Where Ambition Becomes Excellence.

Before joining Claflin, Dr. Mayo held senior leadership roles at institutions across the higher education spectrum, including California State University – Monterey Bay, North Carolina Central University, Harris-Stowe State University and Truman State University. Her leadership has spanned academic program development, student success, faculty and staff development, institutional planning, accreditation, and strategic enrollment management. She has successfully led the creation of multiple innovative degree programs, established student success initiatives like summer bridge and first-year experience programs, and secured more than $10 million in external funding for institutional priorities.

As the Chief Academic Officer at Claflin University, Dr. Mayo oversees all academic programs, initiatives and academic policies. She is also responsible for providing leadership over faculty development, student success strategies, and research initiatives, with a strategic vision to elevate curriculum innovation, retention, and graduation outcomes. She is committed to ensuring that the university maintains a rigorous, inclusive, and forward-thinking academic environment. Her commitment to shared governance, data-informed decision-making, and collaborative leadership helps advance Claflin’s strategic goals and academic reputation.

A first-generation college graduate, Dr. Mayo earned her bachelor’s in political science and a master’s in education from Truman State University. She holds a Ph.D. in Education Policy and Leadership Studies from Indiana University-Bloomington.