PAST HONOREES
2024 HONOREES
Terrence Murphy grew up outside of Tyler, TX in Chapel Hill. After an extremely successful football career at Texas A&M, he graduated Class of 2005 and was drafted in the 2nd round (58th overall pick) by the Green Bay Packers that same year in the NFL Draft.
After retiring from the NFL, real estate became his main focus and passion. He became a serious investor in the Texas real estate market. He has led multiple development and acquisition companies to multi-million dollar revenues and over 250+ bed portfolios. This is where TM5 Properties originated and continues to grow and expand.
Terrence started an independent brokerage and has brokered $1 Billion+ in sales volume and 6,300 transactions. Terrence currently leads the TM5 Team, a real estate team, in College Station, TX. He has consistently ranked in the top 1% of agents in the United States and was ranked the #1 agent by the BCS MLS in 2021 in total sales volume. He has found a knack for listing and selling ranch land and luxury residential properties. He was one of the only Realtors in the Bryan/College Station market to close four or more transactions that were minimum 500+ acre tracts in one calendar sales year.
Terrence possesses the same traits that he portrayed on the football field: passion, work ethic, dedication, loyalty, desire to succeed, and knowledge, all of which help his clients receive superior service.
David K. Butler, MD, FAMIA, is a healthcare executive and physician informaticist focused on EHR optimization and digital health innovation. A graduate of McGovern Medical School, he is dual-boarded in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine. Dr. Butler has over 20 years of experience in clinical practice and healthcare administration, specializing in information systems across major integrated networks in the U.S.
He began his clinical career as a hospitalist and general practitioner at Geisinger Health System (PA) and Texas Children’s Hospital, where he created hybrid technical and clinical teams. He then held CMIO roles at Bon Secours Mercy, Sutter Health, where he also served as VP andChief Transformation Officer, leading the optimization of a $1 billion EHR investment across 20+ hospitals in Northern California. He advises healthcare startups and venture capital firms leveraging AI for early disease detection.
Dr. Butler's work focuses on reducing clinician burnout, improving efficiency, and advancing digital tools for clinicians and patients. He has received the Epic Systems Physician of the Year Award for contributions to MyChart and Epic's Ambulatory suite and is a Fellow of the American Medical Informatics Association.
A sought-after speaker, Dr. Butler has served on the faculty of the CHIME Leadership Academy and presented extensively on EHR optimization and clinical decision support. During his time at Texas A&M, he was President of Kappa Alpha Psi, College of Science Senator, and received the Buck Weirus Spirit Award for his achievements.
Dr. Butler lives in Sacramento, California, with his wife, Dr. Kellie Sims Butler, and their two adult children. He enjoys chess, drone videography, photography, and spending time with family and friends.
Dr. Kellie Butler is the President of Folsom Lake College, Los Rios Community College District. Dr. Kellie has a lifelong dedication to creating equitable and inclusive educational environments. Dr. Butler’s perseverance has driven her to succeed academically and professionally, breaking barriers as the first Black female president of Solano Community College. While a student at TAMU, Dr. Butler’s academic achievements included receiving multiple awards and honors during her time at Texas A&M, such as the Harry S. Truman Scholar and the TAMU Association of Former Students Senior Thesis Award.
Don Scott has built a reputation for being a steadfast ally to his clients in the courtroom, and has brought that same spirit to the House of Delegates where he is known for being an advocate for working Virginia families.
He was born in Houston, Texas, where he and his siblings were raised by a single mother. A product of public schools, Don attended Texas A&M University. Upon graduation, he joined the Navy and served as a Surface Warfare Officer. This ignited his interest in pursuing law, and upon completion of his service, he earned his law degree from LSU Law School in 1994. After delivering the commencement address to Norfolk State University in 2024, he was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters.
In 2002, Don took an entry-level job at a workforce development company, where he quickly moved up the ranks to Senior Vice President. However, his position required constant travel, and after the birth of his daughter, he decided to return to his original dream of practicing law to stay closer to home. In 2015 he opened his own law practice. Today, he is a partner at Breit Biniazan P.C. and serves his clients primarily as a personal injury attorney.
He entered public life in 2019 when he decided to run for the House of Delegates representing Portsmouth. Since that first election, he has had a meteoric rise from freshman to Minority Leader by his second term. After winning the majority in 2023, Don was unanimously selected by his colleagues as the first Black Speaker of the House of Delegates in its 405-year history. Don has made his mark running a tight ship. He is known for being efficient and tough but fair to his colleagues on both sides of the aisle.
He is a proud lifetime member of many civic and community boards and associations. He and his wife, Dr. Mellanda Colson Scott, reside in Portsmouth with their teenage daughter.
As Speaker of the House of Delegates, he is Chair of the Rules Committee and he serves on the Governor’s Advisory Council on Revenue Estimates; Virginia Growth and Opportunity Board; Commemorative Commission to Honor the Contributions of the Women of Virginia; Virginia State Crime Commission; and Commission on Electric Utility Regulation.
In the community, Don is a member of many boards and commissions and has spent his time outside the courtroom giving back.
Don is a member of the Portsmouth Bar Association, the Old Dominion Bar Association, the Virginia State Bar Association, the Virginia Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys, and the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association. He is also the former Chair of the Portsmouth Economic Development Authority and former President of the Southeastern Employment and Training Association. He is also a member of the Eureka Club and holds lifetime memberships in the NAACP, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 993 and American Legion Post #190.
Chidi Blyden is a prominent figure with a background in national security, defense policy, and community engagement, particularly known for her work in the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). She served under the Obama administration, where she played a significant role in shaping policies that impacted global security and defense strategies. Her work often focused on issues related to international security, conflict resolution, and promoting peace in regions affected by instability.
Blyden has been recognized for her leadership, especially in advocating for inclusive and ethical policies within the defense sector. Her contributions have been noted for balancing strength with compassion, ensuring that U.S. defense initiatives are not only effective but also aligned with human rights and international law.
In addition to her government service, Chidi Blyden is also known for her mentorship and advocacy for women and young leaders, particularly in fields that are traditionally male-dominated. Her leadership style is characterized by a commitment to culture, collaboration, diversity, and equity. Chidi Blyden is respected for her global impact, her dedication to ethical leadership, and her efforts to uplift others, particularly in the realm of national security and defense.
Mayphous is a proud first-generation college graduate and highly respects our university. He is also highly respected by those who know him. Collins is the founder, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Amagine Technologies, ranked 15th among the 100 fastest-growing Aggie-owned or Aggie-led businesses. His company has impacted student learning, student success, and sports entertainment at A&M through innovative technologies in the classroom and meeting spaces. His projects include Bright Complex football locker room, Letterman’s Club, Player Development Center, Northside Hullabaloo Residence Hall, Outdoor Track and Field, and Kyle Field Football Stadium.
Collins graduated Cum Laude from Mays Business School in 1994. Among many notable accomplishments, he is the first Black Aggie to serve on the 12th Man Foundation board and is highly respected among his fellow board members. Wayne Roberts, class of 1985 and 1986 and fellow Trustee, said this about Mayphous Collins.
Mr. Collins has been an effective and celebrated leader his college and adult life. While pursuing his degree, Mr. Collins maintained strong involvement many campus activities. A few to note are the Multicultural Services I Care Student Retention and ExCEL programs and leadership roles in Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. In addition, he is the recipient of the President Achievement Award, Texas A&M University Scholar Award, Buck Weirus Spirit Award, and is a Mays Business School CBA Fellow.
As Texas A&M University alumni, Mark (Class of 1991) and Felicia (Class of 1994) not only excelled academically, earning Bachelor of Science degrees in Psychology, but also went on to further their education and careers with distinction. Mark pursued a Master of Science degree in Exercise Physiology from the University of Houston, graduating with honors. Following their graduation, both Mark and Felicia ventured into successful careers as entrepreneurs in the insurance and financial sectors. Mark founded Legacy Agency, Inc., a branch of Goosehead Insurance, leading an agency in Houston, Texas. Felicia established F. Boudreaux Insurance and Financial Services, Inc., and has dedicated over 20 years to guiding clients in their insurance and financial planning needs. Their achievements and dedication make them exceptional candidates for this honor, reflecting the core values of the Aggie Impact Award.
Both Mark and Felicia are seasoned business owners with over 50 years of combined experience in financial advising and insurance. They understand that navigating the complex world of insurance can be daunting, especially with the myriad of options and sources available. Committed to delivering trustworthy and dependable services, they are particularly dedicated to serving underserved communities that often face barriers to accessing reliable information.
