George "Chuck" Patterson '03

One of Jackson Free Press' Men We Love 2013.

» http://issuu.com/jacksonfreepress/docs/v11n40/20

Washington DC Alumni Chapter offers new DVD

Washington DC Alumnic Chapter offers new DVD, "An Ordinary Hero: The True Story of Tougaloo Alumni Joan Trumpauer Mulholland" by Loki Mulholland, as a fundraiser.

» Click here for more information....

Jameca W. Falconer, PhD '96

"Logan College of Chiropractic/University Programs has announced the appointment of Jameca W. Falconer, PhD, as counseling psychologist in its Office of Student Services."... see story link below...

» Logan College of Chiropractic appoints new counseling psychologist

Charles Molden, Jr. '10

Congratulations to Charles Molden, Jr. '10 (Mr. Tougaloo) who earned his MBA degree from Jackson State University and is now employed as a Management Development Associate at Trustmark National Bank.

W. Dewayne Richardson '99

Congratulations to our Tougaloo College alumnus, W. Dewayne Richardson '99, for being named to the 2013 class of Nation's Best Advocates by Impact Your World and National Bar Association

» http://www.impact-dc.com/2013nba40under40

"MA names four UMMC students 'Trailblazers'"

Reynaldo Williams (2009) wins Trailblazer Award at University of Mississippi Medical School... see story link below...

» MA names four UMMC students 'Trailblazers'

Another Natural Science major completes professional school

Dr. Alicea Smith (2008) has completed optometry school at Southern College of Optometry.

Join us in congratulating her.

Dr. Avis Simms Sparks '07

Avis Simms-Sparks (now Dr. Avis Simms-Sparks) successfully defended her dissertation at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. She has accepted a Post-doctoral position at the New Orleans Children's Hospital Research Institute where she will study type 1 diabetes.

Marshala Lee, M.D. '07

Yet another Tougaloo Natural Sciences graduate out in the world and taking charge!

Read the her guest editorial in the American Academy of Family Physicians publication at the link below:

http://www.aafp.org/online/en/home/publications/news/news-now/opinion/20130417docbackschooledl.html#.UW9B5qKbuk8.email

2004 graduate, Angel S. Byrd

"Dedicated, passionate and energetic, M.D./Ph.D. student Angel Byrd has earned many accolades and research opportunities. But she only recently won a young scientistís most coveted prize..." » Read more (Press release from Brown University)

Patricia A. Cole, Ph.D. ’77

Dr. Patricia Cole was recently awarded the 2013 Thomas A. Crowe Outstanding Alumnus Award in the School of Applied Sciences at the University of Mississippi. In his letter of notification to Dr. Cole, Dr. Velmer Burton, Dean of the School of Applied Sciences and Professor of Social Work and Legal Studies at Ole Miss, wrote: “…I can truly say that your work, life, and contributions to your professional field make you an exemplary recipient of this prestigious award.”

Ahmad Smith, 2003 Tougaloo College (Economics) Graduate

MC LAW 3L (Mississippi College School of Law / 3rd year) Ahmad R. Smith has article accepted for publication in Gonzaga Law Review. Last fall, Smith responded to the Call for Presentations issued by Gonzaga Law School for, "The Pursuit of Justice: Understanding Hatred, Confronting Intolerance, Eliminating Inequality Conference."

MC Law 3L Ahmad R. Smith recently accepted a publication offer for his 58 page article, "Saving Jamal to Save America: Presidential Authority to Decriminalize the Future Male Majority," to be published in a forthcoming issue of the Gonzaga Law Review, volume 49, scheduled for publication later in 2013.

Smith submitted a proposal based on his ongoing work and it was accepted for presentation for the April 17-20, 2013, conference to be held in Spokane, Washington. "The Pursuit of Justice" is a collaborative event organized by the Gonzaga University School of Law, the Gonzaga Institute for Hate Studies, and the Washington State Task Force on Race and the Criminal Justice System.

This event will bring together the 3rd International Conference on Hate Studies and the 2nd Conference on Race and the Criminal Justice System.

Smith, along with his MCSOL Professor, Angela Kupenda will both present at the conference.

Documentary about Joan Trumpauer Mulholland '64 now available

"An Ordinary Hero" is an award-winning film that won both Audience Choice Award and Best Documentary Feature at the 2013 Oxford Film Festival.

The National Civil Rights Museum declared, "This film belongs alongside those of other freedom rights champions."

Julian Bond, former head of the NAACP, put his seal of approval with a simple two word statement, "Get it."

The film is available at Amazon.com and you can get there via our website at www.anordinaryhero.com

 Click here for more information.

