Hawkins, TX (June 6, 2025) — Jarvis Christian University (JCU) is proud to announce the election of Mrs. Leketia Lenett Blair as Chair of the JCU Board of Trustees—the first woman in the institution’s 113-year history to hold this esteemed position.
Mrs. Blair’s election as Board Chair marks a significant and inspiring milestone for the University, as she will serve concurrently with Dr. Glenell M. Lee-Pruitt, the institution’s second female President and CEO. This dual leadership represents a defining moment in Jarvis Christian University’s ongoing commitment to excellence, equity, and transformative leadership.
A dedicated member of the Board for over 16 years, Mrs. Blair brings a wealth of experience in governance, finance, and strategic planning. She has contributed to multiple Board committees, including Student Affairs, Academic Affairs, Finance, Audit, Investment, and SACS Accreditation. Professionally, she serves as Vice President and Corporate Real Estate Senior Market Manager for Comerica Bank, overseeing a portfolio of more than 60 office locations across the region. She is also co-owner of Books by Blair, a bookkeeping and tax firm dedicated to serving both individuals and businesses, with a special commitment to supporting retirees.
“Mrs. Blair embodies the spirit of servant leadership,” said Dr. Lee-Pruitt. “Her longstanding dedication to Jarvis Christian University, paired with her professional expertise and unwavering faith, make her an ideal leader at this pivotal moment in our institutional journey.”
Mrs. Blair is a graduate of East Texas A & M (MBA), formerly Texas A&M University-Commerce, Dallas Baptist University (undergraduate), and the Southern Methodist University Banking School. A proud community servant, she is actively involved in United Way, March of Dimes, Big Brothers & Sisters, and Eta Beta Sorority for community service.
Her favorite scripture, Romans 8:28, reminds us that “all things work together for good,” and her guiding personal mantra—“Make the sacrifice when you can, not when you have to”—captures the spirit of intentional leadership she brings to this historic role.
Jarvis Christian University celebrates this powerful step forward and looks ahead with confidence as Mrs. Blair and Dr. Lee-Pruitt lead the institution with integrity, vision, and faith.
About Jarvis Christian University
Jarvis Christian University is a historically Black institution, affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), offering degrees at the associate, baccalaureate, and master’s levels. The mission of the University is to prepare a diverse population of lifelong learners intellectually, socially, spiritually, and personally through providing interactive services and using varied modalities of instructional delivery.
