Higher Education Leadership Foundation

LEAD. INSPIRE. LIFT. FULFILLING OUR PURPOSE

The Inaugural H.E.L.F. Institute The Alpha Class

www.heleaders.org 1 Miles College

CHANGE your LIFE June 4, 2015

Dear Colleagues,

It is with pleasure that we extend a warm and heartfelt welcome to the members of the Alpha Class on the occasion of the 2015 Higher Education Leadership Institute. We are honored that you have joined this gathering of scholars and administrators who have declared their commitment to a vibrant future for this nation’s historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs). We invite you to participate in and contribute to this important conversation about HBCUs and your role in leading these institutions in the 21st century.

We gather with intentionality and purpose to bring our best thinking to fully and deeply understanding the nuances and complexity of leadership while critically examining our professional paths. The most exciting and challenging aspects of effective leadership exist at the nexus of individual vocation and institutional mission. The Institute has been conceived as a safe space for engaging those questions in the company of like-minded peers and colleagues.

The Institute program has been designed to encourage conversations about leadership at our institutions while simultaneously crafting pragmatic next steps to sustain these initial connections. We have invited seasoned presidents to share their wisdom and perspective and we pause to acknowledge and honor one whose work has contributed mightily to sustaining our institutions. We further recognize that leadership is far from one dimensional and requires a rich and varied toolbox of skills and talents, many of which may be developed and cultivated. In truth, your work begins here and the Higher Education Leadership Foundation (H.E.L.F.), Inc. is committed to creating opportunities to support the continuation of the community of practitioners, scholars and administrators formed over these next several days.

It is our sincere hope that you leave the 2015 Higher Education Leadership Institute with a renewed sense of purpose, confidence and commitment to the important work ahead. Together we will change the prevailing narrative about the future of HBCUs and unleash the power within these magnificent institutions. Thank you for joining us on this journey

Sincerely,

Team H.E.L.F.

3 Welcome from H.E.L.F.

ABOUT H.E.L.F. HBCUs represent a rich history and legacy of educational excellence and are a valuable segment of American higher education. In recent years, these national treasures have collectively experienced considerable threats to their existence. As a result, it is critical that the next generation of senior administrators receive the necessary training and support to become strong, visionary and transformational leaders. Without question, HBCUs would benefit from more stable leadership prepared to meet the needs of 21st century learners and the challenges and opportunities facing all institutions of higher education. Developing a cadre of well-prepared and committed leaders must be intentional, strategic and thoughtful.

4 The Higher Education Leadership Foundation (H.E.L.F.) was established in March 2015 to provide bold, engaging and innovative learning and mentoring opportunities for current and aspiring leaders. At H.E.L.F., we endeavor to play a vital role in this mission by encouraging leaders to “lift as we climb” in order to ensure that HBCUs survive and thrive as national models of achievement. Meet the H.E.L.F. Leadership Team

Dr. George T. French, Jr. Dr. Herman J. Felton, Jr. Dr. Derek Greenfield [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Dr. Melva Turner-Williams Dr. Elfred Anthony Pinkard Gregory D. Deas [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

5 HIGHER EDUCATION LEADERSHIP FOUNDATION WOULD LIKE TO THANK OUR TITLE SPONSOR

SPECIAL THANKS TO

The City of Fairfield Alabama

6 Conference2015 Schedule ALPHA CLASS LEAD. INSPIRE. LIFT FULFILLING OUR PURPOSE Thursday, June 4th Time Event Location 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm Registration Teresa Snorton Hall Welcome and Admission Center 6:00 pm - 6:30 pm Opening Session Pearson Hall Auditorium Keynote Speaker: Dr. George T. French President of Miles College 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm Skills Challenge/Introduction of Poll Pearson Hall Auditorium Everywhere System/Explanation of Social Media Usage for HELF Institute Facilitator: Dr. Derek Greenfield

Introduction of HELF Team 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm Reception Terrace of W. Clyde Williams Welcome and Enrollment Services Hall

Friday, June 5th Time Event Location 7:30 am - 8:30 am Breakfast President George T. French, Jr. Student Activity Center 8:50 am - 10:40 am Personal Pathways W. Clyde Williams Welcome Facilitators: HELF Staff and Enrollment Services Hall 11:00 am-12:10 pm Historical Context Pearson Hall Classroom Speaker: Dr. Leonard Haynes U.S Department of Education 12:20 pm-2:00 pm Lunch Cafe 2:10 pm-5:10 pm Your Team, Your Time Campus Boardrooms Public Relation Exercise Pearson Hall Auditorium 5:10 pm-6:00 pm Break 6:00 pm-8:00 pm Dinner President’s Executive Dining A conversation with veteran HBCU Hall Presidents 8:10 pm-10:00 pm Dessert and Conversation Terrace of the W. Clyde Featuring veteran HBCU Presidents Williams Welcome and Enrollment Services Hall

