Senior National Advisory Board

Dr. Montserrat “Montse” Fuentes began her tenure as the 24th President of St. Edward’s University on July 1, 2021, becoming the institution’s first Hispanic president. She also holds an appointment as Professor of Mathematics. Prior to joining St. Edward’s, Dr. Fuentes served as Executive Vice President and Provost and as Professor of Statistics and Actuarial Science at the University of Iowa. A first-generation college student, she earned a dual bachelor’s degree in mathematics and music (piano performance) from the University of Valladolid in Spain, followed by a Ph.D. in statistics from the University of Chicago.

A nationally recognized scholar and leader, Dr. Fuentes has authored more than 100 scientific publications and served as principal or co-principal investigator on over 20 research grants totaling more than $28 million in funding, including a $3 million NSF ADVANCE award. She was named a Fellow of the American Statistical Association in 2008 and received the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Scientific and Technological Achievement Award in 2012. Deeply engaged in civic and higher education leadership, she serves on numerous boards across the Austin community and nationally, including the Council of Independent Colleges Board of Directors and as a trustee of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

William Cullen McCormick, Jr. is the President of Florida Memorial University and the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Americlaims Billing, Inc. With more than 32 years of experience in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries, he is nationally recognized for his leadership in revenue cycle management and claims adjudication efficiency. Over the course of his career, Mr. McCormick has built a reputation as a highly skilled executive and problem solver, with deep expertise in healthcare operations, systems implementation, sales and marketing, and organizational controls. He has successfully transformed early-stage concepts into high-performing healthcare service organizations known for ethical and efficient operations.

Mr. McCormick began his entrepreneurial journey in 1992 with the founding of Cullen Medical Supplies, followed by Cullen Home Health Pharmacy, which became a leading home delivery service for IV medications and prescription drugs serving hundreds of patients monthly. After selling his business to a national drug company, he continued his work as an investor and advisor. A committed philanthropist and civic leader, he has served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees for Florida Memorial University and as immediate past president of the Fort Lauderdale Branch NAACP. His honors include the Florida Small Business of the Year Entrepreneurship Award, the NAACP Civil Rights Award, and induction into the Florida Memorial University Alumni Hall of Fame. He holds an MBA in Healthcare Administration from Colorado Technical University and remains actively engaged in community service, public speaking, and leadership development.

Dr. Mike Holtzclaw serves as the Chancellor of the University of New Mexico Los Alamos (UNM-LA), where he leads the institution as a vital workforce hub for the region’s high-tech and nuclear sectors. A dedicated scholar-practitioner, Dr. Holtzclaw has spearheaded the expansion of critical academic partnerships, notably with Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), to develop specialized degree programs in mechanical engineering and nuclear enterprise science. His leadership is defined by a commitment to institutional transformation, leveraging the unique intersection of academic rigor and industry demand to ensure UNM-LA serves as a primary engine for regional economic mobility and student success.

With over 30 years of experience in higher education, Dr. Holtzclaw has held senior executive roles across diverse academic landscapes in California and Oregon. Prior to his appointment at UNM-LA, he served as the Vice President of Instruction at the College of San Mateo, where he navigated the institution through the complexities of the pandemic by pioneering large-scale transitions to digital instruction. His career narrative also includes significant tenures as the Senior Dean of the San Ramon Campus at Diablo Valley College and as the Dean of Science, Engineering, and Mathematics at Ohlone Community College. A geographer by training, he spent over a decade as a professor at Central Oregon Community College, where he blended instructional excellence with administrative foresight as an Instructional Dean.

Dr. Holtzclaw’s expertise spans workforce development, strategic enrollment management, and the integration of equity-centered frameworks within STEM education. He is a recognized advocate for "future-readiness," having secured multi-million dollar grants—including Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and Department of Labor awards—to modernize curriculum and campus infrastructure. His board experience is extensive; he is a former President of the Board of Alumni and a former member of the Board of Trustees for Lewis & Clark College. Locally, he serves on the board of Leadership Los Alamos and has previously contributed his expertise to municipal planning commissions and educational service district boards. Dr. Holtzclaw holds a Ph.D. and an M.A. in Geography from The Ohio State University and a B.A. in International Affairs from Lewis & Clark College. 

Dr. Audra Spicer is the Provost of Colorado State University Global, where she leads CSU Global’s academic and university efforts, driving mission achievement in areas such as program management, job curriculum design and delivery, accreditation statuses, educational policies and processes, and faculty management.

Dr. Spicer earned her Ph.D. and Master of Arts in English language and literature from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. Additionally, she holds a Master of Arts with a distinction in professional, technical, business and scientific writing from Northern Arizona University, and an MBA from Columbia Southern University. She is a member of Phi Kappa Phi’s Northern Arizona University chapter.

