Denmark, SC–Voorhees University proudly announces that its 10th President, Dr. Ronnie Hopkins, has been named one of The Ten Most Dominant HBCU Leaders of 2025 by the HBCU Campaign Fund (HCF). This prestigious honor recognizes Dr. Hopkins’ exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to higher education, placing him among an esteemed group of chancellors, presidents, and sports-affiliated leaders who are making a profound impact on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs).
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HCF Founder, President, and CEO Demetrius Johnson, Jr. recently announced Dr. Hopkins as the ninth honoree of the eighth class, joining distinguished leaders such as Dr. Charles McClelland (Southwestern Athletic Conference), Dr. Phyllis Worthy Dawkins (Bennett College/Clark Atlanta University), Dr. Cynthia Anthony (Lawson State Community College), Olivier Charles (Bishop State Community College), Dr. Glenda Glover (Tennessee State University), Dr. LaTonia Collins Smith (Harris-Stowe State University), Ericke S. Cage (West Virginia State University), and Dr. Daniel K. Wims (Alabama A&M University), along with one additional honoree.
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“It is such a delight and pleasure to name Dr. Ronnie Hopkins as the next honoree to join the esteemed eighth class of The Ten Most Dominant HBCU Leaders of 2025,” said Johnson. “Dr. Hopkins’ wealth of experience follows in the footsteps of Voorhees’ founder, Elizabeth Evelyn Wright, whose legacy I admire immensely. Under Dr. Hopkins’ leadership, Voorhees University has made monumental strides and accelerated its progress to new heights. I commend the transformative work happening at VU and look forward to witnessing even greater academic excellence in the future.”
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Dr. Hopkins assumed the presidency of Voorhees University in 2021 after serving as interim president. His leadership has propelled the institution forward, with significant milestones including the transition from Voorhees College to Voorhees University in honor of its 125th anniversary, a historic partnership with Midlands Technical College facilitating seamless student transfers, and the establishment of an Education Center on campus. His tenure also saw the launch of a new university website, the installation of a statue of founder Elizabeth Evelyn Wright, and the approval of Voorhees University’s first doctoral program, the Doctor of Education in Leadership, by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
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In January 2024, under Dr. Hopkins’ leadership, Voorhees University secured a $1.96 million grant from the Department of Education’s Rural Postsecondary Economic Development Grant Program to enhance college transition support for students from rural communities.
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Dr. Hopkins’ distinguished career in academia spans multiple leadership roles, including Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Voorhees University, as well as various deanships and professorships at Benedict College, Claflin University, and Allen University. He holds a Doctor of Philosophy and a Master of Arts in English from Michigan State University, with additional postdoctoral studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
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“I am deeply honored to be recognized among such esteemed leaders in the HBCU community,” said Dr. Hopkins. “This recognition is a testament to the incredible work being done at Voorhees University and the dedication of our faculty, staff, and students. Together, we are building a future of academic excellence and innovation that continues to uplift and empower our institution and the communities we serve.”
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The official announcement of The Ten Most Dominant HBCU Leaders of 2025 and the complete eighth class will be made in early 2025.
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About the HBCU Campaign Fund
Founded in 2012, the HBCU Campaign Fund (HCF) is one of the nation’s leading minority educational organizations, advocating for students and higher education. HCF’s mission is to support and raise funds for scholarships, programs, and initiatives benefiting private and public HBCUs and MSIs. For more information, visit www.hbcucampaignfund.org.
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Voorhees University President Dr. Ronnie Hopkins Named One of The Ten Most Dominant HBCU Leaders of 2025
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About Voorhees University: Founded in 1897 by Elizabeth Evelyn Wright, Voorhees University is a private, coeducational institution affiliated with the Episcopal Church and the United Negro College Fund. Driven by a mission to cultivate well-rounded graduates who integrate intellect and faith, the university emphasizes lifelong learning, healthy living, societal betterment, and a strong belief in God. Voorhees University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral degrees. More details are available at the Voorhees website (www.voorhees.edu). Questions about the accreditation of Voorhees University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org)
