Delaware State University (DSU) gave out 750 diplomas during the historically Black university’s 134th commencement ceremony on May 12.
According to local news stationWBOC, that is the highest number of individuals to graduate in one class in the college’s more than 125-year history. The spring graduating class also set another record by producing 238 honor students, which is 20 more than the previous record set in May 2018.
Rep. Alma Adams (D-North Carolina), an advocate for HBCUs, was the keynote speaker at the historic graduation.
“It is important for you to remember how you got here,” the three-term congresswoman told graduates. “If it had not been for the Lord on your side, had it not been for preparation meeting opportunities, you could have been some place else.”
After her speech, Adams and Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Delaware), the first African-American and first woman to represent Delaware in Congress, were presented with honorary doctoral degrees.
The graduates were urged to continue the legacy of their alma mater by Devona Williams, chairperson of the DSU Board of Trustees.
“You are the first generation who have grown up totally immersed in a world of digital technology, putting the whole world and a world of information at your fingertips,” Williams said. “While social media has helped to shape your identities, remember that you are creative and collaborative. We are counting you to use your technological savviness, your creativity and educational skills to make the world a better place politically, socially, economically and culturally.”
BALTIMORE, Md. – More than 700 bachelor’s candidates and 228 master’s and doctoral candidates received their degrees at Morgan State University’s (MSU’s) jubilant 143rd Spring Commencement Exercises, which included a ceremony for undergraduates held on May 18, and a School of Graduate Studies ceremony on May 16. U.S. Rep. Elijah Cummings, a member of Morgan’s Board of Regents, was the guest speaker for the Undergraduate Ceremony held in Hughes Memorial Stadium on Morgan’s campus, while across town in Baltimore City, the annual Preakness Day festivities were taking place. RetiredNew York Times sports columnist, journalist and author William C. Rhoden of Morgan’s Class of 1973 received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters during the ceremony. More than 100 members of Morgan’s Class of 1969 led the procession into the stadium and were honored as representatives of the 50th anniversary class, a day after announcement of its $1.4 million in giving to the University in 2018, during Morgan’s Alumni Day luncheon.
Morgan’s Class of 2019 was rich with success stories reflecting the diversity that is one the University’s core values and a central part of its stated mission.
Alexis Samuels is a self-described “military kid” and former “nerd,” who was born in Germany and grew up in Texas, Tennessee and in Frederick, Maryland, where she attended a predominantly white high school before following her mother’s and sister’s example to attend an Historically Black College or University (HBCU). A Travelers EDGE scholarship paid her tuition and fees and provided internships with Travelers during her four-year Bachelor of Science program in actuarial science. She has accepted a full-time position as a software engineer with JPMorgan Chase.
“Morgan stood out to me because it was the only school in Maryland that had an actuarial science program,” Samuels said. “…I see why my mom loves her HBCU,” she said, “because I definitely love Morgan.”
Timani Richardson, aged 19, received a Bachelor of Arts in political science during the Spring Commencement. Born and raised in Washington, D.C.’s Ward 7 — a low-income area of the city — she excelled as a student and began earning an associate’s degree at George Washington University during her sophomore year at the School Without Walls high school. She came to Morgan two years ago to earn her bachelor’s. Inspired toward a career in civil and human rights during an international relations course at Morgan, she hopes to work as a paralegal or in government while she prepares to take the LSAT exam and apply for law school at Howard University and several other institutions.
“I definitely wanted to get a bachelor’s from an HBCU,” Richardson said, “and I wanted to have (the) experience of being at a black university.”
Lucas Krusinski, a native of France, arrived at Morgan unable to speak English but determined to play for the men’s tennis team, which is the 2019 MEAC champion. Now fluent in English, and a Class of 2019 valedictorian, he has received his MSU bachelor’s degree in nutritional science and has received two fully funded offers for graduate school to pursue a doctorate in food science at Michigan State University.
Withelma T. Ortiz Walker Pettigrew, a.k.a. T. Ortiz, received her Bachelor of Science in strategic communication, with honors, and has begun full-time work as the anti-trafficking and anti-exploitation coordinator for the Baltimore Child Abuse Center. Her 11-year journey through higher education came after she suffered years of childhood sexual, physical and verbal abuse and had become a nationally recognized advocate for children. A native of Oakland, California, she came to Baltimore homeless in 2014, the same year she was recognized as one of Time magazine’s “100 Most Influential People.”