Dr. Frances Villagran-Glover serves as the President of Houston Community College (HCC) Southeast College, where she champions a transformative vision of the community college as an engine for economic mobility and social equity. A first-generation college graduate and a dedicated scholar-practitioner, Dr. Villagran-Glover leads the Eastside and Felix Fraga campuses with a focus on "wraparound" student success, exemplified by her signature "Yellow Brick Road Project." This initiative integrates vital community resources—ranging from financial literacy to childcare and transportation—directly into the academic pathway, ensuring that non-academic barriers do not impede the educational journey of the diverse student body in Houston’s East End.

With a distinguished career in higher education spanning over 25 years and six states, Dr. Villagran-Glover possesses a deep institutional memory and a broad perspective on the K-20 pipeline. Before assuming the presidency at HCC Southeast in 2021, she served as the Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Success at Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA), one of the nation's largest and most complex community college systems. Her leadership narrative also includes a significant tenure as the Associate Vice Chancellor for Special Programs and Success at Houston Community College and roles within the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), where she influenced national policy and facilitated instructional technology and faculty development programs.

Dr. Villagran-Glover is a recognized expert in workforce development, structured pathways, and equity-centered leadership. Her credentials include a Doctorate of Education in Community College Leadership from George Mason University, a Master of Education from Northern Arizona University, and a Bachelor of Science from Texas A&M University. Beyond her executive duties, she serves as a Director at Large on the Board of Texas Executive Women and is a Board Member for the National Community College Hispanic Council (NCCHC). A graduate of Leadership Houston Class XXXVII and an Achieving the Dream Pathways Coach, she remains at the forefront of the national dialogue on future-readiness, leveraging industry partnerships to bridge the gap between the classroom and high-growth careers. 

Dr. Tom C. Hogan is a Professor of Practice in Human Resource Management at Penn State University’s School of Labor and Employment Relations, where he also serves as the School’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Officer. A scholar-practitioner with more than 30 years of leadership experience, Dr. Hogan has held senior roles in both academia and the corporate sector, including AT&T and the University of Maryland Global Campus. His expertise centers on human capital management, executive coaching, strategic advising, and EdTech innovation.

He is the author of the Virtual Transformational Leadership Development (VTLD) Experience, an immersive learning experience that leverages the arts in a virtual setting to promote student engagement and engaged scholarship designed to develop the next generation of leaders to serve as agents of change in pursuit of a more civil, equitable and just society. Dr. Hogan also teaches courses in workplace ethics and the evolving role of AI in the workplace. In addition to his academic leadership, he serves on the board of directors of the American Association for Employer Relations and is a faculty partner for the Penn State University Career Readiness Infusion Pilot. Also, he has been a member of the U. S. Delegation to the International Organization for Standardization on multiple workgroups involving sustainability, ESG, diversity and inclusion.

Dr. Jennifer A. Lindholm, Ph.D. is Assistant Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education and Director of Honors Programs at UCLA. She also serves as UCLA’s Centennial Director for Philanthropy Education.

An accomplished scholar in higher education, Dr. Lindholm’s research has focused on college student development and the faculty experience. She previously served as Associate Director of UCLA’s Higher Education Research Institute, where she led national studies on student and faculty outcomes.

Dr. Lindholm earned her Ph.D. in Higher Education and Organizational Change from UCLA and holds multiple other degrees, including an M.S. and M.A., reflecting her interdisciplinary expertise. She is widely recognized for her contributions to enhancing undergraduate education and fostering student success through honors and enrichment programs.

Donna Milakovic, M.B.A. is the Director of Strategic Initiatives at the University of South Florida’s Center for Career and Professional Development. In this role, she develops and implements innovative programs to improve student career readiness and experiential learning university-wide.

Milakovic’s career journey spans the private and nonprofit sectors: she has a background in journalism, served as a chamber of commerce president, and managed technology grant initiatives before entering higher education. She earned her M.B.A. from Utah Valley University and a B.A. in English from Brigham Young University.

A certified Gallup Strengths Coach, Milakovic leverages her diverse experience to build partnerships and creative strategies that help students connect their education with real-world opportunities.

Dr. Brian Kurisky is the Executive Director of the Collaborative Center for Community Engagement at Rutgers University - New Brunswick.  In this position, he works with students, faculty, staff, and community partners to engage the Rutgers and New Brunswick/Piscataway communities in engagement both in and out of class.

With a background in advising, High Impact Practices, ePortfolios, and engagement, Dr. Kurisky brings over 15 years of experience in aiding students in successfully navigating college and preparing for life after college.

