Livingstone College

Livingstone College is deeply saddened to confirm the death of a student on campus at approximately 5 p.m. Monday, Oct. 5, 2026. The student had been receiving treatment for a medical condition and, despite efforts to provide care, passed away. At this time, there is no evidence of foul play. Out of an abundance of caution and in keeping with appropriate institutional protocols, Livingstone College has contacted the Salisbury Police Department to support the review of the circumstances surrounding the student’s death. The College is working to support the student’s loved ones and members of our campus community who have been affected by this loss. Counseling and support resources are being made available to students, faculty and staff. We ask that the privacy of the entire Livingstone College campus community be respected during this difficult time. Additional information will be shared only as appropriate and when it has been confirmed. Livingstone College extends its deepest condolences to the student’s loved ones, friends, and all members of our Blue Bear community who are grieving this loss. A prayer vigil will be hosted for students, faculty and staff. More information will be shared with our campus community via official institutional channels.

Livingstone College Fall Convocation & Pinning Ceramony Recap SALISBURY, N.C. — On Friday, Sept. 18, 2026, the campus of Livingstone College was booming with Blue Bear energy, love, pride, faith and hope. The morning began with students, faculty, staff, alumni, and Salisbury community and city leaders marching into Varick Auditorium for the college’s Fall 2026 Convocation. The program showcased many talents and treasures, including greetings from Dr. Anthony J. Davis, president and CEO, and the College’s Board of Trustees; performances by the Livingstone College Concert and Gospel Choirs and Liberian drummers; and the first official lecture of Visiting Scholar in Residence Dr. Michael Eric Dyson, whose topics centered on Black excellence, higher education and HBCUs. The Convocation was notably special as the college formally welcomed and pinned its most historic, academically competitive class to the Blue Bear family. Five hundred and five first-year students were inducted, including 182 Anthony J. Davis Presidential Scholars. The ceremony also included the installation of Livingstone’s Student Government Association President, Andrew Foster V, and his cabinet, whose administration runs on the theme of F.A.M.I.L.Y. (Foundation, Authenticity, Motivation, Impact, Liveness, Yielding Results). Livingstonians displayed a spirit of togetherness as they passionately participated in Convocation rituals. The celebration continued at the Convocation Luncheon, where Dyson discussed his first impression of Livingstone, why he accepted the invitation to serve as a Visiting Scholar in Residence, and his plans for transforming the lives of the chosen Dyson Fellows. “Livingstone College has always felt like family,” Dyson added. “There is …

Renowned scholar, professor, author and cultural critic joins Livingstone for four-part residency exploring Black thought, faith, hip-hop, politics and democracy SALISBURY, N.C. — Livingstone College is emerging as a powerful destination for Black intellectual thought, cultural expression and academic excellence — and this fall, one of the nation’s most recognizable public intellectuals will join that movement. Renowned author, scholar, activist and cultural critic Dr. Michael Eric Dyson will join Livingstone College as a Visiting Scholar in Residence, launching a four-part residency designed to place some of the most consequential conversations shaping Black America at the center of the collegiate experience. Through a series of lectures, student engagement opportunities and academic experiences, Dyson will bring together urban education, faith, hip-hop, politics, culture and democracy — creating a dynamic intellectual space where scholarship meets lived experience and where students are challenged to examine not only the world around them, but their responsibility to shape it. Dyson’s residency will begin during Livingstone College’s Opening Convocation on Friday, September 18, at 10 a.m. in Varick Auditorium. His inaugural lecture, “Represent: The Unfinished Fight” will explore Black excellence, the enduring importance of HBCUs and the transformative power of an educated mind. The moment will carry added significance as Livingstone welcomes one of the largest and most academically competitive incoming classes in its history. The Convocation will include the College’s First-Year Pinning Ceremony, formally welcoming nearly 500 first-year and new students into a student body of approximately 1300. The academic profile of Livingstone’s student body reflects the College’s …

