Talladega College Names Willie Todd Jr. as 22nd President

Talladega College, Alabama’s oldest historically Black college, has appointed Dr. Willie Todd Jr. as its 22nd president, effective July 1. He succeeds interim president Walter Kimbrough, who stepped in following the June 2024 retirement of Dr. Gregory J. Vincent.

Todd currently serves as president and CEO of Denmark Technical College (DTC) in South Carolina, where he has led transformative growth since 2020. Under his leadership, DTC raised over US$32 million – a fundraising increase of 870 percent – boosted scholarships by 400 percent, achieved a 98 percent job placement rate, increased enrollment by 54 percent, and significantly improved retention and graduation rates.

He also oversaw a 1,104 percent increase in revenue from workforce education programs, resolved over half of the college’s deferred maintenance issues, and helped lift DTC’s probationary status with its accrediting body within a year.

“His experience and dedication will be invaluable as we guide Talladega College into its next chapter,” said Board of Trustees Chair Rica Lewis-Payton. “I look forward to working with President Todd to advance our mission.”

A graduate of Albany State University and a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., Todd earned his Ph.D. in English from Georgia State University. He called the appointment an honor, adding, “Talladega College was founded in defiance of limitation and in pursuit of possibility. It’s time to reimagine liberal arts education as a dynamic force for the future.”

Todd brings 32 years of higher education leadership to his new role.