Brian holds a PhD from Old Dominion University in Higher Education Leadership and his dissertation focused on educational programs of Fraternity alumni advisors to help guide undergraduate members in being successful.

Dr. Stacey Malaret is the Director of the LEAD Scholars Academy at the University of Central Florida, where she leads innovative leadership development programs for undergraduate students. A UCF alumna with over 20 years in student affairs, she uses frameworks like the Social Change Model to foster ethical, community-minded leaders.

She also teaches leadership courses and mentors students across campus. Recognized for her dedication to student development, Dr. Malaret was honored with NASPA’s Outstanding Service Award for her contributions to leadership education.

Dr. Art Malloy is a transformative leader in higher education with more than 25 years of experience enhancing student development, engagement, and inclusive excellence. He currently serves as Vice President for Student Affairs at the University of North Dakota, where he leads a comprehensive portfolio of programs and services designed to promote student success, leadership, and a strong sense of belonging. With a career rooted in both student affairs and academic leadership, Dr. Malloy is deeply committed to fostering environments in which all students have the opportunity to thrive.

Over the course of his career, Dr. Malloy has held senior leadership positions at multiple institutions, driving strategic initiatives focused on inclusivity and broad representation, student retention, and academic achievement, and student success. He brings a visionary, student-centered approach to his work and is a strong advocate for innovation, service leadership, and access within higher education. Widely respected for his motivational leadership style, Dr. Malloy continues to mentor emerging professionals while cultivating vibrant and purpose-driven campus communities.

Dr. Andrea L. Kehoe serves as the inaugural Head of Product at Austin Community College (ACC), where she acts as a strategic architect for institutional innovation. Operating within the Provost’s Office, Dr. Kehoe bridges the gap between visionary academic concepts and scalable operational reality. She is a key partner to faculty and staff, leading the identification and feasibility assessment of new initiatives designed to advance student success. Her work is central to ACC’s "North Star" and Theory of Change, ensuring that the college remains agile and future-ready by transforming nascent ideas into impactful products and services that serve a diverse student body.

A scholar-practitioner with nearly 20 years of experience spanning academia and the private sector, Dr. Kehoe has a proven record of transformational leadership. Her career narrative is defined by a deep commitment to student affairs and operational excellence. Prior to her appointment at ACC, she held senior leadership roles at The University of Texas at Austin, where she directed student affairs and operations for academic and professional programs within both the McCombs School of Business and the College of Education. Her early professional foundation was built in the corporate sector, serving in management with Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, a background that informs her high-standard approach to stakeholder engagement and service delivery.

Dr. Kehoe’s expertise lies at the intersection of strategic planning, EdTech innovation, and equitable leadership. Her doctoral research focused on the impact of mentoring on women’s leadership development within the community college landscape, reflecting her dedication to fostering inclusive pipelines for future administrators. In addition to her role at ACC, she serves on the Design Team for the Strategic Horizon Network (SHN), contributing to a national dialogue on institutional transformation. Dr. Kehoe holds an Ed.D. in Higher Education Leadership, an M.Ed. in Higher Education Leadership, and bachelor’s degrees in Communication Studies and Spanish, all from The University of Texas at Austin. She is an active member of the Comparative and International Education Society and was recognized with the UT Austin Rising Star Award for her excellence in service and leadership. 

Tremaine Kwasikpui is the Director of Student Leadership and Involvement at the University of Houston-Downtown, where he oversees student engagement, leadership programs, Greek life, student government, and student success initiatives. He holds a Master of Entrepreneurship from Western Carolina University and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Elizabeth City State University.

With over 15 years of experience in Higher Education, Tremaine has led impactful, student-centered initiatives that address both academic achievement and student well-being. His work includes launching a male mentoring program to support retention and graduation among underrepresented students, as well as creating a campus food market to combat food insecurity. His leadership reflects a deep commitment to fostering inclusive, empowering campus environments where all students can succeed.

Dr. Marc Seigar is the Dean of the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics at the University of Toledo, where he also serves as a Professor of Physics & Astronomy. He holds a Ph.D. in Astrophysics from Liverpool and has held leadership roles at the National Science Foundation, University of Minnesota Duluth, and University of Arkansas. His research focuses on the structure and dynamics of galaxies, particularly the relationship between spiral arms and supermassive black holes.

A widely published scholar with over 140 peer-reviewed articles, Dr. Seigar brings a strong focus on research, mentorship, and academic excellence. As dean, he leads a diverse college dedicated to scientific discovery, student success, and impactful outreach across the sciences and mathematics.