First-ever Follett partnership brings an elevated campus shopping experience and Livingstone merchandise to supporters everywhere SALISBURY, N.C. — Livingstone College is opening the doors to a new era of Blue Bear pride. On Tuesday, Sept. 8, at 3 p.m., the College will celebrate the grand opening and ribbon-cutting of its newly renovated bookstore and merchandising center inside the W.J. Walls Center — marking another historic first for Livingstone and a major expansion of the College’s retail experience. For the first time in Livingstone College history, students, alumni, families, fans and supporters can now shop Livingstone merchandise both on campus and online through a new partnership with Follett Higher Education, one of the nation’s leading campus retail providers. The new space transforms the traditional campus bookstore into a modern destination for Livingstone apparel, spirit wear, merchandise and more — giving the Blue Bear community an enhanced way to represent the College and stay connected to Livingstone from Salisbury to anywhere in the world. The grand opening will include a ribbon-cutting ceremony, light refreshments, and a first-look shopping experience inside the new merchandising center. “This is bigger than opening a retail space. It is about expanding the Livingstone experience,” said Adreanna Johnson, Sr. Associate Vice-president for Strategic Engagement. “Our students, alumni and supporters deserve greater access to the Livingstone brand, and this partnership gives Blue Bear pride a new platform and a much broader reach.” Follett serves more than 1,000 campuses across North America, providing campus retail, e-commerce, course materials and merchandise …

SALISBURY, N.C.  — Livingstone College is pleased to announce the promotion and appointment of Deborah Walker (’22) as Director of Alumni Engagement. This promotion reflects the College’s continued commitment to strengthening alumni engagement and fostering lifelong connections with Blue Bears around the world.  Walker previously served as Communications Specialist for Livingstone College, where she contributed to advancing the institution’s brand through strategic communications, digital storytelling, and media relations. She managed the College’s social media platforms, developed institutional communications, launched STONElight, the College’s digital newsletter, and led communications efforts for major campus initiatives, student success stories, alumni achievements, and institutional events.  Before assuming her new role, Walker built a diverse communications background spanning higher education, state government, nonprofit organizations, and statewide public engagement initiatives. Her experience in strategic communications and relationship building provides a strong foundation for leading the College’s alumni engagement efforts.  Walker is a 2022 graduate of Livingstone College, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in English before earning a Master of Science in Digital Marketing from Wake Forest University. Returning to serve her alma mater, she brings a unique perspective to strengthening connections between Livingstone College and its alumni while expanding opportunities for lifelong engagement.  As Director of Alumni Engagement, Walker will lead the College’s efforts to cultivate meaningful relationships with alumni through strategic programming, communications, volunteer engagement, and philanthropic initiatives. She will also oversee alumni outreach, support regional alumni chapters, and develop new opportunities that encourage lifelong engagement with Livingstone College and its mission.  The Office of Alumni Engagement, housed within the Division of Institutional Advancement, …

SALISBURY, N.C. — Livingstone College has experienced unprecedented enrollment growth, retention, and student success in recent years. The college signals a strong financial future with the appointment of Kizzy N. Lea as Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of Business Operations, effective August 3, 2026. Ms. Lea brings more than 25 years of executive leadership experience in finance, operations, and strategic planning within higher education and local government. Throughout her career, she has earned a reputation as a collaborative, innovative, and results-oriented leader committed to strengthening institutions through sound financial stewardship, operational excellence, and mission-focused leadership. Most recently, Ms. Lea served as Chief Operations Officer and Chief Financial Officer at Forsyth Technical Community College, where she provided executive leadership for finance, business services, information technology, facilities, campus police, emergency services, compliance, and capital projects. As a member of the President’s Cabinet and Executive Leadership Team, she guided the development and oversight of the College’s $138 million annual budget, led strategic financial planning initiatives, and partnered with institutional leaders to advance student success and organizational growth. Before joining Forsyth Tech, Ms. Lea served in executive leadership roles at Winston-Salem State University and Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, where she oversaw finance, auxiliary enterprises, budgeting, compliance, and business operations. Her professional journey also includes financial leadership positions with the City of Salisbury and Guilford College, providing her with a broad perspective on public finance, institutional governance, and operational management. In addition to her executive leadership, Ms. Lea is a dedicated educator who has taught …

SALISBURY, N.C. — Livingstone College is making history as it prepares to welcome the largest incoming freshman class in the institution’s history, marking a defining milestone in the College’s continued trajectory of growth, innovation, and academic excellence. This record-breaking class reflects the increasing number of students and families choosing Livingstone College for its exceptional educational experience, personalized learning environment, and unwavering commitment to student success. Representing communities across North Carolina and throughout the nation, the newest Blue Bears arrive at a time of unprecedented institutional momentum. “The arrival of our largest freshman class ever is a testament to the confidence students and families have placed in Livingstone College,” said Dr. Anthony J. Davis, President and CEO of Livingstone College. “Our continued enrollment growth reflects the strength of our academic programs, the dedication of our faculty and staff, and our commitment to preparing graduates who will lead with purpose, integrity, and excellence.” As the College welcomes this historic class, campus departments have worked collaboratively to enhance the student experience through expanded academic support, student engagement initiatives, residence life programming, and wellness resources designed to help every Blue Bear thrive from the moment they arrive. The Fall 2026 semester also reflects the strength of Livingstone College’s growing network of community and corporate partnerships, alumni engagement, and philanthropic support—all of which contribute to creating an environment where students are empowered to succeed both inside and outside the classroom. More than an enrollment milestone, this historic freshman class represents the continued realization of Livingstone …

