Keynote Addresses
The Poison of Polish: How to Embrace Unapologetically Authentic Leadership
Tekita Bankhead, Assistant Dean of Access and Community, Gies College of Business – University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Tekita Bankhead, MS, BSN, RN (she/her) is a proud native of Columbus, Mississippi—lovingly known as the “Friendly City”—and a dynamic educator, speaker, and advocate with nearly 15 years of experience expanding access and opportunity in higher education and community‑centered spaces. She holds a Master of Science in Counselor Education (Student Affairs Administration) from Mississippi State University and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Mississippi University for Women, grounding her work in both clinical understanding and student‑centered practice.
Tekita is the Creator and Editor‑in‑Chief of The Pedestal Project, LLC, an expressive writing platform dedicated to celebrating and uplifting the voices of Black women. Her work is deeply rooted in holistic wellness, identity exploration, and women’s empowerment, weaving together healing, storytelling, and liberation in ways that inspire authentic connection.
As a sought‑after facilitator, consultant, entrepreneur, and published author, Tekita is widely recognized for delivering engaging, transformative workshops that spark reflection and courageous dialogue. Her #TaughtByTekita sessions thoughtfully explore inclusion, leadership development, community care, and the lived experiences of historically marginalized groups. Through every space she enters, Tekita leads with compassion, clarity, and a commitment to creating opportunities for people to be seen, heard, and valued.
UnMask Your Potential: Leading & Living With the Three Sisters – Grace, Hope & Truth
Dr. Luoluo Hong, Vice President for Student Engagement & Well-Being; Professor of the Practice, School of Psychology – Georgia Institute of Technology
The eldest daughter of Taiwanese immigrants, Luoluo (pronounced “lō-lō”) Hong was appointed August 2021 as inaugural Vice President for Student Engagement & Well-Being at the Georgia Institute of Technology, where she is also Professor of the Practice in the School of Psychology. With over 33 years of higher education experience spanning seven campuses and one system, she came to the Institute from the California State University System. She served the CSU as Vice President for Student Affairs & Enrollment Management/Title IX Coordinator at San Francisco State University (2014-2019) and then as Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs & Enrollment Management in the System Office (2019-2021).
Prior, she was Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs at the University of Hawaiˈi at Hilo (2008-2014), where she concurrently took on the role of acting Athletic Director for one and a half years.
Luoluo began her career at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge as a health promotion professional (1992-2000). Other senior administrative roles have included Assistant Vice President & Dean of Students at Shepherd College (2000-2002); Dean of Students at University of Wisconsin-Madison (2002-2005); and Dean of Student Affairs at Arizona State University’s West campus (2005-2007). Luoluo earned a BA in Psychology from Amherst College, a Master’s in Public Health from Yale University, and a PhD in Educational Leadership & Research from LSU. Luoluo is faculty coordinator for the American College Personnel Association’s Aspiring SSAO Institute and a member of the Women’s Network Executive Council for the American Council on Education. For more info: https://students.gatech.edu/content/about-vice-president-hong
Timing is Everything
Dr. Martha D. Saunders, President Emeritus, University of West Florida
Martha Dunagin Saunders has held leadership roles in higher education for more than 30 years. She began her academic career at The University of West Florida as a faculty member in the department of communication arts and rose to the rank of professor.
Dr. Saunders served as the first woman chancellor at the University of Wisconsin Whitewater and the first woman president of The University of Southern Mississippi, her alma mater. She served as president at the University of West Florida from 2027 – 2025 and was named President Emeritus upon her retirement.
Saunders is a Fulbright Scholar. Recognition for her achievements include 50 Top Business Women in Mississippi, National Stevie Award for Women in Business, National Silver Anvil Award from the Public Relations Society of America, and the University of Southern Mississippi Alumni Hall of Fame.
Recently, Florida Trend magazine named her a Living Legend in its Florida 500 issue.
A native of Mississippi, Dr. Saunders earned her B.A. in French from The University of Southern Mississippi; her M.A. in journalism from the University of Georgia; and her Ph.D. in communication theory and research from Florida State University. She resides on Pensacola Beach with her husband, Joe Bailey.