In the past decade, Felicia has consistently ranked in the top half of the top 1% of financial professionals globally, as recognized by the Million Dollar Roundtable (MDRT) across 70 countries. She is also a highly sought-after speaker, renowned in the business world, academia, and even at the Essence Festival, the largest annual black cultural and music festival in the U.S. Most recently, she was a guest speaker at an event hosted by the international brand Lululemon. Mark is equally impressive. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to secure a $5 million investment from Drayton McClain, owner of the Houston Texans, to build a new YMCA facility nearly 15 years ago. He is a frequent guest on local radio realty shows and was honored as Business Owner of the Year in 2023 by Houston's Black Realty Association. Together, they have assisted over 10,000 clients throughout their careers, offering a range of services including insurance, college planning, and retirement savings.
Focusing on their alma mater, they have shown a steadfast, long-term commitment to key black student organizations at Texas A&M, such as ExCEL, the Southwestern Black Student Leadership Conference (SBSLC), the Xi Psi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha, and the Nu Alpha Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi. For instance, they taught a Financial Literacy Course annually from 2019 to 2024, and led workshops on financial management and budgeting at the ExCEL conference in both 2020 and 2021. These efforts aim to educate students about the importance of financial literacy right from the inception of their college careers, setting them up for lifelong financial success. The impact of their efforts is evident not just in the frequent invitations they receive to participate, but also in the positive feedback from event leaders, as illustrated by the following example: “They really helped me to see I can have other career options I may not have considered and school is meant to prepare me for more than just a degree and get a job. I rate this workshop a 5 out of 5.”View A&M Universities. Felicia is also a member of the Mu Kappa Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
2023 HONOREES
Chadwick Kelly Faykus and Twana Griffith-Faykus embody an exceptional fusion of excellence in education, finance, and philanthropy. Graduating from Texas A&M nearly three decades ago, their journey has been nothing short of extraordinary.
Twana, the Founder and Chair of the Faykus Foundation, radiates profound influence in education and philanthropy. Over two decades, she dedicated herself to shaping young minds as an inspiring educator and accomplished school administrator. Her unwavering commitment to nurturing innate talents and kindling the passions of countless students has left an enduring legacy. Twana wholeheartedly dedicates herself to driving positive change through her multifaceted involvement in various national and international nonprofits. She serves as an honorary cabinet member, host committee member, mentor, advocate, volunteer, servant-leader, and generous financial supporter. Her dedication extends to projects spanning education, public health, social justice and the arts, enriching communities and transforming lives.
Notably, Twana’s recent achievements at Texas A&M include the establishment of the Faykus Foundation Excellence Award (FFEA) and Faykus Foundation Emergency Fund (FFEF) in partnership with the Black Former Student Network (BFSN). These initiatives provide vital support to undergraduate and underrepresented minority students, addressing immediate financial needs and ensuring uninterrupted academic progress. Twana’s profound commitment to empowering the next generation shines through these initiatives.
Equally commendable is Kelly’s reputation and influence as a financial innovator. In 2005, Kelly founded an internationally renowned investment, analytics, and administration firm with a global presence in China, India, US, Ireland, UK, Brazil, and Mexico. His company, Virtus Partners, achieved remarkable milestones, managing over 500 billion in assets and fostering a culture of diversity. It earned accolades as the top portfolio analytics solution provider, with Kelly recognized as the only minority to lead a business within a multinational financial institution that later acquired a majority interest in his company. Throughout his career, he assumed reputable roles, including Managing Partner, CEO, Division President, and SVP.
Kelly’s dedication to guiding and mentoring underrepresented individuals of color is undeniable. He tirelessly imparts wisdom and counsel to budding business and finance professionals, offering invaluable guidance on their path to success. In retirement, Kelly devotes more time to passion projects, extending his expertise to emerging businesses and industry leaders. His impact reverberates through the professionals he has mentored, shaping their careers and futures.
Kelly and Twana are proud parents of two children, Chad and Elliana Faykus. Their unwavering love for family and friends, coupled with their unshakeable faith in God, serves as the bedrock of their remarkable journey. The multitude of awards and accolades they have received over the years is a testament to their profound impact, not only in their respective fields but also in the lives they have touched. Above all, Kelly and Twana’s commitment to honesty, discipline, and duty reflects their calling, their hearts, and, most importantly, their unwavering obedience.
Dr. Jimmy Williams Jr. currently serves as Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer for ATI Materials. This newly created role elevates technology at ATI with keen focus on accelerating progress on product and process technology priorities, more directly enabling and aligning them with ATI’s accelerated growth strategy.
Dr. Williams comes to his current position with significant and practical experience in industry and academia employing both business and technical acumen as a proven business development strategist, operational leader, and technology and innovation manager.
He previously served as Executive Director and Distinguished Service Professor of the Engineering and Technology Innovation Management (ETIM) program at Carnegie Mellon University. The ETIM program is an interdisciplinary, master's degree course of study offered by Carnegie Mellon's top-ranked College of Engineering in collaboration with the university’s Heinz College and Tepper School of Business.
During his time at Carnage Mellon University, Dr. Williams consulted large, medium and start-up organizations to support the evolution and execution of their innovation and technology strategies.
From 2012, he held the position of Senior Vice President of Global Engineering at Pall Corp where he led a 750-member engineering unit, driving Pall’s global growth initiatives across its Life Science and Industrial Products business. His restructuring efforts resulted in improved product first time acceptance of 25%, introduced Design for Manufacture and Assembly process resulting in $8.0M in savings. He reduced globally replicated work resulting in immediate saving of $3.5M.
Prior to Pall, Dr. Williams spent 10 years with Alcoa, Inc. In his role as Senior Director of Research and Development – Alcoa Technology Advantage, he led all facets of business and technology management, including innovation management, portfolio management, market analysis, product development, project management, engineering design, and production operations. Among his many achievements, he initiated and developed Alcoa's first integrated defense market strategy and business plan, growing profitable revenue from $50 million to $720 million and positioning the unit for $1 billion in annual sustainable revenue. As a product innovator, Dr. Williams spearheaded a critical assessment of Alcoa's $2.1 billion aero-structures business leading to a cost-saving fundamental shift in materials options. He also developed a cross-functional, multi-business-unit, multi-vendor product development team that successfully inserted an innovative cosmetic finish into Apple’s Macintosh computer supply chain, and earned the 2002 RoadStar Magazine Most Valuable Product Award for Dura-Bright surface finish wheel application.
Beginning in 1983, Dr. Williams led a nearly 20-year distinguished career at The Boeing Co. where he held a number of significant research and development and program management positions. Among his accomplishments at Boeing, Dr. Williams restructured the company’s Advanced Manufacturing Technology Organization, increased manufacturing flexibility and productivity for next-generation wing drilling, and earned Boeing's Black Engineer of the Year award in 2001.
Dr. Williams holds a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from Texas A&M University, an MBA in marketing and management from Lindenwood College, and a doctorate in Engineering and Policy from Washington University. A native of St. Louis, he and his wife, Valerie, reside in Pittsburgh and have two children, Danielle and Justin.
Paul K. Stafford is leader in the legal profession and the community – committed to excellence, service, and inclusion. Since receiving his Bachelor of Science (Political Science) from Texas A&M University (1990), and his Juris Doctorate from Texas Tech University School of Law (1994), Paul has become an experienced and recognized litigator, admitted to the State Bar of Texas, all four U.S. District Courts in Texas (Northern, Southern, Eastern, and Western), and the U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals, as well as admitted (pro hac vice) to the U.S. District Courts for the Northern District of California and the Northern District of Illinois.
Paul is co-founder and managing partner of STAFFORD MOORE, PLLC. (www.staffordmoore.law) - a certified majority/minority owned litigation boutique. Paul focuses his practice primarily on civil litigation, complex commercial & business litigation, and insurance policyholder & coverage litigation. Paul also has significant experience in corporate matters and business entity formation, data privacy & cyber-security matters, intellectual property & technology litigation, labor & employment law, and voting & civil rights matters. He previously served as an Assistant Criminal District Attorney (Denton County & Dallas County); studied at La Escuela de Idioma de Francisco Marroquin (Antigua, Guatemala); was Trial Counsel for Farmers Insurance Group and Zurich North America; and previously practiced at Hughes & Luce LLP (which subsequently merged with K&L Gates LLP) and Thompson & Knight, LLP (now Holland & Knight, LLP). During his career, Paul has successfully represented numerous clients in multi-million dollar complex civil litigation and criminal matters throughout Texas and the nation - having tried more than 200 cases to verdict, including approximately 100 criminal cases as well as approximately 100 civil cases.
