Herman Felton Jr. has been selected the 21st president of Wilberforce University located in Wilberforce, Ohio, the country’s oldest private HBCU.
Herman Felton Jr. is the 21st president of Wilberforce University.
Felton, the former senior vice president, COO and vice president of Livingstone College, replaces Algeania Marie Warren Freeman, who became president in 2014 and announced her retirement earlier this year. He was among those considered for the job when it last became vacant, the university said.
“Dr. Felton’s experience in day-to-day operations, and his proven leadership abilities in multiple areas including, fund raising made him a top candidate for this position,” Mark Wilson, chairman of the Wilberforce board of directors, said in a statement. “Our search committee comprised of leaders across our faculty and alumni, were thrilled to get a chance to meet with Dr. Felton for the second time in this process. He was highly regarded by our students, staff, and faculty during our last search, and we look forward to him joining us on campus in the coming weeks.””
Before working at Livingstone College, Felton was director of development at Murray State University. In addition, he is the co-founder of the Higher Education Leadership Foundation, which provides leadership training to administrators at HBCUs.
Felton has a law degree from Levin College of Law at the University of Florida and graduated with a degree in political science from Edward Waters College in Florida. He served in the Marine Corps for eight years.
“I’m looking forward to joining the Wilberforce community. It is an honor that the oldest private HBCU in the country has chosen me to lead them into a new era,” Felton said in a statement. “Over the last two years, I have seen the dedication of all who love and cherish this great university. From the students, faculty and staff, to the ever supportive alumni, what this community has accomplished over the last two years is commendable. I know that with the determination and spirit I’ve seen, we will continue to lead this University into a rewarding future.”