Workshops
Think Again: Exploring the Art of Strategic Thinking
Dr. Lindsey Lewis, Owner of iNGAGE Talent Development
Dr. Lindsey Lewis is the owner of iNGAGE Talent Development, LLC. In her role, she helps organizations maximize their greatest resource —people —through customized training and employee development interventions. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Speech Communications, a Master’s degree in Workforce Training and Development, and a Ph.D. in Human Capital Development from the University of Southern Mississippi. Dr. Lewis is a Certified Training Professional from the University of Southern Mississippi and a DiSC Workplace Personality Trainer and Authorized Partner. She is also a Certified “Five Behaviors of a Cohesive Team” facilitator. Additional certifications include: Clifton Strengths Coaching, Virtual Dementia Tour facilitator, Positive Approach to Care (PAC) Trainer, and PAC coach. Lindsey believes in the transformative power of education and always aims to make learning relevant, engaging, and FUN!
Opposite Strengths®: Understanding Your Leadership Pattern and Others’
Colbey Penton, Ph D Student and USM Instructor
Colbey Penton is an instructor at the University of Southern Mississippi and will complete her Ph.D. in Communication Studies in May. Her research focuses on how communication shapes identity, belonging, and sense-making in complex organizational environments, particularly among individuals navigating in-between roles. In addition to her academic work, Colbey has served in clergy roles and brings over three decades of experience in professional and executive leadership development. She has been a certified Opposite Strengths® coach for 22 years, training hundreds of leaders and teams across nonprofit, educational, and corporate organizations, including commercial development firms and global entertainment companies. Her work centers on helping leaders leverage difference, manage tension productively, and strengthen communication across roles, personalities, and power structures. Colbey also contributes to Hattiesburg’s creative landscape as a public artist, bringing a systems-level and creative perspective to leadership, communication, and organizational culture.
Difficult Conversations
Quentisha Jones, Director of Human Resources
Quentisha Jones-Nixon is a human resources leader with over a decade of experience in employee relations, EEO compliance, and strategic HR operations. She currently serves as the Director of Human Resources at The University of Southern Mississippi, where she provides executive leadership for recruitment, employee relations, compensation, benefits, and compliance initiatives in support of the University’s mission and workforce excellence.
Quentisha holds a Master of Science in Human Resources Management from Troy University, a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from The University of Southern Mississippi, and an Associate of Arts from Jones College. A proud native of Heidelberg, Mississippi, she is a graduate of Heidelberg High School and remains deeply connected to her community.
Professionally, Quentisha is recognized for her collaborative leadership style, strong compliance expertise, and commitment to fostering inclusive and effective workplace environments. Outside of work, she is married and the proud mother of one daughter.
Dr. Lachel Story, Professor Emerita
Dr. Lachel Story is Professor Emerita at The University of Southern Mississippi College of Nursing and Health Professions as well as Associate Professor at the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center School of Nursing. Dr. Story held a variety of administrative positions over her nearly 22-year career at Southern Miss, most recently was Dean. Over her 24-year career in higher education, she taught in associate, baccalaureate, masters, and doctoral programs. Dr. Story started her nursing career 30 years ago as an LPN. She received her BSN and MSN from Southern Miss and her PhD in Nursing from the University of Mississippi Medical Center. Her program of research includes community-based participatory research projects with a focus on Community Health Workers and health disparities. She has multiple publications and presentations regarding her research, innovative teaching strategies, and program evaluation. Additionally, she has a pathophysiology textbook in its fifth edition and an advanced pathophysiology textbook in its second edition. Dr. Story participated in the Leadership for Academic Programs Fellowship and the Advancing Academic Leadership for New Deans Program through the American Associations of Colleges of Nursing as well as the Management Development Program through Harvard’s Graduate School of Education.
Panels
Wellbeing in Higher Education
Dr. Portia Granger, Associate Director of Sports Counseling and Performance
Dr. Portia Collins Granger is a Licensed Certified Social Work Supervisor and currently serves as the Associate Director of Sports Counseling and Performance with Southern Miss Athletics. She attended Southern Miss as track and field athlete where she attained her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and Master of Social Work degree. She completed her Doctor of Social Work degree at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Dr. Granger also serves as an adjunct instructor in the department of Social Work at USM. Her work history includes mental health counselor, social work intern supervisor, LMSW clinical supervisor, and risk assessment specialist with USM Student Counseling Services for over 10 years before transitioning to athletics as the mental health therapist and mental performance coach for the past 5 years. She has experience as a school-based clinician with Pine Belt Mental Healthcare Resources for 2 years. She is currently the founder and owner of #DrGrangerSaid mental performance consultation and counseling services which is under the umbrella of her private practice, Catalyst Integrated Health Services, PLLC. She has contracted with other athletic programs to provide mental health/performance services.