Paul is an active member of the profession, having served as a Past-President of both the Dallas Bar Association (2012) and the J.L. Turner Legal Association (2002), as well as a Trustee of the Dallas Bar Foundation (2004-2012), and Chair of the J.L. Turner Legal Association Foundation Board (2022). Paul currently serves on the State Bar of Texas Board of Directors (as a Dallas District Director), is Immediate Past Chair of the African American Lawyers Section, is a four-time appointed member of the Diversity in the Profession Committee, and serves on the Insurance Law Section Council. In addition, Paul has served as an Adjunct Professor at Texas A&M University School of Law (Insurance Law; Texas Pre-Trial Procedure), serves as a Trustee on the Texas Tech School of Law Foundation Board, and currently serves as a Visiting Assistant Professor at Texas Tech University School of Law (Insurance Law; Civil Rights Law; Constitutional Law). Paul is a frequent speaker, lecturer, and media commentator, and has written and presented numerous articles, papers, and CLE’s on insurance, advocacy, litigation, e-discovery, cyber-security, and diversity & inclusion.
Paul was named a Leader in Diversity by the Dallas Business Journal (2023), and has been recognized by his peers no numerous occasions, including as a Texas Monthly “Super Lawyer” (since 2008), as a Texas Lawyer “Go-To” Lawyer (2012), as a D-Magazine Best Lawyer in Dallas, and by U.S. News & World Reports. Paul has also been recognized by Texas Tech University School of Law as the recipient of the Distinguished Service Award (2023), the Hershell L. Barnes Ambassador Award (2022), and the Black Law Students Association Distinguished Alumnus Award (2006). Paul was as a finalist for the 2022 as well as the 2023 Texas Aggie Bar Association’s Distinguished Aggie Lawyer Award, received the State Bar of Texas African American Lawyers Section “Trailblazer Award” (2014), and received the J.L Turner Legal Association Mentor Award (2010). Paul is also an American Marshall Memorial Fellow of the German Marshall Fund of the United States (2003), later serving as a Trustee on the GMF Board and as Chair of the Budget Committee.
Paul is also a leader in the community, previously serving on the Business & Community Advisory Board to the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas (2012-2014), and currently serving as a Director on the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas Board and as an Advocate for Dallas Court Appointed Special Advocates (Dallas CASA). Paul is a particularly strong supporter of the arts community – including the Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing & Visual Arts (Advisory Board; Mock Trial Coach; Flying Horse Gala), the Dallas Black Dance Theatre, the Dallas Museum of Art, and the Dallas Symphony Orchestra (Board of Governors, Corporate Committee, and Diversity Equity & Inclusion Committee).
Paul has also been a servant to Texas A&M University – during his time in Aggieland, and in the decades since –as a Fish Camp Attendee (1986) & Counselor (1987); a Buck Weirus Spirit Award recipient (as a Freshman, in Spring 1987); serving on the inaugural Southwestern Black Student Leadership Conference staff (1988); the Student Representative to the Faculty Senate (1988); as the Vice President of Student Government (1989); on the Chancellor’s Student Advisory Board (1990); and as a Who’s Who Among American Greeks (Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. - 1990). After graduation, Paul co-founded the Political Science Former Student Advisory Board (1998), co-founded the Black Former Students Network (2000), and endowed a Foundation Excellence Award. He has also served as a Director on the Association of Former Students Board of Directors (2007-2011; Legislative Committee Chair 2009, 2011), as Chair of the Liberal Arts Development Council (2014-2020), a supporter and informal advisor to the Bush School of Government, currently serves as a Class Agent for the Class of 1990 (2015-present), and is a member of the Chancellor’s Century Council (2022-present).
Charles “Chuck” Henderson is an accomplished and visionary executive, bringing over 25 years of unparalleled experience in business development, sales and marketing, project management, and process improvement. With a relentless commitment to delivering exceptional results and fostering productivity, Chuck is a recognized leader who has mastered the art of forging meaningful relationships with colleagues and clients. His skillful navigation of change-management initiatives is marked by unwavering confidentiality and trust.
Throughout his illustrious career, Chuck has held numerous executive roles, leaving an indelible mark of transformation. As the Chief Development Officer and now CEO of the American Diabetes Association, he and his team orchestrated a remarkable financial turnaround, propelling the organization's revenue from $111M to an impressive $131M in just under two years. Under his visionary leadership, he pioneered a culture centered around people living with diabetes, making profound connections with over 133 million Americans living with pre diabetes and diabetes, 5 million healthcare professionals and scientists, and an inspiring roster of 10,000 volunteers. Chuck's strategic prowess led the ADA to champion over 400 pieces of legislation, and ingeniously reimagine the organization's local office landscape across the United States, leveraging the power of data and analytics.
As the CEO and President of Champion Life Safety Solutions, Chuck's dynamic leadership secured $10M in capital investments, positioning him as the majority owner of the company. His adept management of a diverse team of 100 employees speaks to his remarkable ability to drive performance and inspire excellence.
Chuck's indomitable spirit has also left an indelible mark in the tech industry. A key member of the pioneering team that propelled Dell's healthcare vertical to unprecedented heights, he engineered a remarkable ascent from $0 to an astounding $500MM within a single year, solidifying the Healthcare vertical's reputation as one of Dell Computer's most lucrative businesses.
Chuck's distinguished journey encompasses executive roles at esteemed organizations including Commonground Marketing and Viacom/MTV Networks, where his oversight of cable territories valued at $3-$4B and $7-$8B respectively, earned him recognition as a strategic visionary. His expertise extended across sales, marketing, and operations teams, elevating performance and driving exceptional outcomes.
Chuck’s philanthropic contributions are as remarkable as his professional achievements. His dedication to serving as CEO of the American Diabetes Association, co-founding the Aggie Impact Gala, and supporting BFSN and the Lettermen’s Association at Texas A&M underscore his commitment to making a difference. An engaged volunteer for First Tee and an Impact Advisory Board Member for Start Up Health, Chuck's unwavering dedication is felt in every endeavor he undertakes.
As a board member, Chuck's expertise in training, team building, sales management, marketing solutions, strategy development and execution, contract negotiation, and c-suite client relationship building is unparalleled. His infectious culture of teamwork and overachievement sets the stage for sustained success.
Chuck's personal life reflects his boundless dedication. A devoted family man, community advocate, and committed church member, Chuck's passion for golf and family shines through. Married to Courtney and father to an extraordinary student and high school volleyball player Charlie. Chuck's fondest memories include his days as a student-athlete playing basketball alongside his younger, yet taller brother, Corey Henderson, at Texas A&M.
He attributes his remarkable journey to his family values, mentors, Texas A&M's core principles, and the robust Aggie network, all of which have catalyzed his success in life, business, and philanthropy.
Welcome to the world of Tashara Parker, where words transform, stories transcend, and voices find resonance. Tashara is a multifaceted professional, influential speaker, journalist, host, and emcee. Her career is a testament to her unwavering dedication to empowering individuals, amplifying diverse narratives, and creating spaces where authenticity thrives.
With a commanding stage presence and an innate ability to connect with her audience, Tashara has become one of the most sought-after speakers of our time. She has graced over 200 events across the country, captivating audiences with her thought-provoking ideas and inspiring them to embrace the power of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB). Tashara's unique blend of expertise and charisma sparks meaningful conversations and facilitates transformative experiences, leaving a lasting impact on all who have the privilege of hearing her speak.
As a 2X Emmy award-winning journalist, Tashara has a keen eye for uncovering compelling stories and capturing the essence of the human experience. Through her work, she sheds light on the issues that matter, challenges the status quo, and gives voice to the voiceless. Tashara's dedication to ethical reporting and her commitment to truth have earned her the trust and respect of both her readers and her peers.
Beyond the world of journalism, Tashara is the founder of Loud Women Lead, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering women to rise and lead with confidence and authenticity. Through Loud Women Lead, she is instrumental in shaping the future of female leadership, fostering a community that embraces and celebrates the power of women's voices.
Tashara's journey is intertwined with her natural hair advocacy, which led her to establish The Bun Ministry—a movement that embraces and celebrates natural hair while encouraging self-love and empowerment. The Bun Ministry, born from Tashara's personal experiences and deeply rooted beliefs, has become a symbol of resilience, embracing individuality, and breaking societal norms. As a result, Tashara was deemed the Global Ambassador for World Afro Day
With Tashara Parker, expect nothing less than a transformative experience. Her powerful messages, coupled with her contagious energy, will inspire you to embrace your authenticity, challenge the status quo, and create a more inclusive and equitable world.
Dr. Victor Simms, the eleventh of thirteen children and a first-generation college graduate, was born and raised in Fort Worth, Texas. The driving forces throughout his life have been his faith in God, support from family, and the calling to serve humanity through the practice of medicine. By age nine, Dr. Simms knew he would be a physician, and he was further inspired by his faith, his family, and witnessing the poor health outcomes for African Americans in his community.
