Clinton College proudly announces the appointment of Dr. Pamela Richardson Wilks as its 14th President, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s storied history. A native of Hollister, North Carolina, and a proud first-generation college graduate, Dr. Wilks brings more than 25 years of leadership experience in higher education—particularly within historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).
Before joining Clinton College, Dr. Wilks served as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Coppin State University in Baltimore, Maryland. Her tenure there was marked by bold academic innovation, launching new programs, expanding research infrastructure, and increasing external funding by over 150%. She has also held key leadership roles at Paine College, Edward Waters University, and Shaw University, consistently driving academic excellence, institutional effectiveness, and student-centered innovation.
Dr. Wilks’s academic journey began at North Carolina A&T State University, where she earned both her bachelor’s degree in Professional English and her master’s degree in English/Afro-American Literature. She later earned a Ph.D. in English, Literature & Criticism from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Her teaching career spans both K–12 and higher education, beginning as a high school English teacher and advancing to roles as a college professor, mentor, and academic strategist.
Throughout her career, she has served at institutions including Johnson C. Smith University, Winston-Salem State University, and UNC Greensboro, passionately advocating for African-American literature and student empowerment. Her leadership has consistently emphasized student success, accreditation readiness, strategic planning, and the advancement of mission-driven education.
Dr. Wilks is also a W.E.B. Du Bois Fellow, a member of Phi Kappa Phi and Golden Key Honor Society, and a proud member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. In 2023, she was named a Distinguished Alumna by her alma mater, NC A&T. Her civic involvement includes participation in numerous educational and cultural boards, including the HBCU Campaign Fund and local arts councils.
In her new role at Clinton College, Dr. Wilks is poised to lead the institution into a bold and bright future. Her vision encompasses not only academic excellence but also a deep commitment to community engagement, equity, and the holistic development of students. She joins Clinton College with an unwavering dedication to the faith-based mission of The A.M.E. Zion Church and a clear commitment to institutional transformation and sustainability.
As we embark on this new chapter, the Clinton College community extends a warm welcome to Dr. Pamela Richardson Wilks. We look forward to the transformative leadership she will bring, guiding us toward continued growth, innovation, and success.
