of higher education.
Dr. Lawrence A. Davis Jr. Trailblazer of Higher Education Honorees
2026 HONOREES
Dennis J. Shields
President, Southern University System
Under Dr. Shields’ leadership, each Southern University campus continues to advance, support, and promote economic, cultural, workforce, development initiatives that bring benefit beyond the borders of the great state of Louisiana. He identifies that the critical role of a leader is to purposefully crystalize the System and campuses’ priorities and strategies into a unified, understandable plan and to coordinate its execution.
As president of the only system of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the United States, President Shields is charged with the administrative insight of five campuses in Louisiana – Southern University and A&M College in Baton Rouge, Southern University Law Center in Baton Rouge, Southern University at New Orleans, Southern University Shreveport, and Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Baton Rouge.
With more than 40 years of serving higher education institutions, Shields’ professional career roles include chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Platteville and vice president of student affairs at The City College of New York City. He has also held administrative positions in admissions at the University of Iowa College of Law, University of Michigan Law School, Duke University School of Law, and teaching and deanship positions at the Phoenix School of Law.
Shields earned his undergraduate degree in business from Graceland College (now Graceland University) in Lamoni, Iowa, and his juris doctor from the University of Iowa College of Law.
Shields’ selection to The Ten Most Dominant HBCU Leaders Award and ninth class is a testament to his exceptional leadership, as he provides administrative oversight of five campuses of the only system of HBCUs. Furthermore, his unwavering commitment to the field of higher education.
Dr. Karrie G. Dixon
Chancellor, North Carolina Central University
Previously served as the 12 chief executive officer and 7th chancellor of Elizabeth City State University (ECSU), Dr. Karrie G. Dixon was named the 13th chancellor of North Carolina Central University (NCCU) on June 6, 2024. She was elected by the University North Carolina Board of Governors following her nomination by the University of North Carolina System President Peter Hans.
Dr. Dixon, a seasoned senior administrator in the University of North Carolina System, has made history as the first woman to serve as chancellor at two UNC System Institutions, and as the first individual to serve in the chancellor or president role and be named twice to the prestigious “The Ten Most Dominant HBCU Leaders” Award and Class. Since 2008, she has held a higher education leadership position. In 2014, she was promoted to vice president for Academic and Student Affairs, overseeing the Division of Academic and Student Affairs across the System’s 17 institutions.
Before joining the UNC system, Dr. Dixon spent a decade at two other UNC campuses. Most recently, she held the position of assistant vice provost at North Carolina State University, where she continues to serve as an adjunct assistant professor in the Department of Leadership, Policy, Adult and Higher Education in the College of Education.
Dr. Dixon earned a bachelor’s degree from North Carolina State University, a master’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and a doctorate from North Carolina State University.
Dr. Dixon’s selection to The Ten Most Dominant HBCU Leaders Award and ninth class embodies her admired leadership, where she has demonstrated for over two decades. HCF celebrates Dr. Dixon for her unwavering dedication to the field of higher education.
Dr. Kemba Chambers
President, Trenholm State Community College
With more than 25 years of higher education experience, Dr. Kemba Chambers previously served as interim president of Trenholm State Community College before being named to the permanent role as the first female to serve in the capacity at the college. Prior to that, she served as interim associate vice chancellor of teaching and learning and chief institutional officer of Alabama Community College System, and as executive vice president of institutional services at Trenholm.
Dr. Chambers has also served as interim president at Costal Alabama Community College and at J.F. Drake State Community and Technical College. She also held executive roles at Calhoun Community College and Chattahoochee Valley Community College.
Dr. Chambers earned a associate of arts degree from Chattahoochee Valley Community College, a bachelor’s degree from Columbus State University, a master’s from Troy University, an educational specialist in educational leadership degree from Troy University and her doctorate in higher education administration from Auburn University.
Dr. Chambers’ selection to The Ten Most Dominant HBCU Leaders Award and ninth class underscores her admired leadership and sincere dedication to the field of higher education.
Aaron A. Walton
President, Cheyney University of Pennsylvania
President Aaron A. Walton, who has served as the President of Cheyney University of Pennsylvania for eight years, was appointed as the Interim President in May 2017. Because of the unprecedented process he spearheaded during his first five months, President Walton was elected as permanent President by the Board of Governors of Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) on November 13, 2017.
President Walton is known as a fearless champion for Cheyney University and it students. He brought expertise in strategic planning and organizational turnarounds, and has addressed the University’s challenges head-on while leading the effort to define a new trajectory for the University. As a former Senior Vice President of Highmark. Inc., one of the nation’s largest healthcare providers, President Walton was one of nine principal officers responsible for providing overall management and direction of all corporate activities nationally.