In 1988, after graduating summa cum laude from R.L. Paschal High School, Dr. Simms attended Texas A&M University and earned a B.A. in Biology. He made the Dean’s Honor Roll every semester and was the first Black student at Texas A&M to graduate summa cum laude from the College of Science. While at Texas A&M, Dr. Simms received many awards including the John Bechman Award for the top senior in the College of Science, the Black Graduate Student’s Association Award for the top academic senior, the Minority Scholars Research Scholarship, the H.R. Lewis Scholarship Award, and the Phi Kappa Phi Award for Outstanding Junior in the College of Science. The award that has special meaning to Dr. Simms is the President’s Achievement Award because it gave many underrepresented students the chance to follow their dreams and it afforded him the opportunity to pursue his career in medicine. While at Texas A&M, Dr. Simms served as the vice president of Minority Association of Pre-health Aggies and participated in several other organizations.
After completing his undergraduate studies, Dr. Simms attended Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, TX (Baylor). When he began medical school in 1992, he was the only Black student to matriculate into that first-year class of 177 students. He continued to maintain high academic standards and demonstrate the work ethic instilled in him by his parents, and was awarded Outstanding Graduating Student in 1996. While in medical school, he became a member of the admissions committee and a task force to recruit underrepresented minority students. He also completed an internal medicine residency at Baylor and a fellowship in primary care research funded by the National Institute of Health. While completing the fellowship, Dr. Simms also obtained a Master of Public Health from the University of Texas School of Public Health with an emphasis on Health Systems Organization.
Dr. Simms joined Kelsey-Seybold Clinic (Kelsey-Seybold) in 2001. He has practiced internal medicine for 22 years and has progressively advanced as a physician leader and patient advocate. At Kelsey-Seybold, Dr. Simms has held the positions of Managing Physician, Associate Chief, Chief of the Department of Internal Medicine, member of the Board of Directors, and Chair of the Clinic Planning Committee. Dr. Simms has served as the president of the advocacy section of the Texas Chapter of the American College of Physicians and on the Texas Medical Association’s Council on Legislation, and he is currently a fellow of the American College of Physicians. These leadership roles have allowed him to advocate for patients and physicians and to impact healthcare legislation and policy at local, state, and national levels.
Dr. Simms’ wholehearted commitment and dedication to his profession extends to his community service. He has mentored students at all levels, from elementary school students to those in residency training, and he regularly guides young physicians. At The Church Without Walls, Dr. Simms is a member of the Medical Emergency Response Team. He also participates at community health fairs and delivers lectures on health, disease prevention, and disease treatment. Dr. Simms passionately advocates for increasing the number of Black physicians by participating with organizations such as Black Men in White Coats. He is helping to endow a scholarship at Baylor in the name of Dr. James Phillips, the former Dean of Diversity and a pioneer in increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion in medical education at Baylor. Additionally, Dr. Simms is endowing a Foundation Excellence Award for Black students at Texas A&M.
In 2022, Dr. Simms was selected to serve as the Associate Medical Director of Clinical Operations at Kelsey-Seybold and is responsible for leading a multispecialty integrated healthcare system with over 800 healthcare providers, over 4,500 employees, 55 medical specialties, 40 clinics, cancer centers, and ambulatory surgery centers.
2022 HONOREES
2021 HONOREES
Kafi C. Slaughter is Managing Director and Private Client Advisor for The Private Bank at Bank of America. While The Private Bank is headquartered in New York, Mrs. Slaughter offices in Houston, Texas and serves clients with an expanded practice across the United States.
Mrs. Slaughter is responsible for working with high-net-worth clients to assist them in effectively managing & preserving their wealth. She leads a team of specialists to implement comprehensive wealth plans tailored to each client’s needs.
As an experienced executive in the financial services industry for more than 25 years, Mrs. Slaughter has led the nation as the number #1 advisor managing close to a $2B portfolio for her prior firm.
Mrs. Slaughter studied Economics at Texas A&M University and later earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Statistical & Behavioral Economics from the University of Alaska’s College of Business & Public Policy. She is a member of the National Wealth Advisor Council, Women’s Team Member Network, Black Executive Leadership Team, and a member of the Asian network within Bank of America. She is also a regular speaker & mentor to junior advisors across the franchise.
Mrs. Slaughter was voted HBJ’s Top Woman in Finance for 2018. She currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Houston Symphony. Her community outreach includes serving as Chair of the Women’s Fund – a non-profit that provides Houston teens with financial literary & life empowerment skills. Kafi is a regular contributor & volunteer to Alpha Kappa Alpha Ivy Educational & Charitable Foundation. She is also a frequent speaker to high school girls at Young Women’s College Preparatory Academy-focused on STEM education for underserved college bound seniors. As a cancer survivor, Mrs. Slaughter has a passion for health education to global communities, where she actively serves on the Advocacy Council of the Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center at Baylor Medical Foundation.
Mrs. Slaughter is wife of 18 years to Houston entrepreneur Richard Slaughter, and mother to 17 year old Zoe Slaughter, a globally ranked & highly decorated junior golfer with the American Junior Golf Association.
Williams joined the College Football Playoff in July 2018 as its chief operating officer, after having spent the previous two years as commissioner of the Big Sky Conference. In her role, Williams is primarily responsible for managing the national championship game and all affiliated events. She also serves as the primary liaison for the six bowl games that participate in the CFP and will manage the process for selecting sites for upcoming national championship games. Prior to her time at the Big Sky, Williams was a member of the Big Ten Conference staff for 16 years, including 10 as associate commissioner and she served as the first director of the Big Ten football championship game as well as the director of the league’s men's and women's basketball tournaments. Under Williams's leadership, the 2011 Big Ten football championship game received the 2012 SportsTravel Award for “Best New Sports Event.” She also served on the NCAA staff in Indianapolis for two years as director of the NCAA Division I women's basketball championship. Prior to her time at the national office, she was a member of the Southern Conference staff. Williams has been recognized with honors that include the 2017 Shadow League Leadership Award, 2014 SportsBusiness Journal Class of Game Changers (Women in Sports Business) and 2014 CEFMA Event Manager of the Year. Williams serves on a number of national committees including the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame Board, John McLendon Minority Scholarship Foundation, NCAA Sexual Assault Prevention Commission and NACDA FCS Athletic Director of the Year Selection committee. Williams is a graduate of Texas A&M, where she competed in volleyball and basketball. Originally from San Antonio, Texas, she also holds a master's degree in sports administration from Ohio University.
Dr. Ashanti Johnson is an international expert and highly accredited STEM speaker, profiled in Wikipedia, several STEM textbooks and various other publications. She is also one of the first African American female Chemical Oceanographers in the country. Dr. Ashanti Johnson’s keynote topics include STEM Professional Development; Diversity and Inclusion; Women in STEM; Faculty Recruitment and Diversity; as well as Workplace and Career Empowerment; Environmental Science; Oceanography, Professional Development of High School, Undergraduate and Graduate Students; Pre-K to 12th grade STEM Learning and Enrichment; Student and Early Career Mentoring; Faculty and Staff Professional Development; Institutional Change; Organizational Leadership and Advancement Convocations. Her leadership experiences with non-profit organizations, universities and most recently as CEO and Founding Superintendent of Cirrus Academy, a state-wide STEAM charter school system in Georgia (GA) has brought her around the world to Samoa, Fiji, Cambodia, Cook Islands, Bermuda, Brazil, Spain, China, Mexico, and several US government agencies, universities, international conferences and Pre-K-12 organizations. Her initial interest in Oceanography and Marine Biology began at a young age, while watching Jacques Cousteau on television and was strengthened during an opportunity to interact with a female marine biology graduate student. After receiving her Ph.D. in Oceanography from Texas A&M University, she still cherishes the childhood memories that jump started her college and professional careers. She is known to frequently share her interest in the oceans with children, teachers, community leaders, college students and federal government officials. In additional to serving as an aquatic scientist and conducting research, Dr. Johnson has gained over 15 years of senior leadership experience in university, non-profit and K-12 organizations, including serving as the University of Texas-Arlington (UTA) Assistant Vice Provost for Faculty Recruitment and Diversity, Institute of Broadening Participation (IBP) Executive Director, STEM Human Resource Development, Inc. CEO, Minorities Striving and Pursuing Higher Degrees of Success (MS PHD’S) Professional Development and Mentoring Institute Executive Director and Cirrus Academy Founding CEO/Superintendent.
Dr. Johnson currently serves as a Visiting Associate Chemistry Professor for Fort Valley State University, and Vice President-Chief Technical Officer for MatlScience, Inc. She previously served as Special Assistant to the President (STEM Initiatives) at Morris Brown College, Associate Professor of Environmental Science, Assistant Vice Provost at the University of Texas-Arlington (UTA) and Executive Director of the Institute for Broadening Participation. She has also been a faculty member at Mercer University,University of South Florida, Georgia Institute of Technology and Savannah State University, as well as a research scientist at Exxon Production Research Co. and Texas Instruments. She has received many honors and awards throughout her career including a US Presidential Award for Excellence in Science Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring by President Obama at the White House. Most recently she received the 2019 John P. McGovern Science and Society Award by the Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Honor Society, in recognition to her international contributions and was also bestowed the prestigious American Geophysical Union (AGU) Excellence in Geophysical Education Award, the AGU Ambassador Award and was recognized as an AGU Fellow.
