Delaware State hires new provost

Delaware State University has appointed Dr. James Ammons as its new provost and vice president of Academic Affairs.

The university made the announcement today, following a months-long search. 

“I’m excited about the opportunity to bring Ammons into the fold of DSU,” DSU President Harry Williams said.  “We are fortunate to have an individual of such great talents and academic experience. I’m particularly enthusiastic that Ammons has the background and experience which will allow him to hit the ground running.”

The native Floridian is currently a political science professor at Florida A&M University, his alma mater.

Ammons’ career at FAMU spans 27 years. From 1995-2001, he was named provost and vice president of Academic Affairs. The tenured professor was also FAMU’s president from 2007-2012, stepping down amid a scandal over the hazing death of a drum major in 2011.

In between his FAMU tenures, Ammons led North Carolina Central University from 2001-2007 as its ninth chancellor. He left NCCU shortly after a student there falsely accused three Duke lacrosse players of rape.

During his tenure, Ammons is credited with NCCU’s enrollment reaching an all-time high, making it the fastest-growing school in the University of North Carolina system at the time.

“It’s an honor to be a part of the academic excellence that is evident at DSU,” Ammons said. “I have worked across the [historically black colleges and universities] arena and I am impressed with the magnitude of innovation and student success that is displayed at Delaware State University.”

Ammons said his number one priority at DSU is to continue to “move the needle” on retention, graduation and gainful employment for DSU graduates. “Together, we will continue to strive to be a model HBCU and a model for higher educational institutions around the world,” he said.

Ammons will replace Dr. Alton Thompson, who resigned in March. His first day on the job is July 5.