The field of higher education has been shaped and transformed by the contributions of Black leaders who have paved the way for future generations. These leaders have broken barriers, challenged the status quo, and advocated for equity and inclusion in academia. Their impact can be seen in the diversity of students, faculty, and staff in universities and colleges across the country.
In this article, we will highlight 23 of the most influential Black leaders in higher education. These leaders have made significant contributions in various areas of academia, including research, teaching, administration, and advocacy.
They have been recognized for their excellence, leadership, and dedication to advancing education for all. From pioneering scholars to trailblazing administrators, these individuals have left an indelible mark on the field of higher education.
Presidents of Universities and Colleges
Several Black leaders have made significant contributions to higher education by serving as presidents of universities and colleges. These individuals have brought their unique perspectives and experiences to their roles, helping to shape the future of higher education.
Ruth J. Simmons – President, Prairie View A&M University
Ruth J. Simmons is the current president of Prairie View A&M University, a historically Black university in Texas. She previously served as the president of Brown University and as the first Black president of an Ivy League institution. Simmons has been recognized for her work in promoting diversity and inclusion in higher education.
Michael V. Drake – President, University of California System
Michael V. Drake is the president of the University of California system, a position he has held since 2020. He previously served as the president of Ohio State University and as the chancellor of the University of California, Irvine. Drake has been recognized for his work in promoting access to higher education, particularly for underrepresented groups.
Wayne A.I. Frederick – President, Howard University
Wayne A.I. Frederick is the president of Howard University, a historically Black university in Washington, D.C. He previously served as the provost and chief academic officer of Howard University and as an associate dean at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine. Frederick has been recognized for his work in promoting diversity and inclusion in higher education.
Gilda A. Barabino – President, Olin College of Engineering
Gilda A. Barabino is the president of Olin College of Engineering, a private engineering college in Massachusetts. She previously served as the dean of the Grove School of Engineering at the City College of New York. Barabino has been recognized for her work in promoting diversity in STEM fields.
Glenda Glover – President, Tennessee State University
Glenda Glover is the president of Tennessee State University, a historically Black university in Nashville. She previously served as the dean of the College of Business at Jackson State University and as the president of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority. Glover has been recognized for her work in promoting access to higher education and for her leadership in the sorority community.
David A. Thomas – President, Morehouse College
David A. Thomas is the president of Morehouse College, a historically Black men’s college in Atlanta. He previously served as the dean of Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business. Thomas has been recognized for his work in promoting diversity and inclusion in higher education.
Valerie Smith – President, Swarthmore College
Valerie Smith is the president of Swarthmore College, a private liberal arts college in Pennsylvania. She previously served as the dean of the college at Princeton University. Smith has been recognized for her work in promoting diversity and inclusion in higher education.
Mary Schmidt Campbell – President, Spelman College
Mary Schmidt Campbell is the president of Spelman College, a historically Black women’s college in Atlanta. She previously served as the dean of the Tisch School of the Arts at New York University and as the commissioner of the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs. Campbell has been recognized for her work in promoting diversity and inclusion in the arts.
Walter M. Kimbrough – President, Dillard University
Walter M. Kimbrough is the president of Dillard University, a historically Black university in New Orleans. He previously served as the president of Philander Smith College and as the vice president for student affairs at Old Dominion University. Kimbrough has been recognized for his work in promoting access to higher education and for his leadership in the Black Greek community.
Joseph R. Jones – President, Arkansas Baptist College
Joseph R. Jones is the president of Arkansas Baptist College, a historically Black college in Little Rock. He previously served as the vice president for student affairs at Mississippi Valley State University. Jones has been recognized for his work in promoting access to higher education and for his leadership in the Baptist community.
Professors of Higher Education
The following professors have made significant contributions to higher education through their research, teaching, and leadership roles.
Carol M. Swain
Carol M. Swain is a professor of political science and law at Vanderbilt University. She is a well-known conservative commentator and author of several books, including “Black Faces, Black Interests: The Representation of African Americans in Congress” and “The New White Nationalism in America: Its Challenge to Integration.” Swain has also been a frequent guest on cable news programs, discussing topics such as race relations and immigration.
