鈥淭hese outstanding young scholars reflect the very soul of Saint Augustine鈥檚 University鈥攐ne rooted in resilience, excellence, and the pursuit of purpose,鈥� said 探花精选 Interim President听Dr. Marcus H. Burgess. 鈥淭hey are living proof that our challenges do not define 探花精选, but by the greatness we nurture in our students.鈥�

Israel Pennerman, a senior Public Health Science major, and听Karly Heavens Gerome, a rising junior Engineering Mathematics major, have been selected as听Summer 2025 Research Scholars听补迟听North Carolina State University鈥檚 College of Natural Resources. These students previously participated in the听National Science Foundation鈥檚 Biomanufacturing Sciences Pilot Program and, in the Fall of 2024, visited Grand Valley State University to explore graduate STEM programs. Karly also completed a biomaterials research experience at NC State in the Summer of 2024. He recently participated in a two-week Quantitative Biology program at听Virginia Tech, focusing on experimental modeling and computation in biosystems.

Ashauna McClendon, a Biology major, was selected as a member of the of the听Duke Building Academic Advancement Research Training Pathway to Otolaryngology and Communication Sciences (BAA-POCS). Funded by the听National Institutes of Health, the 15-month program includes two intensive summer research experiences at Duke University and hybrid training during the academic year. Ashauna joins only two other students nationwide in this prestigious program, designed to diversify the future biomedical workforce.

Adding to this remarkable list is听Tyler Miller, an Engineering Mathematics major and NSF VA鈥揘C LSAMP Alliance STEM Scholar, who received acceptance into the听Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) 鈥� NC10 Science Education Alliance Summer 2025 Program听补迟听North Carolina Central University. Tyler is engaging in hands-on research in molecular biology and genomics. He previously attended the听Clayton Evans Memorial Lecture and Outreach Program听at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He visited Grand Valley State University in the Fall of 2024 to explore graduate study options in STEM.

鈥淭hese students continue to open doors for themselves and 探花精选 by stepping into prestigious research opportunities and advancing the university鈥檚 legacy in STEM,鈥� said听Dr. Tyrell Carr,听Associate Dean,听School of Sciences, Mathematics, and Allied Health, and Director of Sponsored Programs and Title III Programs. 鈥淭heir accomplishments are testaments to what鈥檚 possible through mentorship, perseverance, and hard work.鈥�

While external narratives have often focused on crisis, 探花精选鈥檚 students remind us of the powerful story still unfolding鈥攁 story of hope, scholarship, and transformation. These are the voices that will shape tomorrow.

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鈥淭his year鈥檚 commencement is more than a ceremony鈥攊t is a declaration of our resilience, faith, and relentless commitment to transform lives,鈥� said 探花精选 Interim President Dr. Marcus H. Burgess. 鈥淲e are proud of each graduate and deeply grateful to every partner and supporter who continues to believe in Saint Augustine鈥檚 University and its enduring mission.鈥�

探花精选 alumnus, The Rev. Dr. Allen F. Robinson, 鈥�92, Rector of Grace Church, Brooklyn Heights, will deliver the keynote address. Special musical guests, 探花精选 alumnus Marcel Anderson, 鈥�08, acclaimed Neo Soul and Jazz artist, and alumna Monique Lipsey, 鈥�04, celebrated gospel singer and author, will lend their powerful voices to this year鈥檚 celebration.

In a remarkable show of academic excellence,听half of 探花精选鈥檚 student body, including members of the Class of 2025, earned Dean鈥檚 List honors during the Spring and Fall 2024 semesters, resulting in the third consecutive semester of academic excellence. Their achievements are a testament to the tireless commitment of 探花精选鈥檚 students, faculty, and staff during a pivotal time in the university鈥檚 history.

Student Highlights:

This year鈥檚 graduating class includes stories of hope, perseverance, and excellence:

• Cameron Moore (Business Administration major)听鈥� A Presidential Scholar with a 3.83 GPA, Moore excelled academically and professionally, securing multiple internships at Deloitte and earning acceptance into High Point University鈥檚 MBA program.
• Naseem Sharpe (Psychology major)听鈥� A Washington, D.C. native, Sharpe blossomed as a student leader and artist, serving as Section Leader of the Superior Sound Marching Band, member of the Chamber Singers, and mentor through dance and cultural empowerment programs.
• LeMonte’ Quarles (Criminal Justice major)听鈥� At 54 years old, Quarles returned to complete a lifelong dream inspired by a 25-year career in corrections. He plans to teach Criminal Justice at a community college after retirement.
• Tillia Leary (Accounting major, School of Business, Management & Technology)听鈥� Originally from The Bahamas, Leary served as Student Government Association President, Miss School of Business, and a proud Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. member. A Chapel Scholar and Dean鈥檚 List honoree, she will attend Ball State University to complete her master鈥檚 degree in accounting. She has also been honored to receive numerous scholarships to support her graduate studies.
• Steven Judd (Religious Studies major)听鈥� Diagnosed with ADHD while enrolled, Judd overcame academic challenges, earning Dean鈥檚 List, Provost鈥檚 List, and President鈥檚 List honors before graduating at age 54 with deep gratitude to 探花精选鈥檚 dedicated faculty.