7 Page 1 Saturday, June 6th Time Event Location 7:30 am - 8:30 am Breakfast 9:00 am-12:00 pm Rotating Sessions (50 minutes allotted for each session)

Presenters: W. Clyde Williams Welcome Executive Recruiter and Enrollment Services Hall Board Room

Coca Cola Executives Center Lounge Area

Legal Issues in Higher Education Center Front Meeting Room 12:15 pm-2:30 pm Lunch President’s Executive Dining A candid conversation with a few of our Hall newly appointed Presidents 2:30 pm-3:50 pm Break 4:00 pm-5:00 pm The Four Pillars of the Higher Education Brown Hall Chapel Leadership Foundation 5:30 pm Leave Miles College for Birmingham Museum of Art 6:00 pm-8:00 pm Higher Education Leadership Foundation Birmingham Museum of Art Honors Dinner

Keynote Speaker, Michael Lomax, President/ CEO - UNCF Presentation of the Dr. Eugene D. Stevenson, Jr. Lifetime Achievement Award 8:30 pm-Until Dessert & Conversation President’s Residence

Sunday, June 7th Time Event Location 7:30 am-8:50 am Continental Breakfast President’s Executive Dining Hall 9:00 am-9:20 am Centering Session Brown Hall Chapel 9:20 am-10:40 am Declaration of Future Pathways Brown Hall Chapel 10:40 am-11:10 am Devotional/Centering Moment Brown Hall Chapel Dr. George T. French President of Miles College 11:10 am-11:30 am Collegial Networking Brown Hall Chapel (exchange of contact information) 11:30 am Participant check out and return travel Miles College Housing

8 Page 2 Higher Education Leadership Foundation

Alpha Class Keynote Speakers

9 Keynote Speaker Dr. Michael L. Lomax President and Chief Executive Officer, United Negro College Fund

Since 2004, Dr. Michael Lomax has been president and chief executive officer of UNCF, the nation’s largest private provider of scholarships and other educational support to minority and low-income students. Before coming to UNCF, Lomax was president of UNCF-member institution Dillard University in New Orleans and a literature professor at UNCF member institutions Morehouse and Spelman Colleges. He also served as chairman of the Fulton County Commission in Atlanta, the first African American elected to that post.

Throughout his career, Lomax has worked to provide educational opportunities for underrepresented Americans. As president and CEO of UNCF, he oversees UNCF’s 400 scholarship programs, including the UNCF Gates Millennium Scholars Program, a 20-year, $1.6 billion program whose 14,000 low-income minority recipients have a 90 percent college graduation rate. He also launched the UNCF Institute for Capacity Building, which helps UNCF’s 39 member historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) become stronger, more effective and more self-sustaining in such critical areas as fund-raising and building strong academic programs that prepare their students for careers in the global economy.

A leading advocate for the importance of cradle-through-college education for all Americans, Lomax is co-chair of the Education Equality Project, a member of the Aspen Institute’s Commission on No Child Left Behind and a member of the governing boards of Teach For America, the KIPP Foundation and the National Alliance of Public Charter Schools. He is also a frequent contributor to the National Journal’s Education Experts blog and author of the “Morehouse Man” blog at Essence.com. Lomax also serves on the boards of the Smithsonian Institution’s Museum of African American History and Culture and the Studio Museum of Harlem. He founded the National Black Arts Festival.

10 Keynote Speaker Dr. Haywood L. Strickland President, Wiley College

In 2000, Dr. Haywood L. Strickland (2000-present) was named the 16th president of Wiley College. His initial Administrative theme was “Achieving Excellence through Pride and Performance.” During his first year of service, he exemplified this theme in achievements by beginning the construction of the $2.4 million Julius S. Scott, Sr. Chapel on September 11, 2001, a day that is etched in the memories of all Americans. As the New York “twin towers” were falling, the Julius S. Scott, Sr. Chapel was rising. This edifice is now a center for worship and a gathering place for educational and spiritual enrichment for the Wiley College family and will be for generations to come. Dr. Strickland has been responsible for renovating and refurbishing every campus facility; spearheading the expansion of the physical plant to include a fourth residence hall--the J. Jack Ingram Residence Hall and substantially improving science laboratory facilities and securing record amounts in private gifts, as well as increased external funding for sponsored programs. He is equally committed to modern pedagogy, the application of cutting edge technology, and the involvement of the College in service to the community. The 16th president of the College is dedicated to student-centered programs and excellence in customer service.

Under Dr. Strickland’s administration, the College had its accreditation re-affirmed to the year 2023 with no recommendations. In addition, the College received commendations for its Communicate through Debate initiative in response to the requirement to develop a plan to improve student learning outcomes; also known as the Quality Enhancement Plan criterion.

