Tougaloo College Presidential Search
Learn more about the search process for the 15th president of Tougaloo College
Why Tougaloo College?
Tougaloo College is a historic HBCU rooted in a legacy of academic excellence, social justice, and leadership. Since 1869, it has been a catalyst for change, nurturing a close-knit community of scholars on its scenic campus near Jackson, Mississippi. With a deep commitment to equity and service, Tougaloo prepares students to lead with integrity and purpose. For a visionary leader, this is a rare opportunity to shape the next chapter of an institution that continues to empower and inspire.
Explore the Search
Stay informed and engaged throughout the presidential search process. Learn more about our committee, timeline, and how you can get involved.
Overview
About Tougaloo College and the Presidential Search
The mission of Tougaloo College is to prepare its students to be lifelong learners who are committed to leadership and service in a global society. As a private historically Black liberal arts institution, Tougaloo is grounded in a legacy of academic excellence, social justice, and civic engagement. The College fosters a transformative educational experience that promotes critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and a deep understanding of African American history and culture.
— Tougaloo College Mission Statement
The Tougaloo College Board of Trustees invites nominations and applications for a visionary, strategic, and collaborative leader to serve as the institution’s 15th president. Founded in 1869, Tougaloo has long been a beacon of scholarship and activism, cultivating generations of changemakers and community leaders whose impact is felt locally, nationally, and globally.
The next president of Tougaloo will join the College at a pivotal moment in its storied history. With strong enrollment, a revitalized campus, and growing alumni engagement, Tougaloo is poised to deepen its influence as a center of excellence in higher education. This role presents a unique opportunity to champion the College’s mission, elevate its national profile, strengthen its academic and operational infrastructure, and inspire the next era of leadership, equity, and innovation.
This is a call for a courageous and committed leader—someone who will honor Tougaloo’s historic legacy while boldly shaping its future. The successful candidate will be expected to lead with purpose, integrity, and a deep understanding of the challenges and possibilities facing HBCUs today.
Search Committee
Meet the Search Committee
The Presidential Search Committee reflects the broad and diverse Tougaloo College community — including faculty, staff, students, alumni, administrators, and key institutional partners. This inclusive approach ensures a thoughtful and thorough process to identify the most qualified and inspiring leader for Tougaloo’s next chapter.
The members of the Presidential Search Committee include:
The Search Firm
Presidential Search Firm and Selection Process
The Tougaloo College presidential search is being guided with care and integrity by the Search Committee, co-chaired by Shirlethia Franklin and Carol Palmer. In pursuit of excellence, the committee conducted a comprehensive review of ten nationally respected executive search firms with extensive experience in higher education leadership.
Following a series of in-depth interviews with four of these firms, two finalists were presented to the Tougaloo College Board of Trustees. After careful deliberation, the Board selected WittKieffer to assist in leading the search for the College’s next president.
WittKieffer is the only top 10 executive search firm in the United States that focuses exclusively on the education and nonprofit sectors. In the past year alone, WittKieffer led more than 500 leadership searches across the educational landscape. Over the last five years, the firm has successfully conducted more than 140 presidential and chancellor searches at colleges and universities.
Their team brings a deep understanding of the higher education environment, including a strong commitment to equity, access, and institutional mission. WittKieffer has served a range of prestigious institutions, including Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) such as Prairie View A&M University, Texas Southern University, Langston University, and Spelman College.
Christine J. Pendleton, a Principal in the firm’s Education Market practice, will lead the Tougaloo presidential search, working alongside Maya Holt Brockenbrough, Ph.D., Senior Associate, and Kim Migoya, Associate. Together, they bring a wealth of experience and a proven record of identifying transformative leaders for institutions of higher learning.
Through this thoughtful and inclusive process, Tougaloo College is committed to identifying a visionary leader who will guide the institution into its next chapter of excellence.
Contact the Search Firm
WittKieffer has created a dedicated email address for the Presidential search. Please send all inquiries, suggestions for potential candidates, and nominations to:
