Dr. Norris Allen Edney III will join the Talladega College executive leadership team as vice president and deputy chief of staff on October 1, 2023. Dr. Edney currently serves as the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Diversity and Inclusion at the University of Mississippi. He has held numerous other positions at the university over the past 16 years, including as director of the Center for Inclusion and Cross-Cultural Engagement.
Talladega College President Gregory J. Vincent said, “Dr. Edney brings tremendous higher education knowledge and management experience to Talladega. He was instrumental in the development of a number of key initiatives at the University of Mississippi, including restructuring the university’s bias response protocols and championing and implementing a five-year strategic plan, Pathways to Equity. His research, strategic planning, and program development experience will be invaluable as Talladega College continues to grow and prosper.”
Dr. Edney says that he has loved working for the University of Mississippi and appreciates its investment to build a more inclusive campus and fulfill its mission to educate so many. He has been inspired by his grandfather, Dr. Norris Edney, who had a long career at Alcorn State University. The senior Dr. Edney served as dean of Graduate Studies and the dean of the School of Arts and Sciences, as well as serving twice as interim president of the university.
“Throughout my career in higher education, I have worked to help students who believe in the promise of education get connected to the people, opportunities, and resources they need to reach their goals,” said Dr. Edney. “I see transitioning to Talladega College as the next step in continuing that path. The story of the College inspires me and I look forward to serving under Dr. Vincent’s leadership as Talladega College continues to grow and change to meet the needs of today’s students.”
Also joining the Talladega staff on October 1, will be Dr. Edney’s wife Ms. Adrienne Cowan Edney, who will become assistant director of communications. Ms. Edney is currently a communications specialist in the College of Education at University of Mississippi. She previously worked as a marketing and outreach coordinator for the University of Mississippi Division of Outreach.
Dr. Edney earned three degrees from the University of Mississippi: a Bachelor of Arts in Biology, a Master of Arts in Higher Education, and a Doctor of Education in Higher Education.
Ms. Edney earned a Master of Science in Integrated Marketing and Communications and a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Mississippi.
