What Does a College President Do?

Speaking of College

College presidents are often responsible for making myriad decisions and balancing competing priorities. As a result, college presidents have one of the most critical and visible positions in higher education. In this episode, Dr. P. talks with Dr. Herman Felton, Jr., president of Wiley College, about his professional journey, the skillsets and habits that help him succeed as a college leader, and some of the things he does in a typical day of work.

In the summer of 2018, Herman began his service as the 17th president of Wiley College. In a short period of time, he has achieved significant accomplishments, including spearheading a campaign with college alumni and supporters that has launched the work to renovate and modernize the Thomas W. Cole Library and partnering with the Marshall Economic Development Corporation to receive a $100,000 grant to renovate KBWC, the college’s radio station as well as a training space for physical education majors. President Felton has also created a Student Health, Counseling, and Wellness Unit for the college that is staffed with a full-time licensed practitioner. In addition to his accomplishments on Wiley’s campus, President Felton has immersed himself in the fabric of the Marshall Community, where he is a member of the Marshall Rotary Club, the Marshall Chamber of Commerce, and the Citizens Advisory Council.

Prior to Wiley College, Dr. Felton was the 21st president of Wilberforce University in Wilberforce, Ohio. Before his tenure at Wilberforce University, Dr. Felton served as senior vice president, chief operating officer, and vice president of institutional advancement for Livingstone College in Salisbury, North Carolina. He was also the director of development while serving as a lecturer in the Government, Law, and International Affairs Department at Murray State University in Murray, Kentucky.

Dr. Felton earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from Edward Waters College in Jacksonville, Florida. He also earned his Juris Doctorate from the Levin College of Law at the University of Florida and completed graduate work at Jackson State University, where he earned the Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Administration and Supervision.

He is co-founder of the Higher Education Leadership Foundation (H.E.L.F.), an organization ensuring that a pipeline of transformational, highly skilled and principled leaders are identified and cultivated to meet the needs, challenges and opportunities facing the nation’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Dr. Felton served in the United States Marine Corps for eight years. He is married to the lovely Katherine Anne Felton and is the father of Jamal, Paige, and Herman, III.

The Did You Know segment suggests a new report that addresses the value of college. The Ask Dr. P. segment features a question about choosing a good housing option.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode
Higher Education Leadership Foundation
Postsecondary Value Commission

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