Southern University System Executive and Leadership Team

Alfred Harrell, the Chief Executive Officer at Southern University System, directs the overarching strategic vision for this public institution. Harrell manages the alignment of academic programs with regional workforce demands while overseeing the fiscal health of the entire university network. By coordinating with the Board, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that institutional policies support the SACSCOC Level III accreditation standards. This leadership role involves driving long-term growth initiatives that expand the reach of liberal arts education across the state. Alfred Harrell maintains a focus on operational efficiency to maximize the impact of public funding on student outcomes. Through rigorous oversight of administrative functions, the Chief Executive Officer secures the stability of the university system. Harrell champions initiatives that enhance the reputation of the institution as a premier master's college, ensuring that every strategic decision advances the core mission of providing accessible, high-quality education to the diverse student population.

Curtis Johnson, the President at Southern University System, leads the academic and community engagement efforts for the institution. Johnson manages the development of new baccalaureate programs that address the specific needs of the regional workforce. By fostering strong relationships with local industry leaders, the President ensures that the university's curriculum remains relevant and impactful. This leadership role involves overseeing the student affairs division to maintain the high level of personal academic support for which the institution is known. Curtis Johnson drives the expansion of community outreach initiatives, strengthening the university's presence as a vital public resource. Through the coordination of faculty research and teaching activities, the President upholds the standards of a SREB Four-Year 5 institution. Johnson ensures that the university's mission of providing accessible, high-quality education is realized through consistent academic growth and active engagement with the broader community.

Ray Belton, the President & Chancellor at Southern University System, oversees the comprehensive governance and academic direction of the university. Belton manages the integration of institutional policies across all campuses, ensuring that the university maintains its SACSCOC Level III accreditation. By directing the long-term strategic planning process, the President & Chancellor aligns the institution's resources with its core mission of liberal arts teaching and graduate education. This leadership role involves representing the university in statewide educational forums and advocating for the necessary funding to support student success. Ray Belton drives the implementation of academic standards that prepare graduates for professional excellence in a competitive market. Through the oversight of administrative and academic leadership, the President & Chancellor ensures that the institution remains a pillar of the community. Belton maintains a focus on institutional sustainability, guiding the university toward continued growth and academic achievement.

Melvin Robinson, the President at Southern University System, directs the operational and academic initiatives focused on student retention and graduation success. Robinson manages the implementation of support services that provide students with the resources needed to complete their degrees in a timely manner. By overseeing the assessment of academic programs, the President ensures that the university continues to meet the rigorous standards of a Carnegie Master's College. This leadership role involves managing the allocation of departmental budgets to support faculty research and student-centered learning environments. Melvin Robinson drives the development of partnerships with other educational institutions to create seamless pathways for student advancement. Through the promotion of a culture of academic excellence, the President fosters an environment where students thrive. Robinson ensures that the university's commitment to personal academic support remains the cornerstone of its educational philosophy, directly impacting the success of the student body.

Orlando McMeans, the Interim System President at Southern University System, provides steady leadership during the transition of executive governance. McMeans manages the continuity of all academic and administrative operations, ensuring that the university's mission remains the primary focus during this period. By overseeing the coordination between the various campuses, the Interim System President maintains the stability of the entire university network. This leadership role involves facilitating communication with the Board and external stakeholders to ensure that strategic objectives continue to move forward. Orlando McMeans drives the execution of existing institutional goals, particularly those related to graduate education and regional service. Through the careful management of resources and personnel, the Interim System President supports the ongoing success of the faculty and student body. McMeans ensures that the institution remains well-positioned for future growth, upholding the standards of excellence that define the university system.

Melva Turner, the Chief of Staff at Southern University System, coordinates executive operations and facilitates communication across all administrative departments. Turner manages the daily workflow of the leadership office, ensuring that strategic priorities receive immediate attention from the relevant academic and operational teams. By streamlining internal processes, the Chief of Staff optimizes the decision-making capacity of the executive cabinet. This role involves managing high-level projects that support the university's commitment to graduate education and regional service. Melva Turner acts as a primary liaison between the leadership team and external stakeholders, maintaining the integrity of institutional partnerships. Through careful planning and resource allocation, the Chief of Staff supports the broader goals of the university system. Turner ensures that all administrative activities remain consistent with the mission of providing personal academic support, ultimately driving the operational success of the institution through effective management and clear communication strategies.

Dawn Harris, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Southern University System, architects the talent acquisition and faculty development strategies essential for a high-performing academic environment. Harris manages the recruitment of engaged faculty members who embody the institution's commitment to personal academic support. By designing comprehensive professional development programs, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that staff members remain aligned with the evolving needs of a Carnegie Master's College. This leadership role involves overseeing labor relations and organizational culture to maintain a productive workplace across all campuses. Dawn Harris implements policies that promote equity and excellence in teaching, directly impacting the quality of the student experience. Through the management of benefits and performance evaluation systems, the Chief Human Resources Officer supports the retention of top-tier academic talent. Harris drives the human capital strategy that enables the university to meet its regional and statewide educational objectives with efficiency and professional rigor.

Gabriel Fagbeyiro, the Associate Vice President & Chief Information Officer at Southern University System, directs the digital transformation of the university's academic and administrative infrastructure. Fagbeyiro manages the deployment of scalable cloud solutions and secure data networks that support the institution's teaching mission. By overseeing the integration of advanced learning management systems, the Associate Vice President & Chief Information Officer ensures that students and faculty have access to modern educational tools. This role involves protecting institutional data through robust cybersecurity protocols while facilitating seamless communication across regional campuses. Gabriel Fagbeyiro leads the technical teams responsible for maintaining the reliability of digital resources, which are critical for the delivery of master's degree programs. Through strategic investment in information technology, the Associate Vice President & Chief Information Officer enhances the overall efficiency of the university system. Fagbeyiro ensures that technological capabilities remain at the forefront of the institution's commitment to academic excellence.

Ronald Solomon, the Associate Vice President & Chief Information Officer at Southern University System, manages the strategic implementation of data analytics and research computing platforms. Solomon oversees the modernization of campus-wide connectivity, ensuring that the university's digital environment supports high-level research and graduate education. By focusing on the optimization of administrative software, the Associate Vice President & Chief Information Officer improves the operational agility of the institution. This leadership role involves collaborating with academic departments to provide the computational power necessary for advanced degree programs. Ronald Solomon drives the development of digital accessibility initiatives, ensuring that all students benefit from a modern, inclusive learning environment. Through the management of IT governance and compliance, the Associate Vice President & Chief Information Officer mitigates operational risks while fostering innovation. Solomon ensures that the university's technological footprint aligns with its long-term goals of regional service and academic distinction.