Under Dr. Strickland’s administration, the College had its accreditation re-affirmed to the year 2023 with no recommendations. In addition, the College received commendations for its Communicate through Debate initiative in response to the requirement to develop a plan to improve student learning outcomes; also known as the Quality Enhancement Plan criterion.

11 Two other stellar accomplishments, as a result of President Strickland’s leadership is the “accreditation without conditions” of the College’s Teacher Education Program and specialized accreditation of its business programs by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools Programs (ACBSP).

President Strickland began the second decade of his presidential leadership in 2010 by declaring it the era of transformation; a period that was launched by the record breaking enrollment of approximately 1,400 students and the May 2011 groundbreaking ceremony for a new 500- bed living-learning center. The construction of this facility brings the number of residence centers to five and enables the College to meet the increasing demand for campus housing. Thenew living-learning center is just one of several improvement projects made possible by a $24 million loan through the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Capital Financing Project, a program sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education. The Board of Trustees during the 2011 fall meeting, as an expression of their profound gratitude to Dr. Strickland for his visionary leadership, reaffirmed their appreciation by naming the new facility in his honor—the Haywood L. Strickland Living Learning Center which was consecrated on November 2, 2012. Numerous other facility capital improvement projects were launched by the Strickland administration in 2010-2011; these included major renovation and expansion of the Fred T. Long Student Union Building, repair of pedestrian corridors and expansion of additional parking areas. President Strickland also is intent upon transforming traditional classrooms to “smart classrooms” campus-wide; primarily to enrich teaching and learning. These changes are designed to revitalize the culture and climate of the College to cement its increasingly recognized and acknowledged status as a world-class institution of higher learning.

Dr. Strickland serves on a number of boards; a few of which include: President, National Association of Schools and Colleges of The United Methodist Church (NASCUMC); President-Elect of the Council of Presidents of the United Negro College Fund (UNCF); Member of UNCF’s Research Advisory Council (RAC); Member of the Board of Directors International Association of Methodist Schools, Colleges and Universities (IAMSCU); Member of the Corporate Board of Directors of UNCF:Executive Committee Member of the Council for Independent Colleges (Washington, DC); the Texas United Methodist Colleges Association, and the Texas Association of Development Colleges. He also serves as the Chairman of the Presidents’ Advisory Board of the National Association of Historically Black Colleges and Universities Title III Administrators, Inc. Dr. Strickland is a member of the Marshall Chamber of Commerce, Rotary International, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, and Sigma Pi Phi Boule. The President’s honors and awards mirror his local, regional and national stature as an expert on Title III, the HBCUs, church-related higher education, and higher education, in general. To name a few, he is a Paul Harris Fellow (of Rotary International), a Distinguished Alumnus of Stillman College, and the recipient of three (3) Honorary Doctorate Degrees of Humane Letters.

12 Keynote Speaker Dr. Peter E. Millet President, Stillman College

Dr. Peter Millet is an educator, administrator, and licensed clinical psychologist. Since July 1, 2014, he has served as the President of Stillman College. Prior to this, he served as the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at this same institution. From 2004 to 2012, he served as Dean of the College of Education at Tennessee State University where he has also served as Chairman of the Department of Psychology. Dr. Millet received both his M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in Clinical Psychology from The Ohio State University. He holds a B.A. degree in Clinical Psychology from Oakland University, which is located in Rochester Hills, MI. His academic training includes completion of a residency at the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta and an internship at Meharry Medical College in Nashville, TN. Dr. Millet has received extensive leadership training from numerous sources including: Harvard University, the Millennium Leadership Institute (MLI), which is sponsored by the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU); the Executive Leadership Summit, which is hosted by Hampton University; and most recently the Council of Independent Colleges Presidents Leadership Institute.

Dr. Millet has been an invited speaker both nationally and internationally. International presentations include an invited address at II Congreso Internacional de Psicologia en la Universidad de las Americas-Puebla, Cholula, Puebla, Mexico. His national addresses include a number of invited presentations at annual meetings of the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). During these latter forums his talks were primarily in the areas of assessment and institutional effectiveness. His research interests lie primarily in three areas: Education, Psychology and Leadership Training. The Education area examines factors related to student success and teacher retention. In the area of Psychology, his primary interests are chronic mental illness in minority populations and the utilization of mental health services. His interest in Leadership Training involves identifying the characteristics of successful leaders.

13 Dr. Millet has a history of service to community and civic organizations. Previous activities include serving as chairman of the Elam Mental Health Center Advisory Board at Meharry Medical College and as a Clinical Psychologist for the Matthew Walker Comprehensive Health Center, which is located in Nashville, TN. Current service activities include serving on the College Board, the Tuscaloosa Arts and Humanities Council, the Tuscaloosa Murphy Collins House African American Museum, the Board of Directors for the Tuscaloosa County Preservation Society, the Board of Directors for the United Way, and the Board of Directors for the Tuscaloosa Chamber of Commerce. He is also a member of the 2014 class of Leadership Tuscaloosa.

