Bobbie Knight

Bobbie Knight, J.D., made history in August 2019 as the first woman to lead Miles College since its founding in 1898, initially serving as interim president before being elected the institution’s fifteenth president on March 5, 2020. She brought to the role a distinguished 37-year executive career with Alabama Power. Since assuming the presidency, Knight has led Miles College through a period of significant transformation and growth. The College has realized a 2,000% increase in gifts and grants and secured the largest single donation in its history. She successfully guided the institution through its 10-year reaffirmation with Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, achieving reaffirmation with zero findings, while maintaining key program accreditations that strengthen academic quality. Under her leadership, Miles has expanded its academic and innovation footprint, launching an E-gaming Center, and Apple-powered labs. The College also launched its first graduate program in the history of the College. Knight has advanced national technology partnerships, including a strategic collaboration with NVIDIA, Nebius and StudyFetch, enhancing access to artificial intelligence, high-performance computing, and workforce pathways. She has cultivated partnerships with leading organizations such as Microsoft, Apple, and the National Science Foundation. Knight serves on the boards of Alabama Power Company, Bronze Valley Venture Capital Org, the Birmingham Business Alliance, SIAC President’s Council, Alabama Independent College System.