UNIVERSITY LEADERSHIP
Meet the dedicated leaders guiding the vision, operations, and continued growth of Wilberforce University
Excellence in Leadership
Under the exceptional leadership of our 23rd president, Dr. Vann Newkirk, our institution is guided by a devoted team of forward-thinking leaders who are the backbone of our university’s governance and administration. Comprising a diverse group of accomplished individuals, each member of the President’s Cabinet brings a wealth of expertise, extensive experience, and a profound commitment to our university’s mission.
Together, they work tirelessly to ensure the continuous growth and pursuit of excellence at Wilberforce University. Become familiar with our esteemed Cabinet members and Trustees that drive positive change and innovation across our campus.
President’s Cabinet
The President’s Cabinet provides strategic leadership and guidance to
advance the mission, vision, and continued success of Wilberforce University.
Dr. Kenneth E. Jones
Executive Vice President & Chief of Staff
Dr. Lynda Brown Wright
Provost & Vice President of Academic Affairs
Mrs. Anita R. Jefferson-Gomez
Vice President for Administration and Human Resources
Dr. Jonas Tellis
Vice President of Enrollment Management
Dr. Grant Winrow
Vice President of Institutional Advancement
Reginald Amerson
VP of Finance and Business
Dr. Eric Jackson
Senior Vice President of Student Engagement
Roosevelt Barnes
Athletic Director
Board of Trustees
Chancellor, Appointed 2024
Bishop Stafford Wicker
Bishop, AME Third District
Chairman
Mr. Nate Jenkins
Retired Corporate Executive, ExxonMobil, Business Consultant, Franchise Owner.
Trustee since 2021
University President, Elected 2023
Dr. Vann R. Newkirk
23rd Wilberforce University President
Mr. Paxton Baker
Managing Partner Liquid Soul Media LLC
Elected May 2018
Vice Chair, Nominated 2024
Rev. Dr. Jermaine Covington
Pastor, Quinn Chapel AME
Trustee since 2018
Dr. Marcus Henderson, Sr., Elected 2021
Treasurer and CFO
African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME)
Dr. Richard Allen Lewis
Treasurer, International African Methodist Episcopal Church (retired)
Elected May 2013
Ms. Jayla Cole, SGA President
Dr. Delores Wright, Elected September 2025
Faculty Representative
Attorney Rev. Paul P. Martin
Pastor, Mount Carmel African Methodist Episcopal Church and Principal, Law Office of Paul P. Martin
Elected November 2014
Mr. J. Thomas Maultsby, Jr., Elected 2022
President Carex Foundation
CEO Group One Development,
Retired President and CEO, United Way of Greater Dayton Area
Rev. Dr. Nelson Rivers III, Elected 2015
Trustee Emerita
Pastor, Charity Missionary Baptist Church
Attorney Angela T. Rye, Elected 2017
Principal and CEO
IMPACT Strategies
Mr. Dale Gresson WUAA President
Mr. John Tolbert III, Elected 2015
Director of Community
Primary One Health Center
Professor of Health Care, Franklin University
Ms. Adrienne Trimble, Elected 2015
SVP, Global |Chief Inclusion Officer
VISA, Inc.
Mr. Michael Belton, Elected 2025
Executive Vice President
Thompson Hospitality
Mr. Reginald Best, Elected 2025
Retired Corporate Director
Senior Principal, Microsoft
Dr. Ian Newbould, Elected 2025
Senior Consultant, The Registry