2024 SCWHE Annual Conference Program

Annual Conference Agenda February 29, 2024 | Greenville, SC

8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. ................................................................................................. Registration & Professional Headshots 9:30 a.m. ............................................................................................................................. Conference Opening & Welcome Dr. Tondaleya G. Jackson | Director, Center of Excellence for Educator Preparation and Innovation | Voorhees University President & State Chair | SCWHE 9:45 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. .................................................................................................... A Better You Interactive Experience Mrs. Holly Hayes | Iron Sharpens Iron 11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. ......................................................................................................................................... Break Time Visit the Silent Auction Gallery & Professional Headshot Station 12:00 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. ............................................................................................................................................ Luncheon Presidential Pinning – Dr. Anita Gustafson |Presbyterian College Martha Kime Piper and Andrea Allison Awards Presentation: A Better You in Your Professional Pursuits – Dr. Matteel Knowles | Greenville Technical College 1:15 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. ............................................................................................. Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education Mr. George Abraham | Greenville Technical College 2:00 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. ............................................................................................................................................. Break Time Final opportunity to visit the Silent Auction Gallery & Professional Headshot Station 2:15 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. ............................................................................................................................ A Better You for YOU Ms. G. Ronnette Brown | Fairfield County Schools 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. ......................................................................................................................... A Better You in SCWHE SCWHE Executive Board & Dr. Tondaleya G. Jackson Silent Auction Winners A Word from Our Sponsors Closing Remarks

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Conference Speakers Holly Hayes, MSPH Iron Sharpens Iron Holly is the President & Founder of Iron Sharpens Iron. She has a unique ability to work with both academic and community-based groups to maximize their impact. She has established a strong track record of successful initiatives developed and sustained by staff and volunteers, and her efforts have ranged from small community organizations to multi-million-dollar investments.

She is an organizational consultant and an internationally accredited facilitator and trainer.

Her knowledge of community engagement, facilitation, continuous quality improvement, and strategic planning is wide-ranging. Holly’s work with businesses, non-profits, public agencies, and academic institutions gives her a unique insight into organizational development. She is passionate about moving ideas into action and has created engaging techniques to unlock each organization’s potential.

Prior to launching ISI Consulting, Holly served as an evaluator, specializing in developmental and formative evaluation, at the University of South Carolina’s Core for Applied Research and Evaluation. In addition, Holly led the evaluation efforts of LiveWell Kershaw, a demonstration project focused on addressing the primary drivers of population health. She is committed to working with organizations and institutions devoted to creating and implementing positive changes in our communities.

Dr. Matteel Knowles Greenville Technical College Dr. Matteel Knowles serves as the Vice President for Student Services at Greenville Technical College in Greenville. She joined the college in February 2013, having served previously as the Vice President for Student Affairs at the Technical College of the Lowcountry in Beaufort; and has an extensive background as a student affairs practitioner, serving in various roles for ten years at Piedmont Technical College in Greenwood.

The first in her family to attend college, Dr. Knowles earned an Associate of Arts degree from Piedmont Technical College, a B.A. in Counseling and Human Services from Limestone College, a masters in Career and Technology Education from Clemson University, a graduate certificate in Higher Education Leadership from the University of South Carolina, a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from the University of South Carolina, and a Plant Based Nutrition Certificate from Cornell University’s eCornell and T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutrition Studies.

Dr. Knowles is very active in the community and serves as a board member and volunteer for several service organizations.

She was also a featured TED Talk speaker, and serves her profession in many ways, including her service to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools where she serves as an Executive Council member of the Board of Trustees, among other roles.

A sought-after speaker, workshop presenter, and line dance instructor, Dr. Knowles is driven by the belief that all people should have equitable access to a college education, physical health and wellness, and the opportunity to completely transform their lives!

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George Abraham Greenville Technical College George uses his 20+ years of experience in Information Technology to serve the students and community of Greenville County, South Carolina, as the Chief Information Officer of Greenville Technical College. He is excited for the transformative potential of technology, specifically to lift people's lives and livelihood. Prior to his current position, George has led at Central Piedmont Community College at Charlotte, NC and at The Ohio State University at Columbus, OH. He has a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, with 2 subsequent Masters degrees, in Industrial Engineering and in Business. You can connect with him at linkedin.com/in/georgeabraham

G. Ronnette Brown Fairfield County Schools Gervonder Ronnette Brown is a native of Charleston, SC who is often described as charismatic, engaging, and empowering. For the past eight years, Gervonder has led the Elite Ladies of Fairfield County School District, a mentoring program for young ladies in grades 712. Under her leadership the program has hosted a Beautillion-Cotillion, Mother-Daughter Empowerment Summits, Father-Daughter dances, a districtwide MLK program and contest, an annual HBCU Dance Camp, community service projects and initiatives and five auxiliaries.

