About Claflin University

Founded in 1869, Claflin University shines as a Top 10 Private HBCU, and is recognized by national publications, such as U.S. News and World Report, Forbes.com and Washington Monthly, as one of America’s best liberal arts colleges. The University proudly serves the state of South Carolina, the nation, and the world. Its beautiful historic campus is home for approximately 1,900 students, from every region of the United States and more than 20 international countries.

Claflin University students demonstrate extraordinary achievement, distinctive confidence, and a lifelong desire to transform society through visionary leadership. Its academic programs prepare students to compete and succeed in a global and technological society.

Claflin University is recognized for its rich legacy of STEM graduates. Graduates are highly competitive and are recruited for employment and for graduate and professional schools.

Recent graduates have been employed at Fortune 500 companies, in the Silicon Valley and in Investment Banking. Many matriculated at research one and Ivy League institutions to pursue graduate studies. Others are graduates of nationally ranked health professions schools in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, and public health.

Vision, Mission, & Guiding Principles

Vision Statement

Claflin University will be recognized as a leading 21st Century institution of higher education that develops a diverse and inclusive community of globally engaged visionary leaders.

Mission Statement

Claflin University is a comprehensive institution of higher education affiliated with the United Methodist Church. A historically Black University founded in 1869, Claflin University is committed to providing students with access to exemplary educational opportunities in its undergraduate, graduate, and continuing education programs. Claflin University is dedicated to providing a student-centered, liberal arts education grounded in cutting-edge research, experiential learning, state-of-the art technology, community service, and life-long personal and professional fulfillment.

Claflin University is a diverse and inclusive community of students, faculty, staff, and administrators who work to cultivate practical wisdom, judgment, knowledge, skills, and character needed for globally engaged citizenship and effective leadership.

Guiding Principles

At the center of everything Claflin University do is a system of values informing and guiding all policies and programs. These values, expressed through their decisions and actions, are defined by five over-arching guiding principles:

Commitment to Excellence: Claflin University strive for excellence through creativity, innovation and efficiency that allow for optimization of resources. Commitment to Valuing People: Claflin University value people by providing a safe, wholesome, and healthy environment that fosters mutual respect, diversity, and inclusion.

Commitment to Being Student Centered: Claflin University focus on all aspects of student life including student-centered education by embedding skills and praxis that foster life-long learning and independent problem solving and also translate their needs and expectations into actions that embody exceptional service.

Commitment to Exemplary Educational Programs: Claflin University provide exemplary educational programs and an effective learning community by ensuring that they represent the highest standards of academic excellence and by continuous quality improvement.

Commitment to Fiscal Accountability: Claflin University will commit to financial accountability by promoting and fostering a culture of compliance, integrity, and fiscal responsibility throughout the University.

Motto

“As ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.”

Position:

Claflin University seeks an exceptional, visionary, and collaborative leader to serve as its next Dean of the School of Business. The Dean of the School of Business will serve as the Chief Executive Officer who will provide strategic leadership, academic direction, and administrative oversight for the School, ensuring alignment with the University’s strategic plan and mission of elevation and transformation of the next generation of visionary leaders. The Dean will advance the School’s reputation, strengthen student success and faculty achievement, and build partnerships with business, industry, and community stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and Administration

• Provide visionary leadership to the School of Business in curriculum development, academic programming, faculty recruitment, and student success initiatives.
• Oversee all academic, administrative, and operational functions of the School.
• Lead accreditation and reaccreditation efforts ( ACBSP).
• Develop and manage budgets, resource allocation, and fundraising initiatives in support of strategic goals.

Academic Excellence

• Promote excellence in teaching, research, and service among faculty and staff.
• Foster innovative and interdisciplinary academic programs that prepare students for leadership roles in business, entrepreneurship, and global commerce.
• Encourage and support faculty scholarship, professional development, and external grant acquisition.

Student Success

• Enhance student recruitment, retention, and graduation rates through effective mentoring and academic support initiatives.
• Expand experiential learning opportunities such as internships, co-ops, study abroad, and entrepreneurship programs.
• Ensure career readiness and strong employer connections for business students.

External Engagement and Partnerships

• Build and sustain strong partnerships with business and industry leaders, alumni, and community organizations.
• Act as a visible ambassador for the School of Business, advancing its profile locally, nationally, and globally.
• Pursue fundraising, grants, and philanthropic support to enhance School resources and opportunities.

Strategic Planning and Innovation

• Lead the School in developing and implementing a strategic vision aligned with Claflin University’s mission and strategic plan.
• Anticipate emerging trends in business education and position the School as a leader in innovation and entrepreneurship.
• Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of the School’s operations.