“I needed somebody that was culturally competent in all ways….” Ortiz said. “Not only do you need to understand me as a person, as a black woman, you need to understand my adversity. You need to understand my struggle. You need to understand where I come from. And as soon as I got to Morgan, I had that…. Leaving Morgan is going to be one of the most profound moments of my life.”
Dominic Dingle received a Master of Science in sociology during the School of Graduate Studies Commencement and was commissioned with eight other MSU students as a U.S. Army second lieutenant during a Morgan Bear Battalion ROTC ceremony the next day. Morgan’s first graduate student to receive an ROTC commission, and the son of U.S. Army Brig. Gen. R. Scott Dingle of Morgan’s Class of 1988, Dominic called his graduation experience “pretty emotional: following in my dad’s footsteps (and) having him there speaking at my commissioning, and then being pinned by a family member.” Dominic is headed to his first duty station, Fort Carson, Colorado, where he will begin his military career as a member of the sports staff for the 10th Special Forces Group.
Angela Mathis is a member of the staff of Prince George’s Community College’s Communications and Marketing Department. As a student in Morgan’s Community College Leadership doctoral program, she brought her long experience in K–12 and higher education as well as her track record in broadcast and cable television. The Washington, D.C., native and second-generation HBCU graduate hopes to use the knowledge she gained in earning her Ed.D. to help community colleges use video more effectively to support student success and to launch a website, Motivate2Graduate.com, to inspire students of color to complete college.
Morgan, she said, “has certainly surpassed my expectations. I’ve enjoyed my professors and my advisors and have really developed a strong relationship with the cohort of colleagues who were in this program with me. And I will cherish this the rest of my life.”
“Life flourishes most at the crossroads where two diverse ecosystems meet,” said Congressman Cummins in his address. Drawing on his own childhood experience, Cummings spoke of the power of diversity to lead the U.S. past what he called a “critical crossroads” for the nation.
Growing up in an underserved area of Baltimore City, Cummings said, he attended a poor school and was assigned to “the third group” of students, what is now known as special education. He recalled wondering how the words “liberty and justice for all” in the Pledge of Allegiance applied to him, and he remembered a school counselor’s berating him for aspiring to become a lawyer. Later, in Congress, when he had become a lawyer, he questioned his own qualification to serve on a committee, until he realized he was the only “expert” in special education in the room. He was able to advance legislation to support special ed.
“You, each and every one of you, are better and more valuable to our country because of the obstacles that you have faced and overcome,” Cummings told the audience. “….Your life experiences and your educational achievements are essential elements of our potential to lead our nation during a very difficult and challenging time.”
“What I do ask of each of you is to appreciate the value of our democratic republic in its hour of peril,” Cummings said. “What I do ask of each of you, and especially our graduates, is to call upon the challenge and education that you have received at this great institution and stand up for our democracy in your own communities.”
Six undergraduate candidates with perfect 4.0 cumulative grade point averages shared the title of class valedictorian: Jamielle Davis (B.S., accounting), Kristina Kincaid (B.S., social work), Lucas Krusinski (B.S., nutritional science), Eduardo Lopez (B.S., industrial engineering), Pierce Perkins (B.S., chemistry) and Ethan Simms (B.S., social work).
MSU President David Wilson honored Averi Maxine Turner (B.S., business administration) with the President’s Second Mile Award for outstanding leadership and participation in student affairs, and Kayla Griffin (B.S., psychology) with the President’s Award for Exceptional Creative Achievement.
In her salute to the graduates at the Undergraduate Exercises, Senior Class President Emani Majors (B.S., construction management) called upon Morgan’s newest alumni to disregard titles and instead search for their mission, their “why.” Master’s degree candidate Stanley Jenkins (M.A., African American studies) and doctoral candidate Valerie Riggs (Ed.D., urban educational leadership) inspired the audience with their salute to the graduates at the School of Graduate Studies Commencement.
Kevon Dix, a Morgan student killed tragically by gunfire in late April of this year, was memorialized with a posthumous Bachelor of Arts in music. In addition, Abdulaziz Bin Zaid, a School of Business and Management student who suffered an accidental death in Las Vegas during the winter break, was awarded with a posthumous Bachelor of Science in Marketing.