While at Tennessee State University, Dr. Millet and his team were the recipients of nearly $20,000,000 in external funding from agencies including the National Institutes for Health and the State of Tennessee. Most recently, he and his team were the recipients of an $8,000,000 award as part of the state of Tennessee’s Race To The Top application. The project focused on improving mathematics instruction in Elementary and Middle Schools.

An accomplished jazz and gospel musician, Dr. Millet has played bass and guitar in a number of churches in New York, Ohio, Michigan, Tennessee, and Alabama. His plans for the future include becoming a certified lay speaker in the United Methodist Church. He is married to Dr. Marcia Millet, Director of Teacher of Education at Stillman. He and Marcia have one daughter, Mackenzie, who is a Freshman at Spelman College. Mackenzie currently holds the title of 2014 Miss Black Teen Alabama U.S. Ambassador.

14 Keynote Speaker Dr. Billy C. Hawkins President, Talledega College

A native of Kent, Ohio, Dr. Hawkins holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Teacher Education from Ferris State University, a Master of Arts degree in Education Administration from Central Michigan University, and a Doctorate of Philosophy (Ph.D.) from Michigan State University in Education Administration. He has completed post doctorate study at Harvard University.

Dr. Hawkins has been in education for 38 years. His successful career began as a teacher in the Lansing Michigan Public Schools System. A passion for teaching led him to the field of higher education, where he has served as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs/Professor at Mississippi Valley State University; Vice President for Academic Affairs/ Professor at Saint Paul’s College in Lawrenceville, Virginia; Acting Dean, Associate Dean, and Assistant Dean/Professor in the College of Education at Ferris State University and Director of Educational Opportunity Program at State University of New York at Morrisville College. Dr. Hawkins then went on to become President of Texas College at Tyler, Texas and currently serves in the present position as President of Talladega College. Currently, Dr. Hawkins serves on several boards in various positions and, also, serves on the SACS Executive Committee with the SACS Board.

Beginning on January 1, 2008, Dr. Billy C. Hawkins became the 20th President of Talladega College. He has transformed Talladega College - moving the institution forward in its return to preeminence. Since his arrival and under the leadership of Dr. Hawkins, student enrollment has increased more than 70%, the entire physical plant has been upgraded to its original overall elegant appearance, renovated/restored and reopened 1 classroom building, 3 dormitories and a new police station facility, launched a 4 million dollar renovation of Foster Hall (dormitory currently in progress), restructured and stabilized finances, added new academic programs; including a new Continuing Education program, successfully guided the institution through a new 5 and 10 year SACS Accreditation, reinstated to the NAIA national athletic association and 3 national champioships in men’s and women’s basketball.

15 For the academic year 2012-2013, a new Band Program was launched by Dr. Hawkins. In addition, the groundwork has been laid for a multi-million dollar Capital Campaign Program.

Previously, he served as the 20th President of Texas College from December 1, 2000 to December 31, 2007. Under Dr. Hawkins’ leadership, Texas College underwent a complete transformation and revitalization. Tremendous growth was evident in literally every area of the institution including an 82% increase in student enrollment within the first ten months of his tenure. To his credit, the institution stabilized its finances, regained accreditation in 2001, and regained membership in the United Negro College Fund (UNCF).

Dr. Hawkins implemented five new academic programs, constructed three new facilities, remodeled all academic and student service facilities, procured property assets, eliminated all long term debt, and started seven new athletic programs which won three championships. Adding to the schools successful turnaround, the college received a new 10 year accreditation in 2006.

An advocate for education, Dr. Hawkins was featured on the ABC Evening News with the late Peter Jennings and the U.S. News and World Report. In addition, Dr. Hawkins was featured in the 1994 Spring People Section of The Michigan State University Magazine as a “National Success Story.” He has been listed in Who’s Who among Executives and Professionals in 2005-2006. He is the author of two books, “Educating All Students (A Pathway to Success)” and “Reaching for the Stars”. Recognized for his expertise in the education of our nation’s young people, he has been the keynote speaker at regional and national conferences and has testified before committees of the U.S. Congress.

Dr. Hawkins currently serves on the Board of Trustees of the Southern Association of the Commission on Colleges Board of Director of the Ritz Theater, Talladega and has served on numerous other boards including, member of the Southside Virginia Business and Education Commission appointed by Mr. James S. Gilmore, III, and former Governor of Virginia. In January 2013, Dr. Hawkins was appointed to the CIC Board of Directors.