Dr. Rochelle Gilbert is a woman on the MOVE, an unstoppable force of inspiration, leadership, and change. Affectionately known as Dr. Ro, she is a creative coach, educational champion, relevant leader, powerful preacher, prolific speaker, game-changer, chief energy officer and tireless advocate for positive social change. Ordained to encourage, educate, equip, and empower, she helps others Find Their Voice by enhancing self-awareness, fostering collaboration, and maximizing personal potential.

As the Associate Vice Provost of the Impact Development Center within the Division of Mission Fulfillment at Walden University, Dr. Gilbert acts as a central node to translate Walden’s mission into tangible programs, support faculty and students in engagement, and ensure that impact work is structurally supported and sustainable. She serves as a champion for student life and student organizations, fostering opportunities for leadership development, civic engagement, and co-curricular learning. By cultivating a vibrant ecosystem of student groups, honor societies, and service initiatives, the AVP ensures that learners not only succeed academically but also thrive personally and socially, building connections that strengthen the Walden community and extend its impact into the world.

Michele Cauley serves as a faculty member in Clemson University’s Department of Marketing, bringing more than 25 years of professional marketing experience into the classroom. She teaches courses in social media, strategic marketing management, brand communications, nonprofit marketing, and the practicum for the MS in Marketing graduate program. A Clemson alumna with degrees in Liberal Arts and an MBA, Cauley returned to her alma mater in 2009 to establish the marketing and communications program for The Clemson Alumni Association. She most recently served as Associate Vice President in Clemson’s Development and Alumni Relations division, where she led marketing and brand strategy for the university’s largest constituencies—alumni and donors.

Earlier in her career, Cauley led the Marketing, Training, and Motorsports Division and made history as the first female Product Marketing Manager at Fortune 500 company Rockwell Automation. Deeply committed to student mentorship, she actively connects students with alumni networks and career opportunities and serves as faculty advisor for Alpha Phi Omega, Women in Business, and the Marketing Student Advisory Board. In addition to her academic and mentoring roles, she serves on the boards of The Fort Hill Clemson Club, Pendleton Historic Foundation, Julie Valentine Center, and the Clemson Free Clinic.

Dr. JaNice Marshall is a transformative leader, professional, and strategic consultant with expertise in the intersection of innovation and service design. She has expertise in leadership development specific to education.

Recently appointed as the vice president, Workforce Student Success; Chief Student Affairs Officer at Cuyahoga Community College. In this role she will provide leadership and oversight of comprehensive services for workforce learners (youth and adult).

She serves on the boards of the Cleveland Boys and Girls Club, Regional Northeast Ohio Boys and Girls Club, (leads the regional education coalition), Milestones Autism Resources, and the National Alliance of Community and Technical Colleges (NACTC).

Past commission posts for the American Association of Community Colleges’ (AACC) Research, Trends, and Issues in Community Colleges July 2022 to June 2025, and she served a three-year term from 2018-2021 on the AACC Commission on College Readiness.

Dr. Monique Reeves serves as Austin Community College’s (ACC) Executive Vice Chancellor for the Future, a pioneering role established as a first-of-its-kind in the community college sector. As a "scholar-practitioner" dedicated to institutional distinction, Dr. Reeves leads the Office for the Future, where she bridges the gap between visionary research and academic execution. Her work focuses on scenario planning, AI strategy, and the development of digital education ecosystems designed to anticipate the "half-life" of technical skills. By championing agile frameworks and human-centered design, she ensures the institution does not merely react to the volatility of the modern labor market but proactively shapes the future of student achievement and economic mobility.

Dr. Reeves’ career spans over 20 years of leadership at the intersection of industry and academia, characterized by a commitment to systemic change and inclusive excellence. Before assuming her current post, she served as ACC’s Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor of Academic and Student Affairs, overseeing the strategic mission for approximately 80,000 students. Her extensive professional narrative includes a successful tenure in the private sector with global organizations such as Bridgestone/Firestone and ACS (a Xerox company), where she mastered complex operations in supply chain and information systems. Transitioning into higher education leadership, she previously served as President of Houston Community College (HCC) Northeast, where she launched the district’s first interdisciplinary Center of Excellence in Resiliency, and as Vice President of Workforce Innovation at Cuyahoga Community College.

A nationally recognized thought leader, Dr. Reeves is an inaugural Aspen Presidential Fellow for Community College Excellence. Her specific expertise lies in navigating the "Acceleration Gap", aligning rapid technological adoption cycles with institutional policy. She holds a Doctor of Management from the University of Maryland, specializing in community college policy and administration, and maintains professional credentials as a Project Management Professional (PMP) and Certified Scrum Master (CSM). Beyond her executive role at ACC, she contributes to the field as an Assistant Professor of Practice at the University of Texas at Austin and serves on the board of the American Association for Women in Community Colleges (AAWCC). 

