THE WALL: Tell us a little about yourself and your career background.
PRESIDENT TODD: “I’ve spent my entire 32-year career at HBCUs—I’m a product of them, and I’ll keep working at them until God tells me I can’t. I started as a residence hall assistant, worked my way through faculty and administrative roles, and even spent time as a playwright. I was at Clark Atlanta, Norfolk State, Wiley College, and then Denmark Technical College as president before coming here. I’m from Georgia—born in West Point and raised in Decatur.”
THE WALL: Why Talladega? What made you take on this leadership role?
PRESIDENT TODD: “I love a challenge, and Talladega has a rich history and some real opportunities to grow. My experience dealing with financial and administrative challenges at other HBCUs prepared me to step in here. The students immediately won me over—they’re respectful, motivated, and genuinely amazing. I saw potential to help this institution rise even further.”
THE WALL: How will you establish stability after frequent leadership changes?
PRESIDENT TODD: “I want to be part of the fabric of the college—walking around, engaging with students and staff, living on campus. Accessibility is key! I’m committed to fundraising, scholarships, and making sure students feel supported. I’m myself all the time, and when you do that, students trust you. It’s about being present, connecting genuinely, and making Talladega feel like home for everyone.”
THE WALL: What are your key goals for your tenure?
PRESIDENT TODD: “I want Talladega to be known for reimagining liberal arts education—linking our curriculum to technology, AI, cybersecurity, and real-world opportunities. Every student should have an apprenticeship or internship experience before graduating. I want stronger school spirit, an enriched honors program, to reignite our college choir, and eventually a new academic building. We should aim for enrollment growth, enhanced graduate offerings, and high-level opportunities for students in their chosen fields.”
THE WALL: Are there any departments or areas you think need strengthening?
PRESIDENT TODD: “Every department has room for growth. Housing management, faculty development, student engagement—all of it. We’re putting a focus on identity formation: helping students understand their strengths, aptitudes, and career opportunities. Every area of the college must intentionally strive to be its best version so students get the full Talladega experience.”
THE WALL: How do you plan to connect with students?
PRESIDENT TODD: “I call myself a ‘listening and learning’ president. I meet students from all walks—athletes, international students, honor students—and I want my house on campus to feel like their space too, a People’s House. Whether it’s holiday parties, small gatherings, or structured conversations, this is how I get to know students and how they get to know me. Engagement is everything.”
THE WALL: What traditions or signature programs do you want to introduce or refresh?
PRESIDENT TODD: “I would like to see a revamped freshman/welcome week and the reinstatement of meaningful rites of passage. Things like ‘Lift Every Voice’ in chapel, enhanced choir performances, and intentional Greek-life engagement. Also, big scholarship galas where students can participate, and more emphasis on academic societies and social media storytelling. Traditions matter, and I want Talladega students to feel the pride and history in every event.”
THE WALL: The Caf or BRB—which one wins?
PRESIDENT TODD: “I’d have to say the Caf—I eat there every day! Breakfast is consistently amazing. I haven’t tried the BRB yet, but I’m looking forward to sampling it soon.”
THE WALL: Homecoming or Alumni Weekend—which impacts campus spirit more?
PRESIDENT TODD: “That’s like asking if you love your mom or dad more—they’re both important. Alumni Weekend, especially graduation, is why we exist. Homecoming connects students with alumni in a fun, less formal way. Both are vital to the Talladega experience.”
THE WALL: Fried Chicken Wednesday or Fried Fish Friday?
PRESIDENT TODD: “Hands down, Fried Fish Friday. Love chicken too, but I’m a fish person.”