Venecca Green, Director of Student Conduct and Head Tennis Coach
Venecca G. Green is a woman whose life story is defined by hard work, determination, purpose, and an unwavering belief in the power of service. Born and raised in Jackson, Mississippi, she began her professional journey at her alma mater, Jackson State University, while pursuing her MBA. During her time at JSU, she was recruited to join the Central Intelligence Agency, where she built a distinguished 15 plus year career that strengthened her discipline, resilience, and commitment to excellence.
Guided by a calling to advocate more directly for others, Venecca transitioned from national security to the study of law, earning her Juris Doctor from Mississippi College School of Law. She went on to work with several firms and organizations before launching her own thriving practice, Venecca G. Green & Associates, LLC, where she continues to serve clients as her time permits.
Venecca brings that same passion and drive to Rust College, where she serves as Director of Student Conduct and Head Tennis Coach, shaping young leaders on and off the court. A proud member of WeCoach and graduate of 2025 WeCoach Academy #56, she was honored by her peers with the Impact Award for her leadership and influence.
She is also the Founder and Executive Director of Friends of Battlefield Park, Inc. and a USTA National Junior Tennis and Learning Chapter, empowering youth through education, character development, and tennis. A Golden Life Member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Venecca continues to lead with purpose, service, and an unshakeable commitment to community.
Dr. Kimberly Huddleston, Assistant Professor and Academic Advisor
Dr. Kimberly Huddleston serves as an Assistant Professor and Academic Advisor in the Health Administration and Education Program at William Carey University.
She earned her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from The University of Southern Mississippi. Following an overseas deployment experience, she pursued and completed a Master of Science in Education with an emphasis in Health, Physical Education, and Recreation at Jackson State University. Dr. Huddleston later earned her Doctor of Health Education degree from A.T. Still University, further solidifying her expertise in health promotion, education, and wellness.
Dr. Huddleston is a member of the American Public Health Association (APHA) and serves as a newly elected board member of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) as the Higher Education Network Representative. She also contributes to the profession through service on the Health Information Management (HIM) Advisory Board and the Academic Curriculum Committee.
Deeply committed to service, Dr. Huddleston is an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, where she serves as Chair of Community Engagement, and she is a faithful servant in her local church. Her research and professional interests are centered on health education, wellness promotion, and community-based health initiatives.
Andrea Jakabsons, Former University of Mississippi CHRO and UM Encompass Chair & Workday HCM/Project Director
Formerly, the Chief Human Resources Officer at the University of Mississippi, Andrea offered to co-lead the campus-wide Encompass initiative. She served as both Encompass Chair and an HCM/Payroll Project Director alongside Desha Ferguson, guiding the University’s Workday HCM/Payroll implementation. Surrounded by the team’s talent, the project successfully went live on January 5th! Andrea is highly operations-focused and technology-savvy. At the same time, she values building strong, personal connections with the campus community—a community she has been dedicated to for nearly two decades. She is passionate about employee engagement, fostering connections, and strengthening organizational commitment, as they are vital for attracting and retaining students. Prior to joining Ole Miss in 2006, Andrea served as an HR professional in healthcare, wireless communications, and technology. She is an advocate for worksite wellness and actively promotes employee health initiatives. Her passion for wellness directly informs her approach to supporting a healthy and engaged workforce. Originally from California and a Humboldt State University alumna, Andrea relocated to Oxford in 2005 with her husband, a faculty member, and their now two-grown children. She enjoys long walks with her dogs, leading and participating in exercise programs, and traveling (sometimes with three dogs).
Sondra Redmont, Administrator, Office of Well-being
Sondra Redmont, MSW, LCSW, brings over a decade of leadership experience in academic medicine, population health, and workforce well-being. She currently serves as Administrator for the Office of Well-Being at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, where she leads institutional well-being initiatives. Her prior roles include Director of Educational Operations and Director of Operations within the John D. Bower School of Population Health, the Department of Preventive Medicine, and the Center for Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, where she oversaw complex operational, academic, and data-driven programs. Ms. Redmont holds a master’s degree in social work from Tulane University and a post-graduate certificate in Positive Psychology and Well-Being Coaching. She is certified as a Lean Six Sigma Robust Process Improvement Green Belt and holds numerous national certifications in mental health, mindfulness, resilience, peer support, and change leadership, including Mental Health First Aid Trainer and Certified Change Leader through The Joint Commission. Her professional background reflects a deep commitment to integrating evidence-based well-being practices, systems improvement, and compassionate leadership within healthcare environments.