Dr. Andrew Hamilton serves as the Vice Provost for Academic Success at Texas State University, a role in which he functions as a quintessential "scholar-practitioner" dedicated to the nexus of academic rigor and student flourishing. Tasked with leading the university’s strategic efforts in undergraduate achievement, Dr. Hamilton oversees a comprehensive portfolio that includes academic advising, experiential learning, and STEM-focused retention initiatives. His unique impact on the institution is characterized by a data-driven approach to student persistence, recently underscored by his leadership in scaling National Science Foundation (NSF) funded programs designed to bridge the gap between classroom theory and professional practice. By championing innovative support structures and inclusive academic pathways, he ensures that the university’s infrastructure is not only responsive to current student needs but is built for "future-readiness" in an evolving global landscape.

Dr. Hamilton’s career is defined by over 20 years of leadership and a deep commitment to the mission of public higher education. Before joining the executive leadership team at Texas State, he served as the Associate Vice Provost and Dean of Undergraduate Studies at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG), where he coordinated campus-wide curricular innovation and directed major student success partnerships funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. His extensive narrative of institutional transformation also includes a distinguished tenure at the University of Houston, where he served as Associate Dean and won the University’s Teaching Excellence Award for his work in academic innovation and service learning. Dr. Hamilton also held key administrative and faculty roles at Arizona State University within the School of Life Sciences and the Global Institute of Sustainability, consistently securing multi-million dollar federal grants to advance student equity and research access.

A recognized authority on educational policy and biological classification, Dr. Hamilton’s specific expertise lies in the integration of AI-enhanced student support, workforce alignment, and the "acceleration gap" in technical skills. He is the author of more than three dozen scholarly publications, including the seminal volume The Evolution of Phylogenetic Systematics (University of California Press). His leadership extends beyond domestic borders; he currently serves as a member of the Board of Trustees for Sampoerna University in Jakarta, Indonesia, and has previously chaired advisory councils for Cambridge International. Dr. Hamilton is a graduate of Berea College, Boston College, and the University of California, San Diego, where he earned his Ph.D., grounding his administrative strategy in a lifelong philosophical dedication to the public good and institutional excellence. 

Megan Neal serves as the Associate Vice President of Human Resources at Western Wyoming Community College (Western), where she functions as a strategic "scholar-practitioner" dedicated to the elevation of institutional human capital. Within the President’s Cabinet, Ms. Neal leads the College’s human resources mission with a focus on "meeting people where they are" to foster professional ascension. Her unique impact on the institution is defined by her commitment to organizational health and cultural resiliency, overseeing comprehensive talent management, employee relations, and policy administration for a diverse workforce. By championing agile HR frameworks and inclusive engagement strategies, she ensures the College’s internal infrastructure is optimized to support student success and long-term institutional sustainability.

Ms. Neal’s professional narrative spans over 13 years of leadership at the intersection of financial operations and human resource management. Before assuming her current executive role at Western, she served as the Assistant CFO of RSNB Bankcorp in Rock Springs, Wyoming, where she mastered the complexities of fiscal governance and personnel operations within the private banking sector. Her transition into higher education leadership has been characterized by a dedication to systemic improvement and advocacy; she previously served as a Human Resources Specialist within the Western Wyoming Community College district, playing a key role on the Presidential Search Committee and contributing to the strategic selection of institutional leadership. Her career is marked by a consistent focus on workforce innovation, specifically in aligning human resource policy with the practical needs of the local community.

A dedicated expert in higher education policy and administrative ethics, Ms. Neal’s specific expertise lies in navigating the evolving landscape of workforce development and Title IX compliance. She holds a Master of Arts in Education with an emphasis in Higher Education Policy and Administration, as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, both from Dakota Wesleyan University. Her leadership extends to campus-wide initiatives, where she serves as a primary point of contact for non-discrimination and equity inquiries, ensuring the institution remains a safe, ethical, and forward-looking workplace. Grounded in the philosophy of continuous growth, Ms. Neal bridges the gap between administrative oversight and the human element of organizational success. 

Harry O. Stinson III serves as the Vice President for Institutional Advancement and Executive Director of the Lincoln University Foundation, where he leads the strategic integration of fundraising, alumni relations, and corporate partnerships for the nation’s first degree-granting HBCU. A dedicated scholar-practitioner, Stinson concurrently serves as the Director of Athletics and Recreational Services, a dual mandate that allows him to champion a holistic "global student" model. His leadership is defined by the Learn. Liberate. Lead. strategic framework, through which he has successfully navigated complex institutional rebrandings and multi-million dollar capital projects designed to remove financial barriers and ensure future-readiness for the next generation of global leaders.