Dr. Lesia Crumpton-Young is the founding President and CEO of Greatness Gurus Corporation.
Dr. Lesia L. Crumpton-Young served as the 13th President of Texas Southern University. She is regarded as a transformational leader who has led organizations to achieve unprecedented success at an accelerated pace.
Dr. Lesia Crumpton-Young served as the Inaugural President of the Black Women Collegiate President and Chancellors.
President Crumpton-Young received her B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering from Texas A&M University where she was the first African American female to receive a Ph.D. in engineering. Previously, President Crumpton-Young held the positions of Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs at Morgan State University; Vice President for Research and Institutional Advancement at Tennessee State University; Program Director at the National Science Foundation; Associate Provost at Texas A&M University; Associate Dean of Engineering at Mississippi State University (MSU); Professor and Department Head of the Industrial Engineering and Management Systems Department at the UCF; and Department Chairman position at UCF.
President Crumpton-Young is an experienced, innovative, and accomplished executive leader with a firm understanding of higher education who has strategically and intentionally positioned institutions by implementing transformative initiatives to ensure organizational success. President Crumpton-Young is an accomplished researcher in modeling Human Systems under Dynamic conditions and the recipient of the US Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring (PAESMEM) with more than 150 scholarly publications to date.
Dr. Eli Jones is a highly accomplished Professor of Marketing with extensive business experience in sales and sales management. Currently serving as the Lowry and Peggy Mays Eminent Scholar at Texas A&M University, he previously held leadership roles as Dean of Mays Business School, Dean of the Sam M. Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas, and Dean of the E. J. Ourso College of Business at Louisiana State University.
Dr. Jones has made significant contributions to the academic community, publishing over 50 peer-reviewed research articles in top academic journals, and co-authoring several professional books on sales and sales leadership. His research has been cited over 9,500 times by peers. He is also highly regarded as an educator, having received numerous awards for teaching excellence. He has taught a variety of courses at the undergraduate and master’s level, including strategic selling, professional selling, key accounts selling, sales leadership, and marketing strategy. He also enjoys teaching in customized executive education courses. Before becoming a professor, Jones worked in sales and sales management for three Fortune 500 global companies.
Beyond academia, Dr. Jones is an active member of the business community, serving on several boards, including the American Marketing Association, First Financial Bank, Insperity, and the Invesco Funds Complex. In 2021, he was honored with recognition by Savoy magazine as a Most Influential Corporate Board member, and he is a recipient of the Aggie Impact Award for making a global impact in his community and profession. He has received prestigious awards for his contributions to the sales and sales management discipline, marketing education, and his community and profession. These awards include the AMA-Irwin-McGraw-Hill Distinguished Marketing Educator Award and the Academy of Marketing Science Distinguished Educator Award. Two of his most cherished awards are from his alma mater, Texas A&M University. In 2009, Jones was recognized as an Outstanding Doctoral Alumnus, and in 2022, he received Mays Business School’s Outstanding Alumnus Award. These awards are symbolic of his commitment to bridging academia and business.
Dr. Jones holds a PhD in Marketing, an MBA, and a BS, all from Texas A&M University.
Colonel Kenneth Allison is an inspiring educator, mentor, leader and Aggie. He graduated from Texas A&M University in 1985 with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering, and later earned a Master of Science in Space Operations and a Master of Science in Military Operational Art and Science. As an Air Force officer, Colonel Allison commanded a Space Operations Squadron and was the Vice-Wing Commander of the 50th Space Wing at Schriever Air Force Base, Colorado. He retired in 2013 after serving almost 28 years in the Air Force, primarily in space systems operations, engineering, and acquisition.
Currently, Colonel Allison serves as the Associate Director of the Hollingsworth Center for Ethical Leadership where he oversees the Career Readiness Program for the Aggie Corps and advises two cadet special units, the Cultural Awareness and Diversity Expansion Team (C.A.D.E.T.) and the Cyber Operations Special Unit.
Demetria Hall is a systems engineer for Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, Co. Currently, she is a Control Account Manager and Project Lead for the System Simulation & Test organization. Demetria leads engineers and tracks performance of multi-million dollar engineering contracts. Previously, Demetria was a hardware design engineer that produced the F-35 jet fighter currently flying in our military. She provides STEM opportunities to spark interest in engineering to help bridge the shortage gap of future engineers.
In 2019, Demetria completed 50 national events and impacted 30,000 students. Demetria earned her BS in Mechanical Engineering from Texas A&M University and has worked as an engineer for almost 30 years in various industries from military aircraft & missiles to wafer fabrication robots. Recently, Demetria was appointed as Board Member of the Texas Alliance for Minorities in Engineering (TAME).
Demetria has received national recognition including the 2021 Aggie Impact Award, 2021 Black Engineer of the Year: Innovation Leader, 2020 Women of Color STEM: Community Service Industry Award, 2018 Hidden Figures of Dallas: Top STEM Influencer Award, and the prestigious 2018 Aero Star Award.
Bruce Chinn: Chevron Phillips Chemical CEO &
Sandra Chinn: First Black Woman to Command the W-1 outfit in the Corps of Cadets
BRUCE CHINN
Bruce Chinn is president and chief executive officer of Chevron Phillips Chemical, a global petrochemical joint venture with a top-quartile safety record and 2022 revenue of more than $14 billion.
Chinn has more than 35 years of industry experience. Before leading Chevron Phillips Chemical, he served as president for Chevron Chemicals, overseeing its Oronite business. He was also part of the board of directors at Chevron Phillips Chemical alongside fellow executive representatives for company owners Chevron U.S.A. Inc. and Phillips 66 Company.
Chinn began his career at DuPont where he held positions of increasing responsibility in manufacturing, technical, commercial and business leadership at the U.S. and international level. He first joined Chevron in 2006, where he held several executive roles in refining for the company’s operations in Venezuela, Richmond, Calif., and Pascagoula, Miss.
Chinn serves in top executive functions across several prominent organizations. Those include his role as chairman of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers Foundation Board of Trustees. He also serves as board director and executive committee member of the American Chemistry Council, Alliance to End Plastic Waste and American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers. In addition, he is a member of the Executive Leadership Council.
Chinn holds a B.S. in chemical engineering from Texas A&M University.
Jacob Carl Green, born on January 21, 1957, stands as a celebrated figure in American football, having left an indelible mark as a defensive end in the National Football League (NFL). Hailing from Pasadena, Texas, Green's journey to gridiron glory began during his collegiate years, where he showcased his prowess for the Texas A&M Aggies. Garnering recognition as an All-American selection in 1979, Green's dominance on the field was evident, tallying an impressive 134 tackles and setting a then-school record with 20 quarterback sacks. His impact transcended mere statistics, as he also holds school records for career fumbles caused and season fumbles caused, cementing his legacy as one of the Aggies' finest.
In 1980, Green's exceptional talent caught the attention of NFL scouts, leading to his selection as the 10th overall pick in the NFL Draft by the Seattle Seahawks. Thus began a storied professional career spanning 13 years, characterized by relentless pursuit and unmatched skill. Green became a cornerstone of the Seattle Seahawks defense, donning the number 79 jersey for 12 seasons before concluding his NFL journey with a final season as a member of the San Francisco 49ers.
Throughout his illustrious tenure in the NFL, Green's impact was profound, amassing an impressive 97.5 career sacks for the Seahawks, a feat that solidified his status as a defensive stalwart. Notably, Green's contributions extended beyond personal accolades, as he played an integral role in shaping the Seahawks' defensive identity. His tenacity and leadership earned him recognition as a two-time Pro Bowler and a Second-team All-Pro selection in 1984.
Even in retirement, Green's legacy endures, as his accomplishments continue to be celebrated within the annals of football history. His remarkable journey from college standout to NFL legend serves as a testament to his unwavering dedication and enduring impact on the sport he so passionately pursued.
LeChauncy D. Woodard, M.D., M.P.H. is director of the Humana Integrated Health System Sciences Institute at the University of Houston and a Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine professor. Woodard is responsible for leading the Humana Institute’s mission and contributes to paving the future of research and innovation for Fertitta Family College of Medicine.
Woodard is nationally recognized for her extensive research aimed at understanding and medically serving ethnically diverse patients and the socioeconomic factors that influence health outcomes. Her passion for exceptional health care is evident in her active contributions to medical journals, peer-review workshops and published research in over 35 publications. Woodard’s track record of primary care research, teaching and student mentorship highlight her passion for equipping future primary care providers with the latest advances in medicine to ensure their career success.