Additionally, Dr. Hawkins was appointed to serve on the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Capital Financing Advisory Board by former Secretary of Education Rod Page. Also, he has served as a member of the UNCF Board of Directors, and is a current member of the NAIA President’s Council. The recipient of numerous honors and awards; most recently, in 2011, the recipient of the Ultimate 50 Who’s Who of Birmingham Award. Dr. Hawkins was inducted into the Kent City Schools Hall of Fame in 2004 and in 2007; he was inducted into the Elementary Alumni Hall of Fame in Kent, Ohio. Dr. Hawkins is a proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

16 Keynote Speaker Dr. Jimmy R. Jenkins, Sr. President, Livingstone College TONE CO S L G 1879 L N E I G V

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On February 8, 2006, the Livingstone College Board of Trustees named Dr. Jimmy R. Jenkins, Sr. the school’s 12th President. A longtime educator and administrator, Dr. Jenkins was chosen from among five finalists.

Dr. Jenkins most recently served as President of Edward Waters College in Jacksonville, Florida from 1997 to 2005. During his tenure, the College expanded its faculty and broke ground on its first new building in decades while reducing its debt from $8.5 million to $500,000 in three years and growing its enrollment from 300 students to 1,300 students. Recently, Edward Waters named this new building after Dr. Jenkins as a tribute to the tremendous progress made under his leadership.

Prior to his tenure at Edward Waters College, Dr. Jenkins served as a chancellor of Elizabeth City State University from 1977 to 1995, becoming the first alumnus to serve as its Chief Executive Officer. While there, he secured the support of the State Legislature of North Carolina for construction of six major buildings on campus. He also launched a $5 million capital campaign, completing the fundraising a year ahead of schedule. He was honored to have the then newly constructed Science Building named in his honor.

Dr. Jenkins earned a Bachelors degree in Biology from Elizabeth City State University, teaching certification in Biology from Howard University, and a Masters degree and Doctorate degree in Biology Education from Purdue University. He is married to Dr. Faleese Moore-Jenkins, and they have three children: Dr. Lisa Lopez, Attorney Ginger Cartwright, and Jimmy Jr., a graphic artist and college lecturer.

17 Keynote Speaker Dr. Logan Hampton President, Lane College

Logan Hampton was named 10th President of Lane College by the Lane College Board of Trustees on June 12, 2014.

Dr. Hampton has a doctorate in higher education from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, received a master’s degree in student personnel services from Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, La., and a bachelor’s degree in biology from Arkansas Tech University. He also is a graduate of the Harvard Institute of Management and Leadership in Education. Before UALR, Hampton held positions at Texas A & M University, Texas Chris- tian University, and the University of Central Arkansas.

Prior to coming to Lane College, Dr. Hampton served in numerous student services capac- ities at UALR. His most recent appointment at UALR was Vice Provost for Student Affairs. In this position, Dr. Hampton served as the chief student affairs officer and led the student development and student life programs, including judicial affairs, budgetary and adminis- trative services. In addition to working as a higher education administrator, Dr. Hampton was a member of the Board of Trustees for Arkansas Baptist College.

He and his wife, Susan, are the parents of three children: Elise, Crystal and Logan III.

18 Keynote Speaker Dr. Gwendolyn E. Boyd President, Alabama State University

Dr. Gwendolyn Elizabeth Boyd returned on February 1, 2014, to Alabama State University - her alma mater - as its new President, after an extraordinary career of leadership and public service that has spanned more than three decades in the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan area.

A Montgomery, Ala., native, Boyd earned her undergraduate degree from Alabama State University (ASU), with a major in mathematics and a double minor in physics and music. Upon graduation, Boyd received a fellowship to pursue graduate work at Yale University, where she was the first African-American female to earn a Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from this Ivy League institution. She also has earned both the Master of Divinity and the Doctor of Ministry degrees from Howard University.

Boyd’s relationship with ASU actually began when she was a child, living just a few blocks away from the University. Despite her humble beginnings, Boyd excelled early and consistently as a student. Her life as a trailblazer began when, as a teenager, she was one of five black students chosen to integrate Montgomery’s Baldwin Junior High School. Continuing as a pioneer, she helped to establish an interracial council while at Jefferson Davis High School, was a member of the National Honor Society, performed in the school choir and graduated as valedictorian of her class in 1973.

Boyd came to ASU on an academic scholarship, and in her words, the University “embraced me, invested in me and changed my life inexorably.” As a college student, her academic and leadership skills were evident, as she was inducted into Alpha Kappa Mu National Honor Society, Beta Kappa Chi Education Honor Society and Pi Mu Epsilon Mathematics Honor Society; pledged Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. and was the Beta Eta Chapter president on campus; was a member of and traveled with the Young Hearts gospel singers; was elected Miss Alabama State University (1976-77) and graduated summa cum laude in 1977.

19 Boyd’s professional career at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) was highlighted by exemplary leadership and dedicated service. Early in her career, she was an analyst in the Strategic Systems Department, where she was part of engineering teams that conducted independent analyses and operational performance evaluations of Strategic Weapons Systems on Polaris, Poseidon and Trident submarines. In 1999, she became the Assistant for Development Programs and was later named Executive Assistant to the Chief of Staff at APL. In 1997, Boyd was selected to serve on the Johns Hopkins Diversity Leader- ship Council, and served as chair from 2001-2014, reporting directly to the President of Johns Hopkins University as the council worked on issues of diversity, inclusion, civility and respect across the various divisions of Johns Hopkins.