Partnership brings a national nonprofit’s foster care-to-HBCU graduate mission to Salisbury, N.C. — led by a college president who lived the journey himself SALISBURY, N.C. (August 2, 2026) — Livingstone College has partnered with Move-In Day Mafia, an initiative of the 501(c)(3) nonprofit Project Dreamlight, to give students who have aged out of foster care a place that finally feels like their own. The collaboration, part of Livingstone’s HOPE Emancipation Project, provided eight students with fully furnished room makeovers, personalized care packages, and acts of encouragement designed to make one thing clear from move-in day forward: here, you are not alone. Since 2022, Move-In Day Mafia has transformed dorm rooms for 109 students across 28 HBCUs, pairing each makeover with ongoing mentorship and a community of support that lasts through graduation. Its mission — turning the foster care-to-prison pipeline into a foster care-to-HBCU graduate pipeline — is the same mission driving Livingstone’s HOPE Emancipation Project, which stands for Healing, Opportunities, Preparation, and Empowerment. For Livingstone College President and CEO Dr. Anthony J. Davis, this partnership isn’t a program he oversees — it’s a promise he’s keeping. Dr. Davis emancipated from foster care at 17, put himself through Livingstone College, and never had to rely on public assistance again. Now, as president of his alma mater, he has made supporting students like his younger self a flagship priority of the institution. “I know what it feels like to walk into a room with nothing and no one waiting for you,” said …

SALISBURY, N.C. — Livingstone College proudly recognizes and thanks the South Atlantic Region of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated for its generous support of the College’s students ahead of the Fall 2026 semester. During the South Atlantic Regional Conference held this weekend in Charlotte, North Carolina, Livingstone College Vice President for Student Affairs Rashanda Lowery accepted a donation of health and wellness kits from South Atlantic Regional Director Pamela Murphy Lewis on behalf of the College. The kits include personal hygiene essentials, healthy snacks, and messages of encouragement designed to help students begin the academic year with confidence and care. The partnership reflects a shared commitment between Livingstone College and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated to educational achievement, service, leadership, and the holistic well-being of students. Through its Five-Point Programmatic Thrust, Delta Sigma Theta advances initiatives focused on educational development, physical and mental health, economic development, international awareness and involvement, and political awareness and involvement—values that closely align with Livingstone College’s mission of developing leaders prepared to serve their communities and the world. The timing of the donation is especially meaningful as Livingstone College prepares to welcome what is projected to be one of the largest incoming freshman classes in the institution’s history; final numbers will be released at a later date. As enrollment continues to grow, partnerships with organizations committed to student success help ensure that Blue Bears arrive on campus supported not only academically, but personally and emotionally, as they begin their college journey. “We are grateful to …

SALISBURY, N.C.  — Livingstone College is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Johngerlyn Young as Vice President for Institutional Advancement.  Bringing nearly 30 years of experience in philanthropy, nonprofit leadership, and institutional advancement, Dr. Young has built a distinguished career securing multimillion-dollar philanthropic investments while leading comprehensive fundraising initiatives. Her expertise includes major gifts, planned giving, endowment development, capital campaigns, annual giving, foundation and corporate relations, donor stewardship, and board engagement.  A respected philanthropic consultant and mentor, Dr. Young is recognized for building high-performing teams, strengthening fundraising operations, advancing strategic planning, and creating the infrastructure organizations need to achieve long-term success. She has also served on executive leadership teams and led fundraising committees that support organizational growth and sustainability.  Dr. Young holds a Doctor of Business Administration with an emphasis in Organizational Management, a Master of Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership, and the prestigious Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP®) designation. She is an active member of several national professional philanthropic organizations.  In addition to her professional accomplishments, Dr. Young is an ordained elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church and has served as an international leader in Christian education, reflecting her lifelong commitment to faith, education, leadership, and service.  As Vice President for Institutional Advancement, Dr. Young will lead the College’s fundraising and advancement efforts, helping cultivate strategic partnerships and philanthropic support that strengthen Livingstone College’s mission and vision of remaining resilient, relevant, and ready.