Woodard earned her bachelor’s from Texas A&M University and her medical degree from the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. She completed her internal medicine residency and primary care research at Baylor College of Medicine and earned a master’s of public health from the University of Texas Health Science Center School of Public Health.
Steve Solari, a revered figure in the annals of Texas A&M football, etched his name in the sport's lore as a formidable force on the gridiron and a beloved member of the Aggie community. Born and raised in Sugar Land, Texas, Solari's journey to gridiron greatness began at Willowridge High School, where his athletic prowess first emerged.
Transferring to Texas A&M from Purdue University, Solari quickly asserted himself as a linchpin of the legendary Wrecking Crew defenses of the early 1990s. His impact was immediate and profound, helping lead the Aggies to unprecedented success in the Southwest Conference (SWC). Solari's relentless pursuit of excellence fueled the Aggies' dominance, as they led the SWC in all defensive categories for three consecutive seasons from 1991 to 1993, a historic achievement in the conference's storied history.
A stalwart defender, Solari's tenacity and skill were instrumental in the Aggies' perfect record against conference opponents and three consecutive conference championships. His contributions extended beyond statistics, embodying the spirit of Texas A&M football with unwavering dedication and sportsmanship. At the heart of the Aggies' defense, Solari's presence on the field instilled confidence and inspired his teammates to strive for greatness.
Individually, Solari garnered acclaim for his exceptional talent and leadership. Honored with second-team All-SWC recognition as a senior, he showcased his defensive prowess with 56 total tackles, including 40 solo stops, and six quarterback sacks. His standout performance against Missouri in 1993, where he recovered three fumbles, earned him the distinction of SWC Defensive Player of the Week.
Beyond his on-field achievements, Solari's impact transcended the game of football. His unwavering positivity and genuine camaraderie endeared him to teammates, coaches, and fans alike. His presence at alumni events and football reunions exemplified his enduring connection to the Aggie family, where he was celebrated as both a player and a friend.
In his final Facebook post on November 23, Solari's profound words captured his outlook on life with poignant introspection. Reflecting on the transient nature of existence, he urged gratitude for life's blessings and the cherished connections with loved ones. Solari's message resonated with a timeless wisdom, serving as a testament to his character and the impact he left on those fortunate enough to know him.
Steve Solari's legacy endures as a beacon of excellence, sportsmanship, and camaraderie within the Texas A&M community. His indomitable spirit and unwavering dedication to the Aggie tradition will forever inspire future generations of athletes and fans alike, ensuring that his memory remains forever enshrined in the hearts of all who knew him.
2019 HONOREES
Attorney General Aaron D. Ford, Nevada’s 34th Attorney General, took office on January 7, 2019, making him the first African American to hold statewide constitutional office in Nevada.
A former State Senator, AG Ford previously served as both the Majority Leader and the Minority Leader in the Nevada State Legislature and held leadership roles on several legislative committees. He also spent many years in private practice as a partner at both Snell & Wilmer LLP and Eglet Adams in Las Vegas. Before practicing law, AG Ford served as a public school math teacher, shaping hundreds of lives.
During his term as a State Senator, AG Ford led the passage of significant legislation that required police officers to wear body cameras. AG Ford was also the impetus for a local district attorney to create a “Conviction Integrity Unit” to review cases that allege wrongful conviction.
As the chief law enforcement officer for the state, AG Ford’s goal continues to be helping to protect Nevada families. AG Ford believes there is no task greater than the pursuit of justice and has adopted the office motto of “Our Job is Justice.” His priority areas include what he refers to as the “Five Cs”: constitutional rights, criminal justice reform, consumer protection, client service, and community engagement. AG Ford has held several town hall forums to talk directly with Nevadans on relevant topics such as racial injustice, law enforcement policies, and hate crimes.
AG Ford’s office has made protecting consumers from fraud, scams, and anti-competitive activity a top priority. His Bureau of Consumer Protection has secured over $85 million in recoveries on behalf of Nevada consumers. AG Ford has also held those responsible for fueling Nevada’s opioid crisis, having secured over 1.1 billion in settlements to abate the opioid crisis.
AG Ford has held statewide summits with experts to fight human trafficking; he helps lead Nevada’s sexual assault kit initiative and is proud to have helped complete testing nearly 8,000 previously untested sexual assault kits; and he worked with his prosecutors to revive a cold case and bring justice for a Nevada mother who lost her daughter to a brutal murder more than 40 years ago.
AG Ford is proud to have earned five degrees, including his law degree and Ph.D. in Educational Administration from The Ohio State University. AG Ford married his college sweetheart, Berna Rhodes-Ford, who is also an attorney. Together, they raised four children, Avery, Devin, Aaron II, and Alexander.
Over the course of a journalistic career that has seen him interview multiple U.S. presidents to the top athletes and entertainers in Hollywood, Roland S. Martin is a journalist who has always maintained a clear sense of his calling in this world.
Martin is the host and managing editor of #RolandMartinUnfiltered, the first daily online show in history focused on news and analysis of politics, entertainment, sports, and culture from an explicitly African American perspective.
Since 2008, Martin has been a senior analyst for the Tom Joyner Morning Show, where his daily segment is heard on more than 100 stations and 8 million people daily.
He is the author of three books: Listening to the Spirit Within: 50 Perspectives on Faith; Speak, Brother! A Black Man’s View of America; and The First: President Barack Obama’s Road to the White House as originally reported by Roland S. Martin.
He has contributed to several others, including Paradox of Loyalty: An African American Response to the War on Terrorism by Julianne Malveaux; Black Woman Redefined: Dispelling Myths and Discovering Fulfillment in the Age of Michelle Obama by Sophia Nelson; Faivish Pewzner New York and Fatherhood: Rising to the Ultimate Challenge by Etan Thomas and Nick Chiles.
He has been named four times by Ebony Magazine as one of the 150 Most Influential African Americans in the United States.
When Jet Magazine readers voted in 2012 for who is “King of the Hill” in terms of who they turn to on issues of concern to African Americans, Martin came on top, ahead of the likes of the Rev. Al Sharpton and Donna Brazile. NewsOne.com named as the number one Black pundit in the country; and he has been named several times to The Root 100, their annual list of influential African Americans.
In his career, Martin has been showered with more than 30 awards for journalistic excellence, including being named the Journalist of the Year in 2013 by the National Association of Black Journalists for his extensive focus on voter suppression and other issues of concern to African Americans during the 2012 election.
Martin was also awarded the 2008 President’s Award by the National Association of Black Journalists for his work in multiple media platforms. In 2008, he was also inducted into the Texas A&M University Journalism Hall of Honor.
He is a four-time NAACP Image Award winner, including named Best Host for the last two years.
Martin spent six years as a contributor for CNN, appearing on numerous shows and earning accolades near and far for his no-holds honesty, conviction and perspective on various issues. In 2009, CNN was awarded the Peabody Award for its outstanding 2008 election coverage, of which Martin was a member of the Best Political Team on Television.
Martin has been named one of the top 50 political pundits by the Daily Telegraph in the United Kingdom, and has appeared numerous times on a variety of American networks, as well as media outlets in Canada, Columbia, Italy, Australia and South Africa.
From October 2005 to October 2008, he served as a radio talk show for WVON-AM in Chicago, first as mid-day host and later as morning drive host.
He is the former executive editor/general manager of the Chicago Defender, the nation’s most historic Black newspaper. A digital media pioneer, Martin launched the first Black news source audio and video podcast in 2005 and 2006 at the Defender.
He is the former founding news editor for Savoy Magazine under the team of New York-based Vanguarde Media, and the former founding editor of BlackAmericaWeb.com.
He previously served as owner/publisher of Dallas-Fort Worth Heritage, a Christian monthly newspaper. He also has worked as managing editor of the Houston Defender and the Dallas Weekly, which he led to a number of local, state and national journalism awards. Mr. Martin has worked as morning drive reporter for KRLD/1080 AM; news director and morning anchor at KKDA-AM in Dallas; city hall reporter for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram; and county government and neighbors reporter for the Austin American-Statesman. He has also written pieces for Ebony and Essence magazines.
Mr. Martin is a life member of the National Association of Black Journalists, and a life member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc..
He is a 1987 graduate of Jack Yates High School-Magnet School of Communications, and a 1991 graduate of Texas A&M University, where he earned a bachelor’s of science degree in journalism.
He has been awarded honorary degrees from Florida Memorial University; University of Maryland-University College; Lemoyne-Owen College; Lane College; and South Carolina State University.
He is married to the Rev. Jacquie Hood Martin, author of “Fulfilled! The Art and Joy of Balanced Living,” and “Wedded Bliss: A 52-Week Devotional to Balanced Living” and the children’s book series, “Hannah’s Heart.”
They reside in Washington, D.C. area.
