A Historic First: Oakwood University's Madam President
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Posted By: Reginald Culpepper on April 14, 2025 For the first time in its 129-year history, and notably during Women's History Month, Oakwood University named a woman to its highest office. Dr. Gina Spivey Brown, an Oakwood alumna and nationally respected healthcare educator and administrator, will serve as the university’s 12th president. Her appointment is not only historic—it is providential. With more than three decades of leadership experience spanning academia, healthcare, and international program development, Brown brings the kind of seasoned, visionary leadership that aligns perfectly with Oakwood’s mission and future. Brown's professional career has been marked by a commitment to academic excellence, strategic growth, and institutional transformation. She most recently served as Dean of the College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences at Howard University, where she led strategic planning, curriculum innovation, and multimillion-dollar grant acquisitions. Her résumé includes leadership roles at Washington Adventist University, Loma Linda University, and in healthcare systems management—each experience refining her ability to navigate complex organizations and uplift diverse communities. She holds degrees from Oakwood University, Central Michigan University, and George Mason University, along with executive training from Harvard and a DEI certification from Cornell. A Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing, the National Academies of Practice, and several other professional bodies, Brown also brings a deeply rooted faith that shapes her leadership style and decision-making. As a lifelong Seventh-day Adventist, she has served on numerous church committees and boards, including the General Conference Executive Committee and the Adventist Accrediting Commission. Her blend of professional rigor and spiritual grounding makes her uniquely equipped to lead Oakwood into its next chapter—one shaped by excellence, equity, and faith-driven purpose. "Congratulations to Dr. Gina Spivey Brown on her historic appointment as the 12th President of Oakwood University! We have begun working closely together to fully and seamlessly transition to her new role on July 1, 2025. God has moved and we invite all to support both her and the institution to reach new heights in the coming years. To God be the glory! - Dr. Leslie N. Pollard, President, Oakwood University If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
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Reginald Culpepper
President, Fulfillment and Web Services, HBCUCONNECT Clark Atlanta University class of 1998 Member Since September 2000 |
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