December 9, 2024— Talladega College has officially begun the search for its 22nd president, forming a Presidential Search Committee comprised of trustees, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members. This diverse group will play a pivotal role in identifying a leader to guide the 157-year-old institution into its next chapter.
I am proud to appoint and introduce the members of the Presidential Search Committee,” said Ms. Rica Lewis-Payton, Chairwoman of the Talladega College Board of Trustees and a 1981 alumna. “Each member brings unique expertise, professional insight, and a strong commitment to the success of our institution.
The committee is chaired by Dr. Monique Gardner Witherspoon, a trustee currently serving her second term on the board. Dr. Witherspoon also serves as Board Secretary and Chair of the Academic Excellence Committee. The full committee membership includes:
- Dr. Walter M. Kimbrough – Interim President
- Dr. Pamlea Brady – Faculty Representative, Department Chair, and Assistant Professor of Chemistry
- Mr. Douglas Brewer – Talladega College Trustee
- Ms. Kristie Brooks Purnell ’91 – Trustee and President of the Talladega College National Alumni Association
- Dr. Robiaun Charles – Talladega College Trustee
- Mr. Kelvin Cunningham – Talladega County Commissioner
- Mr. Robert Dickerson – Talladega College Trustee
- Dr. Isaiah Hugley ’79 – Trustee and Immediate Past Board Chair
- Dr. Glenda Johnson ’81 – Alumni Representative and former university professor
- Mr. Chad Jones – President and CEO, First Bank of Alabama
- Mr. Calvin Littlejohn – Staff Representative, Director of Career Exploration and Professional Development
- Dr. Marc A. Love ’93 – Talladega College Trustee
- Rakeb Tilahun ’26 – Student Representative
- Becky Watson – Executive Director, AIDB Foundation
Chairwoman Lewis-Payton emphasized the importance of the committee’s mission, noting that selecting the ideal leader is critical to the future of Talladega College. This is a challenging but essential task. Every committee member has committed their time and expertise to ensure we identify a visionary leader who will uphold and advance the college’s mission.
The search process is supported by POLIHIRE, an executive search firm recognized for its success in recruiting diverse leaders for mission-driven organizations.
Updates on the search process, including important milestones, will be shared through a dedicated website to ensure transparency and engagement with the Talladega College community.