Gary L. Edwards, Ed.D.
Interim Vice President for Student Life and Success
- Office:
- Seymour Hall (Room 115)
A native of Piedmont, South Carolina, Dr. Gary Edwards is a proud first-generation college graduate whose journey began on the factory floor at Michelin Tire Company and evolved into a purpose-driven career in higher education. Committed to helping students break barriers and discover their pathways to success, he leads with bold vision, innovation, and a student-centered approach.
Dr. Edwards currently serves as Interim Vice President for Student Life and Success at Talladega College, where he previously served as Vice President and Dean of Students, overseeing a comprehensive portfolio that shapes student life through innovative co-curricular experiences and a supportive environment for personal, social, and academic growth.
Under his leadership, Talladega College has achieved:
- An 87.5% reduction in student conduct violations and a 66.6% decrease in dismissals through the implementation of a restorative, educational conduct model.
- An 89.1% reduction in outstanding student balances through cross-divisional initiatives.
- A 175% increase in participation in the Dean’s E.L.I.T.E. Leadership Institute, achieving a 96.3% retention rate and an average GPA of 3.67 among participants.
Prior to joining Talladega College, Dr. Edwards served as Dean of Students at Fisk University, Executive Director for Student Leadership and Academic Success Initiatives at Edward Waters University, Program Coordinator of Student Leadership and Development at Alabama A&M University, and Counselor/Instructor for TRIO Student Support Services at the University of South Carolina Upstate, consistently advocating for first-generation, low-income, and underrepresented students.
Dr. Edwards holds a Doctor of Education in Leadership and Professional Practice from Trevecca Nazarene University, a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology from Alabama A&M University, and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Voorhees University. His commitment to advancing equity and student outcomes has been recognized through honors including the Voorhees University 10 Under 40, NASPA’s Stellar 50 Class, and inductions into Omicron Delta Kappa and Alpha Kappa Mu Honor Societies.
An active member of NASPA, NASAP, the Higher Education Leadership Foundation, and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Dr. Edwards remains engaged in advancing higher education leadership and community empowerment. He and his wife, Kwanjalin, are the proud parents of their son, Hunter, and daughter, Farrah.