These reflections exemplify the strength, character, and future leadership that 探花精选 continues to cultivate.

A Gift of Hope:

Thanks to the generosity of Alfred Street Baptist Church in Alexandria, Virginia, and the advocacy of 探花精选 alums Gilbert, ’76 and Carolyn Knowles, ’77, the student account balances for the graduating class of 2025 were fully covered鈥攅nsuring that these determined scholars could walk across the stage debt-free and ready for their following chapters.

Meet Our Distinguished Guests:

• 听Rev. Dr. Robinson is the Rector of Grace Church, Brooklyn Heights, an 探花精选 alumnus who earned his Master of Divinity from Virginia Theological Seminary and Doctor of Ministry from Fuller Theological Seminary. A passionate preacher, teacher, and community leader, Rev. Robinson represents the excellence and global impact of 探花精选 alumni.
• 听A Neo Soul, R&B, and Jazz artist whose powerful vocals and inspirational music have captivated audiences nationwide.
• 听A North Carolina native, Lipsey is a singer, worship leader, and author of two poetry collections. She has shared stages with prominent gospel artists and will release her newest single, 鈥淕ive Him Praise,鈥澨�on May 2, 2025.

How to Support 探花精选:

Friends, alumni, and supporters who wish to help sustain the future of 探花精选 and its extraordinary students are encouraged to give to the听

听for more information about the 2025 探花精选 commencement ceremony.
听to help support future generations of 探花精选 students and invest in their success.

听

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With a 3.83 GPA, Moore has distinguished himself as a Presidential Scholar, a member of the 探花精选 Honors College, Delta Mu Delta Business Honor Society, and the Alpha Kappa Mu Honors Society president. His consistent recognition on the Dean鈥檚 and President鈥檚 lists reflects a commitment to academic success from day one at 探花精选.

Beyond the classroom, Moore made an impact on the field and in the community. As a former running back for the 探花精选 Falcons and a member of the Football Leadership Team, he mentored younger players while organizing service projects that gave back to the Raleigh community. His passion for leadership extended professionally, earning two prestigious internships at Deloitte, where he contributed to tax and risk advisory projects, including initiatives in artificial intelligence for client solutions.

Moore鈥檚 ambition also drove him abroad twice to study international economic development through programs such as the Student Global Leadership Fellows Institute. His global perspective, coupled with his community-centered spirit, sets him apart as a rising leader.

After graduation, Moore will return to Deloitte for a third internship and later enroll in the MBA program at High Point University, furthering his journey toward business and public service leadership.

Reflecting on his 探花精选 experience, Moore said, 鈥淭hrough every challenge and every success, Saint Augustine鈥檚 helped shape me into the person I am today. I鈥檝e learned that success doesn鈥檛 happen overnight. Still, anything is possible with hard work, the right mindset, and a strong community.鈥�

Moore鈥檚 success story is made even more meaningful by the generosity of Alfred Street Baptist Church, who cleared the outstanding tuition balances for graduating seniors like him, ensuring that financial barriers would not dim the bright futures these students have earned.

Cameron Moore will join his fellow graduates at the 2025 Commencement and 94th Baccalaureate Ceremony on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Wake Chapel Church Life Enrichment Center in Raleigh, NC. His story is one of perseverance, leadership, and limitless potential鈥攖he essence of the 探花精选 legacy.

听for more information about the 2025 探花精选 commencement ceremony.
听to help support future generations of 探花精选 students and invest in their success.

The post 探花精选 Senior Cameron Moore Prepares for a Bright Future After Graduation appeared first on Saint Augustine's University.

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The 2025 鈥� Slayton Evans Memorial Lecture Speaker: Dr. Paula Hammond of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Dr. Hammond鈥檚 research focuses on designing polymers and nanoparticles for drug delivery and energy-related applications including batteries and fuel cells. Dr. Hammond is an elected member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, National Academy of Medicine, National Academy of Engineering, National Academy of Sciences, and National Academy of Inventors. Recently, Dr. Hammond served on the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (Under 鈥� President Biden) and received the Benjamin Franklin Medal in Chemistry and National Medal of Technology and Innovation. At MIT, Dr. Hammond serves as the Vice Provost for Faculty and holds the Rank of Institute Professor, the highest academic 鈥� faculty honor. Dr. Hammond was the first woman and person of color appointed as Head of the Chemical Engineering Department at MIT.

