(TALLADEGA, AL) When HBCU Campaign Fund named Talladega College President Dr. Billy C. Hawkins #1 among the 10 Most Dominant HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) Leaders for 2020, the Fund’s President and CEO, Demetrius Johnson Jr., planned to hand deliver a commemorative plaque to Dr Hawkins.
Due to the pandemic, Mr. Johnson postponed his trip to Talladega College for nearly 10 months. Fortunately, he was recently able to present the prestigious award to President Hawkins and tour the college campus. Mr. Johnson noted that the positive changes on campus were among the reasons Dr. Hawkins was named the #1 Most Dominant HBCU Leader for 2020.
“The top 10 leaders were chosen for their influence and their continuous progress moving their institutions forward,” Mr. Johnson said. “Dr. Hawkins was named first on our list because of the way in which he has transformed Talladega College. Under his leadership, the college has achieved record-high enrollment for three consecutive years, constructed three new buildings, and launched its first-ever graduate program - a master of science in computer information systems.”
Mr. Johnson also praised Dr. Hawkins for the leadership he has provided for other HBCUs. Dr. Hawkins serves as chair of the 37 presidents of member institutions for the UNCF (United Negro College Fund) board of directors, and also serves as UNCF chair of the executive committee of member institutions, vice chair of the corporate board, and vice chair of the corporate board executive committee.
About Talladega College
Talladega College, Alabama’s first private historically black college, is consistently ranked among the best southeastern colleges and top HBCUs in the nation. It was founded in 1867 by two former slaves, William Savery and Thomas Tarrant, and is the home of the renowned Hale Woodruff Amistad Murals.