With over 20 years of transformative leadership across the higher education and athletic landscapes, Stinson’s career is marked by a consistent focus on organizational growth and operational excellence. Prior to his current appointment at Lincoln University, he served as the Deputy Director of Athletics and Chief Operating Officer at the University of Delaware, where he managed internal operations for a premier Division I program. His extensive narrative in academic administration also includes significant tenures as the Associate Director of Athletics at Central State University and as the Interim Director of Athletics at Kentucky State University. Throughout these roles, he has been a catalyst for revenue generation, increasing operating budgets and scholarship funds to foster equitable access for students.

Stinson is a recognized expert in strategic advising, brand expansion, and the evolving landscape of student-athlete advocacy. His practice is deeply informed by his engagement with national governance, having served as Chair of the NCAA Division II Committee on Infractions and as a member of the NCAA Division II Management Council. He holds a Master of Science in Sport Administration from Georgia State University and an Athlete Development Professional Certification from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. As a leader committed to equity and social impact, he co-founded the Black Sports Professionals Philadelphia chapter and continues to represent Lincoln University on national stages, including the HBCU Global Panel, where he advocates for the enduring legacy and innovative future of Historically Black Colleges and Universities. 

Dr. Candace Wicks serves as the Associate Vice Provost for the School of Engineering, Technology, Mathematics, and Sciences (ETMS) at Dallas College. A distinguished scholar-practitioner, Dr. Wicks operates at the intersection of academic rigor and workforce innovation, overseeing strategic initiatives that align STEM curricula with the demands of the regional economy. Her leadership is instrumental in managing complex educational ecosystems across multiple campuses, including Mountain View and Cedar Valley, where she focuses on creating equitable pathways for students into high-growth technical sectors. By bridging the gap between classroom theory and industry application, she ensures that Dallas College remains a primary engine for social mobility and future-readiness in the North Texas region.

With a career spanning over three decades in the Dallas educational landscape, Dr. Wicks brings an unparalleled depth of institutional knowledge and community-centric leadership. Prior to her executive role at Dallas College, she dedicated 30 years to the Dallas Independent School District (DISD), where her excellence in pedagogy earned her the prestigious "Teacher of the Year" honors for the 2007-2008 academic year. Her professional narrative is defined by a lifelong commitment to advocacy and service, having held significant leadership and advisory roles with the American Federation of Teachers and the South Dallas Business and Professional Women's Club. This extensive tenure in both K-12 and higher education allows her to navigate the "P-20" pipeline with a unique perspective on student persistence and systemic reform.

Dr. Wicks’ expertise centers on workforce development, community advocacy, and organizational resilience. A proud alumna of Huston-Tillotson University, where she earned degrees in Sociology and Government, she has consistently leveraged her academic background to champion civic engagement and accessibility. Her board and community service portfolio is extensive, including roles with Remembering Black Dallas, the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center, and the American Legion Auxiliary. Recognized as a "Woman of the Year" by Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. and a recipient of the Ruth Jones McClendon Social Activism Award, Dr. Wicks is a sought-after voice on issues of inclusive leadership and disability advocacy. Her work continues to focus on empowering marginalized voices and ensuring that the evolving technological landscape remains accessible to all members of the community.

Steven Jossell serves as the Vice Chancellor for the College of Technology–McGehee at the University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM). As the primary executive for the McGehee campus, Mr. Jossell leads the strategic integration of technical education and workforce development, ensuring the institution remains a vital economic catalyst for Southeast Arkansas. A dedicated scholar-practitioner, he specializes in creating high-impact, responsive training programs that bridge the gap between academic instruction and industry demand. His leadership is defined by a commitment to operational efficiency and agile management, focusing on removing systemic barriers to technical education and preparing students for the evolving workforce through innovative, future-ready curricula.

With nearly 30 years of experience in higher education and community advancement, Mr. Jossell’s career is marked by a transformative tenure at Coahoma Community College (CCC). Before joining UAM, he served as the Executive Director of the Ned W. Gathwright Workforce Development Center at CCC, where he successfully secured over $7 million in external funding to expand educational infrastructure and talent pipelines. His career narrative at Coahoma, which began in 1996, includes numerous leadership roles where he developed a reputation for visionary stewardship. His work has been instrumental in aligning regional workforce strategies, particularly within the Mississippi Delta, to enhance economic outcomes and social mobility for diverse populations.