A nationally recognized champion of education, Boyd has spearheaded efforts across the na- tion and in other countries to help broaden the scope of educational offerings, especially as it relates to STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) disciplines.

Because of her efforts in advancing education, Boyd was nominated by President Barack Obama and received U.S. Senate confirmation to serve as a trustee to the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation in 2009.

In January 2014, President Barack Obama appointed Boyd and 14 other individuals to the President’s Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for African-Americans. This Com- mission is charged with strengthening the nation by improving educational outcomes for Af- rican-Americans and ensuring that all African-Americans receive an education that prepares them for college, productive careers and satisfying lives.

In 2000, Boyd was elected to serve as the 22nd National President of Delta Sigma Theta So- rority Inc., an international organization of more than 250,000 members. Known as the “Tech- nology President,” Boyd helped to establish technology in all facets of the sorority’s activities and administration. Her four-year tenure as president included a number of transformative accomplishments, including the launching of Project SEE (Science in Everyday Experiences), an initiative funded by a $1.6 million National Science Foundation grant with a goal of promoting math and science for middle school African-American girls. She also led the sorority’s human- itarian and education advocacy efforts in various parts of Africa, including Swaziland, Lesotho and Soweto, South Africa.

Boyd is a lifelong community servant, having served on boards of local, national and interna- tional organizations, including the Links, Incorporated; Children’s National Health Center in Washington, D.C.; the National Partnership for Community Leadership; the United Way; and the APL Federal Credit Union. Her work has earned dozens of awards and honors, including two honorary doctorates and Congressional recognitions. She has been honored with 28 Keys to various cities throughout the country, declarations of Gwendolyn E. Boyd Day in eight cities in the country, civic citations, and various leadership and volunteer awards, as well as profes- sional awards for her achievements in the fields of engineering and higher education.

20 Keynote Speaker Mr. Michael J. Sorrell, Esq President, Paul Quinn College

Michael J. Sorrell is the 34th President of Paul Quinn College. Under his leadership, the school is experiencing one of the greatest turnarounds in the history of higher education. Michael’s vision is to permanently transform PQC into a nationally elite small college by focusing on innovation, academic rigor, and servant leadership.

Among the school’s numerous accomplishments during President Sorrell’s seven year tenure have been: winning the 2011 HBCU of the Year, the 2012 HBCU Student Government Association of the Year, and the 2013 HBCU Business Program of the Year awards; being recognized as a member of the 2013 President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll; demolishing 15 abandoned campus buildings; partnering with PepsiCo to transform the unused football field into the two acre “WE over Me Farm”; achieving full-accreditation from the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS); rewriting all institutional fundraising records (including the most seven-figure gifts in school history; and restructuring the curriculum.

Michael received his J.D. and M.A. in Public Policy from Duke University and is currently a doctoral student at the University of Pennsylvania. While in law school, he was one of the founding members of the Journal of Gender Law & Policy and served as the Vice President of the Duke Bar Association. Michael was a recipient of the Sloan Foundation Graduate Fellowship, which funded his studies at both Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government (as a graduate fellow) and Duke University. He graduated from Oberlin College with a B.A. in Government, served as Secretary-Treasurer of his senior class, was a two-time captain of the men’s varsity basketball team, and graduated as the school’s fifth all-time leading scorer.

Among the entities that President Sorrell serves as a trustee or director are Duke University’s Sanford School of Public Policy, the College Board, the Center for Minority Serving Institutions at the University of Pennsylvania, Amegy Bank, Teach for America, the Dallas Regional Chamber, and the Tate Distinguished Lecture Series and the Department of Education Policy and Leadership for the Simmons School of Education at SMU.

21 Michael was named the 2012 HBCU Male President of the Year by HBCU Digest and selected as a member of the “Root 100” (a list of the top 100 emerging leaders in America) by the Root On-line Magazine. He received the Excellence in Education Distinguished Alumni Award from his high school, St. Ignatius College Prep in Chicago, Illinois; the A. Kenneth Pye Award for Excellence in Education from the Alumni Association of Duke University’s School of Law; and the TRACS Leadership Award. The Dallas Historical Society has honored Michael for Excellence in Educational Administration and the NAACP, Heart House, the Dallas Furniture Bank, and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Dallas have also recognized him for his civic leadership. He is a past recipient of the Dallas Urban League’s Torch for Community Leadership and both the President’s and C.B. Bunkley Awards from J.L. Turner for his outstanding contributions to the Dallas legal community. Additionally, in 2002 the Dallas Business Journal named him one of Dallas’ Forty Under 40 and in 2011, the same periodical awarded him a Minority Business Leaders Award. Michael is also a life member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

Michael is a sought after writer and speaker (among the places that regularly feature his editorials are the Dallas Morning News and the Huffington Post). Additionally, his TEDx talk on the New Urban College model is critically acclaimed. President Sorrell is married to the former Natalie Jenkins. Natalie is an alumna of Spelman College and received her MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. They have one son, Michael Augustus and are expecting a daughter in February.