Leading with Resiliency: Sharing our Leadership Stories
Dr. Nahed Abdelrahman, Assistant Professor
Dr. Nahed Abdelrahman is a nationally and internationally recognized scholar, educator, and leader in educational leadership, mentoring, and equity. She currently serves as an Assistant Professor in the College of Education and Human Development at The University of Southern Mississippi, where her work centers on advancing women’s leadership, principal preparation, and inclusive educational systems.
Dr. Abdelrahman brings extensive leadership experience across K–12, higher education, and policy contexts. Her career spans roles as a teacher, school leader, and senior academic administrator, including serving as Assistant Director of Assessment and Evaluation at a Tier 1 research university.
A passionate advocate for women’s leadership, Dr. Abdelrahman’s scholarship, mentoring, and service are intentionally aligned to disrupt systemic challenges and expand leadership pathways for women. She is a widely published scholar in peer-reviewed journals and edited book volumes, with her research advancing the fields of women leadership, mentoring, leadership development. Her work is frequently cited for its theoretical depth and practical relevance, positioning mentoring as a transformative social praxis rather than a technical intervention. Dr. Abdelrahman serves as Senior Editor of Advancing Women in Leadership and holds editorial roles across multiple international journals, where she actively shapes scholarly conversations that elevate women’s voices and challenge deficit-based narratives. She also serves as an executive board member at national and university levels such as the International Council of Professors of Educational Leadership (ICPEL), Research on Women Education SIG, and Learning and Teaching in Educational Leadership Sig, and the Evelyn Gandy Center for Women and Leadership.
Dr. Phillis George, Chair & Associate Professor, Department of Higher Education, The
University of Mississippi
As an Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Higher Education at the University of Mississippi (UM), Dr. Phillis George conducts research on higher education systems, policies, and institutional change processes. As a former SACSCOC Quality Enhancement Plan Director, she also specializes in higher education curriculum design, program evaluation, and community-based learning. In addition to research, Dr. George teaches educational policy, theory, leadership, and organizational management courses while overseeing one of UM’s largest graduate departments. Her tenure at UM has included service in numerous campus leadership roles, including Vice Chair of the Faculty Senate, Chair and Vice Chair of the Chancellor’s Commission on the Status of Women, and President & Executive Liaison of the Black Faculty & Staff Organization. With 20+ years of leadership experience in academic and student affairs, she is a recognized and respected authority in higher education. Dr. George is a 2021 American Council on Education (ACE) Fellow and a member of several international organizations, including the Association for the Study of Higher Education (ASHE), the American Educational Research Association (AERA), and the International Association for Research on Service-Learning and Community Engagement (IARSLCE).Dr. George earned her Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Sociology and Communicative Disorders from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She continued her studies at Oxford University in England and earned a Master of Science (MSc) degree in Sociology and later returned to her alma mater, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, to earn her doctor of philosophy degree (Ph.D.) in Educational Leadership & Policy Analysis. She is a native and very proud Mississippian AND a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated; The Links, Incorporated; and the Association of Junior Leagues International, Incorporated.
Dr. Mary Graham, President, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College
Dr. Mary S. Graham has served as President of Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College since 2010, leading one of Mississippi’s largest community colleges. A Mississippi native and MGCCC alumna, she earned her bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in Higher Education Administration from The University of Southern Mississippi. She began her MGCCC career in 1987 on the Jackson County Campus and advanced through roles including Director of Admissions and Registrar, Director of Institutional Relations, Vice President of the Community Campus, and Vice President of the Perkinston Campus.
As president, Dr. Graham has strengthened advancement and grantdevelopment efforts, securing support for student success, workforce training, and capital projects. MGCCC has earned national distinctions under her leadership, including recognition as a Great College to Work For, a Top 10 community college by the Aspen Institute, and a recipient of the Excellence and Equity in Community College STEM Award.
Dr. Graham has served as chair of the American Association of Community Colleges Board of Directors and the Mississippi community college presidents. Her honors include the PTK Shirley B. Gordon Award of Distinction and induction into The University of Southern Mississippi Hall of Fame. She and her husband, Wayne, have three children: Sarah, Michael, and Anna.
Dr. Denise Jones Gregory, Interim President, Jackson State UniversityDr. Denise Jones Gregory is an accomplished academic leader and chemist with over two decades of experience in higher education, she combines a passion for student success with a collaborative, service-driven leadership style. As a proud Jackson State alumna and Mississippi native, Dr. Gregory brings a deep commitment to the university’s mission and its students.