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Outreach Program: STEM Undergraduate Scholars from Saint Augustine鈥檚 University, North Carolina Central University, Fayetteville State University, and the University of North Carolina at Pembroke met with UNC 鈥� Chapel Hill professors and graduate students from the Department of Chemistry to learn about careers in the chemical sciences, summer research opportunities, and the Ph.D. Program in Chemistry at UNC 鈥� Chapel Hill. Scholars also had a one-on-one session with Dr. Hammond before her lecture. After the lecture, scholars toured various chemistry labs and interacted with graduate students presenting their research during the poster session.

Tyler Miller: Is a 2nd Year 鈥� Engineering Mathematics Major and NSF LSAMP Scholar (VA 鈥� NC Alliance Group). Tyler was raised in Baltimore, Maryland and Tchula, Mississippi and currently lives in Raleigh, North Carolina. Overall, Tyler is embracing the Concept of Integrative and Interdisciplinary 鈥� Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine (STEMM) early in his academic career. During Fall 2024, Tyler connected with leadership from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) when they visited 探花精选 to initiate a HHMI 鈥� 探花精选 Biomedical Research Partnership and he visited Grand Valley State University in Grand Rapids, Michigan to learn about their graduate programs in engineering.

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The commencement speaker will be Retha Bogier, the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Bogier Clinical & IT Solutions, Inc. with expertise in staffing, clinical and statistical programming, and consulting using SAS and PL/SQL. Ms. Bogier earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from Saint Augustine鈥檚 College (now University) in 1988.

She is a member of the 2003-2004 Who鈥檚 Who in Executive Professionals and attended the 2003, 2007, and 2010听Minority Business Executive Program class at Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth.听Prior to starting Bogier Clinical & IT Solutions, Inc., Ms. Bogier gained (CRO) industry experience from PPD, PharmaNet, and ClinTrials Research.听 During her tenure at these companies, she gained Clinical and Statistical Programming experience in numerous Phase II, IIIb, and IV clinical trials.

Music for the commencement ceremony will be provided by Luther Barnes, Pastor of Restoration Worship Center in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. In 1976, Pastor Barnes graduated from Saint Augustine’s College (now University) in Raleigh, North Carolina with a BA Degree in Music Education. He then taught Music in the Nash and Edgecombe School Systems and also taught private lessons in voice and piano.

In 1984, Pastor Barnes left teaching to devote full time to his music ministry. He traveled extensively and played keyboards for a number of years with his father and Sister Janice Brown after they recorded the ever-popular song “Rough Side of the Mountain.” Over the years Pastor Barnes has evolved into one of gospel music’s premier male vocal artists while recording over 25 albums and CDs with The Red Budd Gospel Choir and the Sunset Jubilaires.

探花精选 traditionally holds commencement in May, but the additional ceremony is being added to ensure all of its students have an opportunity to celebrate the completion of their degrees.

鈥淭he December commencement was added with students in mind,鈥� said Interim President Dr. Marcus H. Burgess. 鈥淭he fight for 探花精选鈥檚 accreditation with SACSCOC has overshadowed the outstanding achievements of our students. We want to reclaim our story and focus attention on our academic excellence, not on the University鈥檚 past financial challenges.鈥�

The university will undergo a review of its accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges听(SACSCOC)听at its Annual Meeting Dec. 7-10 in Austin, Texas. If 探花精选 receives an unfavorable ruling from SACSCOC, the university would appeal and its accreditation would be temporarily restored while the appeal process plays out, explained 探花精选 Provost Dr. Janelle Jennings-Alexander.

鈥淎 hearing on the appeal would most likely take place in February 2025,鈥� Dr. Jennings-Alexander stated. 鈥淭he result of that hearing could be restoration of 探花精选鈥檚 accreditation without interruption. We are confident we have a good chance of ultimately prevailing but we do not want students who are able to graduate now to go through a period of uncertainty unnecessarily.鈥�

Dr. Burgess emphasized that 探花精选 has made significant process in the past year toward gaining financial stability and positioning the university for future success. This progress includes:

• Completing four financial audits for fiscal years 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024, ensuring transparency and accountability in our financial practices.
• Securing a critical agreement with Gothic Ventures, ensuring operational continuity for the upcoming 2024-2025 academic year.
• Implementing a comprehensive cost optimization strategy alongside a robust financial sustainability plan to better position the university for the future.
• Strengthening and improving oversight of essential financial policies, procedures, and internal controls, laying the groundwork for responsible governance.
• A partnership with 50 Plus 1 Sports that retires 探花精选鈥檚 debt with a $70 million cash infusion and, for decades to come, provides ongoing revenue streams.

