February 3. 2025
Metropolitan College of New York proudly celebrates a historic moment: our first African American President, Dr. Charles J. Gibbs, has been named one of the
2025 Black Trailblazer by City & State New York during Black History Month.
Dr. Charles J. Gibbs is no stranger to breaking barriers. A visionary leader, he has spent his career transforming the lives of young adults at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), including his triple alma mater, Howard University. As President of The Propel Center—the first innovation hub designed for the future of HBCUs—he championed equity in education, working with institutions nationwide to deliver millions in scholarships and workforce development opportunities to justice-driven students.
As President of MCNY, Dr. Gibbs is igniting bold new initiatives that strengthen partnerships with New York City, creating opportunities that uplift individuals, empower city agencies, and revitalize our communities. His dynamic leadership and relentless commitment to innovation are elevating MCNY to new heights in higher education—meeting New York City where it lives and breathes in the heart of our people.
MCNY also congratulates MCNY alums Larry Scott Blackmon, MPA’07 and Dr. Jocelynne Rainey, MS’97.
Congratulations to all of the 2025 Trailblazers.
Read more about President Gibbs and the other Trailblazers in the latest issue of City and State New York Magazine HERE.
More about MCNY President Dr. Charles J. Gibbs
On July 1, 2024, Charles J. Gibbs, Ed.D., was appointed 7th President of Metropolitan College of New York (MCNY).
Before coming to MCNY, Dr. Gibbs was Chief Executive Officer of 100 Black Men of America, Incorporated, the country’s most prominent African American Male Mentoring organization. Before he was appointed CEO, Dr. Gibbs served as the President of the Propel Center HBCU Consortium at Clark Atlanta University, a $50 million 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 to transforming higher education and facilitating with significant 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 from Howard University. The academic foundation that fuels his genuine enthusiasm for safeguarding and advancing innovation in the field of higher education.