Prior to her appointment as interim president, Dr. Gregory was provost and vice president for academic affairs at JSU, where she oversaw all academic programs and initiatives. In that role, she strengthened student support systems and guided the development of new offerings to meet workforce needs. She championed faculty research and innovation, helping secure major grants and partnerships that elevated the university’s academic profile. Under her leadership, the university bolstered its accreditation standings and fostered a welcoming campus climate focused on achievement.
Dr. Gregory’s career spans faculty and administrative roles dedicated to empowering students. Before returning to JSU, she served at Samford University in Alabama as a chemistry professor and later as an associate provost. There, she directed campus-wide initiatives to enrich the learning environment and launched outreach programs—including a summer science academy for high school students—to help young scholars from all backgrounds excel in STEM fields. Throughout her career, Dr. Gregory has actively mentored students and junior faculty, reinforcing her commitment to developing the next generation of leaders. She began her career at Tuskegee University as a faculty member in chemistry, building on a strong foundation in teaching and mentorship.
(photo by Russ Houston / Mississippi State University)
Dr. Regina Young Hyatt, Vice President for Student Affairs
Dr. Regina Young Hyatt is Vice President for Student Affairs at Mississippi State University and has served in this role since July 2015. In her role as Vice President, she provides leadership for the Division of Student Affairs which includes a wide range of departments and programs focused on student health, wellness & safety; student involvement & engagement; and student success. Additionally, Dr. Hyatt regularly teaches and serves on dissertation committees for the Student Affairs & Higher Education graduate programs at MSU. Prior to her role at Mississippi State, Dr. Hyatt served as the Dean of Students and Associate Vice President for Student Affairs at the University of Alabama in Huntsville. She additionally worked at the University of South Florida, the University of South Florida St. Petersburg, the University of North Carolina in Charlotte, and Palmer College. She earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s degree in College Student Personnel both from Western Illinois University, located in Macomb, IL. Her doctoral work was completed at the University of South Florida in Higher Education Administration. Dr. Hyatt’s research interests relate to women in higher education, technology in higher education, student sense of belonging, and student retention/persistence.
Nora Miller, President, Mississippi University for Women
Nora Roberts Miller is the 15th President of Mississippi University for Women (The W). Miller is a Certified Public Accountant and holds bachelor’s degrees in business administration and accounting from The W and an MBA from Mississippi State University. She has served as President since 2018 and was the Chief Financial Officer for The W from 2001 – 2018. She will be retiring on June 30, with over three decades of service to The W and IHL. A Leadership Mississippi graduate, Miller was named one of the Top 50 Businesswomen of the Year by the Mississippi Business Journal. Other honors include being named a 2019 Woman of Distinction by the Girl Scouts Heart of the South council, and a Rotary District 6820 2019 Champion of Change. Miller received the Mississippi Distinguished Civilian Medal of Honor for her responsiveness to the soldiers and airmen of the Mississippi National Guard. She also serves on the Board of directors of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU), the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges (COPLAC0, and the Higher Education Resource Services (HERS). She serves on the Presidents Council of the St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SLIAC).
Wendolyn Stevens, Department Chair of Business and Kinesiology
Wendolyn Stevens is a native of the Mississippi Delta, proudly hailing from Clarksdale, Mississippi. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies, a Master of Business Administration, and an Educational Specialist degree in Higher Education, all earned from Delta State University. With over 15 years of experience in higher education, Wendolyn’s work has been rooted in intentional, student-centered service, particularly for underrepresented, low-income, and first-generation students.
Throughout her career, she has served in multiple functional areas across college campuses in Mississippi, including Academic Affairs, Housing, the Registrar’s Office, and Graduate Admissions, with her most significant contributions made at Delta State University. As Coordinator of Graduate Marketing and Recruitment, she developed initiatives that increased enrollment and improved graduate school operations. She also played a key role in securing funding for the Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program, a federally funded initiative designed to prepare undergraduates for doctoral study. As the program’s Founding Director, she supported more than 60 students in completing graduate degrees, with several earning PhDs by May 2026.
Currently, Wendolyn serves as the Department Chair for Business Administration and Kinesiology as well as faculty at Hinds Community College in Raymond, Mississippi, where she primarily teaches economics. She also serves as an advisor the campus Honor Society, Phi Theta Kappa. Beyond her professional roles, she is active in alumni leadership serving on the Board of Directors for Delta State, nonprofit service, and is a proud member of Alpha Delta Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated.