LINCOLN UNIVERSITY, PA – March 13, 2026 – Lincoln University is pleased to announce the appointments of Harry Stinson III as Vice President of Institutional Advancement & Executive Director of the Lincoln University Foundation, Dr. Mel Fenner as Chief Digital Innovation Officer, and Josh Dean as Director of Athletics and Recreational Services. Their new leadership roles go into effect April 1, 2026.
“Lincoln University is fortunate to have such depth of talent and experience among our staff, and I am proud to see leaders like Josh Dean, Mel Fenner, and Harry Stinson step confidently into these elevated roles,” says Dr. Brenda Allen, President of Lincoln University.“ Their proven commitment to our mission and their unwavering dedication to our students and community ensure that Lincoln continues to advance with strength and purpose.”
Harry Stinson III, Vice President of Institutional Advancement & Executive Director of Lincoln University Foundation
As the permanent Vice President of Institutional Advancement & Executive Director of the LU Foundation, Harry Stinson III will transition out of his dual role as the Director of Athletics and Recreational Services.
“I’m truly energized by this new opportunity and the next chapter in my career. My commitment has always been to help Lincoln University thrive, and today that means working in advancement and with the Lincoln University Foundation that secures our institution’s sustainability and future. I’m grateful to Dr. Allen for her vision and for entrusting me with this expanded leadership role,” says Stinson. “While it’s bittersweet to step away from athletics, I know the greatest impact I can make now is by helping to bring new resources and partnerships to the entire University, including athletics, through this new role. Our athletics program remains in exceptional hands with my longtime friend, Josh Dean, serving as Athletic Director, and I’m excited to see him continue to elevate the program.”
As Director of Athletics and Recreational Services since 2017, he played a vital role in the rebranding of the University and its athletics department – complete with a new logo, new colors, new mascot and new tagline, Learn. Liberate. Lead., as part of the Reimagining the Legacy Strategic Plan unveiled in 2018. Stinson bolstering the coaching staffs across all 13-varsity sports and created seven new administrative positions within the department, leading to the women's basketball program winning the CIAA Tournament during the 2021-22 season and men’s basketball program during the 2023-24 season. Stinson has also led several facility and renovation projects on campus, including the $35 million renovation project of the main athletics department facility scheduled for completion in 2027.
As Interim Vice President of Institutional Advancement and Executive Director of the LU Foundation since November 2023, Stinson created a strategic plan and new fundraising plan of action for the division & foundation, starting with reorganizing and expanding the LUPA Foundation Board. Under his leadership, the university has had record breaking fundraising years and increased giving in all categories.
Prior to joining Lincoln, Stinson was the Associate Director of Athletics at Central State University (2015-2017), Interim Director of Athletics/Assistant AD for Compliance, Marketing and Head Golf Coach at Kentucky State University (2009-15), and the Interim Commissioner/Director of Championships, Communications and Marketing at the SIAC (2005-09). He earned his bachelor's degree from Florida State University and Master of Science degree in Sport Administration from Georgia State University.
Dr. Mel Fenner, Chief Digital Innovation Officer
Dr. Fenner’s appointment as the Chief Digital Innovation Officer (CDIO), reflects the University’s commitment to technology as an active driver of institutional transformation and student success. In this role, Dr. Fenner will continue to lead both the strategic direction and daily operations of the Office of Information Technology.
Dr. Fenner holds a BS in Computer Science, an MBA, and a PhD in Information Systems, and is credentialed as both an ITIL professional and Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP). Prior to joining Lincoln, he served in progressive technology leadership roles at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, supporting over 90,000 users across multiple campuses in areas spanning cybersecurity, enterprise systems, cloud adoption, and digital health infrastructure.
Since joining Lincoln as Deputy CIO, Dr. Fenner has expanded OIT’s reach and impact — advancing network infrastructure, modernizing campus systems, strengthening cybersecurity, and co-leading the 1st National HBCU Symposium on Digital Innovation and Learning funded by the U.S. Department of Commerce. As CDIO, he will continue building on Lincoln’s technology legacy in direct support of the University’s Learn–Liberate–Lead mission.
“I am honored to be entrusted with the future of technology at Lincoln University,” says Dr. Fenner. “With a solid foundation in place, we’re poised to elevate digital innovation and technology to yet another level. The journey continues and I couldn’t be more excited about the potential.”
Josh Dean, Director of Athletics and Recreational Services
Prior to his appointment, Josh Dean served as the Deputy Director of Athletics at Lincoln University. He previously served as the head coach of the Lincoln University football program where he made a significant impact both on and off the field.
“I would like to thank Dr. Allen for this opportunity to be Director of Athletics and Recreational Services. Lincoln University is a prestigious university due to her vision and has become a special place for me,” says Dean. “I would also like to thank Harry Stinson for being a great mentor and preparing me for this next step in my career. Athletics has been my life and creating a culture of development, well-being, and success has been my mission. I'm excited to continue that here at Lincoln University.”
Under his leadership as head football coach, Dean developed a strong foundation for the program, including recognition for individual player performances and coaching the Lions' first all-region performer since 2012.
Before his time at Lincoln, Dean’s coaching career includes stints as the defensive line coach at Campbellsville University, where he helped the Tigers finish 2017 with an 8-2 record and a national ranking in the NAIA Top 25 poll. He served as head coach at Kentucky State University, where he improved the team's defense significantly. He’s a former professional linebacker who played in the NFL with the Chicago Bears and the Cologne Centurions in the NFL Europe League. He played collegiate at San Diego State University. Dean earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Fort Valley State University and a Master of Sports Science in Sports Management from the United States Sports Academy.
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About Lincoln University
Lincoln University, the nation’s first degree-granting Historically Black College and University (HBCU), educates and empowers students to lead their communities and change the world. Lincoln offers a rigorous liberal arts education to a diverse student body of approximately 1,650 men and women in more than 34 undergraduate and graduate programs. To learn more about Lincoln University, visit www.lincoln.edu.
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