Job description
Tyler, TX
Board of Trustees
THE OPPORTUNITY:
The Board of Trustees of Texas College invites applications and nominations for an accomplished, mission-driven, and visionary leader to serve as the 24th President of Texas College. This search follows the announced retirement of Dr. Dwight J. Fennell, whose 17-year tenure provided steady leadership, institutional continuity, and faithful stewardship. As Texas College prepares for this pivotal transition, the Board seeks a President who will honor the College’s historic mission and Christian Methodist Episcopal (CME) heritage while partnering closely with the Board to guide the institution into its next phase of growth, sustainability, and academic distinction.
Founded in 1894 in Tyler, Texas, Texas College is a historically Black, faith-based liberal arts institution with deep roots in the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. As the oldest institution of higher learning in Tyler, Texas College has long served as a critical educational anchor for North Tyler, the East Texas region, and generations of first-generation, underrepresented, and nontraditional students.
The College now seeks its next President at a defining moment. This leadership transition presents an extraordinary opportunity for a bold, student-centered, faith-grounded executive to steward Texas College into its next era of relevance, stability, and distinction. The next President will be called up onto honor the institution’s historic mission while leading a comprehensive transformation focused on enrollment growth, financial resilience, academic modernization, community engagement, and institutional visibility.
Informed by extensive input from students, faculty, staff, alumni, trustees, and community leaders, Texas College seeks a President who is both a change agent and a consensus builder—an individual who understands the urgency of the moment and the promise of the institution.
ABOUT TEXAS COLLEGE:
Texas College is a private, historically Black, faith-based liberal arts institution committed to delivering accessible, high-quality undergraduate education grounded in academic excellence, critical inquiry, and ethical leadership. Academic programs at Texas College are designed to prepare students for meaningful careers, graduate and professional study, and lifelong leadership and service.
INSTITUTIONAL CONTEXT
Texas College is recognized for:
- Deep alumni pride and loyalty;
- Dedicated faculty and staff committed to student success;
- A largely first-generation, mission-driven student population;
- A rich Christian heritage and commitment to faith-informed leadership;
- A strategic location in one of East Texas’s fastest-growing regions.
At the same time, the institution faces challenges common to many private HBCUs, including infrastructure modernization, enrollment stabilization, expanded fundraising capacity, technology upgrades, and the need to strengthen academic offerings aligned with workforce demand.
The next President will inherit both a responsibility and an opportunity: to translate community trust, institutional pride, and historical significance into a sustainable, student-ready, and future-facing college.
ACADEMIC PROFILE
Academic Affairs oversees the instructional mission of the College and is organized across distinct academic divisions that collectively support a comprehensive liberal arts foundation while responding to regional workforce needs and student aspirations. Texas College offers associate and baccalaureate degree programs in the arts and sciences, business, education, social sciences, and related professional fields, with select programs available through online and distance education modalities.
Accreditation compliance, assessment of student learning outcomes, and continuous improvement are central priorities within Academic Affairs.
Community and campus feedback underscore both pride in the dedication of faculty and a clear call for academic innovation and modernization. Stakeholders have emphasized the importance of curriculum renewal, expansion of high-demand and STEM-adjacent programs, enhanced instructional technology, and growth in online and hybrid offerings to better serve traditional, nontraditional, and working students.
The College places strong emphasis on:
- Student-centered teaching and learning;
- Small class sizes and close faculty–student engagement;
- Integration of critical and creative thinking across the curriculum;
- Ethical, moral, and spiritual development aligned with the CME tradition;
- Academic programs that balance liberal arts foundations with career relevance.
Texas College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate and bachelor’s degrees and maintains additional programmatic accreditations, including teacher education and social work.
The next President will be expected to:
- Champion academic excellence and faculty development;
- Support curriculum innovation aligned with workforce demand and graduate outcomes;
- Strengthen assessment, accreditation readiness, and academic infrastructure;
- Foster collaboration between Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, and Athletics to support holistic student success;
- Invest in instructional technology, academic support services, and modern learning environments;
- Uphold academic freedom, shared governance, and a culture of continuous improvement.
Texas College seeks a President who understands the academic enterprise as the heart of the institution—one who can honor the College’s liberal arts tradition while positioning its academic portfolio for relevance, rigor, and impact in a rapidly evolving higher education landscape.
