Board of Trustees

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SGA President Ex Officio/ Non-Voting

Bennett is an institution for women to flourish and become a woman prepared for the real world, and I wanted to be a helping hand in that journey. That’s why I chose to get involved in SGA leadership. In this space, I’m given the opportunity to serve as a voice for our students to ensure their growth, and that is a duty like no other.

I look forward to working with you all as we serve Bennett College and its Belles. Thank you!

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I left industry to pursue Public Service and in 2019, through a competitive process, was selected by the President’s Commission on White House Fellows to serve as a senior adviser in the Department of Energy.

During my tenure as a White House Fellow, I oversaw the execution of a portfolio which included a wide range of high-level technology and energy security policy areas. Working closely with our civil servants and military leaders gave me new appreciation for their responsibilities and commitment to protect the lives and assets for our nation’s citizens.

Post-Fellowship, I launched a DC-based Public Sector-focused Digital and IT Professional Services Firm, Platinum Technologies. I am on a mission to create thousands of Tech and related High-paying jobs for Historically Underrepresented Communities.

Education​:
University of Central Florida – Bachelors, Business​
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute – Masters, Management

I am Denise’s Husband and Jay’s Dad.

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Dr. Carter currently serves as a Presidential Sage in the American Council on Education (ACE) Fellows Program, preparing senior leaders to serve American colleges and universities. Throughout his career in the United States and South Africa, Dr. Carter has been involved with numerous university executive searches. From 2008 to 2017, Dr. Carter served as President of Johnson C. Smith University (JCSU), a historically black undergraduate and graduate applied research university in Charlotte, North Carolina. As President of JCSU, he filled 90 executive, dean, faculty, and staff-level positions. At the University of the Witwatersrand (1991-1997), he was part of ad hoc leadership and professional development teams that identified and hired individuals who could ensure the quality of the University’s transformational mission during South Africa’s radical transformation. As Coker College Provost and Dean of Faculty, he filled many administrative and faculty positions.

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I am a data-driven strategic thinker committed to working with organizations, groups and communities to accelerate the narrowing of the Black Wealth Gap. I have authored five books on legacy wealth and have facilitated cohorts across the country. I leverage my 20+ years in the financial services industry to educate, inform, and advise corporate clients desiring to build deeper relationships with our community.

In 2004, I launched Torch Enterprises, a strategic investment firm that focuses on women and minority-owned businesses. In 2015, I formally launched the NarrowRoad™, a methodology focused on educating persons desiring to build wealth via ownership and equity.

Education​:
Hampton University – B.S. Marketing, Finance​
Boston University – MTs, Practical Theology​
Graduate Theological Foundation – Ed.D, Christian Education​
Oxford University – Certificate, Theology/ Theological Studies​
Wharton School of Business – MBA, Finance Strategy​
Peperdine University – Certificate, Private Equity & Venture Capital

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Pastor of St. Matthews United Methodist Church in Greensboro, NC

Rev. Rodvegas Marc Ingram Sr., a native of Albemarle, NC and a graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill, is pastor of the founding church of Bennett College, St. Matthews United Methodist Church in Greensboro, NC. He has been pastoring in the Western NC Conference of the United Methodist Church since 2001. He, both, obtained his MDIV from Hood Seminary and was commissioned as a Provisional Elder in 2005. Rev. Ingram was ordained an Elder in Full Connection in 2011. Currently, he serves as the Pastor of St. Matthews UMC in Greensboro, NC. Previously, he served Collins Grove UMC in Greensboro, NC for 9 years. He served in Rockingham County at the following churches for a total of 8 years: Chapel Hill UMC and Salem UMC in Reidsville, NC; St. John UMC in Eden, NC and Memorial UMC in High Point, NC for 3 years. Rev. Ingram has not only served as a pastor, but he also remains a part of the Greensboro Cluster Choir and the Reidsville Community Charge Choir. Rev. Ingram serves the community in collaboration with a number of ministerial alliances and community civic organizations and serves the United Methodist Church through District and Conference Boards and Agencies.

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Dr. Charlene Green

Dr. Charlene Green is the President of the Old North State Medical Society and Chief of Anesthesia at Cone Health in Greensboro, NC. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Chemistry from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and her Doctor of Medicine from the University of Maryland. Dr. Green completed her medical internship CA-1 year at Sinai Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland, her anesthesiology residency at Duke University Medical Center, and a Pain Medicine Fellowship at Duke University Medical Center.

She is a Diplomat of the American Board of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine. Dr. Green is a member of the National Medical Association, the First Vice Chair of the North Carolina Legislative Black Caucus Foundation, and a Past President of the North Carolina Society of Anesthesiologists. As President of Old North State Medical Society, she has led statewide efforts to educate communities and advocate for vulnerable patients, particularly during the current COVID-19 pandemic.

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Cassandra Jones Havard, J.D.

