The Copiah-Lincoln Community College Board of Trustees has named Dr. Dewayne Middleton as the college’s ninth president.

Middleton is Co-Lin’s executive vice president. He will assume the role of president on July 1, following the retirement of current president Dr. Jane Hulon Sims.

“I feel extremely honored and grateful to have been selected by the board of trustees to lead this incredible institution as president,” said Middleton. “Co-Lin has been part of my life for nearly 30 years, first as a student-athlete here and then the place I was fortunate to build my career. I look forward to the opportunity to continue to strengthen our institution as we work to offer the highest quality education to our students and communities.”

Middleton’s extensive background in higher education includes student services, classroom instruction, federal programs, academics, athletics, and administration. He has served in his current role as executive vice president of the college since 2021 where he oversees all campus vice presidents and all campus operations. Prior to this promotion, he served as vice president of Co-Lin’s Simpson County Center for seven years. In previous positions at Co-Lin, Middleton was Dean of Student Services at the Simpson County Center, an academic advisor/instructor, the Upward Bound coordinator, and assistant men’s and women’s basketball coach. In addition to his experience at Co-Lin, Middleton has also served as an adjunct graduate professor at Alcorn State University.

He holds an associate degree from Co-Lin where he was a student-athlete for the Wolf Pack Men’s Basketball team, a bachelor’s degree from the University of Southern Mississippi in coaching and sports administration, a master’s degree from Alcorn State University in secondary education, and a doctorate from Mississippi State University in community college leadership.

During his professional career, he has received numerous awards, certificates, and appointments. In addition to being named Who’s Who Among Executives and Professionals, he has received Co-Lin’s High Performance Award, Outstanding Co-Lin Faculty/Staff Member, the NISOD Excellence Award, and was named an Emerging Leader of Mississippi. He has completed the Mississippi State University Education Policy Fellowship Program, Mississippi Community College Leadership Academy, and Mississippi Development Authority Aspire Program.

Middleton serves on the Southern Association of Colleges & Schools (SACSCOC) Substantive Change Committee Review Team, the SACSCOC On-Site Committee Review Team, and the Mississippi Community College Board Review Team for OCR & ADA Compliance. He is a member of the Mississippi ACT Council, Southeastern Association of Collegiate Registrars and Academic Officers, Mississippi Association of Community & Junior Colleges Student Affairs Association, Mississippi Scholars Steering Committee, Simpson County Leadership, Omega Psi Pi Fraternity Incorporated, and Simpson County Tourism Council.

He is also very active in his community as he serves on the Five County Head Start Board of Directors, Magee Hospital HealthTrust Board of Directors, Peoples Bank CDFI Advisory Board, Simpson County Economic Development Board of Directors, Southern Pine Electric Power Advisory Board, Simpson General Hospital Board of Directors, and is a volunteer coach for city baseball, football, and upward basketball.

He is married to Sirkersia (Tan) Middleton and they have two daughters, Mikaylin and Soumya, and a son, Kendal. They attend St. John Church of God in Christ.