The Tougaloo College Board of Trustees seeks nominations and applications from exceptional leaders to serve as its 15th President.
Founded in 1869, Tougaloo College is a private, historically Black college affiliated with the United Church of Christ and the Christian Church, located on the northern edge of Jackson, Mississippi. From the start, Tougaloo was an inclusive institution—a beacon of hope for the disenfranchised—enrolling students irrespective of religious affiliation, fighting against segregation, and providing financial aid so all could attend. A school with a long history of advocating social justice, its vision of a holistic education centered on civic engagement with global prospects continues today. Tougaloo played a vital role in the Civil Rights Movement, operating as a “safe haven” for activists to meet, organize, and strategize. True to its motto, “Where History Meets the Future,” Tougaloo honors its rich legacy while empowering students to shape a better tomorrow. The College offers over 30 programs of study leading to associate, undergraduate, and graduate degrees, and serves approximately 620 students.
The President of Tougaloo College provides leadership and direction for the College and reports to the Board of Trustees. The Board and the College seek a new President to build on its legacy and bring the College community together to shape a strategy that leverages Tougaloo’s strengths and adapts to an ever-changing higher education landscape. The next President will be expected to articulate Tougaloo’s value proposition and elevate the College; ensure financial sustainability and growth of the College; expand enrollment and student success; build organizational infrastructure; enhance the physical plant; and champion community engagement and social justice.
Tougaloo seeks a student-centered President who is committed to the values, goals, and mission of the College and has the energy and imagination to build upon the College’s current momentum to lead it boldly and creatively into the future. To do so will require strong financial, business, and marketing skills; a demonstrated record of leading strategic change and successful fundraising; and the ability to articulate a compelling vision for the College’s future. It is essential that the next President demonstrate significant experience at the senior level of an institution or organization of substantial complexity, along with proven leadership ability and managerial success. An earned doctorate (including but not limited to a Ph.D., J.D., or Ed.D.) is preferred. In lieu of a terminal degree, candidates may have a demonstrated record of successful executive leadership and comparable credentials and/or experience sufficient to warrant the respect and confidence of the community.
WittKieffer is assisting Tougaloo College in this search. All applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as separate documents, a letter of interest addressing the themes in the leadership profile found below.
For fullest consideration, candidate materials should be received by October 10, 2025. Application materials should be submitted using WittKieffer’s candidate portal, via the buttons below.
Nominations and inquiries can be directed to Christine J. Pendleton, Maya Holt-Brockenbrough, Ph.D., and Kim Migoya at [email protected].