Cassandra Jones Havard joined South Carolina Law as a professor of law in Fall 2022 after serving on the faculties of the Temple University Beasley School of Law and the University of Baltimore School of Law.  She teaches courses in banking, financial services regulation, entrepreneurship, venture capital financing, corporate, and commercial law.  Her current scholarship focuses on the intersection of financial services regulation, systemic risk, and consumer welfare and race. She has written numerous articles and book chapters on these topics and others.

At the University of Baltimore, Jones Havard was the director of the Charles Hamilton Houston Scholars Program, a pipeline program for undergraduates who are members of under-represented groups in the legal profession.  She received the Saul Ewing Excellence in Transactional Teaching Award in 2015 and 2020; a University of Iowa Innovation, Business, & Law Prize in 2020; and she was recognized as one of Maryland’s Top 100 Women in 2018.

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Mark Milliron, Ph.D., Vice Chair

Dr. Mark David Milliron is an award-winning leader, author, speaker, and consultant, who works with universities, community colleges, K-12 schools, foundations, corporations, associations, and government agencies across the country and around the world. Effective October 1, 2022, Dr. Milliron will begin service as President and CEO of National University, a San Diego-based nonprofit institution focused on working learners. He previously served as Western Governors University (WGU) Senior Vice President and Executive Dean of the School of Education. Mark also serves on the boards of the Trellis Foundation, Bennett College, the Global Online Academy, the Hope Center for College, Community & Justice, ISKME/OERcommons, and Civitas Learning. He holds an appointment as a Professor of Practice in The University of Texas at Austin’s College of Education, teaching in the education leadership doctoral program.

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Natalie Renee Parker ’01, Secretary

I am strategic Human Resources (HR) and Organizational Development (OD) leader with over 20 years’ experience in corporate, manufacturing, and non-profit environments alike. As a certified leadership coach, talent manager, and trusted advisor to executive teams I help leaders get clarity on the people stuff to increase capacity. I have a keen eye and unmatched creativity for organizational design and development.

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Senator Gladys Ashe Robinson, Ph.D.

Senator Gladys A. Robinson, has been elected to her sixth term in the Senate. She is 1st Vice Chair of the North Carolina Legislative Black Caucus and is a dedicated advocate for the people of North Carolina, specifically Guilford County. Senator Robinson serves on the following Legislative Committees: Appropriations on Health and Human Services, Appropriations/Base Budget, Education/Higher Education, Finance, Health Care, Select Committee on Nominations and Commerce and Insurance. Non-Standing Committees: Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations, Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Medicaid and NC Health Choice and Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee.

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Dr. Melba Goode McCallum

Dr. Melba Goode McCallum, Deaconess of the North Carolina United Methodist Church, spent over thirty years in education and retired as Vice President of the North Carolina Community College System. After retiring in 2005, Partners In Ministry was born from a vision of service. She recognized the need to connect many of the local churches with individuals and families to help address the issues of poverty in the surrounding communities. Dr. McCallum had a vision and Partners In Ministry was created in her home living room in 2007. Now, Partners In Ministry is a growing and thriving ministry that serves Richmond, Robeson, and Scotland Counties, where the goal is to offer a hand up and not a hand out.

Partners In Ministry is the first and only National Mission Institution in the North Carolina Conference and has served the Gateway District area for over 13 years, instilling hope and empowering change- one family at a time. Through their programs, 4,679 young adults have graduated through Youth Empowered to Succeed (YES) programs (proving a 100% success rate in achieving one of its goals). They have deployed over 353 mission teams to provide urgent home repairs to impoverished housing, and more than 3,500 families have been served through our food pantry. Partners In Ministry is dedicated to dismantling the school-to-prison pipeline, improving the lives of youth, families, and adults, and providing enrichment and support to the communities they serve.

Dr. McCallum received a Doctor of Education in Higher Education/Higher Education Administration from North Carolina State University.

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Madieu Williams, J.D.

Madieu Williams is a leader that is constantly seeking ways to improve and to raise standards. Prior to Visa, his career included roles as Managing Partner in a private equity growth company and Director of Operations of a medical center.

During his nine years in the NFL, Madieu was a team captain and perennial starter for Cincinnati Bengals, Minnesota Vikings, San Francisco 49ers and Washington Football Team.

Madieu holds an undergraduate degree in Public Health from University of Maryland, graduate degrees in Business Administration from University of Maryland Global Campus and Juris Doctor from University of Baltimore.