Billionaire Robert F. Smith received an honorary doctorate degree at Morehouse College’s 135th Commencement exercise, where he delivered the commencement address before delivering a $40million announcement, that he was taking care of the student loan balance for the nearly 400 graduating men. You should know that the billionaire businessman and investor also has a heart for philanthropy and has been fairly humble, considering his contribution to society. 10 things you should know:
ONE Smith was named the world’s richest African-American man by Forbes in 2015. (And the worlds 268th richest man.) Then valued at $2.5billion, curently, valued at $5billion.
TWO His youngest sons, ‘Hendrix’ and ‘Legend’ are named after Jimi Hendrix and John Legend
THREE Smith became the first African American named as chairman of Carnegie Hall, the nation’s most prestigious concert stage (He grew up playing and now owns one of Elton John’s old pianos!)
FOUR His company, Vista Equity Partners, started a foundation, the Fund II Foundation; giving commencement addresses; and donating money. When he donated $50million to his alma mater, Cornell, it renamed its School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering after him.
FIVE Smith worked for Goldmah Sachs. He left the company in 1999, beginning his company, Vista Equity Partners, a year later in 2000.
SIX When the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) opened, he made the second-highest private donation of $20million, led by Oprah, with her donation of $21million
SEVEN Smith is the chairman of the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Human Rights and is a trustee of the Boys and Girls Clubs of America-San Francisco
EIGHT His company, Vista Equity Partners, has over $46billion in assets and posts annualized return of 22% since inception, currently averaging 30% returns.
NINE Smith is the first African-American to sign the Giving Pledge, a commitment to contribute the majority of his wealth to philanthropic causes.
TEN He takes time to enjoy his life 5 kids and enjoys fly fishing.
And the award for the BEST commencement speaker, in the history of commencement speakers gooooooeeeeessss tooooooo: Robert Frederick Smith, cleary.
The 135th Commencement exercises at Morehouse College took place on its Century Campus, awarding commencement orator billionaire Robert Frederick Smith an honorary doctorate.
Along with Smith, nearly 400 young men received degrees for their hard work as symbols of crossing the finish line on this portion of their education.
Smith, pictured on the left, shares a moment with Angela Basset, who was also honored by Morehouse College
In his inspirational message to the class, the 56-year-old philanthropist, businessman and investor already shared his plan of a $1.5million gift to the school, when he shared other news:
“My family is going to create a grant to eliminate your student loans!” HE announced a grant from his family to eliminate the student debt for the Morehouse College Class of 2019. “This is my class,” he said, “and I know my class will pay this forward.”
Tonga Releford, mother of graduating Charles Releford tells AJC “I feel like it’s Mother’s Day all over again.” She estimates her son had about $70,000.00 in student loans prior to his balance being covered by Smith. Her younger son Colin is a junior at Morehouse. Tonga shares her hope for Smith’s return, “Maybe he’ll come back next year.”
Robert F. Smith’s gift is valued at an estimate of $40million.
If Smith is a businessman and investor, with a networth upward of a billion dollars, we hope the men of Morehouse realize how powerful it is, to have him (who looks just like them) literally place an investment in them!
The infamous hate group Westboro Baptist Church plans to picket outside of the graduations of three historically black colleges in Atlanta according to CBS46
Protesters say they’ll be at the commencements of Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College and Spelman College on Sunday.
Representatives of the group say they’re protesting a pastor at Clark Atlanta, LBGTQ groups at Spelman College and the decision to admit transgender students at Morehouse College.
Graduating seniors say they’re confused and upset.
“It’s our big day and this is us going into adulthood. You’re trying to take that last moment away from us,” said Clark Atlanta student Miracle Jones.
Schools are working with police on crowd control and extra security. No word yet on any counter protests.
Monique, who attended Morgan State University, finally responds and defended Steve Harvey despite the fact that he never defended her when she was blackballed from Hollywood.
Demetra Moore is the founder and CEO of Moore Out of Life based in Charlotte, North Carolina. As a certified professional coach and energy leadership master practitioner, she trains and consults organizations across the nation. When collaborating with organizations, Moore emphasizes how important it is for leaders to master their soft skills in order to keep their employees engaged and connected.
“It’s important for employees to have effective communication, leadership, confidence, a positive attitude, relatability, emotional awareness, problem-solving skills, and time management,” she told BLACK ENTERPRISE. “We call these key success skills, also known as soft skills.”