Mary Evans Sias '72 Awarded an Honorary Degree

Mary Evans Sias, president of Kentucky State University in Frankfort, was awarded an honorary degree at the fall commencement ceremonies of Central Michigan University in Mount Pleasant. Dr. Sias was awarded the Doctorate of Public Service degree for being a "forward-thinking leader" and for her advocacy of higher education as chair of the board of directors of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities.

Dr. Sias is the 13th president of Kentucky State University, having served in that role since April 2004. Previously she served for 10 years as associate provost and senior vice president for student affairs and external relations at the University of Texas at Dallas. A native of Jackson, Mississippi, she is a graduate of Tougaloo College and holds a master's degree and a Ph.D. in sociology from the University of Wisconsin. She also earned an MBA from Abilene Christian University.

 Click here for more information...

Amber Clark '12 Named Miss Black Rhode Island 2013

On November 10, 2012, Amber was crowned Miss Black Rhode Island USA 2013! "This is such an honor and priviledge. As you all may know, I am a second year at Alpert Medical School of Brown University. I am a Proud Tougaloo Alumna as well. All of the Tougalooians up here are doing great!" For more, visit Amber's FB page at Miss Black Rhode Island USA 2013.

Click here to view picture of Amber Clark...

Dr. Alethea Hampton '99 named associate dean, College of Education at Alabama State

Clarke was a 1984 graduate of Tougaloo College.

 Click here for more information...

Carol Clarke '84 Voted in as New Birmingham Board of Education Member

Clarke was a 1984 graduate of Tougaloo College.

 Click here for pictures of Carol Clarke speaking to media after being voted in as the new Birmingham Board of Education District 4 board member...

Clinnesha Dillon Sibley '06 Prepares New Play for Production

Clinnesha D. Sibley, Miss Tougaloo College 2005-2006, has announced the upcoming World Premiere of her play, "Tell Martha Not to Moan," slated to debut in the Aurora Fox Studio Theatre at the historic Aurora Fox Arts Center near Denver, Colorado. The play takes place inside of an African American home in Detroit, 2007, while the nation is embroiled in the presidential campaign. It is a glimpse into the changing world through the eyes and memories of an elderly couple. The show, produced by the Athena Project Festival, will run March 15-31, 2013. Tickets go on sale in February and will be approximately $20, general admission. Sibley is an Assistant Professor in the Drama Department at the University of Arkansas (Fayetteville), where she was the first African American to earn her M.F.A. in playwriting.

 Click here for a site that outlines Ms. Sibley's accomplishments thus far...

Dr. Alfred E McNair, Jr. '72

The Gulfport Branch of the NAACP will host its 2012 Annual Freedom Fund Awards Banquet on Sunday, December 16, 2012 at the Good Deeds Community Center, 15101 Madison Street, Gulfport, at 6:00 pm. Each year this event honors citizens making outstanding civil and human rights contributions in the community. This year's special honoree is Tougaloo alumni and board member, Dr. Alfred E. McNair.

Dr. McNair is being honored for his altruism, humanitarianism, entrepreneurialism, vast array of philanthropic endeavors and advocacy to improve the health and education of local communities.

Nicolas R. Rankin '03

Jackson, Mississippi native and former Mr. Tougaloo College 2001-2002 (Nicolas R. Rankin), successfully defended his Ph.D. dissertation research entitled, “The Regulation and Funding of Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) and Transportation Equity” and completed the requirements for the Ph.D. in Political Science with four subfields (Urban Politics, Environmental Justice, International Relations, and Public Administration) at Clark Atlanta University in the Department of Political Science. His publications include “The Threat of Influenza Pandemic in the State of Georgia (1918-Present): Face-to-Face Interviews”, in Methodological Pluralism in Political Science Research (Deer Park, NY: Linus Publications, Inc., 2008), and “MARTA Service Cuts in Hotlanta: Using the Regime Theory & the Environmental Justice Framework to Analyze Transportation Racism in Hotlanta”, Race, Gender, & Class Journal (Recently Submitted Publication). He has served as an adjunct professor at Clark Atlanta University and is referred to by his students as “Professor Nick”, because of his youthful appearance and ability to relate to the students. Rankin has recently accepted a fellowship funded by the Centers for Disease Control from the Directors of Health Promotion and Education, Washington, DC. He will be working with the Director of Epidemiology and the Epidemiologist of the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control in Columbia, South Carolina.

Ahmad R. Smith '03

Mississippi College Law School 3L Ahmad R. Smith (Tougaloo College, Class of 2003) and Professor Angela Mae Kupenda presented forthcoming publications at the University of Idaho College of Law.

