TM² Executive Search Recruits Provost for Claflin University
February 14, 2025 – After the completion of a national search led by TM² Executive Search (TM²), a subsidiary of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, has assisted in the recruitment of Michelle L. Mayo as provost and vice president for academic affairs of Claflin University in Orangeburg, SC. The search was by TM² Executive Search’s managing principal, Dakota Doman, principal, Amanda Washington Lockett, and associate principal, Jessica Horton. “We were proud to partner with TM² Executive Search, a firm that understands the unique leadership needs of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs),” said Dwaun J. Warmack, president of Claflin University. “Their expertise, commitment to diversity, and deep network in higher education allowed us to identify a candidate who will elevate Claflin University’s academic vision and propel us into our next phase of excellence.”
“Claflin University attracted a strong pool of qualified candidates for this role, but Dr. Mayo stood out because of her myriad of experiences and her passion for advancing the academic mission of our institution,” Dr. Warmack said. “Her leadership in academic program innovation, student success, and institutional growth aligns seamlessly with Claflin’s commitment to excellence and transformation in higher education. I am excited to welcome her to the Claflin family and look forward to the impact she will have on our students, faculty, and academic programs.”
With an extensive background in higher education leadership, academic program development, and student success initiatives, Dr. Mayo brings a wealth of experience that will help advance Claflin’s academic mission and strategic goals. She joins Claflin University after serving as associate provost for student success and dean of undergraduate studies at California State University – Monterey Bay (CSUMB), a Hispanic-Serving Institution known for its commitment to social mobility and academic excellence. During her tenure at CSUMB, she led the first campus-wide Student Success Retreat, secured a $200,000 grant through the National Institute for Student Success, and played a pivotal role in expanding university-wide retention and student success initiatives.
Prior to her role at CSUMB, Dr. Mayo served as associate provost for academic programs and undergraduate research at North Carolina Central University (NCCU), an esteemed Historically Black College and University (HBCU). At NCCU, she successfully expanded the academic portfolio, leading the development and approval of eight new degree programs, and co-chaired a major academic realignment initiative that created two new colleges to address critical workforce needs. Dr. Mayo also oversaw a $5 million budget for university libraries and managed high-impact learning experiences for students through undergraduate research and experiential learning programs.
In her new role, Dr. Mayo will oversee Claflin University’s academic affairs, faculty development, student success initiatives, and strategic academic growth. She will play a pivotal role in enhancing curriculum innovation, strengthening retention and graduation rates, and expanding research and funding opportunities.
“As the new provost of Claflin University, I am committed to fostering an academic environment where every student’s potential is nurtured, every faculty member’s passion for knowledge is supported, and our university’s legacy of excellence and innovation continues to inspire the leaders of tomorrow,” Dr. Mayo said.
Claflin University is a private historically black university. Founded in 1869 after the American Civil War by northern missionaries for the education of freedmen and their children, it offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
Serving Historically Black Colleges and Universities
TM² Executive Search specializes in providing exemplary executive talent acquisition consultation for Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Predominantly Black Institutions (PBIs), and other organizations looking to attract highly qualified, motivated, accomplished diverse candidates at all levels of the administration. The firm focuses on filling C-suite leadership positions, including presidents, chancellors and their cabinet-level direct reports, and board directorships.
In 2016, four former black college presidents launched TM² Executive Search. The firm is the brainchild of former black college presidents John Garland (former president of Central State University); Sidney Ribeau (former president of Howard University); Wayne Watson (president emeritus of Chicago State University); and Dorothy Cowser Yancy (president emerita of Johnson C. Smith University & Shaw University).
Dr. Doman has over 15 years of executive higher education experience at Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Hispanic Serving Institutions, and Predominantly White Institutions at various Research Carnegie Classifications. He has served as an executive administrator, academician, strategist, policy analyst, governmental relations liaison, and researcher. Dr. Doman has presented over 75 presentations across the country on various higher education topics related to HBCUs, organizational leadership and change management, talent acquisition, and student success.
Related: TM² Executive Search Fills Senior Position for Benedict College
Dr. Doman has served as a consultant, chair, or search advocate for over 50 executive searches in higher education throughout his career. He has coordinated executive searches at all levels of administration including president, provost, CFO, CTO, and chief student success/enrollment officer. He has considerable search experience in governance and policy organizations for State Higher Education Executive Officer (SHEEO) agencies such as the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board where he completed five executive searches.
Dr. Washington Lockett recently joined TM² as principal and senior consultant. She is a dedicated scholar-practitioner with over a decade of experience in higher education and strategy development. Dr. Washington Lockett’s research and practice focus on innovations in higher education, transformative leadership and institutional sustainability. She has served as a strategic advisor to the presidents of two Minority Serving Institutions and most recently served as a Strategist for the Institute for Capacity Building (ICB) at the United Negro College Fund (UNCF). In this role, she developed strategic priorities and initiatives that improved the sustainability and institutional outcomes of HBCUs.
Ms. Horton is an associate principal and search consultant. She brings extensive experience in higher education, having worked in Ohio, Louisiana, Wisconsin, and Florida. Her career spans roles in advancement and student affairs, where she excels in identifying overlooked perspectives and translating them into organizational strategies. During her tenure in education, Ms. Horton a leveraged her network to create learning opportunities for students, staff, and faculty. Prior to TM², she recruited for boutique search firms specializing in private and public sector executive placements.
Related: TM² Executive Search Fills Senior Position for Benedict College
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
