UNCF Appoints Walter M. Kimbrough as Executive Vice President of Research & Member Engagement

The United Negro College Fund (UNCF) has named Walter M. Kimbrough as its new Executive Vice President of Research & Member Engagement, effective September 2, 2025. A nationally recognized leader in higher education and expert on Black fraternities and sororities, Dr. Kimbrough brings more than two decades of presidential leadership at UNCF member institutions, including Dillard University, Philander Smith University, and Talladega College, where he most recently served as interim president.

In his new role, Kimbrough will report directly to UNCF President and CEO Michael L. Lomax and lead key strategic initiatives, including the Frederick D. Patterson Research Institute (FDPRI), the Institute for Capacity Building (ICB), the HBCUv® Digital Learning Solution, and programs supporting the K–12 to college pipeline.

As chief research officer, Kimbrough will oversee UNCF’s research agenda, serve as principal editor of its publications, and act as a primary spokesperson on education policy and HBCU advancement. He will also provide executive counsel to HBCU presidents and chancellors through the ICB, leveraging his extensive leadership experience.

Dr. Lomax hailed the appointment as a pivotal moment for the organization: “This is the culmination of our search for a transformational leader who understands HBCUs from the inside out. Walter’s vision, scholarship, and deep commitment to student success make him the ideal partner in advancing UNCF’s mission.”

Kimbrough, affectionately known as the “Hip-Hop Prez” for his innovative and culturally resonant leadership style, expressed enthusiasm for the role. “I’ve been waiting for a ‘yes’ with my name on it,” he wrote on social media.

“Found it.” In an interview with Diverse Issues in Higher Education , he emphasized his desire to “pour back” into the UNCF network, its institutions, and the students they serve.

The appointment underscores UNCF’s intensified focus on data-driven research, institutional capacity building, and digital innovation in support of historically Black colleges and universities.