According to Moore, when company leaders lack soft skills, this can have a negative trickle-down effect on the company’s employees, culture, and bottom line. When employees don’t have good leadership to motivate them to meet expectations and deliver a great customer experience, then the brand essence can suffer substantially. The brand essence is how clients or customers feel about an organization and their experience when working with them. For example, a negative experience can be shared with thousands or even millions via social media within a matter of seconds. This can lead to a decrease in customer referrals, enterprise expansion, and profits.
Moore shared seven advantages that soft skills have in shaping a company’s culture and keeping employees engaged and connected.
Demetra Moore, founder of Moore Out of Life (Photo Courtesy: Adina Starke of Enchantment Designs)
FAIRNESS
This ensures that management addresses the needs of everyone on the team by taking an interest in who they are and the value they bring to the team. This will allow them to have access to more opportunities in the future.
ENGAGEMENT
Companies with higher employee engagement have less turnover and higher percentages of customer loyalty, profitability, and revenues.
CONFIDENCE
Soft skills put people at ease and allow space to build confidence and trust in the workplace. Confidence and trust in the workplace allows more opportunity for creativity, appreciation of colleagues, and support on projects.
TIME
Burnout seems to be prevalent among both leaders and employees. Learning and employing the essentials of time management, work days can become less taxing, more productive, and this produces greater work-life balance.
GROWTH
Being intentional about creating a space for professional development really builds strong employees and saves organizations money. It can cost up to 33% of an employee’s salary to replace him/her. However, if the employee feels there’s opportunity for growth and advancement, the likelihood of them staying is higher.
COMMUNICATION
Clear communication allows employees to know their expectations, company vision, and values. It paints a clearer picture of how success is defined. It’s challenging to perform well and be productive when they don’t understand their role and more precisely, how their role fits in the overall scheme of the organization.
STABILITY
Unpredictability can be mitigated when using the right soft skills. Volatility within the organization can cripple your team and can lead to problems from employees disrupting other employees to not supporting initiatives altogether.
The I Promise School’s mission is to “positively affect the lives of children and young adults through education and co-curricular educational initiatives. We believe that an education and living an active, healthy lifestyle is pivotal to the development of children and young adults.”
With that mission in mind, James has partnered with Walmart and Sam’s Club for the Fight Hunger. Spark Change. campaign to help America secure a billion meals for local food banks. This announcement follows James’ $1 million grant to promote physical activity at his school.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, one in eight Americans experience food insecurity. That’s nearly 40 million people who don’t know where their next meal is coming from.
“Growing up in Akron, the whole city supported my dreams; supported my friends’ dreams; gave us shelter; gave us food. We always felt like we had that support. Partnering with Walmart is about the commitment to the community. Walmart has done so many great things all over the world, but, it starts in their hometown of Bentonville, Arkansas—the same as me starting in my hometown of Akron, Ohio. We don’t forget where we come from.” said James in a video announcing the partnership.
As a part of Walmart’s five-year partnership with Feeding America, they have been able to provide 749 million meals to hungry Americans. And through this campaign, 150 million Walmart customers and Americans are being encouraged to purchase featured food items and make monetary donations towards the effort.
“As we go into our sixth year of the Fight Hunger. Spark Change. campaign, it’s exciting to approach the 1 billion mark in terms of charitable meals secured by Feeding America over the life of the program,” said Kathleen McLaughlin, chief sustainability officer for Walmart. “Food insecurity continues to affect communities across the United States. Working with Feeding America, our customers, members, associates and suppliers, Walmart and Sam’s Club aim to be part of the solution.”
With 251 million meals to go, James is determined to help them meet their 1 billion meal goal.
“The Feeding America nationwide network of 200 member food banks serves people in every single county in the United States. Food banks are not just providing food to our neighbors in need, they are providing nourishment, hope, and dignity. We are tremendously grateful to Walmart, Sam’s Clubs, and the 18 dedicated campaign suppliers for coming together through Fight Hunger. Spark Change. to help people who struggle to put food on their tables and for providing everyone the opportunity to give back.” said Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, CEO of Feeding America.
In addition to the campaign, Walmart will gift food to the I Promise School’s pantry with toiletries, clothing items, and other necessities to support students and their families.
Click here to learn more about how you can help end hunger in America with James.
This post was written by Sequoia Blodgett, a writer at Black Enterprise, where it was originally published. It is published here with permission.
43North, a startup competition and acceleratorprogram, is looking to invest $5 million in high-growth companies willing to relocate to Buffalo, New York. Since 2014, the initiative has invested in 44 companies with $800 million total in their portfolio and created 400 plus jobs in Western New York.