22 Keynote Speaker Dr. George T. French President, Miles College

For more than 100 years, Miles College has continued its mission of educating and molding the minds of future local, national, and global leaders. Now, the College rests on the shoulders of President George T. French, Jr. President French served as Acting President for the institution beginning October 2005, and then as Interim President starting December 2005 when the Board of Trustees made the unanimous decision to appoint him the 14th President of Miles College in March 2006. Before serving as Interim President, President French served as a member of the President’s Cabinet in the capacity of Director of Institutional Planning and Development, and as such directed the offices of Alumni Affairs; Federal Contracts and Grants; Title III; Institutional Research and Effectiveness; Congressional Relations; and Public Relations. However, his chief responsibility was to raise money for the College. As Director of Development, President French helped lead the largest Capital Campaign Fund Drive in the history of the College to that date, raising $12 million, placing Miles College on sound financial footing.

As President of Miles College, President French led the largest capital campaign fund drive in the history of the College, helping the College to exponentially develop and expand raising more than $42 million, exceeding the College’s goal of $30 million. With these strategic efforts, Miles College has achieved an unprecedented financial composite score rating of 7.0, denoting that an institution is in sound financial health and position for growth, and positioning the College among the most fiscally sound institutions in the nation. To date, President French has secured approximately $100 million dollars of funding in support of Miles College.

Under the leadership of President French, Miles College has increased allocation toward education and educational support services by 11.03%. Total operating budget increased significantly since 2005 on average of $2 million per year. Miles College has progressively increased student access to educational funding with a recent 54.31% increase in Pell Grants awarded. Pell grants provide assistance to eligible undergraduate postsecondary students with demonstrated financial need to help meet educational expenses.

23 Further, Miles College has recently realized a 32.28% increase in operating revenue from government grants and contracts to help bridge the ever increasing tuition gap students confront. President French has positioned Miles College as a cornerstone in the 21st Century higher education space, incrementally seeking and attracting highly qualified faculty with terminal degrees in their fields to serve its students.

During the current tenure of Dr. French’s presidency, the College has a more deliberate academic focus, with faculty having secured some of the largest grants in the history of the College. Under his leadership, not only has the initiative of culture, class, and civility been placed into action, but Miles College is strategically positioned for an exciting future with the acquisition of the North Campus, a 41-acre site that more than doubles the size of the existing campus. The College has successfully been reaffirmed by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges through 2023. President French was the driving force behind a $20 million capital improvement project simultaneously building three new student oriented facilities on campus.

Under the leadership of President French, Miles College is rated in the top three most underrated historically black colleges and universities according to HBCU Digest. President French has great influence outside of the Miles College campus as well. President French serves as an officer of the Birmingham Business Alliance Executive Committee as Vice President for Workforce Development. He is also a member of the Regions Financial Diversity Advisory Council. In 2011, he was appointed the Treasurer of the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. President French is known as the corporate president. The first African American mayor of Birmingham, Dr. Richard Arrington, is quoted as saying, “Never in the history of Miles College has the Birmingham business and corporate community given such support as they have under this president [President George French].

President French earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with an emphasis in Policy Analysis from the University of Louisville. He was competitively accepted into the University of Richmond Law School, where he matriculated for two years before being recruited by then President Albert Sloan to reposition Miles College as the Director of Development. He completed his final year of law school at Miles Law School, earning a Juris Doctorate. President French holds a J.D. It is a rare accomplishment to pursue both a Ph.D. and J.D. He is All But Dissertation (ABD) for his second doctorate, a Ph.D. from Jackson State University, where he is completing his dissertation on the topic of 21st century challenges in higher education and the use of transformational and transactional leadership as solutions. A native of Louisville, Kentucky, President French represents a long line of past Miles College presidents who were members of the clergy, having served as pastor with CME churches around the country.

