Historic Milestone: Bunkie Native Dr. SherRhonda Gibbs Becomes Texas College's First Female President!

A Bunkie native has been named the next president of Texas College, marking a historic milestone for the institution and a proud moment for Avoyelles Parish.

Dr. SherRhonda Washington-Gibbs has been selected as the 24th president of Texas College, becoming the first woman to lead the school since its founding in 1894. She is set to begin her presidency on July 1.

A 1990 graduate of Bunkie High School, Gibbs is the daughter of Margaret Alexander-Simmons of Bunkie. Her appointment represents both a personal achievement and a significant step forward for the college, a private historically Black institution affiliated with the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church.

Gibbs currently serves as dean of the Business and Economics Division at Morehouse College in Atlanta, where she has helped raise more than $30 million to support programs in entrepreneurship, finance and professional development. She has also led initiatives focused on faculty research and innovation.

Her academic journey began at Grambling State University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science in 1994. She later received her MBA from Winona State University in Minnesota in 2001 and earned a PhD in business administration with a focus on management and entrepreneurship from Jackson State University in 2009.

Throughout her career, Gibbs has held several leadership roles in higher education, including serving as dean of the Monfort College of Business at the University of Northern Colorado. She also served as associate dean and director at the University of Southern Mississippi and held the Alvin Williams Endowed Chair of Minority Entrepreneurship.

In addition to her academic career, Gibbs has professional experience in the private sector, having worked as a software engineer with both the Mayo Clinic and IBM.

Texas College officials said her leadership comes at a pivotal time for the institution as it continues to strengthen its mission of academic excellence, faith and community impact.

For Avoyelles Parish, Gibbs’ appointment highlights the accomplishments of a local graduate reaching new heights while making history in higher education.