Talladega College Welcomes Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia Thompson for Campus Visit and Strategic Conversations
December 18, 2025
Thursday, December 18, 2025, Talladega College welcomed The Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia Thompson, General Minister and President and Chief Executive Officer of the United Church of Christ, along with senior staff members, to campus for discussions focused on expanding collaboration and strengthening relationships among the College, the Church, and corporate partners.
Rev. Thompson’s visit underscored a shared commitment to leadership development, innovation, and long-term institutional sustainability. Rev. Thompson is the first woman in the history of the United Church of Christ to serve in this role, marking a historic milestone for the denomination.
President Dr. Willie L. Todd, Jr. emphasized the importance of the partnership and its impact on the College’s mission. “We are grateful for the continued support and engagement of the United Church of Christ,” said Dr. Todd. “These conversations affirm our shared values and our commitment to reimagining liberal arts education in ways that prepare students to lead nationally and globally across disciplines and generations.”
Rev. Thompson highlighted the broad approach to leadership and workforce development within the Church. “When I talk about leadership development, I'm talking about intergenerational leadership,” Thompson said. “In the United Church of Christ, we hire accountants, computer people, we have a variety; we're not only recruiting clergy.”
Since 2020, the United Church of Christ has contributed more than $500,000 to Talladega College through the Daniel Hand Fund, providing critical support for student scholarships, academic programs, and institutional advancement.
The visit reaffirmed a long-standing partnership rooted in mutual respect, shared purpose, and a commitment to expanding educational opportunity and leadership pathways for future generations.
