Cassandra Hawkins has been named the director of the McNair HBCU Scholars Programs at Jackson State University in Mississippi. The McNair HBCU Scholars Program also serves scholars enrolled at Alcorn State University, Mississippi Valley State University, Rust College, and Tougaloo College.
Dr. Hawkins holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in political science, a master’s degree in English, and a doctorate in public policy administration from Jackson State University. She is currently pursuing a master of fine arts degree in documentary expression at the University of Mississippi.
Malikah Pitts Harvey was appointed vice president for student success at St. Philip’s College in San Antonio, Texas. Her background includes over two decades of higher education experience, including extensive leadership in career development and student services. Prior to her new role, Dr. Pitts Harvey was associate vice president of student affairs at Texas Lutheran University.
Dr. Pitts Harvey received her bachelor’s degree in mass communications and her master’s degree in college student affairs from the University of South Florida. She earned her Ph.D. in adult, professional, and community education from Texas State University.
Karla Miller is the director of career development services at Alabama A&M University. She began her career with the HBCU in 2014 as assistant director of career development services. More recently, she served as director of residential life and housing. Additionally, Miller serves on the Student Affairs Leadership Team, contributing to long-range planning and student success strategies.
Miller holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in economics from historically Black Fisk University in Nashville, a master’s degree in economics and finance from Alabama A&M University, and a master’s degree in management with a focus on leadership and organizational change from Walden University. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction in educational administration from Alabama A&M University.
Brandon Thorne is senior vice president for energy programs at the Universities Space Research Association, a nonprofit that collaborates with government agencies, academic institutions, and private organizations to advance space- and Earth-related science research. Before his new role, Dr. Thorne was senior director of the Office of the Vice President for the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory. His experience in academia includes roles with Harvard, Yale, Oxford, and the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
A two-time HBCU graduate, Dr. Thorne earned his bachelor’s degree from Norfolk State University in Virginia and his Ph.D. from Southern University and A&M College in Louisiana. He also holds an MBA from the University of South Carolina and a master’s degree in engineering from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Sheleah D. Reed has been named university transformation officer for historically Black Prairie View A&M University in Texas. With over two decades of experience, Reed most recently served as the national director of K-12 engagement and partnerships at PBK Architects. Earlier, she was chief of staff and chief communications officer for Aldine Independent School District in Texas.
An alumna of Prairie View A&M University, Reed holds a master’s degree in journalism from Texas Christian University.