Ahmad R. Smith, a 3L (third year law student), and Professor Angela Mae Kupenda recently both had articles accepted for publication and presented their forthcoming publications at the University of Idaho College of Law 2012 Fall Conference of the crit, Critical Legal Studies Journal. Their papers will appear in a forthcoming issue of this journal and on Westlaw.

Academics, practitioners and students from various disciplines and states participated in the law conference which had as its theme Deconstructionism. The conference was held Friday, Oct. 19 - Saturday, Oct. 20, 2012, Smith and Kupenda traveled to Idaho on Thursday and returned on Sunday. Ahmad Smith's travel and accommodations were funded primarily by the crit, the University of Idaho College of Law. The Dean's office of the University of Idaho College of Law primarily sponsored Kupenda's travel and accommodations, Ahmad Smith and Professor Kupenda had earlier responded to the conference's call for papers; and, their papers were subsequently accepted for both forthcoming publication and for presentation.

Ahmad Smith's paper and presentation was titled, "'Tough on Crime' vs. 'Smart on Crime': What's the Difference?," His presentation was very well received by the audience. Ahmad Smith was the first presenter at the conference. The moderator and other presenters repeatedly referred back to and quoted Ahmad's presentation, as his presentation provided a highly relevant and insightful framework for addressing other topics presented at the conference.His forthcoming publication is one of three papers on criminal reform and justice that he has authored over the past year. Professor Kupenda is Ahmad Smith's writing mentor.

At the conference, Prof. Kupenda introduced and presented excerpts from a nontraditional work examining professionalism, identity, class, race, gender and outsider experiences in the legal profession and before the courts. Her forthcoming publication is a fictional work titled, May It Please the Court? A Short Story, telling the story of a Black female attorney who is facing the biggest case of her career, and even of her life.

Melody Fisher '00

Melody Fisher has been promoted to Assistant Professor of Public Relations in the Department of Mass Communication at Tougaloo College. She is scheduled to earn her Ph.D. in Public Relations from the University of Southern Mississippi in December 2012.

Akemi Harrison '05

Akemi Harrison is now a Newscast Producer at KXTV/News10 in Sacramento, California. Prior to that, Akemi was a producer at WAPT-TV 16 here in Jackson. She earned her B.A. in English, with an emphasis in journalism, in 2005.

John Veasley '79

Will Guest on TV Show about Geneology ("Finding Your Roots")

Recently, "Roots", one of the most important books and television series of all times, celebrated its 30th anniversary. "Roots" served as a catalyst for discussions about race, African-American history and the legacy of slavery, and launched a new passion for family history and genealogy, especially among African-Americans. This edition of Aware looks at the importance of genealogy and of finding the hidden treasures of family history. Guests include BIL NELSON, senior librarian with the West Florida Genealogy Library; DR. JOHN VEASLEY '79, director of the West Florida Genealogy Society; and JERRY MERRITT, who specializes in transcription projects for the West Florida Genealogical Society. DR. KAYE CELESTE EVANS hosts.

"Finding Your Roots" will be an hour-long episode on the AWARE program on WSRE-TV shown on select Saturdays and Sundays in June and July.

Saturday, 6/23 at 3 pm and Sunday 6/24 at 1 pm Saturday, 7/14 at 1 pm and Sunday 7/15 at 1 pm

Dr. James C. Coleman '61

COLEMAN RECCEIVES GCAC ATHLETIC DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR

Tougaloo, MS-The Gulf Coast Athletic Conference (GCAC) recently announced its 2012 Athletic Director of the Year. Dr. James C. Coleman, Athletic Director at Tougaloo College, received this prestigious honor voted on by his fellow ADs.

Coleman, a 1961 graduate of Tougaloo College, will be celebrating 50 years of service as a longtime educator and administrator this year. Coleman began his journey in athletics as a coach and moved up to athletic director after serving in several other positions like sports information director and athletic trainer. After countless years in athletics, Coleman moved from athletics to take on other administrative duties. In 2005, Coleman accepted the position again. Under his leadership, the athletics department has soared to unexpected heights.

After accepting the job, one of Coleman first assignments was hiring head men's basketball coach Lafayette Stribling. Since hiring Stribling, the men's basketball program has brought home 4 regular season championships and 1 tournament championship. They have also been to the national tournament 5 out of the last 6 years, including 2 trips to the "Sweet Sixteen." Also under the leadership of Dr. Coleman, the program has brought international athletes, a new volleyball program, and a growing women's basketball and baseball program.

Coleman brought a women's volleyball program to Tougaloo in 2011. In only their second season, the Lady Bulldogs volleyball team finished 5th with a conference record of 5-5. Head Coach, Shandrea Taylor, received GCAC Coach of the Year and two players were on the All-Conference Team. In 2005, Coleman was honored for his longtime success in athletics with the naming of the outdoor athletic complex the Dr. James C. Coleman Athletic Complex, which includes the baseball field.