What’s the criteria?
Your company must be in the seed or post-seed stage
The founders and/or company team must be uniquely qualified to solve a problem
The company must have had earned revenue or have a clear path to revenue within the next 12 months
The company must have a deployable product.
In addition to a financial investment, the winners of the competition will receive free workspace in their incubator, the opportunity to operate free of state taxes through STARTUP-NY,* mentorship from industry leaders, access to their network of investors, customers, vendors, and alumni and marketing and recruiting support.
So what do they want in return?
The company must provide 5% equity to 43North and the CEO and at least 50% of the company staff must relocate to Buffalo for 12 months.
43North believes that Buffalo’s strategic location, infrastructure, and workforce make it a place where startups can truly make their mark. They boast that it’s not only an amazing place to live—with great nightlife, world-class art, an eclectic food scene, vibrant waterfront, and super-affordable housing—but is also quickly becoming a startup hub.
Back in 2017, two black founding teams took part in the competition and they both came out on top. The teams were Femi Secrets, a company that provides the ultimate protection to women of all ages during their monthly menstrual cycle, and Squire, a B2B all-in-one platform that powers barbershop operations.
Femi Secrets, Founder, Davielle Jackson (Image: 43North)
Combined, the two companies took home a total of $1,150,000. This was also the first time in the history of the competition that two African American teams took home top prizes simultaneously.
Diddy has been regularly utilizing social media over the past eight months. It seems his activity perked up following the November death of Kim Porter, his ex-girlfriend and the mother of his children. With the exception of one brief break following her passing, he hasn’t shied away from posting.
But perhaps all of the public attention has lost its allure. On Monday (May 13) — just one day after Mother’s Day — the Hip Hop mogul announced he’s once again taking a social media hiatus.
“BACK OFF THE GRID,” he posted via Instagram. It was coupled with a black heart in the caption.
Since Porter’s passing, Diddy has shared several tribute videos and photos honoring her memory. Throughout his grieving process, he’s also expressed a healthy amount of regret.
In fact, the Bad Boy icon embraced criticism on one of his Instagram posts that found many of his followers blasting him for never marrying Porter. He ultimately admitted it was a mistake.
Most recently, he shared a photo of himself hugging her with the caption, “I FUCKIN MISS YOU SO MUCH. Happy mother’s DAY.”
As history has shown us, Diddy’s social media break likely isn’t permanent. In the interim, revisit a couple of his Porter tributes below.
BALTIMORE — Morgan State University (MSU), in the assembly of University officials, faculty and its Board of Regents, will host its 143rd Spring Commencementexercises on Saturday, May 18, 2019 at W.A.C. Hughes Memorial Stadium. Morgan’s Spring 2019 commencement ceremony celebrates the culmination of baccalaureate degree candidacy for nearly 700 students spanning 46 undergraduate programs and courses of study.
Congressman Elijah E. Cummings will provide the keynote before those assembled for the graduation ceremony. The lone honorary degree conferred during Saturday’s Exercises will be bestowed on accomplished sports writer, journalist and Morgan alumnus William C. Rhoden (MSU Class of 1973).
GRADUATION STORIES AND INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE TODAY OR ON-SITE TOMORROW
Eyon Bryant, Baltimore native and Intel Scholar, is receiving his bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering. He has served as the vice president of the National Society of Black Engineers and successfully earned internships at NASA, Harris Corporation, and Lockheed Martin. A youth minister, Eyon has received 10 career offers from top engineering companies.
Isaiah Weaver is a first-generation MSU and HBCU graduate earning a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering. Fluent in the Persianized Hindustani language of Urdu, Isiah was the first Morganite to receive the Critical Language Scholarship, an intensive overseas language and cultural immersion program sponsored by the U.S. Department of State. He has even penned a written piece on venture capital featured on Huffington Post. Despite being challenged with homelessness throughout his matriculation, Isaiah’s perseverance knew no bounds. Following his graduation, he has accepted a position with NASA to work on the Orion Mission to the Moon (and eventually Mars).
Lamont Hill, who matriculated at Morgan in 1974 as a first-generation college student, stopped short of receiving his degree 45 years ago. This Saturday, more than forty years later, he is receiving his bachelor’s degree in Sociology at the age of 65. He is true testament that it is never too late to realize your dream.
