There are at least three new presidential vacancies at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), which have already been experiencing high turnover within their leadership ranks.
In the case of two of the presidential departures — Dillard University and Florida Memorial University — the presidents resigned amid health challenges. Their departures raise new questions about the stress associated with being a college president, particularly at a smaller and under-resourced institution. 
Dr. Rochelle Ford
Earlier this month, Dr. Rochelle Ford announced that she had stepped down as president of Dillard in New Orleans. It was a job that she held for just two years. She cited her health as the reason for the departure and university officials say that she had been on leave from the university since May.
Dr. Jaffus Hardrick, the president of Florida Memorial University — a private HBCU in Florida — also announced his immediate departure from the university because of health reasons. He has led the institution for the past five years.
In 2023, the American Council on Education (ACE) released their study of over 1,000 college presidents, which revealed the tenure of the presidency has diminished. In 2006, presidents spent an average of 8.5 years in charge. By 2022, that number shrunk to 5.9 years, and over half of current presidents reveal that they plan to step away from their roles within the next five years.
Last month, Dr. Gregory J. Vincent announced that he was leaving Talladega College in Alabama after just two years on the job. Vincent, a seasoned higher education administrator, said he plans to return to the practice of law. Dr. Walter M. Kimbrough, who was president of Dillard for a decade and previously served as president of Philander Smith University, has been named interim president of Talladega for at least the next year. Kimbrough's wife, Adria, is a 1997 graduate of the school.
"We have seen before that HBCUs have experienced tremendous turnover in leadership at the presidency level," said Dr. Robert T. Palmer, professor and chair of educational leadership and policy studies at Howard University and an expert on HBCUs. "While the resignation of presidents from Dillard University, Florida Memorial University, and Talladega College is concerning, it is interesting to note that these are all private HBCUs with small enrollments and endowments. I wonder what role the need and pressure to constantly fundraise played in the departure of these presidents."
