Orangeburg, SC – [February 12, 2025] –After the completion of a national search led by TM² Executive Search firm, Claflin University is pleased to announce the selection of Dr. Michelle L. Mayo as its new Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. With an extensive background in higher education leadership, academic program development, and student success initiatives, Dr. Mayo brings a wealth of experience that will help advance Claflin’s academic mission and strategic goals.
Dr. Mayo joins Claflin University after serving as Associate Provost for Student Success and Dean of Undergraduate Studies at California State University – Monterey Bay (CSUMB), a Hispanic-Serving Institution known for its commitment to social mobility and academic excellence. During her tenure at CSUMB, she led the first campus-wide Student Success Retreat, secured a $200,000 grant through the National Institute for Student Success, and played a pivotal role in expanding university-wide retention and student success initiatives.
Claflin University President Dr. Dwaun J. Warmack expressed his enthusiasm about Dr. Mayo’s selection, emphasizing her impressive track record and deep commitment to higher education leadership:
“Claflin University attracted a strong pool of qualified candidates for this role, but Dr. Mayo stood out because of her myriad of experiences and her passion for advancing the academic mission of our institution. Her leadership in academic program innovation, student success, and institutional growth aligns seamlessly with Claflin’s commitment to excellence and transformation in higher education. I am excited to welcome her to the Claflin family and look forward to the impact she will have on our students, faculty, and academic programs.”
Prior to her role at CSUMB, Dr. Mayo served as Associate Provost for Academic Programs and Undergraduate Research at North Carolina Central University (NCCU), an esteemed Historically Black College and University (HBCU). At NCCU, she successfully expanded the academic portfolio, leading the development and approval of eight new degree programs, and co-chaired a major academic realignment initiative that created two new colleges to address critical workforce needs. Dr. Mayo also oversaw a $5 million budget for university libraries and managed high-impact learning experiences for students through undergraduate research and experiential learning programs.
Dr. Mayo’s commitment to academic excellence, student success, and institutional growth is further exemplified through her leadership at Harris-Stowe State University, where she served in multiple senior academic leadership roles, including Associate Provost for Academic Affairs and Dean of Graduate and Professional Studies. There, she played an integral role in securing a historic $7 million National Science Foundation grant, increasing degree program offerings by 75%, and developing dual-degree partnerships with Washington University and St. Louis College of Pharmacy.
In her new role, Dr. Mayo will oversee Claflin University’s academic affairs, faculty development, student success initiatives, and strategic academic growth. She will play a pivotal role in enhancing curriculum innovation, strengthening retention and graduation rates, and expanding research and funding opportunities.
Dr. Mayo stated, “As the new Provost of Claflin University, I am committed to fostering an academic environment where every student’s potential is nurtured, every faculty member’s passion for knowledge is supported, and our university’s legacy of excellence and innovation continues to inspire the leaders of tomorrow.
Dr. Mayo holds a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from Indiana University and has dedicated her career to fostering student-centered learning environments and strengthening institutional outcomes at HBCUs and Minority-Serving Institutions.
Dr. Warmack also acknowledged TM² Executive Search for their instrumental role in leading the national search:
“We were proud to partner with TM² Executive Search, a firm that understands the unique leadership needs of HBCUs. Their expertise, commitment to diversity, and deep network in higher education allowed us to identify a candidate who will elevate Claflin University’s academic vision and propel us into our next phase of excellence.”