Lucas Krusinki, a native of France, arrived at Morgan unable to speak English but determined to play tennis for the current men’s MEAC Tennis Champions. Upon earning his bachelor’s in Nutritional Science, Lucas has received two fully-funded offers for graduate school to pursue a doctorate in Food Science at Michigan State University.
Excellence is a core value at Morgan that’s personified by all degree recipients. Each year, a spotlight is cast on those exemplary students who command special recognition for their pristine scholarly achievement. Since entering Morgan four years ago, Kristina Kincaid has maintained an impressive and consistent 4.0 GPA. She graduates this Saturday with a degree in Social Work.
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The graduates stand for the National Anthem at the Texas Southern University commencement Saturday May 16,2009.(Dave Rossman/For the Chronicle)
HOUSTON (May 17, 2019) – Texas Southern University has refined its process for current students and alumni requesting official university transcripts. With the click of a button, thanks to a partnership with the National Student Clearinghouse, a transcript can be delivered electronically without a visit to the campus registrar’s office.
“This is a win for both our current and former students,” said TSU president, Dr. Austin A. Lane. “In today’s environment, quick turnaround with maximum convenience is the expectation, so TSU is delivering upon that expectation. This is long overdue.”
Students will have multiple delivery options once they make the electronic request. The transcript can be handled electronically, via USPS first-class mail, or in-person pickup, if desired, on the second floor of the E.O. Bell Building. TSU does not release copies of transcripts received from other institutions.
Texas Southern University (TSU) honors our designation as a special-purpose institution for urban programming and research. TSU is a comprehensive university providing higher education access to the nation’s underserved communities. TSU’s academic and research programs address critical urban issues, and prepares its diverse student population to become a force for positive change in a global society. TSU offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs and concentrations – bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral and professional degrees – organized into 10 colleges and schools on a 150-acre campus nestled in the heart of Houston’s historic Third Ward. The University’s enrollment has a population of more than 9,700 undergraduate and graduate-school academic candidates. Texas Southern has been a distinguished educational pioneer since 1927, and the University has become one of the most diverse and respected institutions in Texas. TSU has positioned itself as a proactive leader in educating underserved students and many who are the first in their family to attend college.
Cole, who played for Hurley’s father Bobby at St. Anthony’s, came to Howard as a 3-star recruit and left as one of the best underclassman scorers in the country. After coming to Howard, Cole put up an impressive freshman season, averaging 23.7 points per game and scoring 42 points against UNC-Wilmington.
As a sophomore, the 6-foot-1 guard proved that his freshman performance was no fluke, averaging 21.4 points and 6.4 assists while shooting 38.7% from the 3-point line and earning a handful of accolades. On top of being named to the All-MEAC first team for the second-straight year, Cole was also named the MEAC Player of the Year last season and was named an AP All-American honorable mention.
Following the end of his sophomore season, coinciding with the departure of the head coach who recruited him, Cole decided to test the NBA Draft waters before changing his mind and deciding to transfer. After taking an official visit to Alabama in early-May, Cole decided to go back to the northeast and play for Hurley.
Cole’s addition is arguably the best-possible solution for the Huskies’ final scholarship for next year. While the Union, New Jersey native will sit out the 2019-20 season, he’ll have two seasons of eligibility remaining. He could also apply for a waiver to be eligible immediately.
With Christian Vital and Alterique Gilbert more than capable of holding things down next year, Hurley has done a nice job solidifying the future of the backcourt with a proven scorer and distributor that could carry the Huskies through 2022. Combine Cole’s presence with the current young core of recruits and Hurley’s momentum on the recruiting trail, and it’s easy to see that he may be well on his way to building the next core of great UConn guards.
Johnson has spent the past 11 years as the Associate Athletics Director for Compliance /Senior Woman Administrator. She joined the VUU Athletics staff in July 2007 as Director of Compliance.
“Felicia Johnson is an incredible asset to Panther athletics,” said Dr. Hakim J. Lucas, President & CEO at VUU. “She thrives on challenges, and shares my commitment to excellence in our winning traditions in the classroom, and on the field.”
As the Senior Woman Administrator and Associate Athletic Director, she served as part of the senior management team and assisted the Director of Athletics in the decision-making process, enhancing the level in institutional support provided to ensure gender equity.
