The Board of Trustees of Oakwood University is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Gina Spivey-Brown, Ph.D., RN, MSA, FAAN, FNAP, FADLN, as the 12th president of Oakwood University. The announcement concludes a comprehensive and prayerful search process. Spivey-Brown will officially assume leadership on July 1, 2025, succeeding Dr. Leslie N. Pollard, who has led the institution for the past 15 years. 

Spivey-Brown, who becomes the first female president in the 129-year history of the university brings a wealth of experience in higher education, leadership, and a deep commitment to Oakwood's mission of preparing students for service through excellence in faith, scholarship, and leadership. With an impressive background in administration, academia, and ministry, Spivey-Brown is uniquely positioned to lead Oakwood University into its next chapter of growth and innovation.

"We are excited to welcome Dr. Gina Spivey-Brown to the Oakwood family," said Dr. G. Alexander Bryant, chair of the Oakwood University Board of Trustees. "She is a dynamic, spirit-filled, higher education administrative leader with an impressive record of enrollment growth and academic excellence. During this critical time in the history of this university, the board has prayed and fasted for God's direction in this selection process."

Spivey-Brown has most recently served at Howard University for the past 10 years as the dean in the College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences. With more than two decades of experience in higher education administration, she has played a pivotal role in academic program development, accreditation, and strategic leadership.

Prior to her role at Howard University, Spivey-Brown held key leadership positions at Loma Linda University and Washington Adventist University, where she spearheaded graduate and undergraduate program expansion, secured multimillion-dollar grants, and strengthened accreditation standards. As a recognized consultant and subject matter expert, she has advised institutions on program accreditation and healthcare disparities. A fellow of the American Academy of Nursing, Spivey-Brown continues to shape the future of nursing education through research, mentorship, and advocacy for diversity in healthcare. Spivey-Brown was the 2023 coveted Gold Award winner, from the Arnold P. Gold Foundation, an honor that demonstrates national recognition in medicine and healthcare.

"I am deeply humbled that God chose me to be the 12th president of Oakwood University for such a time as this," said Spivey-Brown. "I look forward to collaborating with faculty, staff, students, alumni, and stakeholders to build on Oakwood's rich history and advance its mission and vision." 

As a champion for academic excellence, diversity, and spiritual growth, Spivey-Brown is committed to strengthening Oakwood's legacy as a premier institution of higher learning, and advancing its mission of Jesus' soon coming for future generations.