AMAS Summer 2023 Edition

Anderson-Merriweather Alumni Society

Dr. EBR

Dr. Erica Buchanan-Rivera is an experienced educator and advocate for educational equity and inclusion. With a diverse background in teaching, administration, curriculum development, and diversity training, she has made significant contributions to the field of education.

Dr. Buchanan-Rivera holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s degree in School Administration from Butler University. She furthered her education by completing a doctoral degree from Indiana State University in 2017, with her research focusing on identity-affirming environments.

Dr. Buchanan-Rivera has actively promoted diversity, equity, and inclusion in schools throughout her career. She served as the first Director of Equity and Inclusion in a Hamilton County public school district in Indiana and currently holds the position of Director of Equity and Inclusion in Washington Township Schools. In recognition of her accomplishments in Lawrence Township, she received the Administrator of the Year Award in 2013.

In addition to her work within the school system, Dr. BuchananRivera established her consulting firm, EBR Educational

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Consulting, LLC. Through this venture, she supports schools nationwide in implementing equitable practices. Her expertise and dedication have earned her recognition through awards, including the Distinguished Alumni Award from the College of Education at Butler University in 2020.

Dr. Buchanan-Rivera’s commitment to advancing racial equity extends beyond her professional roles. She developed Racial Dialogue Circles (RDCs) in Fishers, Indiana, which aim to foster conversations about race and justice among individuals from diverse racial backgrounds. As a founding board member of the Racial Equity Community Network (RECN), she continues to contribute to the organization’s mission of creating a just society and providing a platform for people of all backgrounds to engage in this work.

In 2022, Dr. Buchanan-Rivera achieved another milestone in her career by publishing her first book, “Identity Affirming Classrooms: Spaces that Center Humanity.”

Published by Routledge, the book explores the importance of creating inclusive and supportive learning environments that honor students’ identities. It is available for purchase online, including on eBay.

Dr. Erica Buchanan-Rivera’s multifaceted expertise, advocacy, and dedication to educational equity make her a valuable asset to the field of education and a catalyst for positive change in schools and communities.

MC Committed to Education & Community

Marques Clayton, the youngest of five boys, was determined to make a difference in his community. Born and raised in South Bend, Indiana, Marques grew up with a strong sense of responsibility and a drive to excel. From 1992 to 1996, he attended South Bend St. Joseph’s High School, where he quickly made a name for himself in academics and athletics.

Marques was not only a stellar student but also a talented athlete. He earned a varsity letter in boys’ basketball and started for the football team throughout his four years of high school. In his senior year, Marques was the Team Captain for the undefeated 1995 IHSAA 3A Football State Champions. Little did he know that his team’s victory would stand as the last IHSAA football state championship for South Bend for many years to come.

After graduating high school, Marques received a full-ride football scholarship from Indiana State University (ISU). He embraced the opportunity to continue his education and athletic pursuits at the college level. Throughout his four years at ISU, Marques was not only a valuable member of the football team but also excelled academically, earning a spot on the Dean’s List multiple times. In 2000, he graduated from Indiana State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Studies Education, becoming the first person in his family to graduate from college.

In 2002, Marques started his career as a Social Studies teacher and football coach at Warren Central High School in Indianapolis. His passion for coaching and teaching resonated with the students, and he quickly became an integral part of the school community. From 2003 to 2006, Marques served on the Warren Central varsity football

Marques Clayton

MC Committed to Education & Community (contd...)

staff, contributing to the school’s four consecutive IHSAA Football State Championships.

Marques’ leadership skills did not go unnoticed, and in 2005, at the young age of 27, he was promoted to Assistant Principal in the Warren Central High School Freshman Academy. He embraced the new role, helping guide and shape the lives of the incoming first-year students, where he would become Freshman Principal.

Marques’ thirst for knowledge and dedication to education led him to pursue advanced degrees. Just one year after completing his Bachelor’s degree, he obtained a Master’s in Educational Administration from ISU. His commitment to furthering his education did not stop there. 2008 saw Marques earn an Educational Specialist Degree and a superintendent’s license from ISU. He also entered the ISU Doctoral Program and is in the final stages of completing his dissertation.

Continuing to make strides in his career, Marques stepped into the Warren Central High School Athletic Director role in February 2009. Under his leadership, the athletic program flourished, bringing home eight IHSAA State Championships, four State Runner-Up titles, and producing 21 individual state champions from 2009 to 2021.

In 2017, he received the Excellence in Education Award from the Indianapolis Urban League, acknowledging his dedication as an educator and community leader. Marques was named Crime Fighter of the Year the following year by the Marion County prosecutor’s office for initiating the city-wide anti-teen violence program, Take a Stand. In addition, he received the Warren Central Principal’s Leadership Award.

In 2018, Warren Central became the first school in Indiana history to win the Girl’s and Boy’s IHSAA State Basketball Championships in the same school year. That same year, Marques received the Indiana High School Athletic Director of the Year award, becoming the first African American athletic director to be honored with this distinction. Beyond his achievements in athletics,

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Paging the future Dr. O

Chinonye Olumba is an impressive individual with a background in Chemistry and a passion for serving underserved communities in medicine. Her academic journey began at Indiana State University (ISU), where she graduated in 2019 with a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry.

