TM² Executive Search Retained by Lumina Foundation and Southern University to Fill Senior Roles

The executive search firm will launch a board governance excellence initiative and lead the search for a new Southern University president.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 9:04am

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A photorealistic studio still-life featuring a stack of academic books, a mortar and pestle, and a pair of eyeglasses arranged elegantly on a clean, monochromatic background, conveying themes of higher education governance and institutional transformation.A still-life tableau of academic symbols underscores the vital role of strong governance and visionary leadership in empowering Historically Black Colleges and Universities.Baton Rouge Today

TM² Executive Search, the executive search firm of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF), was recently awarded a grant from Lumina Foundation to launch an 18-month initiative focused on improving board governance at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). The firm was also recently called in by Southern University to lead the search for a new university president.

Why it matters

This initiative aims to provide HBCU boards with the data-driven insights and tools they need to make strategic decisions that strengthen their institutions. It highlights the vital role HBCU governance plays in advancing equity in higher education. The Southern University presidential search also underscores the importance of strong leadership at these institutions.

The details

The Lumina Foundation grant will fund comprehensive governance assessments at a cohort of HBCUs, producing customized recommendations and a sector-wide brief to inform broader practice. The work will be led by HBCU governance scholars Dr. Felecia Commodore and Dr. Toya Barnes-Teamer, alongside TM²'s leadership team. 'This grant allows us to do the diagnostic work the field has long needed,' said Dr. Amanda Washington Lockett, president of TM². At Southern University, TM² will lead the search for a new president after the board split from former president Dennis Shields at the end of 2025. Chancellor Orlando McMeans is currently serving as interim president, with the board aiming to have a new president in place by July 1.

  • The Lumina Foundation grant will fund an 18-month initiative.
  • The Southern University board plans to consider final presidential candidates at its May 14 meeting.
  • The Southern University board hopes to have a new president in place by July 1.

The players

Lumina Foundation

An independent, private foundation based in Indianapolis that focuses on expanding access to and success in education beyond high school.

TM² Executive Search

The executive search firm of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF), which specializes in providing talent acquisition consultation for Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Predominantly Black Institutions, and other organizations.

Dr. Harry L. Williams

President and CEO of TMCF.

Dr. Amanda Washington Lockett

President of TM² Executive Search, a dedicated scholar-practitioner with over a decade of experience in higher education and strategy development.

Southern University

A public, historically Black land-grant university located in Baton Rouge, LA, and the flagship institution of the Southern University System.

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What they’re saying

“'HBCUs have long deserved this level of targeted investment in their governance capacity. TM²'s work will generate the kind of evidence-based intelligence that empowers boards to lead with clarity and confidence. TMCF is proud to support this effort.'”

— Dr. Harry L. Williams, President and CEO of TMCF

“'This grant allows us to do the diagnostic work the field has long needed. When HBCU boards have real, institution-specific data and the right support, they are positioned to make decisions that strengthen their institutions for the long term. We are grateful to Lumina Foundation for investing in that vision.'”

— Dr. Amanda Washington Lockett, President of TM²

What’s next

The Southern University board plans to consider final presidential candidates at its May 14 meeting, with hopes of having a new president in place by July 1.

The takeaway

This initiative by TM² Executive Search and Lumina Foundation underscores the critical importance of strengthening governance and leadership at Historically Black Colleges and Universities, which play a vital role in advancing equity in higher education. The Southern University presidential search further highlights the need for strong, visionary leadership at these institutions.