Wilberforce University, the country’s oldest private historically black college and university, today revealed its selection of a new president, Dr. Algeania Warren Freeman. The extensive search and evaluation process was a collaborative effort by an executive search committee from the Board of Trustees, faculty, student body and alumni. Aiding in the search was global executive search firm DHR International, a leading, privately held provider of executive search solutions. This introduction of the new president shepherds in a prosperous and distinguished era for Wilberforce.
“Dr. Freeman’s experience in institutional advancement and operations, as well as her success in academics and student support, made her the perfect candidate for President of our renowned University,” says Mark Wilson, chairman of the Wilberforce Board of Trustees. “She has proven leadership experience in an HBCU environment, and is a veteran educator that we know will continue our university’s history of academic excellence. Her dedication to the HBCU community is unwavering, and we believe she will be the force for change our institution needs as we advance into a new day.”
A career administrator and educator with 40 years of relevant experience, Dr. Freeman served as President of Martin University, as well as Livingstone College, where she was honored with the prestigious Harlem Renaissance Award for Outstanding HBCU President. Frequently honored for her contributions to the betterment of colleges and universities, Dr. Freeman won Teacher of the Year for her work in the School of Health Related Professions and Natural Sciences at Norfolk State University, received an Outstanding Graduate Award Citation from the National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education, and was a national finalist for the White House Fellows program. She has raised more than $40 million in grants and external funding, published in numerous scholarly journals, presented research and delivered lectures at all manner of professional conferences and held fellowships with the U.S. Pentagon and the American Society of Allied Health. She received her Doctor of Philosophy Degree from the Ohio State University, Master of Science Degree from Southern Illinois University and her Bachelor of Science from Fayetteville State University.
“I’m very excited to join the Wilberforce community, and continue this University’s history of academic excellence,” states Dr. Freeman president of Wilberforce University. “An exciting future awaits Wilberforce. Through this experience I have seen the dedication of all those involved in this process, and the passion that each and every person has for the university. Together, through our devotion, we will support this great university’s mission while upholding its legacy.”
“The University has been fortunate to have the exceptional leadership of Dr. Wilma Mishoe, in her role as acting President over the past few months,” continues Wilson. “We truly appreciate her contributions to the mission of Wilberforce.”
About Wilberforce University
Wilberforce University was founded in 1856 on a radical principle for mid-19th Century America: to provide African-Americans, many who were fleeing slavery, with a quality, advanced education. It was a progressive concept that has evolved to inspire its current students to become innovators and entrepreneurs. Known today as the oldest predominantly African-American private university in the nation, it welcomes students of all faiths, races, colors, and national and ethnic origins. The school is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and is affiliated with the African Methodist Episcopal Church as well as many collegiate organizations and associations, including the United Negro College Fund. For more information, visit www.wilberforce.edu.
