Douglas LaVergne has been promoted to vice president of land-grant engagement at Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri. Alongside his new role, he will retain his current position as dean of the historically Black university’s College of Agriculture, Environmental, and Human Sciences. In addition to his administrative experience, he has a background in agricultural and extension education.
Dr. LaVergne holds a bachelor’s degree in secondary and agricultural education from Southern University and A&M College in Louisiana, a master’s degree in agricultural and extension education from the University of Arkansas, and a Ph.D. in agricultural education from Texas A&M University.
Jason Howard has been named the inaugural donor experience officer within the division of advancement at the University of Arkansas. He has held admissions and advancement roles with the university for the past 14 years. Prior to his new position, he served as associate director of development for the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences.
Howard holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Arkansas.
Mary-Ann Ibeziako has been appointed vice president of environmental health, sustainability, and safety at Howard University in Washington, D.C. She previously served as the assistant vice president for infrastructure and sustainability at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.
Ibeziako is a graduate of Cleveland State University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in mechanical engineering. She holds an MBA in strategic management from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland.
Darrell Clark has been named vice president for human resources at the University of Louisville in Kentucky. He has significant experience in HR leadership roles within higher education, previously serving as associate vice president for people and culture at Ball State University in Indiana and chief human resources, learning, and equity officer for Pasco-Hernando State College in Florida.
Clark received his bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of South Florida and his master’s degree in employment law from Nova Southeastern University in Florida.
Ty Stone has been appointed executive vice president for finance and administration at Howard Community College in Maryland. She previously served as president of Cleveland State Community College in Tennessee, as well as Jefferson Community College in New York. She also held various administrative leadership roles with Sinclair Community College in Ohio.
Dr. Stone holds an MBA in organizational strategy from Trinity University-Washington and a Ph.D. in organization and management from Capella University.
Kishia C. James has been appointed interim vice president for student services at Jarvis Christian University in Hawkins, Texas. She has an experienced background in various educational counseling settings, most recently serving as the university’s director of counseling.
Dr. James holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, a master’s degree in counseling, and a second master’s degree in school administration from North Carolina Central University. She received her doctorate in educational leadership from Fayetteville State University in North Carolina.
Ebony Turner has been named director of program and research development at Grambling State University in Louisiana. She has over two decades of experience in federal planning and strategic initiative positions, previously serving as a proposal reviewer for the Department of Labor, the National Science Foundation, and the Department of Education.
Dr. Turner holds a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Xavier University of Louisiana, a master’s degree in applied mathematics from the University of New Orleans, and a Ph.D. in urban higher education administration from Jackson State University in Mississippi.
Leanders Burns has been appointed director of the Chattanooga State Community College CARE Center, a support resource for faculty professional development. He has been with the community college for nearly two decades, serving in various financial aid, student services, and academic affairs positions.
Burns is a two-time graduate of Bryan College in Dayton, Tennessee, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in business, management, and marketing and an MBA.
Joy L. Smith has been appointed as the inaugural associate vice president for student persistence at New Jersey City University. She comes to her new role from Georgian Court University in Lakewood, New Jersey, where she serves as associate provost for student support and services and chief diversity officer.
Dr. Smith received her bachelor’s degree in psychology and African American studies and her master’s degree in cultural foundations of education from Syracuse University in New York. She holds a doctorate in social and philosophical foundation of education from Rutgers University in New Jersey.
So proud of Mr. Leanders Burns. This is definitely well deserving. He is such a hard worker and dedicated to our youth!!!