Von Miller, a defensive lineman, was one of the most dominant defensive players of his generation. He helped the Denver Broncos of the National Football League (NFL) win the Super Bowl in 2016 before joining the Los Angeles Rams and winning another Super Bowl with that team in 2022.
Miller was a star in both track and football at DeSoto High School, but some college football recruiters were concerned about his relatively small size for a defensive lineman of 6 feet 3 inches (1.9 metres) and 212 pounds (96.2 kg). An assistant coach at Texas A&M University was taken by Miller’s speed and athleticism, however, and offered him a scholarship. Miller started slowly at Texas A&M, notching just five and a half total sacks in his first two years on the field. He broke out during his junior season, leading the country in sacks with 17 and compiling 21.5 tackles for a loss (TFL). He racked up 10.5 sacks and 17.5 TFL in his senior year, which ended with his receiving consensus All-American honours and the Dick Butkus Award (as the nation’s top linebacker). He was then selected by the Broncos with the second overall pick of the 2011 NFL draft.
Miller made an immediate impact in his first year as a professional. Having grown into his frame during his time at Texas A&M, Miller was a near-perfect combination of size, speed, and agility, and he grounded opposing quarterbacks for a total of 11.5 sacks during his rookie campaign, securing the Defensive Rookie of the Year award and his first invitation to the Pro Bowl. He bettered his rookie statistics during his second season, with 18.5 sacks and his first career interception (which he returned for his first career touchdown), earning both Pro Bowl and first-team All-Pro honours. He was limited to just nine games in the 2013 season, owing to a six-game suspension for trying to cheat a drug test and a season-ending tear in his anterior cruciate ligament that kept him out of the Super Bowl (which Denver lost to the Seattle Seahawks). He quickly recovered from those setbacks, however, and during the following two seasons he amassed 14 and 11 sacks, respectively, establishing himself as one of the premier defensive players of his generation.
At the 2016 Super Bowl, Miller produced one of the greatest individual defensive efforts in the event’s history, recording two and a half sacks, forcing two fumbles (the first of which was recovered in the end zone for Denver’s opening touchdown), and continuously harassing the opposing Carolina Panthers quarterback, Cam Newton, in Denver’s 24–10 victory. Miller’s performance—for which he was named the game’s MVP—showed that he could emerge as the Broncos’ star of the future in the wake of the impending departure of the team’s legendary quarterback, Peyton Manning. During the following season, Miller tallied 13.5 sacks and was again named an All-Pro, but the Broncos missed the playoffs with a 9–7 record. Despite Miller’s continued great play in 2017 (he led the Broncos with 10 sacks), Denver’s quarterback struggles resulted in a last-place divisional finish. He was named to his fifth consecutive Pro Bowl during a 2018 season in which he had 14.5 sacks, but the Broncos again finished the year with a losing record. Miller continued to play at a Pro Bowl level in 2019 and 2020, although his sack total of eight in the latter season was his lowest total since his injury-shortened 2013 campaign. During the first half of the 2021 NFL season, the Broncos traded Miller to the Los Angeles Rams for future draft picks. The addition of Miller gave Los Angeles arguably the best defense in the NFL, and the Rams rode that dominant unit to a Super Bowl victory in Miller’s first season with the team.
Paula Harris is a 32 -year executive with Schlumberger and she current holds the title of Director, Global Stewardship Educational Programming. In her role she directs the community and educational outreach efforts of our 100,000 employees in over 85 countries. Paula’s mission is to design and implement strategic programming to ensure Schlumberger is a respected partner in the communities in which we work across the globe.
The Energized for STEM Charter Partner Board, the Theater Under the Starts (TUTS) board, Space Center Houston Board, Petroleum Club of Houston Board, and the Menil Development Board. She has been profiled in the “Black Engineer” “Graduating Engineer”, “Money Magazine”, and “Rolling Out”. Mrs. Harris has received numerous recognitions, including being named Black Engineer’s “50 who make a Difference”, “Key Women in Energy”, “Greater Houston Women’s Chamber -Woman of Distinction”, “Texas Women on the Move” and the “Women of Color in Technology” award. Paula’s other memberships include Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, The Executive Leadership Council, National Society of Black Engineers, The Links Incorporated, and American Leadership Forum.
Paula was elected to the Houston Independent School District Board of Education in 2007. She was an integral part of developing theories of action and developing and enforcing policy. She was instrumental in the 2008 superintendent search and served on the finance committee to help develop and manage the districts $1.6-billion-dollar budget. Her emphasis was raising the academic achievement of the 215,000 children in the district and providing policy to increase the output of the 25,000 employees. During her 8 years (2 terms) on the HISD Board Paula served as board president, and vice president and the district was recognized twice by the White House under her leadership. She is currently board President of the Energized for Excellence in STEM Charter School Board.
Mrs. Harris’ first book was titled “For Sister: The Guide for Professional Black Women”. Paula’s publishing company, MadisonHouse Publishing, next published her children’s book entitled “When I Grow UP, I Want to Be an Engineer”. This book has been translated into 4 languages and over 100,000 copies of this popular book have been distributed globally to school systems and STEM organizations.
Paula is a graduate of Texas A&M University with a degree in Petroleum Engineering. She also has a master’s in educational technology design. Paula and her husband Dwayne own DPM Investments and are also the proud parents of one daughter, Madison Serelia Harris.
Richmond Webb is a graduate of Texas A&M University and was the Dolphins’ first-round pick out of Texas A&M in 1990. Webb attended Dallas Independent School District's Roosevelt High School, where his teammates included future NFL players Aaron Wallace and Kevin Williams.
Webb enjoyed an outstanding 11-year career with the Dolphins.Webb made seven Pro Bowl appearances and as one of the most dominant left tackles in NFL history, Richmond Webb protected Hall of Fame Quarterback Dan Marino’s blind side for more than a decade. After playing for the Dolphins, Webb played two seasons for the Bengals.On December 25, 2006, Webb was inducted into the Dolphins Honor Roll. He was the second Miami player to be inducted in 2006, following Dick Anderson, and the 16th overall.
Setting Dolphin’s records for consecutive starts (118) and consecutive Pro Bowls, Richmond will soon find his place among the greatest of all time in the NFL Hall of Fame.
More importantly in Richmond’s eyes, he is a man of deep faith, devotion to his family, and commitment to the values that brought him success on and off the field.
Judge Jones, also known as Rocky, is an exemplary attorney with 24 years of diverse legal experience including prosecution, criminal defense and civil law.
Over the past three years, she has prided herself on dispensing justice with reliability, impartiality and fairness to both victims and the accused. She is running for re-election to ensure that accountability and justice remain on the court.
Colonel (retired) Pauletta D. Blueitt ’81 is a native of Nacogdoches, Texas. After graduating from Nacogdoches High School in 1977, she was awarded a 4-year Air Force ROTC scholarship and became a “fish” in the Fightin’ Texas Aggies Corps of Cadets in the Fall of 1977 as a member of the fourth freshman class of women, who were first allowed to join the Corps in 1974. She was a member of the sole female unit, W- 1, during her freshman year. After the unit became too large, a second all-female unit, Sq 14 was activated her sophomore year, in which she served as First Sergeant her junior year and Squadron Commander her senior year. Pauletta graduated from Texas A&M University in 1981 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Management and received a commission as a Distinguished Graduate in the rank of 2nd Lieutenant into the U.S. Air Force. She received her Master of Health Administration degree from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, MO in 1989.
Col (ret) Blueitt served as a Health Care Administrator in the Air Force for 28 1⁄2 years before retiring on 1 November 2009. She was the first African-American female to attain the rank of O-6 in her career field, the Medical Service Corps. Her final military assignment was at Randolph AFB, TX, as the Deputy Command Surgeon and Command Administrator at HQ Air Education and Training Command (AETC) where she was responsible for the education and training of all Air Force medical personnel in all career fields and provided oversight for the medical readiness mission. She also served as the senior advisor, mentor, and career manager for 175 healthcare executives. She is a Life Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives.
Pauletta is a very active TAMU alumna. In 2015, she and her husband, COL (U.S. Army retired) Odis R. Blueitt ‘82, established an endowed scholarship for the School of Public Health to be awarded to students pursuing the new Bachelor of Science in Public Health, with a preference for members of the Corps. She is a member of the School of Public Health Development Council and is the Chairman of the External Advisory Committee to the Dean of the School of Public Health. She has also served several terms as an Association of Former Students Representative-at-Large, is a member of the Corps of Cadets Board of Visitors, the Corps of Cadets Association, and has participated in the annual Rally to the Guidons on numerous occasions since its inception.
In 2004, Pauletta was the keynote speaker at the 30th Anniversary of Women in the Corps reunion, where she shared her experiences as a cadet in the predominantly male Corps of Cadets from 1977 -1981, and served as one of the reviewing officers during the Corps march-in prior to the football game. She was a guest panelist for the “50 Years of Inclusion: A Cultural Transfusion” program hosted by the Cultural Awareness Expansion Team (C.A.D.E.T.) in 2014, and was invited to be the guest speaker at a C.A.D.E.T. gathering in October 2018 to speak on her experiences in the Corps and some of the major differences compared to the Corps today.
