Office of the President | Tougaloo College
Source: https://www.tougaloo.edu/about-tougaloo-college/office-president
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:09
Office of the President | Tougaloo College
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Office of the President
Office of the President
Presidential Welcome
Meet the President
Governance
Staff
Contact Us
Quick Links
Presidential Welcome
Meet the President
Governance
Staff
Contact Us
Presidential Welcome
Welcome to Tougaloo College, where we continue to build upon our rich legacy of academic excellence, social justice, and community engagement. As we advance our mission to educate tomorrow's leaders, we remain committed to providing transformative educational experiences that prepare our students to make meaningful contributions to society.
Portrait of Dr. Donzell Lee
Dr. Donzell Lee
President of Tougaloo College
Dr. Donzell Lee became President of Tougaloo College on July 1, 2023. An accomplished educator and administrator, he brings more than four decades of leadership in honors education, graduate studies, and academic affairs—including service as Director of Honors, Dean of Graduate Studies, Provost and Executive Vice President, and Interim President—where he advanced program growth, accreditation milestones, and graduate opportunities.
On July 1, 2023, the Tougaloo College Board of Trustees named accomplished educator and administrator Dr. Donzell Lee as President. Dr. Lee has a proven track record of achievement in higher education leadership.
In July 2020, Dr. Lee completed 46 years of work in higher education at Alcorn State University. His career began as an instructor in music in the Department of Fine Arts, teaching courses in music education, music history and literature, and piano. As a performer, he presented frequent musical offerings as a soloist and accompanist, serving as an adjudicator and guest artist for piano competitions. In 2001, he became the department’s chairman, overseeing the successful reaffirmation of accreditation by NASM.
In 1984, Dr. Lee became the Director of the Honors Curriculum Program. Under his leadership, the program grew from 25 to 250 students. He engaged students in honors core courses, colloquia, seminars, and honors-enhanced courses, serving on the governing boards of SRHC, NCHC, and the National Association of African American Honors Programs—eventually as president of each.
In 2006, Dr. Lee became the Dean of Graduate Studies at Alcorn State University, leading the transition to a digitally driven office and expanding assistantships through U.S. Department of Education grants.
In 2015, as Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, he guided degree expansion and realignment, including transforming Social Work into a CSWE-accredited department. In 2018, he served as Interim President, breaking ground on major facilities and securing initial approvals for the university’s first doctoral degree (DNP) by IHL and SACS.
Governance & Leadership
Tougaloo College operates under a collaborative governance structure that ensures strategic leadership, academic excellence, and institutional accountability.
Board of Trustees
Our distinguished Board provides strategic oversight and governance, ensuring Tougaloo's mission and vision guide institutional decision-making and long-term planning.
View Board Members
President's Cabinet
Senior administrative leaders who collaborate directly with the President to execute the college's strategic initiatives and ensure operational excellence across all divisions.
Meet the Cabinet
Strategic Plan
Our comprehensive roadmap outlining Tougaloo's vision, goals, and strategic priorities for institutional growth, academic excellence, and community impact.
View Strategic Plan
Office Staff
The President's Office team provides executive support and ensures effective communication and operations across the institution.
Dr. Donzell Lee
President
(601)977-7732
president@tougaloo.edu
Chief of Staff
LB
Latona Banks
Executive Assistant to the President
(601) 977-7732
lrbanks@tougaloo.edu
TK
Tonie Knott
Administrative Assistant
(601) 977-7730
aknott@tougaloo.edu
Contact Information
The Office of the President is available to support students, faculty, staff, alumni, and partners. For mail and in-person visits, please use the details provided. Phone and fax lines are monitored during regular business hours.
In-person visits:
Check in at the Blackmon Building, 2nd Floor.
Office of the President
Tougaloo College
Office of the President
500 West County Line Road
Tougaloo, MS 39174
Blackmon Building, 2nd Floor
(601) 977-7730
(601) 977-7739
Leadership for Tomorrow
Under this leadership, Tougaloo College continues to advance its mission of academic excellence and social justice. Connect with our office to learn more about our vision for the future.