Mr. Jossell’s expertise centers on strategic workforce development, agile leadership, and STEM education advocacy. He holds a Master of Business Administration from Delta State University and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Mississippi Valley State University. A practitioner of modern management methodologies, he is a Certified Operations Manager and a Certified Scrum Master. His leadership extends to regional governance, having served two terms as President of the Mississippi Community and Junior Colleges Workforce Directors Association. Notably, he co-founded a pioneering mentoring program in partnership with the Naval Oceanographic Office at the Stennis Space Center, further cementing his role as a champion for technical innovation and student engagement.

Keri Duce serves as the Chief Government Relations Officer at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee (UWM), where she acts as a strategic bridge between Wisconsin’s second-largest four-year university and local, state, and federal governing bodies. A key member of the Chancellor’s Cabinet, Duce orchestrates the university’s advocacy efforts, ensuring that UWM’s dual mission of top-tier R1 research and broad educational access remains a priority for policymakers. Her leadership is instrumental in navigating the complex fiscal and legislative landscapes that impact institutional stability, workforce development, and the university’s role as an economic anchor for Southeastern Wisconsin. By fostering high-level partnerships, she translates institutional needs into legislative support, directly advancing the university’s 2030 strategic goals for student success and regional impact.

A scholar-practitioner with over 20 years of experience in higher education administration and community relations, Duce has dedicated her career to the intersection of policy and practice. Since joining the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee in 2003, she has held progressively senior roles that span student affairs, external relations, and executive leadership. Her deep institutional knowledge is complemented by a career narrative rooted in public service and community advocacy. Before ascending to her current role in the Office of the Chancellor, she managed critical university functions involving neighborhood relations and official institutional protocols, consistently demonstrating an ability to align diverse stakeholder interests with long-term organizational health.

Duce’s expertise centers on government relations, policy implementation, and strategic community engagement, with a particular focus on workforce readiness and the evolving role of higher education in the regional economy. She is a dedicated advocate for the "Scholar-Practitioner" model, holding a Bachelor of Arts in History and Legal Studies from the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater and a Master of Education from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. Her commitment to leadership and equity extends beyond the university; she has served as a member of the School Board for the School District of Menomonee Falls, where she applied her professional insights to local educational governance. As a leader focused on future-readiness, Duce continues to champion initiatives that bridge the gap between academic excellence and civic responsibility, ensuring that higher education remains a catalyst for social and economic mobility.

Kendra Alexander serves as the Associate Vice Chancellor for Development at East Carolina University (ECU), where she leads the institution’s comprehensive fundraising strategies with a focus on regional transformation and student success. A distinguished scholar-practitioner in the field of philanthropy, Alexander oversees development priorities for ECU’s East Campus, specifically championing the growth of scholarship programs such as the Brinkley-Lane Scholars. Her leadership is defined by a commitment to "engaged stewardship," ensuring that philanthropic investment directly fuels the university's mission of public service and academic excellence. By bridging the gap between institutional needs and donor intent, she serves as a strategic architect for ECU’s long-term sustainability and community impact.

With over 20 years of experience in advancement and alumni relations, Alexander’s career narrative is characterized by a deep-rooted dedication to the North Carolina educational landscape. Since joining ECU in 2007, she has raised more than $22 million for the university, holding pivotal leadership roles including Director of Alumni Programs and Director of Development and Communications. Her versatile background spans the ECU Alumni Association, the College of Education, and the Office of Planned Giving, providing her with a holistic understanding of the "lifecycle of engagement." Prior to her two-decade tenure at East Carolina University, she established her foundational professional expertise in development and constituent relations, consistently advocating for the power of higher education to drive economic and social mobility.

Alexander’s specific expertise lies in strategic donor engagement, capital campaign management, and the integration of workforce-aligned philanthropy. As a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), she blends rigorous data-driven methodologies with a human-centric approach to leadership. Her work increasingly focuses on the intersection of equity and access, ensuring that funding structures support a diverse and future-ready student body. An alumna of Meredith College, Alexander is an active thought leader within the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) and has been recognized for her ability to assess team strengths and navigate complex organizational change. Her board-level perspective is informed by her extensive history of advising university foundations and her role as a vital link between academic leadership and the broader Pirate community.

Dr. Jennifer Simmons serves as the Assistant Provost at the University of Mississippi, where she functions as a critical architect of institutional operations and administrative excellence. In this high-impact role, she assists the Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs in supervising university personnel and optimizing the Office of the Provost’s operations. A dedicated scholar-practitioner, Dr. Simmons bridges the gap between administrative strategy and student-centered outcomes, focusing on developing leadership curricula for new administrators and fostering collaborative environments that celebrate institutional milestones while addressing complex systemic challenges.