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Saint Augustine鈥檚 University ( 探花精选) proudly announces the launch of its 鈥淥verflowing Hope鈥� series, a compelling collection of testimonials that highlight the resilience and determination of our students, faculty, and staff. Over the past year, 探花精选 has faced significant challenges. Yet, the relentless spirit of our community remains a beacon of hope and inspiration.

The 鈥淥verflowing Hope鈥� series features heartfelt stories from members of the 探花精选 family, showcasing their commitment to our university despite adversity. Each testimonial articulates why individuals chose to remain at 探花精选, their motivations to continue despite challenges, and how they thrive on campus.

Joining us in this series are:

• Tillia Leary, a Senior Accounting/Business Administration major, emphasizes her solid connections and faith: 鈥淚 decided to return to Saint Augustine鈥檚 because of the connections I have built in my three years being here鈥� God didn鈥檛 bring me this far, only to give up.鈥�
• Kristoff Ayala-Strachan, a Senior Political Science major, notes the support from faculty: 鈥淭his semester is going well. The faculty is still engaged in learning. They are on their jobs.鈥�
• Naseem Sharpe, a Senior Psychology major, reflects on family ties and Falcon pride: 鈥淚 returned to Saint Augustine鈥檚 University because my mom and dad went here鈥� Falcon pride has surrounded me my entire life.鈥�
• Dr. Reginald Towns, Director of University College, shares his inspiration from students: 鈥淭he reason I鈥檓 still here has a lot to do with the students鈥� We want them to be prepared and successful.鈥�
• Jaden Hambric, a Senior Criminal Justice major, expresses his desire for change: 鈥淚鈥檝e been telling myself, 鈥楥hange,鈥� as I sought to improve my situation by stepping up to help my school.鈥�

These testimonials provide a glimpse into the heart and soul of our university community. By sharing their personal stories, our students, faculty, and staff remind us of the importance of perseverance, support, and unity in challenging times.

We invite everyone to watch the 鈥淥verflowing Hope鈥� series and experience the strength of the 探花精选 community.

to view the testimonials.

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In addition to the roles they fulfill for the university, it is not unusual for staff and faculty to lend their time and expertise to community or professional organizations. Whether it鈥檚 taking part in an event or filling an ongoing role, staff and faculty regularly pursue endeavors beyond the campus walls.

Below are some examples of recent or ongoing staff and faculty activities that go above and beyond their responsibilities here at Saint Augustine鈥檚 University.

鈥淎rborea,鈥� an exhibition about trees in art sponsored by the Woman’s Caucus for Art, Texas Chapter. It is in Houston, TX, at the Cloister Gallery of Christ Cathedral. Her artwork in this show is a photo of an outdoor installation of a sculpture made of handmade paper in a forest entitled 鈥淭ree of Bone.鈥� (See attached image.)

鈥淢eeting the Moment,鈥� an exhibit sponsored by the Woman’s Caucus for Art, Carolinas. It is at the Aiken Center for Art in Aiken, S.C. Her artwork in this show is entitled 鈥淐ollaboration.鈥� It is a small bronze plaque that Prof. Tyler cast in Ghana with Traditional West African metal casters.  (See photo attached.)

Virginia Tyler, Associate Professor of Visual Arts, is currently in two juried art exhibits:

Ms. Tyler has been a visual arts professor at Saint Augustine鈥檚 University since 2000.

*  *  *  *

Dan Holly, Director of Communications for Saint Augustine鈥檚 University, led a workshop entitled 鈥淓ffective Communication鈥� at the annual conference of Diversity MBA. The Chicago-based group is a leader in the field of diversity, equity and inclusion and holds a conference each year that brings together leaders from Fortune 500 corporations, major educational institutions and nonprofit organizations from around the country. The 2024 conference was virtual and ran Oct. 2-4, 2024.

Mr. Holly鈥檚 interactive workshop focused on tips and best practices culled from his 13 years as an assistant professor of communications at Saint Augustine鈥檚 University, a position he held before becoming Director of Communications in 2024. Before coming to Saint Augustine鈥檚, he worked as a newspaper reporter and editor, vice president of a public relations firm, and press secretary for a Member of Congress.