After receiving his bachelor's degree from Tougaloo, Coleman also received a master's degree from Tennessee State University and a doctorate of education from the University of Mississippi. Coleman is married to Dr. Marilyn Houston-Coleman and is the father of five children, all of whom graduated from Tougaloo College.

Bonita Coleman-Potter '89

Bonita Coleman-Potter Returns to Mississippi!

OCEAN SPRINGS, Mississippi -- The Ocean Springs School Board has selected an educator from Prince George's County Public Schools in Maryland as the new Superintendent of Education.

Bonita Coleman-Potter is a Mississippi native who wants to return home, said school board President Sharon Walker during the school board meeting Tuesday night.

 More here

Jasmine Hughes '08

This Tougaloo actress (Jasmine Hughes '08) is poised to make her mark on the national stage! (See, in particular, the last few paragraphs of the review.)

 More here

LeMia Jenkins '10

Alumna LeMia Jenkins '10 (Mass Communication) Appointed Press Secretary for Congresswoman Fudge (Ohio)

 More here

Monique Sneed '85

Ms. Monique Sneed graduated this month from Leadership Memphis, a prestigious program which has been shaping community leaders in the Memphis area since 1979. The program seeks to build a better city by building better leaders and focus on a broad array of community issues through the lens of three core values: diversity & inclusion, collaboration and civic engagement.

Alisha Brinson '01

Ms. Alisha Brinson, second from left, named Alumnus of the Year for the Jackson Tougaloo Alumni Chapter during 2012 Annual State of the College Luncheon. Pictured with her are Mrs. Norweida Roberts '64, Chapter President Dr. James C. Smith '76 and Alisha's mother, Ms. Brenda H Brinson. Alisha currently serves as membership chair of the chapter.

Angel Byrd '04

Growing up in the rural town of Edwards, Miss., Angel S. Byrd harbored a love of math and science. When she was 5 years old, her father died. Her mother moved her and her two older brothers to Jackson, and Byrd eased her heart by focusing on school to make her family proud. “I put all of my energy into school — all my troubles, all my worries,” she says. “I just went hard in school, and I’m so thankful that I did.” That focus and dedication to studies has paid off for her.

 More here

Josh Marks '02

Jackson resident Josh Marks, a 7-footer with an appetite for good food and the skill to make it so, is among the top 100 amateur cooks to make it to the MasterChef premiere. MasterChef heats up Season Three with a two-night season premiere, 8 p.m. today and Tuesday on Fox. Michelle Gollott, a food services sales consultant in Biloxi, was also among the top cooks flown to Los Angeles to compete.

Mississippi has a history with the show; Whitney Miller of Poplarville took the title in MasterChef's first year out.

Marks, who just turned 25, grew up in Chicago and came to Mississippi in 2005 to attend Tougaloo College, where he played basketball and graduated in 2009. He's been in the state since and works as a contract specialist for the U.S. Army in Vicksburg.

 More here

Tray Hairston '02

MC Law names local attorney as Young Lawyer of the Year Mississippi College School of Law leaders selected Tray Hairston as the 2012 Young Lawyer of the Year. The award was given at the law school's annual Alumni and Reunion Dinner. The award recognizes a young lawyer who has been a credit to the law school and the legal community.

Hairston is associate counsel and policy advisor to Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant, covering the areas of Economic Development and Public Finance. The 2009 MC Law graduate received his bachelor's degree from Tougaloo College and master's degree from Belhaven College. He currently serves as a member of the Mississippi Economic Development Council and the National Association of Bond Lawyers.

MC Law Dean Jim Rosenblatt is thankful for the support Hairston provides to the law school. "Tray is a high energy person who likes challenges. He is a first-class people person and works to bring people and ideas together."

Jenese Bowles '98 Receives Master's Degree

Jenese Bowles receives Master's Degree in Environmental Science with a concentration in Safety - University of Houston Clear Lake.

DeAnna Esther Marie Tisdale '08

Soprano DeAnna Esther Marie Tisdale, a 2008 graduate of Tougaloo College, recently performed her graduation recital, a requirement for receiving the Master in Music in Vocal Performance from The University of Southern Mississippi May 2012. Family, friends and classmates gathered at Westminster Presbyterian in Hattiesburg, MS, for the classical extravaganza. After graduation, DeAnna will study with opera star Martina Arroyo in New York City before attending The Boston Conservatory for two years.

Mr. Willie Washington '74

Benedict College AD to receive NAACP award
Willie Washington will receive the Civic Leadership Presidential Citation for his support and accomplishments in the struggle for equal rights.

