Livingstone College

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. 

SALISBURY, N.C.  — Livingstone College is pleased to announce the appointment of Rashanda L. Lowery, J.D. as Vice President of Student Affairs. Bringing more than 20 years of progressive leadership experience in higher education, Lowery joins the College with a distinguished record of advancing student success, strengthening campus operations, and fostering inclusive learning environments.  As Vice President of Student Affairs, Lowery will provide strategic leadership for the College’s student affairs division, overseeing initiatives that enhance the student experience, promote engagement, support student well-being, and strengthen campus life. She will work collaboratively with faculty, staff, and campus partners to advance programs and services that contribute to student success and institutional excellence.  Most recently, Lowery served as Executive Director of Student Activities and Campus Involvement at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, where she led strategic planning, risk management, and large-scale campus initiatives designed to enhance student engagement, campus safety, and the university’s institutional reputation. A trusted advisor to senior leadership, she has extensive experience in governance, compliance, policy development, and cross-divisional collaboration. Throughout her career, she has successfully overseen multimillion-dollar budgets, managed high-profile institutional initiatives, and aligned operational priorities with broader strategic goals.  Prior to her current role, Lowery spent more than a decade in the Office of General Counsel at North Carolina A&T, where she directed administrative operations, supported executive and Board-level decision-making, and led investigations related to Title IX, campus safety, and organizational compliance. Her collaborative leadership style, sound judgment, and commitment to student-centered excellence have made her …

*** Editor’s Note (July 12, 2026) *** Reports claiming that Livingstone College student-athlete Gabriella Muñoz passed away on campus are false. Gabriella passed away while in Texas, away from campus. Out of respect for her family and our campus community, we ask that inaccurate information and speculation cease. Our thoughts and prayers remain with Gabriella’s loved ones as we honor her life and legacy. SALISBURY, N.C. (July 10, 2026) – It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that Livingstone College shares the passing of our beloved student-athlete, Gabriella Muñoz, a rising junior from Katy, Texas, and a cherished member of the Blue Bear softball family. Gabriella represented the very best of Livingstone College. As No. 55 on the Blue Bear softball team, she embraced her role as a versatile utility player with determination, resilience, and an unwavering team-first mentality. While her athletic abilities made her a valuable competitor, it was her bubbly personality, gentle spirit, and genuine kindness that truly distinguished her. Her infectious smile, positive outlook, and caring heart brought light to every room she entered and left a lasting impression on teammates, coaches, classmates, faculty, staff, and friends. Beyond the softball field, Gabriella exemplified the highest standards of academic excellence. She earned Dean’s List honors during both semesters of the 2025–2026 academic year, achieving a 4.0 GPA each semester while maintaining an impressive 3.75 cumulative GPA. Her academic success was further recognized through her selection as a Livingstone College Board of Trustees Scholarship recipient. Gabriella embodied the …

By Steven Gaither – HBCU Gameday HBCU looking to offer foster care students HOPE (and money) Livingstone College is using its HBCU mission to target students aging out of foster care with a program built to remove barriers to higher education. The Salisbury, North Carolina-based institution is doing that through the H.O.P.E. Emancipation Project. The initiative offers a full support system for foster care youth who want to attend college but may lack the financial, emotional or family support that many students depend on. Qualified students can receive an investment of up to $35,000. That support can cover tuition, on-campus housing, a meal plan and coordinated mental health services. Students are also paired with a dedicated success coach. That last piece is especially important. The transition from foster care to adulthood can be difficult. The transition to college can be even harder. Livingstone College is trying to make sure those students do not have to navigate either journey alone. Click here to read the full story.