AAMU President Recognized for Transformational Leadership and Impact
Wims Named Among the Ten Most Dominant HBCU Leaders of 2025
The HBCU Campaign Fund (HCF) has recognized Alabama A&M University President, Dr. Daniel K. Wims, as one of The Ten Most Dominant HBCU Leaders of 2025, an honor celebrating exemplary leadership in Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Wims joins a group of honorees in this distinguished recognition of leaders who are driving transformative progress in higher education.
The Ten Most Dominant HBCU Leaders Award & Class is a national honor created by the HBCU Campaign Fund that identifies ten chancellors and presidents, and as of 2024, sports-affiliated individuals, serving in roles at Historically Black College and Universities (HBCUs), or Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) who demonstrate impactful leadership roles and embody the qualities required to fulfill key responsibilities and drive the advancement of an institution or organization.
Wims assumed the presidency in 2022 after serving as Provost and Vice President of Research and Sponsored Programs for twelve years. Under his leadership, Alabama A&M University has been able to strategically maneuver through the challenges of today’s higher education landscape.
With Wims at the helm, Alabama A&M has experienced incredible growth with a record-setting enrollment of 7,295 students for the fall 2024 semester. This remarkable increase represents a significant 10.3% overall growth, and marks the second consecutive year of record growth. Wims’ leadership also witnessed the launch of new degree programs, the construction of new campus buildings, and the receipt of substantial financial gifts to the University, including a $1.2 million endowment from the John Stallworth Foundation to provide tuition assistance for academically gifted students.
In June, the Board of Trustees unanimously voted to extend the contract for Dr. Wims through 2030.
Prior to joining Alabama A&M University, Wims served in leadership roles at Fort Valley State University, South Carolina State University, Florida A&M University, Alcorn State University, and Southern University.
Wims received his Bachelor of Science in Agronomy from Fort Valley State University, a Master of Science in Agricultural Extension Education from The Ohio State University, and a Doctor of Philosophy degree from the University of Maryland – College Park. He is a graduate of Harvard University’s Management and Leadership in Education, the American Association of State Colleges and Universities Millennium Program and Hampton University’s Executive Leadership Development Program. Wims has also completed a continuing education program at the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, Georgia.
The honorees will be fully announced as The Ten Most Dominant HBCU Leaders of 2025 and Eighth Class in early 2025.