Contact the Office
About Tougaloo
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Skip to main content
Office of the President
Office of the President
Presidential Welcome
Meet the President
Governance
Staff
Contact Us
Quick Links
Presidential Welcome
Meet the President
Governance
Staff
Contact Us
Presidential Welcome
Welcome to Tougaloo College, where we continue to build upon our rich legacy of academic excellence, social justice, and community engagement. As we advance our mission to educate tomorrow's leaders, we remain committed to providing transformative educational experiences that prepare our students to make meaningful contributions to society.
Portrait of Dr. Donzell Lee
Dr. Donzell Lee
President of Tougaloo College
Dr. Donzell Lee became President of Tougaloo College on July 1, 2023. An accomplished educator and administrator, he brings more than four decades of leadership in honors education, graduate studies, and academic affairs—including service as Director of Honors, Dean of Graduate Studies, Provost and Executive Vice President, and Interim President—where he advanced program growth, accreditation milestones, and graduate opportunities.
On July 1, 2023, the Tougaloo College Board of Trustees named accomplished educator and administrator Dr. Donzell Lee as President. Dr. Lee has a proven track record of achievement in higher education leadership.
In July 2020, Dr. Lee completed 46 years of work in higher education at Alcorn State University. His career began as an instructor in music in the Department of Fine Arts, teaching courses in music education, music history and literature, and piano. As a performer, he presented frequent musical offerings as a soloist and accompanist, serving as an adjudicator and guest artist for piano competitions. In 2001, he became the department’s chairman, overseeing the successful reaffirmation of accreditation by NASM.
In 1984, Dr. Lee became the Director of the Honors Curriculum Program. Under his leadership, the program grew from 25 to 250 students. He engaged students in honors core courses, colloquia, seminars, and honors-enhanced courses, serving on the governing boards of SRHC, NCHC, and the National Association of African American Honors Programs—eventually as president of each.
In 2006, Dr. Lee became the Dean of Graduate Studies at Alcorn State University, leading the transition to a digitally driven office and expanding assistantships through U.S. Department of Education grants.
In 2015, as Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, he guided degree expansion and realignment, including transforming Social Work into a CSWE-accredited department. In 2018, he served as Interim President, breaking ground on major facilities and securing initial approvals for the university’s first doctoral degree (DNP) by IHL and SACS.
Governance & Leadership
Tougaloo College operates under a collaborative governance structure that ensures strategic leadership, academic excellence, and institutional accountability.
Board of Trustees
Our distinguished Board provides strategic oversight and governance, ensuring Tougaloo's mission and vision guide institutional decision-making and long-term planning.
View Board Members
President's Cabinet
Senior administrative leaders who collaborate directly with the President to execute the college's strategic initiatives and ensure operational excellence across all divisions.
Meet the Cabinet
Strategic Plan
Our comprehensive roadmap outlining Tougaloo's vision, goals, and strategic priorities for institutional growth, academic excellence, and community impact.
View Strategic Plan
Office Staff
The President's Office team provides executive support and ensures effective communication and operations across the institution.
Dr. Donzell Lee
President
(601)977-7732
president@tougaloo.edu
Chief of Staff
LB
Latona Banks
Executive Assistant to the President
(601) 977-7732
lrbanks@tougaloo.edu
TK
Tonie Knott
Administrative Assistant
(601) 977-7730
aknott@tougaloo.edu
Contact Information
The Office of the President is available to support students, faculty, staff, alumni, and partners. For mail and in-person visits, please use the details provided. Phone and fax lines are monitored during regular business hours.
In-person visits:
Check in at the Blackmon Building, 2nd Floor.
Office of the President
Tougaloo College
Office of the President
500 West County Line Road
Tougaloo, MS 39174
Blackmon Building, 2nd Floor
(601) 977-7730
(601) 977-7739
Leadership for Tomorrow
Under this leadership, Tougaloo College continues to advance its mission of academic excellence and social justice. Connect with our office to learn more about our vision for the future.
Contact the Office
About Tougaloo
Accessibility Tools
Text Size
Text Spacing
Visual Modes
Reset
Font Size: 100% | Line Height: 1.5 | Letter Spacing: 0px