DSU announces new leadership additions

DSU Community,

Today, I am pleased to announce several new leaders who will join the University, as well as the Chairperson of our new strategic plan.

First, Attorney Stannis Smith will become the University’s General Counsel. Stannis currently serves as Executive General Counsel and Labor Designee at the City University of New York School of Medicine. Stannis has a wide-ranging career. He has served in senior policy and advisory roles under the Obama, Trump, and Biden Administrations, was simultaneously in private practice as a Partner at Smith Adams Law Group, where he represented higher education institutions and healthcare organizations, and spent fifteen years in academic administration, including serving as the Director of Financial Aid at George Washington.

His areas of expertise include employment law, real estate development, Title IX, ADA, FMLA, and regulatory compliance. A proud Morehouse Man, he brings a deep appreciation for mission, legacy, and importance of Historically Black Colleges & Universities. Stannis will report directly to me.

Kenisha Ringgold, who has served as Interim General Counsel, will become the University’s Chief Enterprise Risk Officer and continue as Deputy General Counsel. Kenisha has done an exceptional job in the interim GC role, distinguishing herself among her colleagues and peers. Her counsel has been of tremendous value to me, and the Herculean effort to build our risk portfolio has fortified the University across several critical divisions. In her new role, Kenisha will report to Stannis while continuing to serve on my leadership team. Together, they will be a vital new asset in how we navigate our legal docket, assess our risk appetite, and continue to grow the University in breadth and depth.

I am also proud to announce that alumna Ms. Charlotte Barnes ’88 will become the University’s Chief Human Resources Officer. Charlotte is currently the Director of Human Resources for the City of Wilmington, where she has served for 37 years. Starting as a Customer Service Representative, her tenure at the City has spanned six mayoral administrations and included various leadership positions, such as Chief of Staff to the Wilmington City Council, Special Assistant to the Mayor, and Deputy Director of Finance. Widely regarded as a consummate Human Resources professional, trusted advisor, and one of Delaware’s most admired non-political public servants, Charlotte will report directly to Dr. Irene Chapman-Hawkins and serve as a member of her Joint Administrative Leadership Council.

Now in his second month as the Vice President of Institutional Advancement, Mr. Henry W. Taylor brings 30 years of professional experience in higher education and the nonprofit sector. His expertise areas include fundraising, board development, campaign planning and execution, alumni/constituent relations, communications/marketing, non-profit management, diversity and community partnerships.

His career track record includes roles at Princeton University, Stanford University, KIPP Foundation, Level Playing Field Institute, Clark Atlanta University, Agnes Scott College, and Golden Gate University. As an advancement professional, during his career he has successfully solicited more than $75 million personally and has led teams responsible for securing over $250 million through a relationship focused approach, built on understanding the difference between charity and true philanthropy.

Along with Associate Provost Dr. Fareeda Griffith, announced earlier this semester, we have rounded out a two-deep leadership team prepared for the next evolution of the University. To that end, I am also pleased to announce that Dr. Terrell Holmes will serve as the University’s Strategic Planning Chair. A proud alumnus and a 20-year colleague, Terrell currently serves as Associate Vice President of DSU Downtown and has played a crucial role in cultural and professional development training over the last six months, as we closed REACH 2026 and look toward 2030 and beyond. Terrell has also been chiefly responsible for monitoring progress on our Key Performance Indicators for REACH, which you will hear more about during the December retreat. Dr. Hawkins and I will complete Terrell’s Strategic Planning Leadership team by the end of the year and will work with Chairman Tice to appoint a chief representative from the Board of Trustees. Terrell will continue in his primary responsibilities at the University, but will be accountable to me for the implementation of the Strategic Plan.

Charlotte will begin her tenure after the Thanksgiving holiday. Stannis will join the University at the start of the New Year. And Terrell’s additional responsibilities take effect immediately.

Please join me in extending congratulations and support to these outstanding leaders as they help guide the University through its next exciting chapter.

Tony Allen, Ph.D.

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President