*  *  *  *

Dr. Valerie Evans, Director of Teaching and Learning and Assistant Professor Computer Information Systems, had a busy summer:

• From May 28-30, she participated in a Low Code 鈥� No Code AI Workshop through Stanford.
• From June 2-4, she took part in the Deloitte Future of Work Symposium.
• From June 6-21, she was an ETS AP Computer Science Principles Exam Leader. Exam Leader is a leadership role just under the Chief Reader for CSP who runs the entire event.
• From July 8-19, 2024, she participated in the AWS Machine Learning Bootcamp, a Python intensive event. She has been invited to participate in the second part of the Bootcamp.

Dr. Evans has worked at Saint Augustine鈥檚 since 2012 and previously worked as Director of Educational Technology, Coordinator of Online Instruction and Director of the Honors College. In previous jobs, she was a web designer and a webmaster.

*  *  *  *

Dr. Jeronica Goodwin, an adjunct in the School of Business, Management, and Technology, has had two recent honors:

1. She was reappointed to the Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Commission foranother two-year term (2025-2027).
2. She was appointed to serve on the Raleigh Chamber Board of Directors.

Dr. Goodwin is a 1998 graduate of Saint Augustine鈥檚 University, with a degree in business administration. She also has an MBA from Howard University as well as a Doctor of Health Administration degree from Central Michigan University.

Dr. Goodwin is a seasoned health-care professional, including Senior VP of Human Resources and Chief People Officer at WakeMed, Vice President of Employee Experience at Unity Health Care, and Associate Administrator at Howard University Hospital

*  *  *  *

Karl Fisher, an adjunct assistant professor in the School of Education and General Studies, led a woodworking/guitar class at the NCSU Craft Center in September. The little guitar that was the focus of the class was inspired by a trip he took to Puerto Rico last year.

Mr. Fisher has more than 30 years鈥� experience as an instructor of Spanish and language lab coordinator at the university level.

*  *  *  *

Dr. Kaye Celeste Evans, Communications and Theatre Associate Professor, will greet the audience and give the curtain speech for the Oct. 13 performance of 鈥淎 Few Good Men鈥� by The Justice Theatre Project (JTP). The performance will be at the Umstead Park United Church of Christ, 8208 Brownleigh Drive in Raleigh.

JTP is a social justice theatre company that focuses on creating dialogue about important issues involving our community.  Performance is used for “arts outreach, education, and advocacy.” This season’s theme is “Can You Handle the Truth?” The play, 鈥淎 Few Good Men,鈥� certainly explores how people negotiate truth. Evans is a board member for the Justice Theatre Project.

鈥淎 Few Good Men,鈥� a play by Aaron Sorkin, opens Friday, Oct. 11 and runs for three consecutive weekends. For tickets, go to .

*  *  *  *

This past August, George Jack, Associate Professor of Theatre in the Department of Arts and Communications, played Alfred Hitchcock in performances of 鈥淗itchcock Blonde,鈥� a thriller written by Terry Johnson.  The production was staged in the PSI Theatre at the Durham Arts Council Building by Brave New Classics Theatre Company and was directed by Ruth Berry. 

In one review of the production, Kurt Benrud, writing for Triangle Review, said “I can’t say enough 鈥� George Jack plays Hitchcock to-the-hilt (but never over-the-top). The voice, the mannerisms, the expressions — they’re all there, but it’s never a caricature.”  And Byron Woods (on the Cultural Voice of North Carolina website) noted, “Actor George Jack’s arch impersonation of the imperious auteur, under Ruth Berry鈥檚 direction, is clearly one of this production鈥檚 guiltier pleasures.”

Mr. Jack was grateful to have the opportunity to play the role and, in particular, to have the excuse to spend the better part of the Summer reading Hitchcock biographies and rewatching the great director’s films.  The production ran Aug. 9-18 for five performances. 

He has taught theater courses and directed plays at Saint Augustine’s since the Fall of 2000.  

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In addition to the roles they fulfill for the university, it is not unusual for staff and faculty to lend their time and expertise to community or professional organizations. Whether it鈥檚 taking part in an event or filling an ongoing role, staff and faculty regularly pursue endeavors beyond the campus walls.

Below are some examples of recent or ongoing staff and faculty activities that go above and beyond their responsibilities here at Saint Augustine鈥檚 University.

