New York, NY – June 13, 2024 – Metropolitan College of New York (MCNY) proudly announces the appointment of Dr. Charles J. Gibbs as its seventh President, effective July 1, 2024. Following an extensive national search, the Board of Trustees selected Dr. Gibbs for his exceptional leadership skills, visionary outlook and unwavering commitment to the values and mission of the institution.
“Dr. Gibbs exemplifies visionary leadership, with vast experience and a deep commitment to higher education, making him the perfect choice to steer MCNY into a new phase of growth and innovation,” said Gary P. Jenkins, MCNY Board Chair. “His appointment as the College’s first African American leader marks a significant milestone and underscores our dedication to diversity, equity and inclusion. We are confident that under his guidance, MCNY will reach new heights as we adapt and thrive in the ever-evolving landscape of higher education.”
Dr. Gibbs brings a wealth of experience in higher education administration, spanning over 25 years. His previous roles include Vice President for University Affairs and Chief of Staff and President of the Propel Center HBCU Consortium at Clark Atlanta University, Dean and Vice President for Student Affairs and Vice President for Institutional Advancement at Miles College in Alabama and Vice Provost at Howard University from which he holds three degrees (Ed.D., M.Ed., in Education Administration and Policy and BBA in Marketing) and has been a prominent figure in policy, accreditation, legislation, strategic partnerships and fundraising throughout his career.
Most recently, Dr. Gibbs served as the Chief Executive Officer of 100 Black Men of America, Inc., where he expanded the organization’s impact in mentoring African American youth nationwide.
In his new role at MCNY, Dr. Gibbs will lead the 60-year-old institution into a new era of growth and innovation, focusing on academic excellence, inclusive communities and student success.
Dr. Charles J. Gibbs highlighted his vision for MCNY’s future, saying, “My career has been dedicated to advancing institutions that prioritize both academic excellence and social responsibility. At MCNY, I see an incredible opportunity to build on the foundation laid down by my predecessors. I am excited to leverage my experience to lead MCNY into a future of growth and innovation. Together, we will create an environment where every student can achieve their highest potential and contribute meaningfully to society.”
On behalf of the College, Jenkins expressed gratitude to the search committee, co-chairs Dr. Darlene Williams and Melanie Schnoll Begun, AGB Search, Matt Kilcoyne, Dr. Carlton Brown, the entire MCNY community for their participation and support throughout the selection process and to President Emerita, Dr. Joanne Passaro, first for her leadership and secondly, for leaving the College armed with a vision for a great future.
Please join MCNY in welcoming Dr. Charles J. Gibbs as the new President. Together, the MCNY community looks forward to achieving new heights under his leadership.
MCNY Press Contact: Tina Georgiou, tgeorgiou@mcny.edu 212-343-1234 ext. 2626
Short Bio: Dr. Charles J Gibbs
Charles J. Gibbs, Ed.D. is the immediate past Chief Executive Officer of 100 Black Men of America, Incorporated, the largest African American Male Mentoring organization in the country. Prior to his appointment as CEO, Dr. Gibbs served as the President of the Propel Center HBCU Consortium at Clark Atlanta University, a $50 million-dollar initiative supported by Apple Inc. and the Southern Company to expand the higher education black talent pipeline in the fields of Health, Social Justice, Arts and Entertainment, Agriculture and Technology.
Dr. Gibbs, one of the foremost executives in higher education, previously served as Vice President for University Affairs and Chief of Staff at Clark Atlanta University, Dean and Vice President for Student Affairs and Vice President for Institutional Advancement at Miles College and Vice Provost at Howard University.
Widely known as an expert in policy, accreditation, legislation, strategic partnership development, and fundraising, Dr. Gibbs is a visionary leader who has dedicated his career transforming higher education and facilitating with great success fundraising initiatives for institutions of higher learning, especially Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU’s).
Dr. Gibbs has built a stellar 25-year track record of accomplishments in higher education administration through his various leadership roles that have experienced a renaissance in enrollment, academic programs, and research initiatives. His strategic vision and proactive approach to fundraising have resulted in record-breaking levels of financial support for the university’s academic programs and faculty development, allowing for the expansion of leading-edge facilities, enhanced student scholarships, and greater opportunities for career pathway exploration for students.
Dr. Gibbs’ commitment to student success and community engagement is evident in his hands-on approach to leadership. He is known for his open-door policy, regularly meeting with students, faculty, and staff to listen to their ideas and concerns. This collaborative spirit has fostered a strong sense of unity and pride within the university communities he has served.
In addition to his higher education work, Dr. Gibbs is actively involved in various national organizations focused on higher education and philanthropy. He is a sought-after speaker and mentor, sharing his insights and expertise with the next generation of leaders.
Overall, Dr. Gibbs’ impact as a transformative leader and fundraiser cannot be overstated. His unwavering dedication to excellence and his innovative approach to challenges have positioned him as a beacon of progress and opportunity in the world of higher education.
Dr. Gibbs is the proud earner of a bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degree from Howard University. The academic foundation that fuels his genuine enthusiasm for safeguarding and advancing innovation in the field of higher education.
About Metropolitan College of New York
Audrey Cohen, an educational visionary and activist, founded the Women’s Talent Corps in 1964. The Talent Corps created employment for thousands of people through development and training for new professional positions. It became The College for Human Services, later Audrey Cohen College, and today Metropolitan College of New York (MCNY). For almost 60 years, MCNY has continued the tradition of offering highly motivated learners an education that combines applied skills with professional knowledge to affect personal transformation and positive change in the workplace and community. MCNY is a non-profit, accredited, private college. Year-round offerings accelerate degree completion, and a unique approach to learning permits close integration of workplace activities and study. MCNY locations are in the Financial District at 60 West Street, New York, NY 10006 and in the Bronx at 463 East 149th Street, Bronx, NY 10455. For more information visit mcny.edu or call 212-343-1234.