The program is designed to develop, empower, and equip young ladies in becoming effective leaders, change agents, visionaries and entrepreneurs that will positively impact their schools and communities and encouraging them to become the best version of themselves.

A Geechee-Gullah girl that uses comedic elements and life experiences to engage and relate to her audience has caused her to be a well sought-after speaker, instructor, and host. You can find her traveling throughout the state providing professional development workshops for school districts, educational storytelling on the Gullah-Geechee people of the Sea Islands of Charleston (Island Gal) or serving as an emcee for special events. She believes in taking a holistic approach to engage and empower WILLING people to reach their fullest potential. Gervonder firmly believes that walking out God’s plan for your life, produces supernatural results!

Gervonder is employed in Fairfield County School District where she juggles many roles - Executive Assistant to the Superintendent of Schools of Fairfield County, Board Clerk to the Fairfield County School District’s Board of Trustee, and District Convocation Host. She is also an active member and past President of the Fairfield County AEOP, SC Association of Educational Office Professionals (former Area 6 Director, Mentoring Chair and currently serves as President-Elect), and the National Association of Educational Office Professionals (NAEOP). She is also a member of the SC Dance Association where she serves as a clinician in African and Latin dance.

Gervonder holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and minors in Dance and Social Science from Winthrop University (1998) and is a 2013 graduate of Full Gospel School of Ministry. She speaks, reads, and interprets two languages: Spanish and Gullah.

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Executive Board SCWHE is a 501(c)(6) organization and a partner of The American Council on Education’s (ACE) Inclusive Excellence Group, which provides the national direction for women’s leadership development and career advancement. We offer exceptionally valuable professional development opportunities to promising women employed in our higher education institutions. For over 17 years, our network has used a model created by ACE to provide opportunities for professional development and networking. Our conference is open to all women working in higher education in the state of South Carolina.

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Honorary Members

Advisory Board

Former Board Members

*Institutional Affiliation at Time of Appointment**

Dr. Sally Boyd

Dr. Elizabeth Davis

University of South Carolina – Columbia

President Furman University

Dr. Willette Burnham Medical University of South Carolina

Dr. Susan Elkins

Dr. Siobhan Craft Brownson

Chancellor Palmetto College

Winthrop University

Dr. Natalie Harder

Greenville Technical College

President Coker University

Dr. Karen Gainey

Dr. Jeff Perez

Lisa Mangione

President and CEO SC Independent Colleges and Universities

Limestone College

Dr. Mary Holloway

Dr. Ronald Rhames

Midlands Technical College

President Midlands Technical College

Dr. Terrie Smith University of South Carolina

Dr. Walter A. Tobin President Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College

Charmaine Tomczyk Coastal Carolina University

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Scholarship Recipients The South Carolina Women in Higher Education (SCWHE) Annual Conference Scholarship is awarded to women graduate students and new professionals in the field of higher education (3 years or less). Applicants’ responses to a short essay are evaluated by a committee of SCWHE board members.

Felisha Booker

Brandi Lipovsky

Nursing Instructor & Doctoral Student Greenville Technical College

Physical Therapist Assistant Program Coordinator & Graduate Student Greenville Technical College

Paula Foster

Faith Rush

Assistant Registrar Sherman College of Chiropractic

TRiO Academic Counselor Winthrop University

Rene George English Instructor Greenville Technical College

Na’Diazia Whatley

Samya Gilchrist

Administrative Assistant for Student Affairs and Athletics & Graduate Student Voorhees University

Assistant Director Student Support Center The Citadel

Debra Workman

Breana Jones

Adjunct Math Professor Greenville Technical College

Admissions Counselor University of South Carolina Lancaster

Therese Lapierre Graduate Student Voorhees University

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Platinum-Level Sponsor $3000 and above

Ready to improve your K-12 education system? Contact the Center for Strategic Leadership and Organizational Coherence today to learn more about our innovative solutions and expert guidance.

Who We Are The mission of The Center for Strategic Leadership and Organizational Coherence (CSL) is to build the capacity of teacher, school, and district leaders to create and sustain equity-driven systems that foster student flourishing, deep learning, and high student achievement.