Freeman A. Hrabowski III
Freeman A. Hrabowski III is the president of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. He is a well-respected leader in higher education and has been recognized for his work in promoting diversity and inclusion. Hrabowski has also been a vocal advocate for increasing the number of underrepresented minorities in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields.
Anthony P. Carnevale
Anthony P. Carnevale is the director of the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce. He is a nationally recognized expert on workforce development and has written extensively on the topic of education and economic opportunity. Carnevale has also been a vocal advocate for increasing access to higher education for low-income and underrepresented minority students.
Cornel West
Cornel West is a professor of the practice of public philosophy at Harvard University. He is a well-known public intellectual and has written extensively on topics such as race, politics, and religion. West is also a frequent commentator on cable news programs and has been a vocal critic of President Trump.
Eddie S. Glaude Jr.
Eddie S. Glaude Jr. is the chair of the Department of African American Studies at Princeton University. He is a well-respected scholar and has written several books, including “Democracy in Black: How Race Still Enslaves the American Soul” and “In a Shade of Blue: Pragmatism and the Politics of Black America.” Glaude has also been a frequent commentator on cable news programs, discussing topics such as race relations and politics.
Anita L. Allen
Anita L. Allen is a professor of law and philosophy at the University of Pennsylvania. She is a well-respected scholar and has written extensively on topics such as privacy, bioethics, and animal rights. Allen has also been a vocal advocate for increasing diversity in the legal profession.
Ibram X. Kendi
Ibram X. Kendi is a professor of history and international relations at Boston University. He is a well-respected scholar and has written several books, including “Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America” and “How to Be an Antiracist.” Kendi has also been a frequent commentator on cable news programs, discussing topics such as race relations and politics.
Henry Louis Gates Jr.
Henry Louis Gates Jr. is the director of the Hutchins Center for African & African American Research at Harvard University. He is a well-respected scholar and has written extensively on topics such as African American literature and history. Gates has also been a frequent commentator on cable news programs, discussing topics such as race relations and politics.
Kimberlé Crenshaw
Kimberlé Crenshaw is a professor of law at UCLA and Columbia Law School. She is a well-known scholar and has coined the term “intersectionality” to describe the ways in which race, gender, and other social identities intersect to shape our experiences. Crenshaw has also been a vocal advocate for social justice and has worked on several high-profile legal cases involving issues of discrimination.
Charles R. Lawrence III
Charles R. Lawrence III is a professor of law at the University of Hawaii. He is a well-respected scholar and has written extensively on topics such as civil rights and discrimination. Lawrence has also been a vocal advocate for increasing diversity in the legal profession.
Derrick Bell
Derrick Bell was a professor of law at New York University. He was a well-respected scholar and was known for his work on critical race theory. Bell was also a vocal advocate for social justice and was involved in several high-profile legal cases involving issues of discrimination.
Claude Steele
Claude Steele is a professor of psychology at Stanford University. He is a well-respected scholar and has written extensively on topics such as stereotype threat and the psychology of social identity. Steele has also been a vocal advocate for increasing diversity in higher education.
Marc Lamont Hill
Marc Lamont Hill is a professor of media studies and urban education at Temple University. He is a well-respected scholar and has written several books, including “Nobody: Casualties of America’s War on the Vulnerable, from Ferguson to Flint and Beyond” and “Beats, Rhymes, and Classroom Life: Hip-Hop Ped
Conclusion
The 23 Most Influential Black Leaders in Higher Education are a diverse group of individuals who have made significant contributions to the field of education. From professors to administrators, these leaders have worked tirelessly to improve access to education and create opportunities for underrepresented groups.
Through their research, advocacy, and leadership, these individuals have helped to shape the landscape of higher education and inspire future generations of students and educators. They have challenged the status quo and pushed for greater diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of academia.
While there is still much work to be done, the impact of these leaders cannot be overstated. They have opened doors for countless students and paved the way for a more diverse and inclusive future in higher education.
As we move forward, it is important to continue to recognize and support the contributions of Black leaders in higher education. By doing so, we can build a stronger, more equitable, and more just society for all.
