Dr. Toni Sims Muhammad brings more than 30 years of exceptional leadership and innovation in higher education to the role, as she returns to Allen University after previously serving in several key academic leadership positions, including Interim Vice President and Chief Academic Officer, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs & Distance Education, and Department Chair of Social Sciences. Her previous tenure at Allen University was marked by dynamic leadership, innovation in distance education, and impactful student success initiatives.

Most recently, Dr. Muhammad served as Associate Vice President for Teaching & Learning at Howard Community College in Columbia, Maryland, where she led four academic divisions and managed a team of directors and academic support staff. During her tenure, she spearheaded a campus-wide academic realignment that resulted in over $1 million in cost savings, launched a dual enrollment pathway projected to increase enrollment by 10%, and managed an $8 million academic affairs budget. Her work directly advanced institutional efficiency, student retention, and strategic partnerships with K–12 and higher education partners.

"Dr. Muhammad’s return to Allen is a significant milestone as we continue to grow as an institution committed to innovation, academic excellence and student success," said Dr. E. McNealey, President. "Her depth of experience, especially in online learning and strategic academic planning, aligns perfectly with our vision for the future."

In her new role, Dr. Muhammad will lead Allen’s academic enterprise, overseeing curriculum development, academic accreditation, faculty advancement, and student-centered learning initiatives.