STUDENT LIFE
Student life at Texas College is rooted in the institution’s commitment to developing the whole student—academically, socially, spiritually, and ethically. Guided by the Office of Student Affairs, Texas College fosters a supportive, engaging, and value-centered campus environment that promotes belonging, leadership development, accountability, and personal growth.
Texas College offers a vibrant co-curricular experience that includes student organizations, leadership opportunities, campus programming, residence life, student conduct, counseling and wellness support, and spiritual life.
These experiences are intentionally designed to complement the academic mission and to help students build confidence, resilience, and a strong sense of identity and purpose.
As a residential campus serving a significant number of first-generation and student-athletes—as well as commuter and nontraditional students—Texas College recognizes student life as a critical driver of retention, persistence, and graduation. Campus stakeholders have emphasized the importance of clear communication, consistent engagement, accessible leadership, and intentional programming that reflects students’ lived experiences and evolving needs.
The next President will be expected to:
- Champion a student-centered campus culture grounded in care, accountability, and high expectations;
- Support student affairs professionals in delivering holistic services that promote student well-being, leadership development, and success;
- Strengthen collaboration between academic affairs, athletics, and student life to create a cohesive student experience;
- Enhance campus engagement through inclusive programming, student organizations, and leadership pathways;
- Promote transparent communication and responsiveness to student concerns;
- Ensure that student life policies, practices, and facilities align with best practices, equity, and institutional values.
Texas College seeks a President who understands that a thriving student life is not peripheral to the mission, but essential to it—creating an environment where students feel supported, heard, challenged, and proud to call Texas College their home.
ATHLETICS
Texas College athletics play a central role in campus life, student engagement, enrollment, and institutional identity. Competing as the Texas College Steers, the College is a member of the NAIA and participates in intercollegiate athletics that emphasize competitive excellence, character development, leadership, and academic success.
Texas College offers a broad athletics program that includes men’s and women’s sports, providing student-athletes with opportunities to compete at a high level while pursuing their academic and personal goals. Athletics are deeply integrated into the student experience and serve as a significant point of pride for alumni, students, and the broader Tyler community.
Community and campus stakeholders consistently highlight athletics as both a strength and a strategic opportunity for the institution. A substantial portion of the student population identifies as student-athletes, underscoring the importance of strong leadership, adequate resources, and intentional alignment between athletics, enrollment management, retention, and student success.
The next President will be expected to:
- Champion a student-athlete–centered approach that prioritizes academic achievement, well-being, and graduation outcomes;
- Ensure compliance with NAIA rules and uphold the highest standards of integrity and sportsmanship;
- Strengthen athletics as a driver of enrollment growth, retention, and institutional visibility;
- Advocate for strategic investments in facilities, staffing, scholarships, and student-athlete support services;
- Support coaches and athletics staff as partners in mentoring, leadership development, and campus culture;
- Leverage athletics to deepen alumni engagement, community partnerships, and philanthropic support.
As the landscape of intercollegiate athletics continues to evolve, Texas College seeks a President who understands athletics not only as competition, but as a powerful platform for student success, institutional pride, and community connection, fully aligned with the College’s mission and values.
MISSION STATEMENT
Texas College is a Historically Black College founded in 1894, by the Colored Methodist Episcopal Church, now the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church (CME). Our mission continues to embody the principles of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. The College shall prepare students with competencies in critical and creative thinking related to the knowledge, skills and abilities as defined in the areas of study using different modalities of instruction.
Additionally, the College shall provide an environment to inspire intellectual, spiritual, ethical moral and social development, which empowers graduates to engage in life-long learning, leadership, and service. (Restated and approved by the Board of Trustees, October 24, 2024).
VISION STATEMENT
Texas College – a creative, culturally diverse, inclusive environment, preparing students who aspire to be purpose-driven, financially secure and marketable leaders.
POSITION:
The President serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Texas College and reports directly to the Board of Trustees. The President is responsible for providing visionary, strategic, financial, academic, and spiritual leadership to the institution and for advancing the mission, values, and long-term vitality of Texas College.
The President is expected to:
- Articulate and execute a compelling vision for institutional renewal;
- Lead enrollment growth, retention, and student success initiatives;
- Serve as the College’s chief fundraiser and external ambassador;
- Strengthen academic quality, accreditation compliance, and operational effectiveness;
- Foster a culture of transparency, shared governance, accountability, and excellence;
- Uphold and advance the Christian mission and CME heritage of Texas College.
