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About
The National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame Foundation was established to sustain and grow Historically Black Colleges and Universities by recognizing distinguished graduates and supporting future generations through leadership development, scholarships, and educational programming.
Our Mission
The mission of the National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame Foundation is to serve as a catalyst and partner for ensuring the stability, strength, and excellence of the nation’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
We serve as a national steward of HBCU excellence by preserving stories, promoting best practices for institutional leadership, fostering alumni engagement, and ensuring that the impact of HBCUs continues to inspire future generations.
We recognize exceptional HBCU graduates whose accomplishments have transformed industries, advanced communities, and exemplified the enduring value of Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
Through scholarships, emergency assistance, and educational support programs, we help students overcome barriers to degree completion and achieve their academic and professional aspirations.
We cultivate the next generation of HBCU leaders through mentorship, leadership development, professional exposure, and experiences that prepare students to make meaningful contributions in their communities and careers.
Our Founder
Founder, National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame Foundation
The National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame Foundation was founded by the late Thomas W. Dortch, Jr., a visionary leader who believed deeply in the power of HBCUs to transform lives and communities. His commitment to recognizing distinguished alumni while creating opportunities for future generations established the Foundation’s enduring mission of honoring excellence, preserving legacy, and advancing educational opportunity.
For more than four decades, the National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame Foundation has celebrated achievement, expanded opportunity, and strengthened the legacy of Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
1985
The Council of National Alumni Associations (CNAA) established The National College Alumni Hall of Fame Foundation, Inc. Thomas W. Dortch, Jr., who was President of CNAA, developed the proposal for the Foundation.
The First Annual National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame Weekend was held in Atlanta, Georgia. Among the events were the Hall of Fame Dinner Induction Ceremony, HBCU Golf Invitational Tournament, and HBCU Competition of Black College Queens.
1990
Hall of Fame convened the First Annual Tennis Challenge for HBCUs.
Hall of Fame convened the First Annual Black College Alumni Leadership Summit in Hilton Head, SC.
1990s
The Foundation broadens its impact through scholarships and educational assistance programs designed to support HBCU students and promote academic achievement.
2004
Hall of Fame acquired the National Scholarship Service (NSS).
2005
The Chefs of the World: A Taste of Fame was introduced as a fundraiser to support scholarships in hospitality and culinary arts.
The First Annual Black College Competition of Black College Choirs was held.
2007
Hall of Fame introduced the Legacy Lecture Series.
2012
Hall of Fame awarded its first Legacy of Leaders Alumni Awards.
2013
Hall of Fame, in partnership with the Andrew Young Foundation, launched the Andrew Young Emerging Leaders Initiative (AYEL). The Foundation strengthens its commitment to cultivating future leaders through mentorship, professional development, and experiential learning.
2017
Hall of Fame, in partnership with the 100 Black Men of America, NAFEO, UNCF, and TGMF, launched the National Summit of Sustainability for HBCUs.
2020s
The Foundation increases investments in scholarships, leadership development, alumni engagement, and national programming while embracing innovative approaches to serving HBCU students and graduates.
Today
The Foundation continues to honor distinguished alumni while expanding investments in scholarships, leadership development, alumni engagement, and national programming. Through innovative initiatives and strategic partnerships, we preserve the legacy of HBCUs while creating new pathways of opportunity for students, graduates, and future generations of leaders.
Board of Directors
Quentin L. Roach
Chairman of the Board
Chief Procurement Officer
Estée Lauder Companies
Curley M. Dossman, Jr.
Treasurer
President
Georgia Pacific Foundation
Charles DeShazer, MD
Chief Quality and Health Advocacy Officer
Cigna Healthcare
Salvador Diaz-Verson
Chief Executive Officer
Diaz-Verson Capital Investments, Inc.
Carole A. Dortch
Chief Financial Officer
TWD, Inc.
Terika Fasakin
Senior Brand Director, Simply & Kids Juice Portfolio
The Coca-Cola Company
Laurence “Larry” O. Gray
President & CEO
Gray & Company
Quinnie Jenkins
Director of Community Engagement
Delta Air Lines
Charles Johnson
Founder, 4kira4moms
Health Equity Activist
Tarbinlam Lafon
Chief Procurement Officer
CSL
Emmanuel Lewis
President & CEO
Future Begins Now, Inc.
Eric Nettles
National HBCU Major Account Executive
Xerox Business Solution
Marsha Oliver
Senior Vice-President, Community & Inclusion
PGA TOUR
Mike Phillips
Recording Artist
Hidden Beach Records
Craig Reed
Vice President and Chief Procurement Officer
Thermo Fisher Scientific
Calvin Smyre
Executive Vice President (Retired)
Synovus Financial Corporation
Hank Stewart
Co-Founder
The Stewart Foundation
Danny White
Chief Executive Officer
SafeTouch Security, Inc.
Stoney McKnight
AYEL 2025 Fellow
Supply Chain & Operations Executive
Fort Valley State University