Qualifications:

• An earned doctorate in business administration, management, economics, or a closely related discipline.
• A distinguished record of teaching, scholarship, and service commensurate with appointment at the rank of full professor.
• Demonstrated leadership experience in higher education administration, including budget management, accreditation, and faculty development.
• Proven ability to foster student success, academic innovation, and faculty excellence.
• Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• A record of successful fundraising, grant acquisition, or partnership development preferred.
• Commitment to Claflin University’s mission as a historically black university and to preparing students for leadership in a diverse, global society.

Senior Management:

Dr. Michelle Mayo

Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

Dr. Michelle L. Mayo serves as the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Claflin University, bringing more than 25 years of progressive leadership in higher education, including over 15 years of dedicated service within academic affairs. A visionary and student-centered academic leader, Dr. Mayo is committed to fostering academic excellence, innovation, and student success – principles that align with Claflin University’s mission as South Carolina’s leading historically Black university.

Before joining Claflin University, Dr. Mayo held senior leadership roles at institutions across the higher education spectrum, including California State University – Monterey Bay, North Carolina Central University, Harris-Stowe State University, and Truman State University. Her leadership has spanned academic program development, student success, faculty and staff development, institutional planning, accreditation, and strategic enrollment management. She has successfully led the creation of multiple innovative degree programs, established student success initiatives like summer bridge and first-year experience programs, and secured more than $10 million in external funding for institutional priorities.

As the Chief Academic Officer at Claflin University, Dr. Mayo oversees all academic programs, initiatives and academic policies. She is also responsible for providing leadership over faculty development, student success strategies, and research initiatives, with a strategic vision to elevate curriculum innovation, retention, and graduation outcomes. She is committed to ensuring that the university maintains a rigorous, inclusive, and forward-thinking academic environment. Her commitment to shared governance, data-informed decision-making, and collaborative leadership helps advance Claflin University’s strategic goals and academic reputation.

A first-generation college graduate, Dr. Mayo earned her bachelor’s in political science and a master’s in education from Truman State University. She holds a PhD in Education Policy and Leadership Studies from Indiana University-Bloomington.

Why is this a Compelling Position?

As South Carolina’s oldest historically Black university, Claflin University fosters a proud legacy of leadership, service, and purpose – where faculty and staff are not just employees, but essential partners in shaping the future.

Claflin University offers a unique opportunity to be part of a mission-driven institution that honors its historic roots while boldly embracing progress. Here, your work contributes to a transformative educational experience – empowering students from diverse backgrounds to become global citizens, ethical leaders, and lifelong learners.

This is an exciting time to be at Claflin University and to lead the School of Business. The School of Business is deeply committed to providing a student-centered, experiential education. With dedicated faculty, a low student-to-teacher ratio, and strong performance outcomes, Claflin University prepares business students not just to enter the workforce but to lead and innovate.

Claflin University has positioned the School of Business for strategic impact through regional economic development and entrepreneurship. Through the Claflin University Economic Development Administration Center for Economic and Entrepreneurship Development, the School supports rural and underserved minority communities with technical assistance, small business support, applied research, and programs that prepare students to participate in regional and global economies.

Students in the School of Business benefit from experiential learning: internships and corporate visits beginning in the early years of undergraduate study; capstone projects; global and cultural study opportunities; and research.

The university's culture is built on mentorship, collaboration, and mutual respect, with a deep emphasis on professional development and innovation. Through these strengths, Claflin’s School of Business aims to produce graduates who are ethically grounded, globally minded, technologically fluent, and prepared to lead in business, government, nonprofits, or entrepreneurial ventures.

You will find purpose in helping students achieve personal and academic success, while also enjoying a workplace that celebrates diversity, encourages creativity, and fosters a strong sense of belonging. Whether inside the classroom, through research, or within the broader community, working at Claflin University means playing a pivotal role in creating meaningful, lasting change.

Location:

Living and working in Orangeburg, South Carolina, offers the opportunity to be part of a vibrant and welcoming community with deep educational and cultural roots. As home to institutions like Claflin University and South Carolina State University, the city fosters an environment of learning, innovation, and civic engagement.

Residents benefit from a lower cost of living, a relaxed pace of life, and access to natural beauty, such as the Edisto River and local parks, while still being within reach of larger cities like Columbia and Charleston. Orangeburg combines the charm of small-town living with meaningful career opportunities, especially in education, healthcare, and public service.

It is a place where personal and professional growth can thrive alongside community connection and quality of life.

