Noted as a “fierce” advocate for educational access and a catalyst for strategic transformation, Artis holds the title of serving as the first woman president of both Florida Memorial University and Benedict College. Her appointment to the presidency at Benedict in 2017 has resulted in a new sense of pride on campus, a tuition “reset,” stronger admissions requirements and notably, the college’s first master’s program in the form of an MBA. Before transitioning to higher education, Artis served as a civil law practitioner and she is a community-oriented educator and leader. She received her bachelor’s degree from West Virginia State College, a J.D. from West Virginia University College of Law and an Ed.D. in higher education leadership and policy from Vanderbilt University. Artis is a member of the President’s Advisory Board for Title III Administrators, the Educational Testing Service President’s Advisory Council, the United Negro College Fund corporate board of directors and the Council of Independent Colleges’ board of directors.