24 PANELISTS

Reginald Bean Dr. Michael L. Lomax Director-Multicultural Marketing President and Chief Executive Officer Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated United Negro College Fund

Dr. Leonard L. Haynes III Dr. Haywood L. Strickland Senior Director President Institutional Service for the Wiley College U.S. Department of Education

Dr. Peter E. Millet Dr. Logan Hampton President President, Stillman College Lane College

Dr. Billy C. Hawkins Dr. Gwendolyn E Boyd President President, Talledega College Alabama State University

Dr. Jimmy R. Jenkins Sr. Rev., Dr. Paul Lawrence Brown Sr. President President/Dean, Livingstone College Phillips School of Theology

Jeffrey Womble Atty. Winston DeCuir Jr. Assistant Vice Chancellor for Public Relations Partner Fayetteville State University Decuir Clark & Adams LLP

Anthony M. Brooks Michael J. Sorrell, Esq. Executive Recruiter and President Director of Recruiting for Higher Education Paul Quinn College The Albrecht Group

25 ALPHA CLASS DIRECTORY

Dr. Arthur Brigati Dr. Robert Z. Carr Director of Strategic Initiatives Dean and Professor Miles College Alcorn State University 5500 Myron Massey Boulevard 228 Stoney Ridge Road Fairfield, AL 35065 Clinton, Ms 39056 Office: 205-929-1523 Office: 601-919-6778 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

Dr. Calvin Brown Dr. Tashni-Ann Dubroy Assistant Director of Research, President Elect Outcomes, and Assessments Shaw University Miles College 118 E. South Street 5500 Myron Massey Boulevard Raleigh, NC 27861 Fairfield, AL 35064 Office: 919-546-8274 Office: 205-929-1801 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Dr. Stanley Elliott James. A. Burrell Director of CAPE Programs, Assistant Director of Admissions Professor Public Administration Johnson C. Smith University Shaw University 100 Beatties Ford Road 118 E. South Street Charlotte, NC 28216 Raleigh, NC Office: 704-378-1081 Office: 919-719-1898 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

Dr. Rixon O. Campbell Dr. Tracey D. Ford Director, Multicultural/Student Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs & Student Affairs Johnson C. Smith University The University of North Carolina 100 Beatties Ford Road General Administration Charlotte, NC 28216 P.O. Box 2688, 910 Raleigh Road Office: 704-378-1039 Chapel Hill, NC 27515-2688 Email: [email protected] Office: 919-962-4907 Email:[email protected]

26 ALPHA CLASS DIRECTORY

Anthony Holloman Brian McCollum Vice President for Institutional Director of Recruitment Advancement Princeton Theological Seminary Stillman College 6400 Mercer Street P.O. Box 1430 Princeton, NJ 08540 Tuscaloosa, AL 35403 Office: 301-379-2140 Office: 205-247-8165 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Dr. Laura C. McLean Theo Howard Co-Dean, Metropolitan College Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Adult Degree Program & E-Learning Affairs Johnson C. Smith University North Carolina Central University 100 Beatties Ford Road 1801 Fayetteville Road Charlotte, NC 28216 Durham, NC 27707 Office: 704-378-1295 Office: 919-530-6303 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Dr. W. Anthony Neal Dr. Eric Jackson Vice President for Advancement and Vice President for Student Affairs and Executive Director of GPTC Foundation Enrollment Management Georgia Piedmont Technical College Edward Waters College 495 North Indian Creek Drive 1658 Kings Road Clarkston, GA 30021-2397 Jacksonville, FL 32209 Office: 404-297-9522 Office: 904-470-8211 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Dr. Bryan Patterson Dr. Kim LeDuff Assistant Professor & Chair, Public Chief Diversity Officer/ Associate Vice Leadership Studies Department Provost for Equity and International Johnson C. Smith University Affairs 100 Beatties Ford Road University of West Florida Charlotte, NC 28216 355 Mirabelle Drive Office: 704-378-1254 Pensacola, FL 32514 Email: [email protected] Office: 850-474-2059 Email: [email protected]

27 ALPHA CLASS DIRECTORY

Richard Price Carmen C. Wilder Assistant Professor Assistant Vice President for St. Johns University Development 202 W. 139th Street Livingstone College New York, NY 10030 701 W. Monroe Street Office: 980-721-7303 Salisbury, NC 28144 Email: [email protected] Office: 704-216-6009 Email: [email protected]

Dr. Dexter Smith Associate Dean of Admissions Dr. Katara Williams Campbell University School of Law Assistant Commissioner for 225 Hillsborough Street, Suite 102 Public Affairs Raleigh, NC 27603 Louisiana Board of Regents Office: 919-865-5989 1201 North Third Steet, Suite 6-200 Email: [email protected] Baton Rouge, LA 70802 Office: 225-342-4253 Email: [email protected] Dr. Rose Stevenson Owner/Scholar Stevenson Dental Clinic/Jackson Jeffery Womble State University Assistant Vice Chancellor for Public 5227 Sterling Place Road Relations El Paso, TX 79932 Fayetteville State University Email: [email protected] 1200 Murchinson Road Office: 915-241-0755 Fayetteville, NC 28301 Office: 910-672-1474 Email: [email protected] Aleczander M. Whitfield Director of Student Affairs Johnson C. Smith University 100 Beatties Ford Road Charlotte, NC 28216 Office: 704-378-1046 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

28 LEAD. INSPIRE. LIFT.

721 W. Marsh Street, Salisbury, North Carolina 28144 704-680-8447 www.heleaders.org