Dr. Johnny M. Moore Named 13th President of Rust College

Rust College has officially named Dr. Johnny M. Moore as its 13th president, ushering in a new era of leadership at the nearly 160-year-old historically Black college located in Holly Springs, Mississippi.

A native of Arkansas and graduate and former president of Philander Smith College, Dr. Moore brings more than three decades of experience in higher education to the role. He most recently served as the Chancellor of Arkansas State University–Newport (ASUN), where he led transformative initiatives including the creation of the school’s first Honors College, the launch of intercollegiate athletics, and a $5 million federal grant to build a Health Science Center.

“It is an honor and privilege to join the Rust College family,” said Dr. Moore. “An HBCU education laid the foundation for my success in life, and I fully embrace this opportunity to contribute to the rich legacy of the state’s first and most historic HBCU. I am looking forward to carrying a vision for growth and impact for the campus and community.”

Dr. Moore’s tenure begins August 11, 2025, the first day of the fall semester.

Dr. Moore has previously served as president and CEO of Pierpont Community & Technical College in West Virginia and as president of Philander Smith University in Little Rock, Arkansas. Across these roles, he consistently prioritized enrollment growth, student retention, and institutional sustainability. According to the selection announcement from Rust College, at Pierpont, Dr. Moore increased private donations by approximately 300%, boosted retention rates by 15 percentage points, and reduced student loan default rates.

In addition to executive leadership, Dr. Moore has contributed to national discussions on student success through roles with the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), including its Advocacy Advisory Group and commissions focused on small, rural colleges and student outcomes.

His appointment follows a national presidential search that considered nearly 200 candidates.

“Through our long, distinguished history, Rust College has continued to attract and serve the next generation of Bearcats by combining innovation with beloved, time-honored traditions,” said Barkese M. Dalton, Chair of the Rust College Board of Trustees. “Dr. Moore’s respect for our past and vision for our future, along with his wealth of experience, make him uniquely equipped to lead Rust as our 13th president.”

Dr. Moore holds a Ph.D. in mathematics education from the Florida Institute of Technology, an M.S. in mathematics from Arkansas State University, and a B.S. in mathematics from Philander Smith College, where he was also a student-athlete. In 2018, he was inducted into the Philander Smith College Athletics Hall of Fame.