 More here

Willie Mae Humphries Reed '81

Ms. Reed is married to James Reed; they have three children, six grandchildren and one great granddaughter. Humphries Reed, who taught grades 1-3 for 25 years, is now retired (Gulfport, MS)

Dr. Ako D. Bradford '96

Dr. Bradford resides in Amarillo, TX, is now a Fellow of the American College of Physicians and serves as Medical Director of the NWTHS Stroke Team.

Chris Hinton '04

Project manager of Natchez, Inc. (Natchez, MS) included in Mississip Business Journal's list of "Top 40 Under 40".

Click here for more....

Dr. Myrna Alexander Nickens '78

Beginning April 2, 2012, Dr. Myrna Alexander Nickens '78 will be at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in the Department of Cardiology. She will be specializing in Invasive Cardiology and an interest in cardiovascular diseases in women.

Tanjala S. Purnell '05 Successfully Defends Dissertation

Tanjala Purnell successfully defended her PhD dissertation thesis, entitled "Examining Barriers to Live Donor Kidney Transplantation among Racial-Ethnic Minorities in the US: Opportunities for Policy Interventions" on March 2, 2012, and completed the requirements for the Ph.D. in Health Policy and Management from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. She is grateful to everyone for their support and encouragement during her time as a doctoral student, and she invites any Tougalooians who are in the Baltimore area to attend her commencement ceremony at 8:40am on Thursday, May 24, 2012.

Upon graduation, she will begin a position as a clinical research fellow in the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine. She is, naturally, very excited about this wonderful opportunity to continue her research.

Marta Collier '02 in Powerful Women 2012 Article

Each March to commemorate Women’s History Month, we honor a group of Arkansas women who excel in their respective fields. From art to business, philanthropy, medical and more, women frequently lead the way and set the example of what true “power” is. It is bravery, determination, compassion and caring for others and the community.

Marta Collier serves with the Arkansas Science & Technology Authority (ASTA) in Little Rock, AR, and is a Workforce Development Education doctoral candidate at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville (UAF). She is researching core competencies for 21st-century STEM workers. Collier also earned a bachelor’s degree from Tougaloo College and a master’s degree from Ohio State University.

Prior to joining ASTA, Collier held several positions at UAF including program administrator for the National Center for Reliable Electric Power Transition; program coordinator for Undergraduate Human Resource Development Center; and training coordinator and fundraising specialist for University Development Information Services.

She is a member of a number of organizations including the Business and Professional Women of Arkansas; Fayetteville Forward Economic Accountability Council; and the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences and the Arts.

Stanitia W. Davis '04, DPM, Podiatric Medicine and Surgery

Daughter of Stanley and Mary Wells-Davis (Tougaloo '70), Stanitia Davis has many achievements:

• Tougaloo College Class of 2004, Bachelor of Science in Biology
• Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine Class of 2008
• Central Alabama Veterans Heathcare Systems (Montgomery, AL), Resident, Podiatric Medicine and Surgery 2010
• Staff Podiatrist, MS Foot Clinic, Jackson, MS
• Staff Surgeon, Podiatric Medicine, Central MS Medical Center
• Delta Sigma Theta, Gamma Psi Chapter, Fall 2002

Waikinya Clanton '08 of Congressional Black Associates

Waikinya Clanton knows it took more than her bright smile and solid work ethic to land her position in the office of Rep. Bennie Thompson. The 26-year-old legislative correspondent for the Mississippi Democrat had something common to many successful staffers on Capitol Hill: a connection.

Now, as president of the networking group Congressional Black Associates, Clanton is helping others who aspire to work for Congress make connections and trying to ensure that African-American staffers on the Hill have opportunities to move up the ladder.

Clanton was working in a FedEx Kinko’s store in Jackson, Miss., during her senior year at Tougaloo College when an alumnus of the historically black school came into the store and asked about her plans after graduation. She mentioned she might like to work in Washington, but had no clue how to apply for a position.

The alumnus knew Thompson and asked Clanton for a copy of her resume. She was in the right place at the right time—in a store that specializes in printing important documents, with a resume on her thumb drive—and the rest is history. She soon had an internship in Thompson’s office that eventually led to a full-time job. “We were only required to work four days” as interns, Clanton said. “I worked five. I really wanted to put in my time.”

Congressional Black Associates members often point to last year’s Hill People issue of National Journal, which profiled staffers in key positions, when explaining the organization’s mission. A staff survey for the June special edition found that 93 percent of top aides on the Hill are white. “Visually, you can see it,” said the group’s vice president, Keenan Austin. “Being here, you can feel it.”