With a career spanning over 20 years in higher education, Dr. Simmons has cultivated a nuanced perspective by operating at the intersection of student affairs and academic affairs. Before her elevation to the Provost’s Office, she held key leadership roles within the University of Mississippi School of Journalism and New Media, where she spearheaded recruitment and retention initiatives that leveraged integrated marketing communications to drive record-breaking enrollment. Her professional journey is rooted in a deep understanding of the "student lifecycle," from the initial recruitment phase to graduation, ensuring that institutional growth is matched by robust support structures.

Dr. Simmons’ expertise lies in institutional transformation, strategic leadership development, and equity-minded recruitment practices. She is a recognized leader in "future-ready" academic administration, currently serving as an instructor for the Chancellor’s Leadership Class, where she mentors the next generation of change agents. Her academic credentials include a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Higher Education from the University of Mississippi—with research focused on the perceptions of first-year BIPOC students regarding institutional recruitment—as well as a Master’s degree in Higher Education and a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Southern Mississippi. Her work continues to influence how flagship universities navigate the evolving landscape of workforce readiness and inclusive excellence. 

Joshua A. Gordon is a Professor of Practice in Sports Business and Law at the University of Oregon’s Lundquist College of Business, where he also serves as the University’s Faculty Athletics Representative (FAR). A preeminent scholar-practitioner with over 25 years of experience, Professor Gordon bridges the gap between complex legal theory and high-stakes organizational performance. In his dual capacity, he serves as a vital link between the President’s Office and the athletic department, ensuring academic integrity, institutional control, and the holistic well-being of student-athletes in an increasingly volatile collegiate landscape.

Professor Gordon’s career narrative is defined by a unique mastery of conflict management and strategic negotiation across diverse sectors. Before his tenure at the University of Oregon, which began in 2010, he served as an Organizational Change Leader at Manulife Financial/John Hancock, where he spearheaded large-scale initiatives to align corporate culture with operational excellence. He also spent over a decade as a Principal at Part of the Solution ADR Services, navigating intricate multi-party disputes in energy, real estate, and labor relations. This extensive corporate and legal background informs his current research and teaching, where he transforms traditional dispute resolution into a proactive tool for "competition without conflict."

An internationally recognized expert in sports governance and organizational capability, Professor Gordon’s expertise spans the critical intersections of Strategic Negotiation, High-Performance Culture, and Institutional Integrity. He is an Arbitrator for the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne, a Mediator for FIFA, and a salary arbitrator for Major League Baseball (MLB). As the founder of the Sports Conflict Institute (SCI), he has advised the NCAA, NFL, NBA, and Olympic programs on navigating systemic crises and building sustainable governance models. He is the author of Strategic Negotiation: Building Organizational Excellence and The Sports Playbook, foundational texts that empower leaders to resolve impasses and foster equitable, future-ready organizations.

Dr. Sandra Mohr serves as the inaugural Dean of Digital Learning and Instruction at Angelo State University, where she leads the Center for Digital Learning and Instruction (CDLI). In this pivotal role, she spearheads the university’s digital education strategy, fostering a "student-centered" ecosystem that bridges the gap between traditional academic rigor and modern online accessibility. By overseeing the enhancement of online degree programs and integrating advanced instructional technologies, Dr. Mohr ensures that Angelo State remains at the forefront of the digital frontier, directly contributing to the institution's rising national rankings and its commitment to providing transformative educational experiences for a global student body.

A dedicated scholar-practitioner with more than 20 years of experience in higher education, Dr. Mohr has a proven track record of scaling digital infrastructure and driving academic excellence. Before joining Angelo State, she served as the Dean of Academic Resources and Administration and Interim Chief Academic Officer at the New England College of Optometry, where she managed extensive academic departments and multimillion-dollar budgets. Her career narrative also includes significant leadership as the Director of the Institute for Learning at the Online Learning Consortium (OLC) and a 15-year tenure at the University of Phoenix, where she excelled as a curriculum developer and lead faculty member. This dual background in specialized health sciences and large-scale online education provides her with a unique perspective on aligning institutional goals with learner outcomes.

Dr. Mohr’s expertise centers on the intersection of AI-enhanced pedagogy, workforce development, and strategic enrollment management. A prolific thought leader, she frequently contributes to the discourse on how generative AI and interactive multimedia, such as the YuJa platform, can create more inclusive and engaging learning environments. She holds an Ed.D. in Global Educational Leadership from Lamar University, an M.A. in Educational Leadership from West Virginia University, and an M.S. in Counseling from California University of Pennsylvania. Recognized as one of the "Most Influential Women in Optical" for her mentorship, Dr. Mohr remains committed to developing the next generation of leaders through equity-focused, future-ready digital strategies.