While a senior executive at Highmark, and in his subsequent retirement, President Walton served as Vice Chair of the PASSHE Board of Governors, where he was also Chair of Academic and Student Affairs, and Chair of Human Resources. He was also a longtime member of California University of Pennsylvania’s Council of Trustees, and chair from 1999 to 2003. Prior to being tapped to lead Cheyney University, President Walton served as co-chair of the Cheyney Task Force appointed by the Board of Governors.
President Walton holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology from California University of Pennsylvania and a Master of Public Management (MPM) from the Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy at Carnegie Mellon University.
President Walton’s selection to The Ten Most Dominant HBCU Leaders Award and ninth class underscores his visionary leadership and unwavering dedication to Cheyney University and its students.
Dr. Willie L. Todd, Jr.
President, Talladega College
With 32 years of higher education leadership under his belt, Dr. Willie L. Todd, Jr., has led an impressive turnaround at Denmark Technical College (DTC). Infused with his passion for advancing Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Todd reimagined DTC’s future through a bold vision, compassion, creative problem-solving, and a student-centered approach that expanded student leadership while building a culture of care.
Prior to his appointment to the president role at Talladega College, Todd served as president and chief executive officer of DTC in Denmark, South Carolina since 2020. Prior to taking on the role of president at DTC, Todd served DTC as vice president for academic affairs and student affairs. Before his arrival at DTC, Todd served as provost and vice president for academic affairs at Wiley College (now Wiley University), vice provost and associate vice provost at Norfolk State University, and he served in various positions at Clark Atlanta University and Albany State University.
Todd holds a Ph.D. in English from Georgia State University, a Master of Education in higher education administration with a student affairs concentration from Regent University, and a Master of Education in English education, and a Bachelor of Arts in English from Albany State University.
Dr. Todd selection to The Ten Most Dominant HBCU Leaders Award and ninth class underscores his infused passion for advancing historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and sincere dedication to the field of higher education.
Jacqie McWilliams-Parker
Commissioner of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association
Jacqie McWilliams-Parker has served as the Commissioner of CIAA since 2012, making history as the first woman to hold this position. She also holds the distinction of being the first African-American female Commissioner representing NCAA Division I, II and III.
Prior for being name Commissioner for the CIAAS, McWilliams spent nine years at the NCAA managing NCAA championships to include both the men’s and women’s Division I Basketball tournaments. She started her career in coaching, compliance and administration at Virginia Union University with career growth opportunities at the CIAA, Norfolk State University and Morgan State University prior to the NCAA.
McWilliams earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Hampton University, a Master of Arts in Sports Management and Administration from Temple University. She was a two sport athlete at Hampton and was a member of the Hampton University 1988 NCAA Division II Women’s Basketball Championship team and Freshmen player of the year in 1988 and Player of the Year for CIAA Volleyball in 1990.
McWilliams selection makes her the third individual affiliated with HBCU athletics to receive such recognition. Her leadership highlights her deep passion for advancing athletics at HBCUs and her significant contributions to their communities.
Dr. Dwaun J. Warmack
President, Claflin University
Prior to his current role as president of Claflin University, Dr. Dwaun J. Warmack served as president of Harris-Stowe State University (HSSU) for five years. Under his tenure, HSSU witnessed a transformation, unheralded in its 160-year history. Dr. Warmack was selected as the ninth president of Claflin University (CU) by the Board of Trustees and began his tenure on August 1, 2019.
Dr. Warmack continues to achieve distinguished milestones, bringing over 20 years of progressive administrative experience in higher education. He is also only the second individual to serve as chancellor or president and be named to the prestigious Ten Most Dominant HBCU Leaders Award and Class. A visionary with a unique understanding and appreciation for today’s Generation Z students, Dr. Warmack provides a brand of leadership that is characterized by an unqualified insistence on data driven decision-making and a commitment to higher education’s current best practices.
Dr. Warmack earned a bachelor’s degree in education and master’s degree in sociology from Delta State University. He earned his doctorate in educational leadership with a specialization in higher education from Union University, and his post-doctoral studies in educational leadership at Harvard University School of Education.
Dr. Warmack’s selection to The Ten Most Dominant HBCU Leaders Award and ninth class stands as a testament to his impactful leadership and deep devotion to the field of higher education.
Dr. Melva K. Wallace
President & CEO, Huston-Tillotson University
For over twenty years, Dr. Melva K. Wallace has worked in higher education as a leader and 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 campus with over 1,5000-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, Texas.
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. Her innovate 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.
Dr. Wallace selection to The Ten Most Dominant HBCU Leaders Award and ninth class highlights her servant leadership, unwavering commitment to higher education, and continued advocacy for the advancement of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).
Press:
• HCF Announces the National Ten Most Dominant HBCU Leaders of 2025
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