Virginia Tyler, Associate Professor of Visual Arts, is currently in two juried art exhibits:

鈥淎rborea,鈥� an exhibition about trees in art sponsored by the Woman’s Caucus for Art, Texas Chapter. It is in Houston, TX, at the Cloister Gallery of Christ Cathedral. Her artwork in this show is a photo of an outdoor installation of a sculpture made of handmade paper in a forest entitled 鈥淭ree of Bone.鈥�

鈥淢eeting the Moment,鈥� an exhibit sponsored by the Woman’s Caucus for Art, Carolinas. It is at the Aiken Center for Art in Aiken, S.C. Her artwork in this show is entitled 鈥淐ollaboration.鈥� It is a small bronze plaque that Prof. Tyler cast in Ghana with Traditional West African metal casters.

Ms. Tyler has been a visual arts professor at Saint Augustine鈥檚 University since 2000.

* 听*听 *听 *

* 听*听 *听 *

Dan Holly, Director of Communications for Saint Augustine鈥檚 University, led a workshop entitled 鈥淓ffective Communication鈥� at the annual conference of Diversity MBA. The Chicago-based group is a leader in the field of diversity, equity and inclusion and holds a conference each year that brings together leaders from Fortune 500 corporations, major educational institutions and nonprofit organizations from around the country. The 2024 conference was virtual and ran Oct. 2-4, 2024.

Mr. Holly鈥檚 interactive workshop focused on tips and best practices culled from his 13 years as an assistant professor of communications at Saint Augustine鈥檚 University, a position he held before becoming Director of Communications in 2024. Before coming to Saint Augustine鈥檚, he worked as a newspaper reporter and editor, vice president of a public relations firm, and press secretary for a Member of Congress.

* 听*听 *听 *

* 听*听 *听 *

Dr. Valerie Evans, Director of Teaching and Learning and Assistant Professor Computer Information Systems, had a busy summer:

• From May 28-30, she participated in a Low Code 鈥� No Code AI Workshop through Stanford.
• From June 2-4, she took part in the Deloitte Future of Work Symposium.
• From June 6-21, she was an ETS AP Computer Science Principles Exam Leader. Exam Leader is a leadership role just under the Chief Reader for CSP who runs the entire event.
• From July 8-19, 2024, she participated in the AWS Machine Learning Bootcamp, a Python intensive event. She has been invited to participate in the second part of the Bootcamp.

Dr. Evans has worked at Saint Augustine鈥檚 since 2012 and previously worked as Director of Educational Technology, Coordinator of Online Instruction and Director of the Honors College. In previous jobs, she was a web designer and a webmaster.

* 听*听 *听 *

Dr. Jeronica Goodwin, an adjunct in the School of Business, Management, and Technology, has had two recent honors:

1. She was reappointed to the Raleigh Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Commission for another two-year term (2025-2027).
2. She was appointed to serve on the Raleigh Chamber Board of Directors.

Dr. Goodwin is a 1998 graduate of Saint Augustine鈥檚 University, with a degree in business administration. She also has an MBA from Howard University as well as a Doctor of Health Administration degree from Central Michigan University.

Dr. Goodwin is a seasoned health-care professional, including Senior VP of Human Resources and Chief People Officer at WakeMed, Vice President of Employee Experience at Unity Health Care, and Associate Administrator at Howard University Hospital

* 听*听 *听 *

Karl Fisher, an adjunct assistant professor in the School of Education and General Studies, led a woodworking/guitar class at the NCSU Craft Center in September. The little guitar that was the focus of the class was inspired by a trip he took to Puerto Rico last year.

Mr. Fisher has more than 30 years鈥� experience as an instructor of Spanish and language lab coordinator at the university level.

To read more about Mr. Fisher’s woodworking/guitar class at the NCSU Craft Center, visit .

* 听*听 *听 *

Dr. Kaye Celeste Evans, Communications and Theatre Associate Professor, will greet the audience and give the curtain speech for the Oct. 13听performance of 鈥淎 Few Good Men鈥� by The Justice Theatre Project (JTP). The performance will be at the Umstead Park United Church of Christ, 8208 Brownleigh Drive in Raleigh.

JTP is a social justice theatre company that focuses on creating dialogue about important issues involving our community. Performance is used for “arts outreach, education, and advocacy.” This season’s theme is “Can You Handle the Truth?” The play, 鈥淎 Few Good Men,鈥� certainly explores how people negotiate truth. Dr. Evans is a board member for the Justice Theatre Project.

鈥淎 Few Good Men,鈥� a play听by Aaron Sorkin, opens Friday, Oct. 11 and runs for three consecutive weekends. For tickets, go to听.

* 听*听 *听 *

This past August, George Jack, Associate Professor of Theatre in the Department of Arts and Communications, played Alfred Hitchcock in performances of 鈥淗itchcock Blonde,鈥� a thriller written by Terry Johnson.听 The production was staged in the PSI Theatre at the Durham Arts Council Building by Brave New Classics Theatre Company and was directed by Ruth Berry.

