Yurandol Thompson is associate dean of counseling for the University of Phoenix. With over a decade of clinical and leadership experience, Dr. Thompson previously served as the clinical program chair of the university’s clinical mental health counseling program. In her new role, she will partner with program chairs, coordinators, and college leadership to support counseling programs across clinical operations, accreditation processes, student progression, and faculty support.
Dr. Thompson holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Maryland, a master’s degree in professional counseling from Argosy University, and a Ph.D. in counselor education and supervision from Walden University.
Allen Vital is vice president for strategy and university affairs at Albany State University in Georgia. Dr. Vital has extensive experience in leadership roles at HBCUs, including recent service as senior advisor to the president and chief of staff at the Southern University System in Louisiana. He has also held various positions in marketing, advancement, and administration at Alabama A&M University, Xavier University of Louisiana, Alcorn State University in Mississippi, and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.
A three-time HBCU graduate, Dr. Vital holds a bachelor’s degree in history from Southern University and A&M College, a master’s degree in community counseling from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, and a Ph.D. in urban higher education from Jackson State University in Mississippi.
Sheila Thimba is senior vice president for finance and administration at Kingsborough Community College of the City University of New York System. Throughout her career, Thimba has served in senior leadership roles at Harvard College, Rutgers University, Columbia University, and New York University. Her background includes experience in finance, operations, human resources, facilities, and technology.
Born and raised in Kenya, Thimba earned her bachelor’s degree in English and economics from the College of Saint Elizabeth in New Jersey. She completed graduate studies in political economy at The New School in New York City.