When Clanton and Austin were elected to the networking group’s leadership positions last month, they decided to focus on changing that profile. Austin, 28, who became senior adviser to Rep. Frederica Wilson, D-Fla., through a connection made working for a pharmaceutical company, said she is ready to handle “the blunt truth.”

The group is organizing an April event that will draw members of the Congressional Black Caucus and others on the Hill for a discussion on how to increase African-American employment in congressional offices and how staffers already there can excel.

“We need people we can look to for guidance,” Clanton said. “We need people who are not afraid to give us advice. We really want to know about what it is that you need to do in order to get ahead.” Austin said she’s been told to keep her social network racially diverse, because it would be smaller otherwise.

Clanton is also busy networking, including as a regional contact for students and alumni of her alma mater, Tougaloo College. She tells aspiring staffers: “Yes, it’s different; yes, it’s fast; but you can do it. Stay ambitious and don’t sell yourself out.”

Jamille Taylor '08 Accepted to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Jamille Taylor has been accepted to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) one year Medical Student Fellowship in Applied Epidemiology. She will be working with a team at the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry primarily on a project that examines the association between maternal exposure to volatile organic compounds and childhood cancers and birth defects. She will transition to this program after she completes her MPH from Yale (May 2012). Jamille will then return to complete medical school at Brown in 2013.

Bethany Rankin '09 Receives Prestigious Minority Scholar Travel Award

Bethany Rankin, a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, has received a Minority Scholar in Cancer Research Award from the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR).

 More here

Tougaloo Staff and Alumni Shine at JPS Moms and Dads Conference

Dads and Moms Conference opening session presenters included (from left) Dr. Debra Mays-Jackson, 2011 JPS Administrator of the Year; Brunetta Sarpong, 2011 JPS Parent of the Year; Pastor Marcus Cathey, keynote speaker; Kisiah W. Nolan '59, JPS Board President; Gary Anderson II , Director/Family Life Center, Owens Health & Wellness Center, Tougaloo College; and Dr. Jayne B. Sargent '67, JPS Interim Superintendent.

R. Christopher White Nominated for Academy Award

R. Christopher White, son of Robert White '60 - Accepting Certificate from President of Academy as Nominee at Academy Award Luncheon in Los Angeles on Feb 5, 2012. Mr. White is nominated in the area of Visual Effects for "Rise of Planet of the Apes".

 More here

Sarah Smith Ducksworth, Ph.D. '65 Speaking

Special guest speakers were Dr. Sarah Smith Ducksworth, newly hired Research Coordinator for the project, and Karen James, Manager of the Underground Railroad Initiative of the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission. The message given by both speakers was one of re-educating the public on the realities of the Underground Railroad.

 More here

Freddi Williams Evans '77 to Present Lecture on Her Book in Alexandria

Freddi Williams Evans will be presenting a lecture on her book "Congo Square: African Roots in New Orleans" on Saturday, February 11th, 2012.

 More here

DeAnna Tisdale '08 Performs in Philadelphia

Photo Credit: Jackson Advocate

Queen Mother Falaka Fattah received a special rendition of Sam Cooke's "A Change Goin' Come" for her 80th birthday. Mississippi opera star DeAnna Tisdale performed at the Celebration of Courage, Commitment and Compassion hosted by The Honorable Councilman Curtis Jones, Jr. in the Mayor's Reception Room at City Hall on Dec. 28, 2011. Tisdale is presently studying at the University of Southern Mississippi, where she will receive the Master's of Music Performance in May 2012. Mayor Michael A. Nutter brought greetings, as well as former mayor Wilson Goode. Her son, U.S. Congressman Chaka Fattah, thanked his mother and father, David Fattah, for saving and shaping the lives of thousands of troubled youth for over five decades. Mother Fattah was presented a resolution by the Philadelphia City Council during the three hour long tribute which included the viewing of "That's Incredible," a short film on the history of the House of Umoja. Amid enormous loss of life to street violence, the Fattahs transformed their home into a safe house for gang members in the early 1970. Since then, the House of Umoja has become a community institution with several programs and initiatives. Businessman Kenny Gamble sent word by Rahim Islam, President/CEO, Universal Companies, that completion of her work to rebuild Philly's inner city will be realized. The Universal African Dancers & Drum also entertained those gathered to applaud the Queen Mother of Philadelphia.

Attorney Stephanie Barnes Taylor '94

Stephanie Barnes Taylor is the Chief Compliance Officer for Singing River Health System in Jackson County, Mississippi. As a member of the Senior Executive Team, she has responsibilities that impact every facet of hospital operations. She has direct responsibility for risk management, contracts, and compliance.

She attended Mississippi State University (1990 – 1992) and graduated summa cum laude from Tougaloo College in 1994 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English. She received her law degree from Harvard Law School in 1997.