In one review of the production, Kurt Benrud, writing for Triangle Review, said “I can’t say enough 鈥� George Jack plays Hitchcock to-the-hilt (but never over-the-top). The voice, the mannerisms, the expressions — they’re all there, but it’s never a caricature.”听 And Byron Woods (on the Cultural Voice of North Carolina website) noted, “Actor George Jack’s arch impersonation of the imperious auteur, under Ruth Berry鈥檚 direction, is clearly one of this production鈥檚 guiltier pleasures.”

Mr. Jack was grateful to have the opportunity to play the role and, in particular, to have the excuse to spend the better part of the Summer reading Hitchcock biographies and rewatching the great director’s films.听 The production ran Aug. 9-18 for five performances.

He has taught theater courses and directed plays at Saint Augustine’s since the Fall of 2000.

The post Worth mentioning — What 探花精选 Faculty & Staff Do Beyond Their Full-Time Jobs appeared first on Saint Augustine's University.

More than 600 attended the prestigious event at the Sheraton Imperial Hotel. The keynote speaker was Representative James E. Clyburn, a Democratic Congressman from South Carolina and one of the most influential members of Congress. However, two Durham residents with ties to 探花精选鈥攁lumna Minnie Forte-Brown, ’72, and former professor Dr. Bruce Bridges鈥攔eceived much of the spotlight.

Ms. Forte-Brown graduated from Saint Augustine鈥檚 College (now University) in 1972. Dr. Bridges taught at 探花精选 in the 1980s, in what was then known as the Department of History and Government.

The Durham Committee on the Affairs of Black People dates back to 1935 and whose mission is to 鈥減romote the welfare of Black people in civic, cultural, economic, educational, health, housing, political, youth, and religious and human affairs.鈥� The group stated in its program that Ms. Forte-Brown and Dr. Bridges have led 鈥渓ives of service [that] exemplify the founding vision of the Committee.鈥�

The program stated about Ms. Forte-Brown: 鈥淎s a Durham Public School Board member for 16 years and developer of the Durham Children鈥檚 Initiative, Ms. Forte-Brown has worked tirelessly to improve access to education. Her selfless commitment to this mission is admirable and will leave a lasting mark on our community.鈥�

Regarding Dr. Bridges, the Committee stated: 鈥淒r. Bruce Bridges has also been a pillar in the Durham community throughout his life. A Durham Native and North Carolina Central University alumnus, Dr. Bridges is an esteemed history professor at NCCU and Saint Augustine鈥檚 College. A remarkable author, exceptional speaker, and brilliant professor, he has made it his life鈥檚 mission to make change through his words, touching the hearts of countless people globally.鈥�

Ms. Forte-Brown is a retired communications specialist and master teacher, formerly in the Department of English and Mass Communications at North Carolina Central University. She has received numerous awards for teaching excellence and community service and is a frequent presenter locally and statewide.

A Durham native who grew up in segregated schools, Ms. Forte-Brown, is nationally recognized for public school advocacy and board of education leadership. Her extensive resume includes president of the NC School Boards Association, National School Boards Association officers, and the Council of Urban Boards of Education, as well as university professor and other management roles.

Ms. Forte-Brown was elected to the Durham Public Schools Board of Education in 2004 and was a member, vice-chair, and chairperson until 2020. During her career, she taught at NC Central University.

Her statewide experience includes Governor Bev Perdue鈥檚 appointment to the NC Council of the Status of Women and the NC Gang Advisory Task Force. SNC is a co-founder of the East Durham Children鈥檚 Initiative (now Durham Children鈥檚 Initiative) and former chair of the Homeless Services Advisory Committee.

In 2021, the Durham Public Schools Board of Education unanimously voted to rename the Durham County Board of Education鈥檚 Staff Development Center in her honor.

Ms. Forte-Brown majored in speech and English at Saint Augustine鈥檚. Her career goal was to be a speech pathologist; however, that major did not exist at Saint Augustine鈥檚, so she had to take many of her courses at Shaw University.

She credits Saint Augustine鈥檚 crucial role in her personal and professional development. 鈥淪aint Augustine鈥檚 was great,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 still have close friends from there. I grew up at Saint Augustine鈥檚. Saint Augustine鈥檚 nurtured me.鈥�

Ms. Forte-Brown said that the university鈥檚 small size was important. She recalls that she was weak in science, but teachers took a personal interest in her and helped her succeed. 鈥淚 shouldn鈥檛 have been good in science, but I had a nun as a biology teacher 鈥� I don鈥檛 remember her name, but she was an excellent teacher. I soared in science.鈥�

Ms. Forte-Brown also recalls that the university chaplain 鈥� whose name she does remember, Father Clyde Beatty 鈥� was an anchor for her and other students as they navigated a transformative part of their lives. 鈥淲e got into so many good discussions,鈥� she said.

