Dr. Wilma Mishoe named president of Delaware State University

Dr. Wilma Mishoe
DSU President

DOVER, Delaware -- University Students, Faculty, Staff, Alumni, Community Partners & Friends:

Earlier today, the Board of Trustees voted unanimously to appoint Dr. Wilma Mishoe as the 11th President of Delaware State University, effective July 1, 2018. In so doing, we have named a dynamic leader and a four-decade veteran in higher education with deep roots at what has been, for 127 years, one of the most important institutions for access to higher education in the country.

Dr. Mishoe assumes a uniquely important role in the history of leaders at this institution. Last July, she was named the first woman to Chair the Board of Trustees, and when former President Dr. Harry Williams stepped down to become the President at Thurgood Marshall College Fund, Dr. Mishoe became the first woman to assume the role as Acting President in January. Not only had the time come for these history-setting events, but they have been rightfully coupled with her exceptional leadership: in short order, she has repositioned the focus of the institution squarely on our students, requiring that we all—trustees, faculty, and staff—look through the lens of the student in everything we do. Dr. Mishoe routinely says, “Some people may love my students just as much as me, but no one loves them more,” a point made perfectly clear in her successful advocacy for the fourth year of the Inspire Scholarship, effectively affording Delaware High School Students with a 2.75 to come to Delaware State University tuition free.

Additionally, she has made stronger communications and accountability a top priority, while leading a comprehensive review of every policy and practice at the University. This review is transparent and includes overdue discussions in facilities improvement, better customer service, student life, teaching and instruction, athletics, and budgeting and accounting. Nor has she has been shy about taking our case to the Delaware General Assembly. After years of capital appropriations falling well short of our needs, Dr. Mishoe boldly asked for $100 million dollars in State support to deal with critical deferred maintenance issues that have gone unattended for far too long.

At the Board level, we are pleased but not surprised by Dr. Mishoe’s leadership. She has dedicated her life to higher education for those too often overlooked and often marginalized, and has story after story of student achievement that in large measure can be attributed to her leadership. Whether she was Dean of Students at Delaware Technical Community College and at Wilmington College, or Acting President at Wilberforce University – the oldest privately held HBCU in the country – Dr. Mishoe has led with distinction, integrity, and care. We are fortunate to have her at the helm.

Also important to Delaware State University is Executive Vice President and Provost Dr. Tony Allen, who began his tenure with the University last August. Tony is the transformational leader we were looking for after two years without a Provost. In nine months, he has significantly strengthened the University’s academic enterprise, built unique partnerships across the State of Delaware and enhanced the profile of the University.

I am also pleased to report that the Board of Trustees has also voted on its slate of officers. I am humbled by the opportunity to serve as your Chair and to announce alumnus John Ridgeway as Vice-Chair. John along with Trustee Ms. Lois Hobbs, led the Presidential Search Committee, composed of faculty, staff, students, alumni and community partners. It’s worth noting that early in their process, the Search Committee deliberated faithfully and ultimately recognized the talent inside the University in Dr. Mishoe and Dr. Allen. They fully support today’s announcement.

Dr. Mishoe and I are now off to China for ten days to visit our partnering Universities in Ningbo and Changchun, and to begin building partnerships with many more. At Ningbo University of Technology, we will participate in the seventh graduation of Chinese students from our Accounting program. They are every bit part of Hornet Nation, and like the 700 before them will become proud Alumni of this wonderful institution of ours. Back home, Dr. Allen will be the executive in charge and when we return, we will convene all of you to share in this great news on the eve of our 25th Anniversary as a University. You will hear more about this grand celebration soon.

Thanks to each of you for all you do, everyday!

Devona E. Williams, Ph.D.