She also served as a volunteer for the Texas A&M Women Former Student Network (“Aggie Women”) conference in 2013. She also participated in the 40th Anniversary of Women in the Corps event in 2014, which celebrated the 40-year history of women in the Corps, highlighting the challenges endured by and perseverance of the first classes of women to be admitted as members of the Corp of Cadets in 1974.
In the fall of 2018, Col (ret) Blueitt was appointed by the Dean of the College of Medicine at the Health Science Center as a member of the Texas A&M Military Health Advisory Committee to the newly established, prestigious Military Medicine Department. The purpose of the committee is for members to provide expertise and guidance to the medical school leadership to enhance their commitment to train military health professionals who will serve in the armed forces and meet the health needs of those engaged in military service and veterans. She also serves as a member of the Military Medicine Search Committee, assisting with developing criteria, recruitment, and conducting a nationwide search for a Department Head of the Military Medicine Department in the College of Medicine.
Pauletta is also very involved in her local community. She is an active member of Maranatha Bible Church located in Converse, Texas in the San Antonio metropolitan area, where she works part-time on the administrative staff as an advisor and assistant to the Senior Pastor and Director of Ministries. She also serves as a youth Sunday School and Vacation Bible School teacher, is the Choir Director for the Adult Choir, is currently the advisor (and former facilitator along with her husband, Odis) to the Single Parents Ministry, participates in the Family Ministry and Women’s Ministry and sings on the church Praise Team. Pauletta was recognized at an awards ceremony by the local chapter of the nationally prestigious Top Ladies of Distinction social organization in the fall of 2017 for her exemplary military service, and again at the organization’s regional conference on March 1, 2018 for exemplary service to her country and the San Antonio Community. She was also a member of the San Antonio A&M Club for several years.
Col (ret) Blueitt and her husband, Odis, met at Aggieland during her senior year and have been married for 36 1⁄2 years. They have three daughters and three grandchildren. Their oldest daughter, Brittany Blueitt Amadi is a Harvard Law School graduate who is currently serving as an intellectual property attorney with a large law firm in Washington, D.C. Their middle daughter, Brawnlyn Blueitt Patterson ’13, was also in the Corps as a member of Squadron 12, served as Scholastics Officer on Corps Staff during her senior year, and is currently a Captain in the U.S. Air Force where she serves as an intelligence officer. Their youngest daughter, Briana Blueitt, is a graduate of Hofstra University, Long Island, New York, and is employed as a member of the press team for a current presidential candidate in the upcoming 2020 presidential elections. They also have an “adopted” son and daughter in Uganda, East Africa, whom they sponsor financially for their education. Pauletta is currently the caregiver for her 86- year old mother, who also resides in San Antonio.
Odis R. Blueitt, a Career Federal Civilian, is Chief, Program Operations, TRICARE Area Office - Latin America and Canada, TRICARE Health Plan (J- 10), Defense Health Agency, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs, San Antonio, Texas. As Chief of Program Operations, he serves as the principal staff advisor and is responsible for the operational oversight/management of highly specialized and complex delivery of health care to over 49,000 beneficiaries throughout 45 geographically dispersed countries in South America, Central America, the Caribbean Basin, and Canada.
Mr. Blueitt (Colonel, Retired) served as a commissioned officer in the United States Army (Active and Reserve) for over 30 years. Mr. Blueitt’s terminal duty was Commander of the 2d Medical Brigade, consisting of 2,600 assigned Soldiers and 26 medical units in California and Washington. During his 30 years of service, he deployed twice (in Support of Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm and Operation Noble Eagle). Mr. Blueitt excelled in a number of command (Brigade, Hospital, and Battalion) and staff positions and received numerous awards including the Legion of Merit.
After graduating from Kirbyville (Texas) High School, he received a Congressional appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York. After attending the Academy for two years, he transferred to Texas A&M University where earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology with a Minor in Management and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Medical Service Corps. Subsequently, he earned a Master of Business Administration degree from Southern Illinois University and a Master of Arts in Public Management from Midwestern State University. He is a graduate of Air War College and Joint Forces Staff College, among many other training and professional development programs.
Mr. Blueitt is a Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives, Board Certified in Healthcare Management, and a Certified Defense Financial Manager. He was awarded the coveted “A” Proficiency Designator in Healthcare Administration by the Army Surgeon General and has been inducted into the prestigious Order of Military Medical Merit. Mr. Blueitt has completed Leadership San Antonio, is an Honorary Commander of the 433rd Airlift Wing, was competitively selected and excelled in the Executive Potential Program and the Senior Executive Service Leadership Seminars.
Since graduating Texas A&M University in 1982, Mr. Blueitt continued to serve his alma mater as one of the key contributors to the TAMU President’s Advisory Committee on Black Issues, a precursor to the Black Former Student Network. Additionally, he is a Class Agent (4th Term) and member of the Association of Former Students Leadership Council, a guest lecturer for the TAMU School of Public Health, participates in the annual Rally to the Guidons sponsored by the TAMU Corps of Cadets Association, and has been a financial supporter of the organization for 10 years. Mr. Blueitt and his wife jointly sponsor an annual “Aggie Send-Off” event at their San Antonio residence for minority students admitted into TAMU. Finally, they established an endowed scholarship with the TAMU School of Public Health.
A community service advocate, Mr. Blueitt is President, Pi Theta Lambda Educational Foundation, Inc., a philanthropic organization. Mr. Blueitt served as a mentor for the David
Robinson Foundation for five years, as a United Way Stewardship Team Member for five years, and currently serves on the Texas A&M University Leadership Council (4th term). He and his wife, Pauletta (Colonel (retired), Medical Service Corps, United States Air Force) have been married over 35 years and have three children, two grandsons, and one granddaughter.
Thomas “Nephew Tommy” Miles has built a career that encompasses radio, television, film and theater. Thomas’ role as co-host of the nationally syndicated Steve Harvey Morning Show puts him in front of a live radio audience of more than 8 million listeners daily.
Thomas started his career and began establishing his loyal following as a stand-up comedian and has earned a reputation for wowing crowds. For three years, he served as the exclusive opening act on the Luther Vandross tour. Served as the exclusive Mainstage host for the Essence Festival in New Orleans for 7 years 2009 – 2016, In October 2010 Thomas recorded his one hour special at the famed Motor City Casino in Detroit. He continues to keep the crowds laughing as he tours nationally to sold out crowds across the country.
He’s a talented thespian who studied theatre at Texas A&M University, has worked in over a dozen stage plays and, studied with the Royal Shakespeare Company of London. A number of films are on his resume, including 2011’s “N-Secure” and “The Heart Specialist” with Zoe Saldana; David Talbert’s “Baggage Claim;” “Think Like A Man” in 2012, in October of 2016 he makes a cameo appearance in Tyler Perry’s “Madea’s Halloween.” Most recently, Thomas served as the host for the OWN’s hit dating show “Ready to Love,” which is currently airing in it’s 2nd Season!
Thomas and Jackie are Aggie Black love, meeting on the campus of Texas A&M in the Fall of 1986.
Jacqueline Miles graduated from Texas A&M in the Spring of 1991 with a BS in Industrial Engineering, she excelled in technical sales in the Dallas area until the unfortunate passing of her mother in 2001 took her back to Houston. She worked in Pharmaceutical sales for Abbott for the next 9 years until she decided stay home with the Miles children still at home: Sydnei and Jhordyn. You often see Jackie involved in activities for the benefit of others including The Greater Channel Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. As well as taking the lead on the non-profit established by Thomas and Jackie, “Miles of Giving”. The Miles share a passion and commitment to providing much needed support for wounded Veterans in the Houston, Texas area, nationally and even globally. Each year Thomas and Jackie plan and host a major fundraiser providing direct support to the needs of the veteran community.
Presiding Judge of Dallas County Probate Court No. 2 since 2015. Ingrid graduated from Judge Barefoot Sanders Law Magnet (Diploma), Texas A&M University (B.S.), and The University of Texas School of Law (J.D.)
Ingrid has served in the United States Bankruptcy Court, Northern District of Texas, Law Clerk to the Hon. Steven A. Felsenthal; Jenkens & Gilchrist, P.C., Bankruptcy Associate; Salomon Smith Barney, Financial Consultant; Mahomes Bolden & Warren, Shareholder; IWarren, P.C..
Ingrid is a member of the State Bar of Texas; Dallas Bar Association; Texas Center for the Judiciary; National College of Probate Judges and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Ingrid also serves on The Texas A&M University Association of Former Students Board of Directors.