POSITION DESCRIPTION
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
The President will:
- Provide strategic leadership aligned with the mission, values, and faith tradition of Texas College;
- Serve as chief spokesperson and advocate for the College locally, regionally, and nationally;
- Lead fundraising efforts, including donor cultivation, stewardship, and campaign leadership;
- Strengthen enrollment management, marketing, and recruitment pipelines;
- Ensure compliance with accreditation standards (SACSCOC) and regulatory requirements;
- Foster shared governance and effective collaboration with faculty, staff, students, and trustees;
- Recruit, develop, and retain a high-performing senior leadership team;
- Promote innovation in academic programming and student support services;
- Enhance campus climate, morale, and institutional culture;
- Maintain strong relationships with alumni, civic leaders, and denominational partners.
KEY LEADERSHIP PRIORITIES
The next President will be expected to focus on the following priorities:
Student-Centered Excellence
- Champion student success from recruitment through graduation, with particular emphasis on retention, advising, campus life, and post-graduate outcomes.
Enrollment Growth and Market Positioning
- Lead data-informed enrollment strategies, strengthen branding and visibility, and expand online, hybrid, and workforce-aligned academic offerings.
Fundraising and Resource Development
- Serve as an expert fundraiser, significantly expanding philanthropic support through alumni engagement, major gifts, corporate partnerships, and foundation funding.
Academic and Campus Modernization
- Oversee modernization of academic programs, instructional technology, facilities, and student support infrastructure.
Community, Church, and Regional Engagement
- Build strong partnerships with the Tyler community, regional employers, school districts, faith communities, and the CME Church.
Operational and Financial Stewardship
- Ensure fiscal discipline, strong internal controls, transparent decision-making, and long-term institutional sustainability.
LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE AND CORE COMPETENCIES:
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Senior-level executive leadership experience in higher education or a comparably complex organization;
- Demonstrated success in fundraising and resource development;
- Strong financial and operational management experience;
- Proven ability to lead organizational change and institutional transformation;
- Experience working effectively with governing boards;
- Demonstrated commitment to student success and equity.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Presidential, provost, vice president, or equivalent executive experience;
- Experience at an HBCU or deep understanding of the HBCU ecosystem;
- Experience with SACSCOC accreditation processes;
- Experience leading institutions serving first-generation and nontraditional students.
EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
REQUIRED
- Earned terminal degree (PhD, EdD, JD, or equivalent) from an accredited institution;
PREFERRED
- Academic background supporting credibility with faculty and accreditors;
- Demonstrated understanding of higher education administration.
PREFERRED QUALITIES AND CHARACTERISTICS
PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES
- Integrity, honesty, and trustworthiness;
- Authentic compassion and empathy for students and community;
- High visibility, accessibility, and approachability;
- Resilience, courage, and comfort with change;
- A spirit of excellence and accountability;
- Strong Christian faith or deep respect for faith-based leadership.
LEADERSHIP CHARACTERISTICS
- Visionary and strategic thinker;
- Proven change agent and calculated risk-taker;
- Inclusive leader who values shared governance;
- Exceptional communicator and active listener;
- Team builder who empowers others;
- Business-minded with strong execution skills;
- Globally aware and forward-thinking.
CULTURAL ALIGNMENT
- Deep appreciation for Texas College’s history, mission, and CME heritage;
- Ability to build trust across generations and stakeholder groups;
- Commitment to transparency, consistency, and follow-through.
CONCLUSION
The presidency of Texas College is more than a role—it is a calling. The Board of Trustees seeks a leader who will love the institution, believe deeply in its students, honor its faith tradition, and lead boldly into the future.
This is a rare opportunity to shape the next chapter of a historic institution with enduring purpose, untapped potential, and a community—both on campus and in Tyler—ready for inspired, transformative leadership.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES:
Texas College, a Christian Methodist Episcopal (CME) Church-founded institution, oversees its governance, ensuring alignment with its faith-based mission of providing accessible education with an emphasis on leadership and service, with current strategic goals including enrollment growth, academic excellence, and financial stability, working under shared governance and adhering to CME principles.