During her time at ISU, she was actively involved on campus, working as a Residential Assistant (RA) under Residential Life and as a chemistry tutor and lab assistant. After completing her undergraduate studies, Chinonye pursued her ambition of becoming a medical professional by enrolling at Indiana University School of Medicine, where she is a second-year student.

Chinonye’s drive to serve the underserved and immigrant populations is evident, and she aims to use her medical expertise to provide access to healthcare for those who lack it. Her ultimate objective is to contribute to the wellbeing of underserved communities, helping people lead healthier lives.

Chinonye Olumba

Dallas Welcomes Dri

Marques has received recognition for his contributions to education and the community.

In 2021, Marques became the Chief Operations Officer for the MSD of Warren Township Schools. As COO, he assumed a broader responsibility for overseeing the district’s operations, ensuring the safety of students and staff, and optimizing the facilities. Marques’s expertise and dedication made him a sought-after speaker, and he had the opportunity to present at four national school safety and facilities conferences on various topics.

Marques received the Warren Central Alumni Award in 2022, cementing his place as a pioneer in the district’s history.

Throughout his professional journey, Marques always kept sight of his purpose: to advocate for students and families on the Far Eastside of Indianapolis. His commitment extended to his own family as well. Marques is the proud father of two children, Olivia Clayton, a Warren Central graduate, and Cobe Clayton, a young teenager.

Marques Clayton’s story is of perseverance, leadership, and a deep-rooted commitment to education and community. His accomplishments have left an indelible mark on the lives of countless students and athletes, and his legacy continues to inspire future generations to strive for excellence.

Andriana Stephens

Andriana Stephens, also known as “Dri,” is a motivated and dedicated individual from Flossmoor, Illinois. She has a strong passion for making a positive impact in the lives of college students and is committed to their growth and success. During her time in graduate school, Andriana served as the President of the Black Graduate Student Association, where she actively worked to foster the development and wellbeing of her peers.

As a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Andriana embraces the values of sisterhood, scholarship, and service. These principles guide her approach to her work and interactions with others, reinforcing her commitment to making a difference in the lives of college students.

With her Master’s degree in Student Affairs and Higher Education, Andriana has secured a position as a Program Lead for Inclusive Excellence Communities at Dallas College in Dallas, Texas. She will continue contributing to college students’ positive growth and development in this role, ensuring an inclusive and supportive environment that promotes their success.

Andriana’s favorite quote by Harvey MacKay, “Time is free, but it’s priceless. You can’t own it, but you can use it. You can’t keep it, but you can spend it. Once you’ve lost it, you can never get it back,” reflects her belief in the significance of maximizing every moment and opportunity. This mindset drives her to make the most of her time and to create meaningful experiences for the students she serves.

With her passion, leadership skills, and unwavering dedication, Andriana, or “Dri,” is poised to excel in future endeavors. Her commitment to creating an environment that nurtures and supports the success of college students will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact for years to come.

Sycamores Experience Ghana

Indeed, the Ghana Study Abroad program hosted by the Charles E. Brown African American Cultural Center and the ISU AFRI Department was a remarkable and enriching experience for the participating students. It is also evident that the program provided a comprehensive and immersive cultural experience for the students, enabling them to understand better Ghana’s history, cuisine, identity, and culture.

The involvement of Dr. Reed, Dr. Andrea Arrington-Sirios, and Dr. Aaron Slocum as program leaders contributed significantly to its success. Their expertise and passion for cultural exchange and community service positively impacted the students and the local communities they experienced.

Engaging in community service during the study abroad program goes beyond mere academic learning. It showcases the students’ commitment to making a positive difference and contributing meaningfully to the host country. This handson involvement fosters personal growth, empathy, and a sense of responsibility towards others, creating a lasting impact on the students’ lives.

competence, gaining a broader perspective on the world and fostering connections and understanding between different communities and countries. Such experiences are invaluable in promoting a more inclusive and interconnected world.

Department deserve praise for organizing and offering this transformative opportunity to students. Initiatives like these contribute to developing well-rounded, culturally aware individuals who can play a vital role in promoting diversity, equality, and cross-cultural understanding in our increasingly interconnected global society.

By participating in programs like the Ghana Study Abroad initiative, students develop their global awareness and cultural

The Charles E. Brown African American Cultural Center and the ISU AFRI

Sycamores Visit Ghana

ISU Ghana Trip

ISU ALUM Connect in Indy

Charlie Brown Celebrates Julia Bruce’s Retirement

Congrats to LeRoy Lewis III for being named the new Director of Community and Media Engagement at the Indiana State Fairgrounds and Event Center!

Registration at the Rock

Anderson-Merriweather

Alumni Society

Indiana State’s Black Alumni Network

Zeta Nu chapter of Delta Sigma Theta chartered at ISU in 1969, attends the 2023 National Convention in Indy.

David Pack collaborated with ISU admissions to organize a Fall registration event aimed at high school graduates from the classes of 2022 and 2023. The event was generously sponsored by the ROCK Community Center, situated on the main campus of Eastern Star Church in Indianapolis.