Stephanie is actively involved in her community and serves on several boards. She was selected by the Gulf Coast Business Council for the 2010 Masters Program. She currently co-chairs the Education Committee of the Gulf Coast Business Council Board. In 2009, she was named by the Sun Herald and Journal of South Mississippi Business as one of South Mississippi's Top 10 Business Leaders Under 40, Class of 2008. She is a graduate of the Leadership Jackson County Class of 2006. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and has held leadership positions at the local, regional, and national level. She is currently the President of the Junior Auxiliary of Biloxi-Ocean Springs. In 2005, Mrs. Taylor was appointed to the Governor’s Commission on Recovery, Rebuilding & Renewal, Health and Human Services Committee Chair where she served as the Physician Subcommittee Chairman. Mrs. Taylor was responsible for drafting the subcommittee report to be incorporated into Health and Human Services Report submitted to the Governor’s Commission established by Mississippi Governor, Haley Barbour.

She is the Chief Excellence Consultant for The Fruition Group, LLC, a company that specializes in personal excellence, leadership and strategic planning solutions. She is also a published author on several leadership topics and writes short fiction.

She has been married to Dr. Jerrod Taylor since 1995. They have 2 sons, Nicolas, 12, and Marcus, 9.

 Reuben V. Anderson Pre-Law Society Event

Chris Hinton '04 Selected to Participate in 2012 Class of Leadership Mississippi

Chris Hinton, project manager for Natchez Inc., the economic development agency serving Natchez and Adams County, has recently been selected to participate in the 2012 Class of Leadership Mississippi. Since its inception in 1974, there have been more than 1,000 graduates of the state’s leading and second-oldest leadership program in the country. Chris will bring a wealth of knowledge and economic development expertise to this group with seven years of experience. He is responsible for meeting the needs of existing businesses and industries of Natchez-Adams County and assisting in efforts to recruit new industries to the area. "This is an exciting time not only for Natchez and Adams counties, but for the state of Mississippi to have Chris participate in such a remarkable leadership program. He exemplifies what it means to be a true leader and will surely add to the various levels of professionalism and expertise demonstrated throughout the program," expressed Chandler Russ, executive director for Natchez Inc.

Chris obtained an M.S. in economic development from The University of Southern Mississippi and a B.A. in economics-business administration from Tougaloo College, both of which he holds high regard for and is a life member of both alumni associations. He previously worked for the Mississippi Economic Development Council, the Center for Business Development and Economic Research, Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services in Disability Determination and the Jackson Redevelopment Authority with the City of Jackson.

Chris currently is a member of the Natchez Trace Kiwanis Club, Leadership Natchez, the Mississippi Economic Development Council and the Southern Economic Development Council - the 17-state regional economic development association. He serves on the Board of Directors for the Natchez Habitat for Humanity and the Community Advisory Board for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mississippi.

Leadership Mississippi’s 2012 class begins in January and will conclude in December in Jackson. Chris will indeed be a major asset to this group of statewide leaders.

Bianca K. Jackson ’07 Performing at UT Austin

When: Sunday, Nov. 13th, 2011 at 3:30pm

Where: UT Austin Jessen Auditorium Homer Rainey Hall

Featuring the music of Mozart (with special guest Angela Park, Oboe), Strauss, Milhaud, and Douglas Moore.

Reception to follow.

 More information

Whitney McDowell ’10 Pursues Dual Master's Degrees

Whitney F. McDowell is a 2010 graduate of Tougaloo College and a native of McComb, Mississippi. While attending Tougaloo, Whitney majored in psychology, and she now attends Jackson State University and Belhaven University, where she is pursuing dual Master degree programs (Community Counseling and Elementary Education). Whitney aspires one day to own and operate her own counseling practice for children and adolescents.

In addition to her excelling in the classroom while matriculating at our Beloved Eagle Queen, Whitney was also a student leader on campus. She was the 2009-2010 President of the Student Government Association, 2008-2009 Student Government Association Vice President, a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, N.A.A.C.P., Psychology Club President, Eaglet Yearbook Staff, Global Issues Honors Consortium Honors Program, The Washington Center for Internships & Academic Seminars Alumni, Revolution on Campus, Student Activities Council Chair and Representative, and a member of Tougaloo College’s Ambassadors for Meritorious Scholar.

A firm believer in community involvement, Whitney currently serves as a tutor and mentor for the Boys and Girls Club of Southwest Mississippi. Whitney has also received numerous awards and recognitions, such as Who’s Who among College Students and Universities, 2006 U.S. President’s Award for Academic Excellence, N.A.S.A.P. Historically Black Colleges and Universities Leadership participant, Tougaloo College Washington, D.C. Alumni Chapter Scholarship, and the Keith C. Miller’s Institutional Scholarship. Also, Whitney is a Global Issues Honors Consortium Scholar, in which she traveled to Minnesota during the 2009 summer to conduct research and had the opportunity to conduct research in Ghana, West Africa during the 2010 summer following her graduation.

