Phyllis Worthy Dawkins

Phyllis Worthy Dawkins is a nationally recognized expert in higher education, specializing in Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). With extensive experience at six HBCUs—including South Carolina State, Johnson C. Smith University, Dillard University, Cheyney University, Bennett College, and Clark Atlanta University—she has held roles ranging from professor and dean to provost and president.

As the 18th President of Bennett College, Dawkins spearheaded bipartisan efforts alongside UNCF, leading to $1.2 billion in loan forgiveness for all HBCUs. She also led the StandWithBennett campaign, raising $8.2 million in just 60 days. Over her career, she has fundraised over $35 million and secured more than $54 million in state and federal grants. Dawkins is also an accomplished writer whose academic research has been published in various journals and periodicals (20 refereed/non-refereed).  Recently, Dawkins, Gebauer, Godowski, Henscheid, Kinzie, et al., published an article called Gluing Higher Ed Back Together, Inside Higher Education, 2/24/24. Nine members of the National Learning Community Collaborative argue that now is the time to invest in learning communities.

Currently, Dawkins serves as Executive Program Director of the HBCU Executive Leadership Institute at Clark Atlanta University. This is a competency-based program for aspiring higher education and corporate executives to become an HBCU/MSI President/Chancellor. The program also provides professional development to New Presidents and Women Leaders that are funded by several grants. 

In terms of leadership development, Dawkins received a certificate of achievement/leadership from the American Association of State Colleges and Universities New Presidents Academy; Executive Leadership Summit, Hampton University; CIC Workshop for Department and Division (Dean) Chairs; Harvard Institute for Higher Education, Management and Leadership in Education (MLE); Mable Parker McLean Women’s UNCF Leadership Development Forum, and JCSU Faculty Senate (as President). From 2018 to 2020, she advised the U.S. President and Secretary of Education as a member of the President’s Board of Advisors on HBCUs.  She has also served on numerous local, state, and national committees.  Currently, she is on the Board of Goddard College in Vermont.

Dawkins has visited 82 HBCUs and published/consulted on fundraising, faculty development, learning communities, assessment/evaluation, higher education, shared governance, etc. She earned degrees from Johnson C. Smith University (B.S.), the University of Michigan (M.A.), and The Ohio State University (Ph.D.). In addition, she holds numerous certificates and/or credentials.

She is married to Bobby G. Dawkins, with whom she has two daughters.  Her lifelong commitment to HBCUs continues to shape the future of these vital institutions.