Claflin University in the News:

September24, 2025

ImpressiveNational Rankings Validate Elevation and Transformation at ClaflinUniversity

September 9,2025

ClaflinUniversity Named Fulbright HBCU Institutional Leader by the U.S.Department of State

August 22, 2025

ClaflinUniversity Alumni Surpasses $1 Million Fundraising Goal for 2024-2025Fiscal Year

July 28,2025

ClaflinUniversity Receives Prestigious 2025 UNCF Institutional ExcellenceAward at National UNITE Summit

June 30, 2025

ThetaChapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. Establishes the Mary LouiseLayton Memorial Scholarship at Claflin University

June 25, 2025

ClaflinUniversity Athletics Department to Host Nissan of Orangeburg PAWS UPGolf Classic and Soiree

June 11, 2025

ClaflinUniversity Students Complete Machine Learning Capstone with SavannahRiver Mission Completion

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Interview Process:

ZRG provides our global Clients with a rigorous and patented assessment platform grounded in data and analytics. Our interview process includes the following:

1. Initial interviews with ZRG

2. ZRG presentation of candidates to Client for calibration and discussion; Client selects candidates for consideration and initial interviews

3. Candidates complete ZRG’s on-line assessment

4. Finalist candidates advance to second and third round interviews with broader leadership team

5. Formal referencing

6. Offer extended

About ZRG Partners:

ZRG is a global talent advisory firm that is changing the way companies hire and manage talent. ZRG’s data-driven approach to executive and professional search has been changing the way clients think about how to find top talent. The company’s digital Zi platform combines talent intelligence, candidate insights, and process improvement to dramatically deliver executive searches quicker and with proven better results.

Dakota Doman
Managing Director
ddoman@zrgpartners.com

Dakota Doman is a dynamic and visionary executive with more than 15 years of leadership experience spanning higher education administration, executive search, organizational strategy, and governmental affairs. He is a Managing Director in ZRG’s Education Practice, bringing a comprehensive perspective on leadership needs within academic institutions, especially Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

Before ZRG, Dakota was the President and Managing Principal of TM2 Executive Search, the only search firm founded to provide executive talent solutions to HBCUs, where his work focused on inclusive leadership recruitment, strategic talent pipelines, and governance transformation, contributing to successful placements in C-suite and senior academic roles across the country. Under his leadership, TM2 was nationally recognized for reshaping the executive hiring landscape for historically underserved institutions, and Dakota was featured in the February Black History Month edition of Diverse: Issues in Higher Education, a national publication spotlighting leaders advancing equity and access in higher education.

Prior to leading TM2, Dakota was unanimously appointed by the Texas Southern University (TSU) Board of Regents as the Acting Chief Executive Officer. He joined TSU initially as Chief of Staff and Chief Governmental Affairs Officer, where he spearheaded critical university initiatives including legislative engagement at municipal, state, and federal levels, Title III program development, institutional effectiveness, strategic partnerships, and transformative planning.

Across his career in higher education, Dakota has served as an executive administrator, strategist, academician, researcher, and public policy analyst. He is widely regarded for his ability to bridge the gap between institutional mission and strategic execution—especially in environments navigating complex change.

Dakota has served as an executive administrator, strategist, academician, researcher, and public policy analyst. He is widely regarded for his ability to bridge the gap between institutional mission and strategic execution, especially in environments navigating complex change.

A sought-after speaker and thought leader, Dakota has delivered over 100 national presentations on topics including:

• The future of leadership at HBCUs
• Organizational transformation in higher education
• Talent acquisition and executive search strategies
• Student success and institutional effectiveness

His insights have helped boards, presidents, and senior leaders reimagine talent and leadership frameworks that foster innovation and inclusion.

Dakota earned both his bachelor’s degree and MBA from Lamar University, followed by a Doctorate in Higher Education Administration from Texas Tech University. He also holds an Advanced Certificate in Executive Talent from Cornell University ILR School—underscoring his formal training in leadership assessment, executive search strategy, and talent development.

Outside of work, Dakota is an avid golfer and passionate snowboarder, finding both challenge and renewal in these pursuits. His balance of professional rigor and personal joy reflects his holistic approach to leadership and life.

Link to complete bio for Dakota Doman.

Jerel Booker
Principal
jbooker@zrgpartners.com

Jerel Booker is a seasoned executive specializing in talent strategy, organizational growth, and executive search, with over two decades of leadership experience across higher education, K–12, and nonprofit sectors. Most recently, he served as Associate Managing Principal and Chief Operating Officer at TM² Executive Search, where he conducted national executive searches and oversaw enterprise operations—aligning people, processes, and performance to drive organizational growth and client impact.

Previously, Jerel held senior executive roles in government, education, and nonprofit leadership, including Assistant Deputy Commissioner at the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, where he oversaw internal division operations, staffing, and institutional statutory compliance within core functions. His leadership spans core operational domains including finance, human capital, technology, contracts, marketing, and enterprise risk management.

Jerel holds a Bachelor’s in Journalism/Public Relations from the University of Texas at Austin, a Master of Science in Criminology from the University of Baltimore, and a Juris Doctorate from Howard University School of Law.

Link to complete bio for Jerel Booker.