Wilberforce University tap Alabama A&M's Dr. Vann Newkirk as its next president

The Wilberforce University Board of Trustees has named a new university president.

Vann Newkirk will serve as the 23rd president of the country's oldest private historically Black university beginning in July. He currently serves as interim associate vice president at Alabama A&M University in Huntsville and will succeed Elfred Anthony Pinkard, who announced his retirement as president last March.

"Dr. Newkirk brings a wealth of experience and has a sterling reputation in higher education, having served in various leadership roles at several institutions," said Board of Trustees Chair Mark Wilson. "His experience, vision, and commitment to educating our students make him the ideal choice to lead our university into the future."

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Newkirk formerly served as vice president of academic affairs, provost, and president of Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee. He is also a noted historian who has written extensively on crime and punishment in North Carolina and is currently writing a history of African Americans in Alabama.

"As an HBCU graduate, I also understand the transformative power of these institutions, and I look forward to working with the talented faculty, staff and students at Wilberforce to continue the university's legacy of excellence," Newkirk said. "Our students are young people who have dreams and aspirations when they come to us. We have to guide them to the right kind of career paths."

Newkirk said his first priority for Wilberforce is to engage community supporters who can assist in the university's fundraising efforts. He aims to facilitate premium academic programs and add value to the university's distinction among nationally ranked liberal arts colleges.

Originally from Elizabethtown, North Carolina, Newkirk attended North Carolina A&T University and received his undergraduate degree in sociology from Barber-Scotia College. He holds a master of arts degree in history from Winthrop University, a master of science degree from North Carolina Central University and a doctor of philosophy degree in history from Howard University.

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This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Wilberforce University names Dr. Vann Newkirk as new president