PRESIDENTIAL SEARCH COMMITTEE
The Texas College Presidential Search Committee is comprised of 13 stakeholders:
- Dr. Tyrone T. Davis, Chair
- Ms. Bridget Chisholm, Co-Chair
- Mr. Charles Hill, Co-Chair
- Dr. Alice Ajanga
- Dr. Hamad Ali
- Ms. Athena Jackson
- Mrs. Mary E. Jackson
- Mr. Jim Lambeth
- Dr. Orenthia Mason
- Dr. Patricia M. McKenzie
- Ms. Millicent L. Rickenbacker
- Mr. Philip Scott
- Mr. Kelvin Thomas
TEXAS COLLEGE IN THE NEWS:
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November 07, 2025
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LOCATION:
Texas College is located in Tyler, Texas—known as the “Rose Capital of America”—a vibrant and growing city of more than 100,000 residents and the economic, medical, and cultural hub of East Texas. Tyler offers a high quality of life, affordable cost of living, and a strong sense of community, making it an attractive location for faculty, staff, students, and their families.
The city is home to a growing healthcare sector, expanding business and entrepreneurial activity, strong faith communities, and increasing regional investment. Tyler’s continued population growth and economic development create significant opportunities for Texas College to strengthen partnerships with employers, school districts, civic organizations, and philanthropic leaders.
Community stakeholders have emphasized that the next President must leverage Tyler’s growth trajectory by increasing Texas College’s visibility, deepening town–gown relationships, expanding workforce-aligned academic programs, and positioning the College as a key contributor to regional economic and social mobility.
ABOUT ZRG PARTNERS:
ZRG is a global talent advisory firm that is changing the way companies hire and manage talent. ZRG’s data-driven approach to executive and professional search has been changing the way clients think about how to find top talent. The company’s digital Zi platform combines talent intelligence, candidate insights, and process improvement to dramatically deliver executive searches quicker and with proven better results.
Dakota Doman
Managing Director
Dakota Doman is a dynamic and visionary executive with more than15 years of leadership experience spanning higher education administration, executive search, organizational strategy, and governmental affairs. He is a Managing Director in ZRG’s Education Practice, bringing a comprehensive perspective on leadership needs within academic institutions, especially Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
Before ZRG, Dakota was the President and Managing Principal ofTM2 Executive Search, the only search firm founded to provide executive talent solutions to HBCUs, where his work focused on inclusive leadership recruitment, strategic talent pipelines, and governance transformation, contributing to successful placements in C-suite and senior academic roles across the country. Under his leadership, TM2 was nationally recognized for reshaping the executive hiring landscape for historically underserved institutions, and Dakota was featured in the February Black History Month edition of Diverse: Issues in Higher Education, a national publication spotlighting leader advancing equity and access in higher education.
Prior to leading TM2, Dakota was unanimously appointed by the Texas Southern University (TSU) Board of Regents as the Acting Chief Executive Officer. He joined TSU initially as Chief of Staff and Chief Governmental Affairs Officer, where he spearheaded critical university initiatives including legislative engagement at municipal, state, and federal levels, Title III program development, institutional effectiveness, strategic partnerships, and transformative planning.
Link to complete bio for Dakota Doman.
Jerel Booker
Principal
Jerel Booker is a seasoned executive specializing in talent strategy, organizational growth, and executive search, with over two decades of leadership experience across higher education, K–12, and nonprofit sectors. Most recently, he served as Associate Managing Principal and Chief Operating Officer at TM² Executive Search, where he conducted national executive searches and oversaw enterprise operations—aligning people, processes, and performance to drive organizational growth and client impact. Previously, Jerel held senior executive roles in government, education, and nonprofit leadership, including Assistant Deputy Commissioner at the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, where he oversaw internal division operations, staffing, and institutional statutory compliance within core functions. His leadership spans core operational domains including finance, human capital, technology, contracts, marketing, and enterprise risk management.
Link to complete bio for Jerel Booker.
How to apply
The Presidential Search Committee, in partnership with the Board of Trustees and ZRG Partners, will conduct a confidential and comprehensive review of applications, nominations, and expressions of interest. Review of materials will begin immediately and continue until a President is selected.
Individuals wishing to be considered, as well as those seeking to nominate qualified candidates, are encouraged to submit a letter of interest and curriculum vitae, as separate PDF documents, to the ZRG search team. All inquiries, nominations, and applications will be handled with the utmost confidentiality.
To ensure full consideration, please email a letter of interest and a CV, as 2 separate PDFs, by February 13, 2026, to Dakota Doman at: [email protected].
