TALLADEGA, AL (October 2, 2025) – Talladega College proudly announces the appointment of Tia Wright-Richards as Vice President for Institutional Advancement, effective October 2, 2025. A dynamic higher education and corporate finance executive, Wright-Richards brings more than 20 years of progressive leadership in advancement, fundraising, and organizational transformation to the College.
Wright-Richards most recently served as Interim President and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Denmark Technical College, where she provided executive leadership while driving record fundraising, donor engagement, and alumni giving. Her efforts strengthened the institution’s financial sustainability and positioned it for long term growth.
A seasoned advancement leader, Wright-Richards has secured millions of dollars in grants, philanthropic gifts, and corporate support throughout her career. She has cultivated deep partnerships with alumni, industry, and community stakeholders, resulting in increased giving, new scholarship opportunities, and stronger enrollment pipelines. Her ability to connect fundraising with student outcomes has led to comprehensive campaigns that aligned donor priorities with workforce development, K– 12 partnerships, and civic engagement.
She also brings accreditation and compliance expertise as a former Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) Liaison, ensuring that advancement efforts align with quality enhancement and accountability. Prior to her work in higher education, Wright-Richards built a strong foundation in the corporate sector as Senior Manager of Corporate Finance. There, she oversaw a $100 million budget and achieved $2 million in monthly revenue growth through Lean Six Sigma process improvements—demonstrating fiscal stewardship and resource growth that will further enhance her leadership at Talladega College.
Wright-Richards holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Southern Wesleyan University and a Master of Arts in Business Management and Leadership from Webster University. She is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership at Columbia International University (anticipated May 2026) and holds Six Sigma Green Belt certification.
Her leadership has been recognized nationally with honors such as Educator of the Year and Administrator of the Year from the South Carolina Technical Education Association. She is also a sought-after speaker, frequently presenting at conferences on fundraising, donor engagement, and institutional transformation.
"We are delighted to welcome Ms. Wright-Richards to Talladega College,” said Dr. Willie L. Todd, Jr., President of Talladega College. “Her proven record in fundraising, donor cultivation, and grantsmanship, combined with her commitment to academic excellence and institutional compliance, will be instrumental in expanding our resources and ensuring continued success for our students and community.”
With her exceptional expertise and visionary leadership, Wright-Richards is poised to help position Talladega College for financial growth, academic excellence, and long term sustainability.