She said she learned her much-honored teaching style from Saint Augustine鈥檚: 鈥淭hat鈥檚 exactly how I received teaching at Saint Augustine鈥檚鈥t will be challenging, but it doesn鈥檛 have to be painful.鈥�

Dr. Bridges is a native of Durham, NC. He and his six siblings lived in the McDougald Terrace community. As an elementary student at Burton School, he often visited the school library and the Stanford Warren Branch Library in his neighborhood. There, he developed an early love for reading, which is still with him today.

He attended the all-African American J.H. Whitted Junior High School, but due to integration, Dr. Bridges went to Durham High School, where he graduated. As a participant in the Operation Breakthrough student job program, he received an interview with Howard Fuller. This interview not only resulted in a maintenance position at The Scarborough Nursery School, but it was also a 鈥渃onscience-raising鈥� meeting for Bruce Bridges. He often discusses how Fuller exposed him to the contradictions of capitalism and racism in the American system. The meeting inspired him to join the boycott against the Durham Merchants Association. He regularly attended sessions with the Durham Committee on the Affairs of Black People, The United Organization for Community Improvement, and the Sunday night weekly solidarity meeting. Dr. Bridges read an original poem about the African-American experience at most Sunday night programs.

Dr. Bridges had no intention to continue in the arena of education. Benjamin Ruffin changed all of that. Bridges tells the story of how furious and disappointed Ruffin was when Ruffin asked him what he would do after high school. Bridges said, 鈥淚 am going to find a job.鈥� Ruffin jumped up from behind his desk in the UOCI office and said to Bridges that he had all his life to work. He then suggested to Bridges to 鈥渆nroll at North Carolina Central University.鈥� As a student at NCCU Bridges continued to be active on campus and in the community of Durham. He consumed the works of Stokely Carmichael, H. Rap Brown, Angela Davis, and other Black revolutionaries. While a student at NCCU, Dr. Bridges was invited to the local Muslim Mosque. After hearing Elijah Muhammad鈥檚 teachings, he organized fellow students to visit the Mosque. He was known to suggest that fraternities and sororities have their members attend the Mosque as a part of their initiation. Dr. DBridges won a free trip to Chicago to hear Elijah Muhammad in person for introducing many students to local Mosque #34.

He received a graduate scholarship to the University of Cincinnati. Upon his return he became a faculty member at NCCU. Many of his students were so inspired by the knowledge gained in his classes that they urged him to create a lecture series for the Durham community. The lecture series was created and became known as The Cultural Awareness Seminar. Lectures were conducted by Bridges every Thursday night in the student union of NCCU. The sessions were designed to last only during the summer while the space was available in the student union. Due to the growing interest Bridges moved the Cultural Awareness Seminar to St. Joseph AME church on Fayetteville Street. Several seminar students thought the knowledge they received was so necessary that more people in the Durham community should hear it. These students took it upon themselves to contact radio station WDUR and to have the Thursday night sessions as a part of the regular programming.

Dr. Bridges has lectured, conducted workshops and seminars on several college campuses, across America and the Caribbean. Civic organizations, family reunions, and even maximum-security prisons have invited him to speak. While on the faculty at Saint Augustine鈥檚 College, he was asked by the president of North Carolina State University to bring his knowledge and ability to that campus. He became the first person to ever teach African American Studies at North Carolina State University and was instrumental in the development of its African Studies curriculum and the Black Cultural Center on the campus.

Dr. Bridges said he came to Saint Augustine鈥檚 because of differing approaches to teaching that developed between himself and administrators at NNC Central. Dr. Bridges said NC became passionate about using his lessons in a meaningful way.

鈥淚 always applaud Saint Augustine鈥檚 because that was where I got started doing things the way I wanted to do them,鈥� he said. 鈥淭hey let me teach courses centered on our people.鈥�

Among the courses he taught at Saint Augustine鈥檚 was Introduction to African Civilization.

鈥淩everse the plight of less fortunate individuals 鈥� that has always been my focus,鈥� he explained. 鈥淲hat good is it to have all this knowledge and all these degrees if you鈥檙e not able to help anybody?鈥�

Dr. Bridges is also an entrepreneur; among his accomplishments is opening the first African American bookstore in Durham County.

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