Joy Black

Dr. L. Joy Gates Black served as the president of Delaware County Community College from July 1, 2017, to June 30, 2023.12 She was the College's first African American and first female president.1 Dr. Gates Black holds a Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership from Pepperdine University and is a U.S. Air Force veteran.4

During her tenure, Dr. Gates Black made significant contributions to the College:

1. Established the College's first Office for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion1
2. Launched the Dialogues for Diversity series1
3. Led the College to become a Center of Excellence for Domestic Maritime Workforce Training and Education1

Dr. Gates Black received several awards, including:

• Athena Leadership Award from the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce (2020)1
• Women in Leadership Award from the Main Line Chamber of Commerce (2020)1
• Pacesetter of the Year by the National Council for Marketing & Public Relations District 1 (2021)1

Prior to her role at Delaware County Community College, Dr. Gates Black served as vice chancellor for Academic Affairs and Student Success at Tarrant County College District in Fort Worth, Texas.2 She retired on June 30, 2023, after six years of service to the College.3