Now, Whitney has returned home, serving in the capacity of assistant to President Beverly W. Hogan. Whitney states, "I am very thankful for having the opportunity to return home with such welcoming, open arms, and I know that I will gain a great deal from this experience." Certainly, Whitney lives by her motto on a daily basis to ensure that she will be an alumnus that is here for the betterment of her beloved Eagle Queen, as well as a positive role model for present and future Tougalooians.

DeAnna Tisdale ’08

DeAnna Tisdale '08 was invited to perform at the NAACP's Spingarn Awards in July, 2011 in Los Angeles.

 More here

Dr. Jerry W. Ward, Jr. ’64

Dr. Jerry W. Ward, Jr. '64 was selected to participate in the "Famous Overseas Professors" Project of China's Ministry of Education from September 2011 to July 2014. During that period he will work at Central China Normal University in Wuhan, teaching courses, giving lectures there and at other universities, and consulting on the improvement of research and teaching especially in African American literature and culture.

Dr. Roy L. Irons ’72

Dr. Roy L. Irons '72 was recently installed as the 2011 National Dental Association (NDA) President-Elect. Dr. Irons, a strong advocate of the dental profession and higher education, has found that the NDA mission is strongly aligned with his personal and professional goals. It is a tremendous honor for Dr. Irons to be selected to lead this organization. In his words, "While I have experienced a number of firsts in my lifetime, I have maintained my humbleness and appreciation of the opportunities I have been afforded. I have always worked hard, tried to be an influential leader and positive role model by giving back and serving my community as appropriate." Dr. Irons will be formally installed at a ceremony at the Beau Rivage in Biloxi, MS in December 2011, becoming the 88th president of the organization. He will be the first president from Mississippi in over 60 years.

Bianca Jackson ’07 Wins Phi Kappa Phi Love of Learning Award

Bianca Jackson of Natchez, MS was presented with a Love of Learning Award worth $500 by The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi. This honor counts Jackson among 80 members nationwide receiving the Phi Kappa Phi Love of Learning Award to help fund post-baccalaureate studies and career development.

Jackson was initiated at the University of Louisiana at Monroe chapter, where she earned a Master of Music in Vocal Performance. She also received dual Bachelor of Arts degrees from Tougaloo College in Music and Music Education. Jackson is currently a doctoral student at the University of Texas at Austin.

Jackson was a summa cum laude graduate of Tougaloo College, held a teaching assistantship at ULM, and has earned scholarships from the University of Texas-Austin. In May, Jackson competed as a finalist for the Schuyler Foundation in New York City. Presently, she is preparing for her first doctoral recital in November at UT Austin.

The selection process for the Phi Kappa Phi Love of Learning Award is based on 1) the impact on the applicant’s career or educational goals; 2) academic achievement; 3) leadership and service on the campus and in the community; and 4) a personal statement of educational perspective, purpose and objectives.

Tosha Taylor ’97

Taylor, a 1991 graduate of Provine who earned a degree in psychology from Tougaloo College, is working feverishly to coordinate this year’s walk. Last year, it raised approximately $100,000. The goal has been raised to $125,000.

 More here

Marcus Mason ’05 and Angela N. Scott ’04

Angela Nicole Scott of Mound Bayou and Marcus Jermaine Mason of Hattiesburg were married at 2 p.m. on March 19, 2011, at the Historic Woodworth Chapel on the campus of Tougaloo College in Tougaloo. Rev. Casey Holmes, Jr. officiated.

 More here

Angel Byrd ’04 – 33rd Annual UNCF Evening of Stars

Angel Byrd, an M.D./Ph.D. candidate at The Alpert School of Medicine, Brown University, and a 2004 Tougaloo graduate, will be featured on the 33rd Annual UNCF An Evening of Stars program that will be airing on BET on Sunday, September 25th at 10pm EST.

She recently was awarded the UNCF/Merck Graduate Science Research Dissertation Fellowship, which will provide support for her to finish the PhD portion of her degree at Brown. And, she was a Gates Millennium Scholar, which funded her undergraduate degree at Tougaloo and also provided funding for some of her studies while at Brown. Considering that these are both UNCF Scholarships, UNCF wanted to share her story with those who donate to the UNCF and to inspire other students.

33rd Annual UNCF Evening of Stars on Sunday, September 25 at 10:00 p.m. on BET.

 top