New Black College presidents

With multiple responsibilities as administrator, educator, motivator and leader, presidents of colleges and universities take impressive stands to be essential assets to their institutions. The following eight new leaders were named because of their commitment to excellence and their pledge to uphold the traditions of historically Black colleges and universities. Each president possesses passion for the respective institution and all share a love of education.

DR. ROBERT R. JENNINGS is the 10th president of the 131-year-old Alabama A&M University in Huntsville, Ala. He previously served as executive vice president and chief operating officer of future focus 2020 in the Babcock Graduate School of Management at Wake Forest University. Jennings also has held senior academic roles at Norfolk State University, Albany State University and North Carolina A&T University. He earned a bachelor of arts degree in sociology from Morehouse College, a master's degree in educational psychology and a doctor of education degree in educational administration and policy studies from Clark Atlanta University. Dr. Jennings also represented the U.S. Embassy and U.S. State Department as a consultant/trainer at the University of Naimey in Niger, Africa.

DR. EVERETTE J. FREEMAN is the new president of Albany State University in Georgia. Dr. Freeman formally served as senior vice president and provost at the University of Indianapolis. Prior to that position, he was the executive assistant to the president of Tennessee State University, where he also served as interim vice president for university relations and development. Freeman received a bachelor of arts degree in sociology/economics from Antioch College, a master's of arts degree in labor and industrial relations from the University of Illinois, and an Ed.D. in education foundations from Rutgers University. He has written and published a number of monographs and articles in professional journals and book chapters. Dr. Freeman also serves as a trustee on the Board of Antioch College and is a board member of various other community organizations.

FITZGERALD HILL is the 13th president of Arkansas Baptist College in Little Rock, Ark. A former college head football coach, he received undergraduate degrees in communications and physical education from Ouachita Baptist University, a master's degree in student personnel services from Northwestern State University and a doctorate of education from the University of Arkansas. Prior to accepting his current post, Dr. Hill served as a visiting scholar/guest lecturer and research associate at the University of Central Florida's Institute of Diversity and Ethics. He also has served as assistant head football coach, recruiting coordinator, and receivers coach at San Jose State University. Dr. Hill is currently writing his first book, and serves as the catalyst for the 1st Delta Classic-4-Literacy football game this fall.

DR. LARRY RIVERS is the eighth president of Fort Valley State University. Before accepting the FVSU post, Dr. Rivers served as dean of the college of arts and sciences at Florida A&M University (FAMU), where he was also an assistant professor of history. Prior to his positions at FAMU, Dr. Rivers taught history and political science at the University of Pittsburgh. He earned an undergraduate degree in social science education with honors from Fort Valley State University, a master of arts degree in American history and political science from Villanova University, a doctor of arts in American history and curriculum development from Carnegie Mellon University, and a doctor of philosophy in African-American and cultural studies from Goldsmith College at the University of London. Dr. Rivers has won awards for his published books on slavery and the African Methodist Episcopal Zion churches. He also has served on a number of historical, civic and business boards.

DIR. JIMMY R. JENKINS SR. is the new president of Livingstone College in Salisbury, N.C. Prior to assuming the Livingstone post, Dr. Jenkins served as the president of Edward Waters College. He also served as chancellor of his alma mater, Elizabeth City State University. While at Elizabeth City State, Dr. Jenkins served as senior vice chancellor and vice chancellor for academic affairs, and as dean of the faculty. Dr. Jenkins earned a master of science in biology and a doctorate in biology education from Purdue University. He has served on various boards and committees, and has been named as a senior presidential fellow in the National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education (NAFEO).

DR. GEORGE T. FRENCH JR. is the new president of Miles College in Fairfield, Ala. Dr. French earned an undergraduate degree from the University of Louisville, a master's from the University of Richmond and his juris doctorate from Miles School of Law. He is a CLEO fellow of Georgetown University and is also a National Kellogg fellow. Before accepting the new position, Dr. French served in various leadership capacities at Miles College, including director of institutional planning and development and as the chief development officer. Dr. French also serves as a minister at the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church (CME) in Louisville, Ky.