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Platinum-Level Sponsor $3000 and above

Who We Are EduShift, Inc., a grant writing, research and evaluation organization, is an experienced and successful consulting firm that has helped rural, suburban and urban school districts (including charter schools) across the nation secure federal, state and private funding for education initiatives. Program expertise includes developing and evaluating student academic enrichment, social/behavioral intervention, professional development, school restructuring and community-based outreach efforts that improve the quality, diversity and capacity of preK–12 programming. EduShift specializes in working with low-performing and/or highneeds school districts serving impoverished, at-risk communities that lack the capacity to prepare, submit and evaluate complex, multi-year projects. Combined, the EduShift team offers more than 35 years of grant writing and evaluation experience and total funds awarded to EduShift applications exceed $90,000,000 since 2003. In addition to grants consulting expertise, EduShift has facilitated school district access to world-class education partners, including active grants linking schools with the Smithsonian Institution, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, Cornell University, University of Michigan and diverse regional and local organizations.

edushift.org

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Platinum-Level Sponsor $3000 and above

Center of Excellence for Educator Preparation and Innovation

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Silver-Level Sponsors $500 to $1499

DISCOVERY EDUCATION

Bronze-Level Sponsor up to $499

Fulbright Scholar Program – Institute of International Education

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Silent Auction Electronic Bid Payment

We are pleased to announce that the proceeds from the silent auction will go directly towards funding scholarships for women in higher education at colleges and universities throughout South Carolina. Your contributions will make a tangible difference, providing recipients with opportunities for professional growth. Invest in the professional development of a new professional. Bid often. Donate big! *Auction winners using an electronic payment method are responsible for paying the total amount for their bid and Eventbrite transaction charges. . #ABETTERYOU - 11

Institutional Representatives (IRs) IRs are women volunteers at educational institutions across the state who actively promote the mission and goals of SCWHE among their institutions. All women on your campus may join and participate in SCWHE activities. The IR is the point of contact to ensure the women on campus remain informed about events and engage with their colleagues across South Carolina in professional and personal learning opportunities.

College and University Aiken Technical College Anderson University Charleston School of Law Charleston Southern University Claflin University Clemson University Clinton College Coastal Carolina University Coker University College of Charleston Columbia College Columbia International University Converse University Denmark Technical College Denmark Technical College Francis Marion University Furman University Greenville Technical College Horry-Georgetown Technical College Lander University Limestone College Limestone College Midlands Technical College Morris College Newberry College Northeastern Technical College Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College Piedmont Technical College Presbyterian College SC Commission of Higher Education SC Technical College System Sherman College of Chiropractic Spartanburg Community College Spartanburg Methodist College Technical College of the Lowcountry The Citadel, The Military College of S.C.

Institutional Representative Shakailah C. Heard Robyn Sanderson Margaret Lawton Emily Thomas Cletra Peters Leslie Lewis Archinya Ingram Emma Howes Angela Gallo Kristen McMullen Tywana Chenault Hemby Amy Dubois Tammy Stokes Sasha Johnson-Coleman Tia Wright-Richards Elizabeth Shefton Sharen Beaulieu Carolyn Watkins Jackie Snyder Tammie Mallory Pennie Darwin Angela Williams Doretha Glymph Deloris McBride Sara Peters Lauren Odoms Faith McCurry Alesia Brown Selena Blair Argentini Andersen DeBorah White LaShanda Hutto Harris Leila McKinney Julie Landford Francine Marz Leah Schonfeld #ABETTERYOU - 12

College and University Tri-County Technical College Trident Technical College USC Beaufort USC Columbia USC Lancaster USC School of Medicine Greenville USC Sumter USC Union Voorhees University Williamsburg Technical College Winthrop University Wofford College York Technical College

Institutional Representative Jacquelyn Blakely Karen Wrighten Karen Neese Julia Bellon Tracey Mobley Chavous Lacey Cooper Kristina Grob Christine Rinehart Wanja Montgomery Gayle Tremble LeAnn Pounds Begoña Caballero-García Ayanna McClurkin

Conference Evaluation We kindly ask you to take a few minutes to complete our conference evaluation survey. Your responses will help us understand your experience and ensure that future SCWHE events and programs meet your needs and expectations. http://tinyurl.com/SCWHE2024

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Notes

Dear 2024 Annual Conference Attendees: Your support of South Carolina Women in Higher Education is deeply appreciated. We value the opportunity to serve you and look forward to your participation in future SCWHE events.

Congratulations to our scholarship and award recipients. Your recognition today is well deserved. It is our honor to acknowledge and support you.

I also want to send out a round of thanks to a group of invaluable contributors.

• Thank you to our Sponsors whose sponsorship dollars allow SCWHE to provide invaluable support to graduate students and new professionals in education.

• Thank you to our speakers and presenters, Holly Hayes, Matteel Knowles, George Abraham, and G. Ronnette Brown, for sharing your knowledge and insights.

• Thank you to Mauricio Richardson of Pressmark LLC for providing professional photography services.

I extend a special thanks to the SCWHE Annual Conference Committee and Executive Board members: LaNae’, Paige, Doretha, Jackie, Melissia, Devetta, Leila, Kandy, Susan, Evelyn, and Leah. Each of these women generously donate their time and talents in continuous service to the women of South Carolina. It is my honor to serve alongside each of you.

Sincerely,

Dr. Tondaleya G. Jackson President and State Chair South Carolina Women in Higher Education