Johnson was awarded the CIAA Senior Woman Administrator of the Year in 2009 and in 2018. She is a graduate of NCAA Institute for Administrative Advancement and the NCAA Division II ADA Mentoring program. Currently, she is a member of Women Leaders in College Sports.
“As a woman in a field dominated by men, I am honored to have been given this wonderful opportunity,” Johnson said. “Nothing will stop us from chasing our championship dreams while we focus on the health, wellness and education of our student-athletes.”
The Mappsville, Virginia, native is a 2003 honors graduate of Virginia Union University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems. Johnson was a student-athlete at VUU, lettering in volleyball, bowling and earning All-CIAA honors in softball.
Johnson replaces Hall of Fame Coach Joe Taylor, who was recently appointed to Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics at Virginia Union. She earned her Master of Science Degree from Virginia Commonwealth University in Sports Leadership in 2007; and is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
About VUU: Virginia Union University is a premier liberal arts urban institution of higher education and center of excellence for the preparation of students and the development of leaders for tomorrow’s world. It was founded in 1865 to give newly emancipated slaves an opportunity for education and advancement. Virginia Union University offers a broad range of educational opportunities that advances liberal arts education, teaching, research, science, technology, continuing education, civic engagement, and international experiences. Visit https://www.vuu.edu/ for more information.
A Mississippi Valley State University staff member has shattered the glass ceiling.Dr. Kerry Anne Simon of Memphis, Tenn. has been named MVSU’s new director of university bands following the retirement of Kenneth Milton. This announcement makes her the first woman band director not only in MVSU history, but also the SWAC—MVSU’s collegiate athletic conference.
Simon has served as the associate director of bands at MVSU since Aug. 2017. She will officially begin in her new role July 1, 2019.
MVSU President Dr. Jerryl Briggs said he is confident in Simon’s ability to lead the university’s band program.
“We’re excited to have Dr. Kerry Simon carry on and build upon the excellence of our University Bands program,” said Briggs. “As an alumna of MVSU, she has deep roots and an undeniable passion for The Valley. I am looking forward to seeing great things from her. Congratulations, Dr. Simon!”
Simon said she still hasn’t grasped the fact that she has made history.
“It hasn’t hit me yet,” she said. “This is a maIe-dominated field, for sure. I think we’re in the time now where people are paying more attention to women in the workplace.”
Simon said that throughout her career, she has realized that being a woman band director it a “big thing.”
“You have to make a lot of sacrifices as a band director anyway, and to be a female band director, the sacrifices you have to make are definitely tough,” she explained. “You have to watch out for two families—your family at home and your family in the classroom.”
Simon’s passion for music began in middle school.
“We had to take either band or choir. I’m a horrible singer, so they told me I should take band,” she chuckled.
Blossoming into a talented clarinet player, Simon’s high school band director encouraged her to seriously consider pursuing a career in music education.
“I am elated that I chose music,” she said. “In high school, I wanted to be a brain surgeon, but I’m so much happier with my choice.”
After high school, Simon attended MVSU, where she played in the “Mean Green Marching Machine” band under the direction of the legendary Leonard “Chief” Tramiel.
“Mr. Tramiel did not play any games. He gave me the discipline and that solid foundation needed to succeed,” she said. “My time at MVSU definitely prepared me to be a band director.”
Simon said her goal has never been to serve at an affluent music school.
“I knew I was a good teacher and my plight has always been to bring good, comprehensive music education programs at schools that wouldn’t normally get it.”
Simon brings a strong background in music education. After graduating from MVSU in 1995, she received a Master of Education degree from Union University in Jackson, Tenn.
“I thought I wanted to be a music administrator so that I could go into the schools and help band directors be great. But then I realized that I would never teach again—I would be sitting behind a desk for the rest on my life, and I was like ‘No,’” she said.
She decided to continue her education at Tennessee State University, where she received a Master of Music Education degree while working for Memphis City Schools.
In 2013, she earned a Ph.D. in Music Education from Florida State University and subsequently served at Coahoma Community College from 2014 to 2017 as the assistant director of bands before joining MVSU.
“To come home has been the icing on the cake,” said Simon. “I always knew I wanted to be a college band director, but to be able to come and give back to the university that helped me to be successful has been great.”
Her goals include taking the Mean Green Marching Machine to a new level.
“I would like for us to be a force to be reckoned with. I’m built with a mindset for greatness, and I want that for Valley and the band,” she said.
As for breaking ceilings, for Simon, it’s just a part of the job.