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Suzanne Elise Walsh, JD

Suzanne Walsh is the 19th President of Bennett College, one of two historically black colleges for women in the United States. Prior to that role, she served as the deputy director for postsecondary success with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Suzanne’s previous work also includes service at two other prominent foundations: Lumina Foundation in Indianapolis and The Heinz Endowments in Pittsburgh. She is civically active on several non-profit boards including Trellis Foundation, Carey Institute for Global Good, the Harwood Institute, Global Learning Council, the advisory board for Roadtrip Nation and is a proud judge for Dance Your PhD. Suzanne has been a frequent speaker and workshop leader at conferences such as the SXSW EDU, Black Futures Summit, ASU+GSV (Arizona State University (ASU) and Global Silicon Valley (GSV), Council for Independent Colleges, Salesforce Education Conference, and Global Learning Council, of which she is an active member. She is a member of the Homeland Security Academic Partnership Council, appointed by the secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and has published or edited several books and journal articles on the topic of educational transformation, and is the recipient of numerous awards, honors, and fellowships. Suzanne has an honorary doctorate from Johnson C. Smith University and Case Western Reserve University. She also earned a juris doctorate and master’s in social work from Case Western Reserve University, a bachelor’s degree from Cornell University, and an associate degree in applied science from Hudson Valley Community College.

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Debra Clark Jones

I am a strategic planning, analytics, and management executive with a passion to advance equity. My 30+ years of experience includes work in the health, education, economic development, and technology sectors. I specialize in strategy, process, and systems development. Recognized for my leadership in managing organizations, empowering teams, and administering budgets exceeding $100 million, I am committed to transforming organizations to better serve local and global communities.

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Nicole Washington

Nicole Washington regularly represents some of the largest and most diversified asset managers, as well as numerous small and middle-market managers on the formation of private investment funds ranging from several hundred million to multibillion dollars. Nicole advises private investment funds on a range of complex business transactions in the secondary market, including fund restructurings and other GP-led transactions. She also advises some of the world’s most sophisticated private fund sponsors on internal management and succession planning, strategic investments, co-investment arrangements, joint ventures, and other investment management matters.

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Cheryl Parquet

Cheryl Parquet is the Director of Community Engagement. She is responsible for the development and implementation of all corporate-based philanthropic initiatives including community investments and outreach programs, employee volunteerism, and major community initiatives and strategic partnerships to help improve the health and wellness of North Carolinians.

Over the past 15 years, she has worked to increase Blue Cross NC’s presence and visibility across the state through community investments and volunteerism while maintaining a focus on diversity. Under Parquet’s leadership, the Community Engagement team launched an initiative to visit all 100 counties in NC, provided funding focused on rural initiatives to build a pipeline for teachers and firefighters, and supported nursing programs at Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Through her work at Blue Cross NC, Parquet pursues her passions for empowering communities and giving back. Recognizing the impact that socioeconomic status, access to basic needs, and limited educational opportunities can have on a person’s health, Parquet has been instrumental in raising awareness of these issues and
ensuring that real and effective action is taken to address key drivers of health.

Within Blue Cross NC, she has served on all board positions for the African-American/Black Employee Network and founded the Parent Network in which she was named 2013 Blue Cross NC Working Mother of the Year and represented the company at the Working Mother’s Magazine Conference. She also earned the company’s highest recognition in 2017 as a CEO Award Winner.

Parquet earned her Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, holds a Certificate in Corporate Social Responsibility from Duke University and a Certificate in Diversity and Inclusion from Cornell University. 

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Mignon Espy Edwards

Mignon Espy Edwards is a seasoned brand and sales strategist, with over 25 -years of experience. Recognized for her unparalleled storytelling, Mignon is a leading business executive known for launching and driving transformative brand growth. She sites her ability to connect pop culture, cultivate meaningful partnerships, unlock revenue growth, and build empowered teams as keys to success.

Mignon currently serves as Chief Relationship Officer for 300 Studios, premier content and film storytellers with a cultural lens. Prior to her current role, Espy Edwards was Head of Digital Content Marketing at Viacom CBS where she led sales and marketing initiatives, empowering media sales teams to cultivate collaborative, profitable network partnerships.

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Dr. Anna Harrison

Dr. Annie Harrison’s career began in K-12 education, where she worked as an elementary and middle school teacher at several schools in North Carolina. She worked to improve each school community for all of its members, including leading professional development and coaching sessions for teachers and staff. When the COVID-19 pandemic struck and schools closed, Harrison worked to support her colleagues and students as they learned new methods in online/hybrid instruction; ultimately, her interest in teacher training and professional learning would lead her to Bennett and a new path in supporting bright, talented future educators.

Dr. Harrison completed her BA in English at Johns Hopkins University, followed by a Masters in Teaching from the University of North Carolina-Greensboro. She completed her Doctorate in 2020 at Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College of Education, and she continues to collaborate with researchers from that program. She also serves as a UNCF Faculty Fellow and guest speaker, a member of the NYU panel on Digital Transformation in Education, and a lead faculty member for the NC10 Teacher Residency program.

LinkedIN

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Melani (Walker) Dziire, CPA

Melani Dziire is a thought leader and consultant with 25+ years of experience in the financial services industry where she was a senior executive for several large banks. Her areas of expertise include risk management, internal audit, coaching, and diversity, equity, and inclusion.