50881 wiley reporter 2016

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Summer/Fall 2016

Wiley College Broadens Pathways To Success!

Lilly Endowment and UNCF award Wiley College Career Pathways Initiative Planning Grant

PLUS:

Student Success Academy helps students stay on track Cultivating New Voices -

Nate Parker Summer Film Institute launched at Wiley College A Cappella Choir Shares Music Ministry in Hollywood!

Commencement 2016 Renovations to Fred T. Long Student Union Building Near Completion

The President’s Message Our students are on a journey to success!

As Wiley College enters a new academic year of offering students an exceptional higher education, I must share that I remain humbled by the privilege to serve as president of this fine institution.

Every day at Wiley, I work with a committed team of educators, administrators, and support staff who share my vision to uphold the College’s legacy of excellence by training and producing graduates, who, like their predecessors, will go on to compete, lead, and achieve in the workforce, manage life’s challenges, and love and serve God by contributing to the betterment of their communities.

Yes, we expect much from our graduates. Our expectations are high. However, as alumni and dear friends of Wiley know, and as many others will learn by reading the stories and highlights in this magazine, we strive to equip our students to succeed by ensuring they receive a whole, multidimensional education and college experience inclusive of academic instruction by skilled, knowledgeable faculty; support and intrusive advisement to help them stay on track in their studies; and access to co-curricular programs that enhance their spiritual growth, develop their leadership abilities, and provide them opportunities to use and develop all their talents and gifts.

I am hopeful that you will enjoy this edition of The Wiley Reporter; it is bursting at the seams with news and updates that will fill you with pride and leave you well stocked with brags to share about our Dear Ole Wiley. The accomplishments listed inside are many, and I know they will uplift and inspire you to visit us soon!

And when you do, take a tour of the campus, talk to our professors, have lunch with our students, and attend chapel. Stay connected to your campus community!

Finally, as I always close, when you finish reading this magazine, please pass it on so that others may learn more about this jewel called Wiley College.

Warm Regards,

Haywood L. Strickland, President and CEO

Mission Statement Wiley College, founded in 1873 in Marshall, Texas, is a historically black, primarily liberal arts, residential, co-educational, baccalaureate degreegranting institution affiliated with The United Methodist Church.

Committed to the principle of educational access, the College serves traditional and non-traditional students from diverse backgrounds who have expressed a desire and potential for learning in a Christian environment. The College, in fulfilling its basic purpose of providing a liberal arts education with a global focus, endeavors to provide an intellectually stimulating environment, promoting student competencies in communication, as well as, critical and analytical thinking. The College also supports spiritual, ethical, moral, and leadership development. To achieve these superordinate goals, the College promotes an atmosphere of academic freedom and employs a faculty committed to excellence and innovation in teaching, advising, and scholarship. The faculty provides a rigorous curriculum for preparing graduates for professional or graduate studies and/ or productive careers in traditional and emerging career fields.

Wiley College is committed to shared governance and exemplary stewardship of its resources. The College employs innovative techniques and strategic planning in all its administrative processes, using cutting-edge technology in the delivery of services to its clientele. Acknowledging its covenant relationship with The United Methodist Church, the College affirms the ideal of social responsibility and seeks to contribute to the welfare and revitalization of its community.

(Approved by the Wiley College Board of Trustees July 15, 2011.)

CONTENTS “The only way to effectively inspire people to change for the better is to show a normal day in the lives of people of color,” said Dayla Williams, left, a student at the Baltimore Leadership School for Young Women, who, along with Kenya Cummins, right, a freshman at Hampton University, took part in the Nate Parker Summer Film Institute in July on Wiley’s campus.

Features

2 Up Front – Nate Parker Summer Film Institute Launched at Wiley College 4 A Cappella Choir shares music ministry in Hollywood 5 Debate Team Keeps Eyes on Prize, Claims National Championship 12 Wiley’s Student Success Academy helps students stay on track to achieve their goals

15 Wiley College is among 30 institutions that received a UNCF planning grant to improve student outcomes 16 Commencement 2016 – Wiley College graduates largest class ever 30 Alumni Spotlight – The Rev. Leonardo Haro –“Wiley is where God sent me for a purpose.”

Departments

4 Campus News 10 Affairs 20 Sports 22 My Wiley 23 Alumni News and Notes

On The Cover: Wiley Wildcats pictured on the cover are Cecilia Silas of Chihuahua, Mexico; Anthony Dockery of Memphis, Tennessee; Kayla Greene of Port Arthur, Texas; Jarome Valentine of Dallas; Kametrice Gray (Miss Junior) of Dallas; and Taylor Cooper(Miss National UNCF) of Marshall, Texas.

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UP FRONT

“We need more people of color working in film today - in front of and behind the camera,....

The first step toward making this a reality is to open the doors of opportunity to young people, empowering them with the skills they will need and inspiring them to pursue their passion.” -Nate Parker

Nate Parker Summer Film Institute Launched at Wiley College Nate Parker Foundation and Wiley College host 10-day seminar to promote diversity in the film industry.

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ith 31 black rising high school seniors and college students from across the country in attendance, Wiley College and the Nate Parker Foundation successfully kicked off and carried out the inaugural Nate Parker Summer Film Institute on Wiley’s campus in July. The 10-day seminar, hosted by acclaimed director, actor and Wiley board trustee Nate Parker, was launched to promote African-American representation in the film industry.

The Institute’s mission is dedicated to transforming the film industry by increasing representation of minority filmmakers through education, hands-on training, and leadership skills.

The industry’s lack of diversity is well-documented with a report issued earlier this year by UCLA finding that minorities are underrepresented by nearly every metric examined, including in the number of film leads, directors, and writers.

“We need more people of color working in film today – in front of and behind the camera,” said Nate Parker. “Transforming

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the industry to look more like America won’t just benefit those individuals. It will benefit the communities they come from and the industry itself. The first step toward making this a reality is to open the doors of opportunity to young people, empowering them with the skills they will need and inspiring them to pursue their passion.”

The students, chosen based on essays and short stories they submitted addressing the lack of diversity in film, are poets, photographers, writers, directors and actors. During the seminar, they attended courses in screenwriting, acting, and editing, as well as the history of minority filmmaking. At the end of the institute, the students hosted a red carpet premiere of “Stain,” a short film they wrote and directed during the course of the seminar.

More than a dozen notable guest lecturers taught, mentored, and worked alongside students during the institute, including: Radha Blank, a playwright and writer for the FOX show Empire; Emir Lewis, an Emmy-nominated producer and editor; Qasim “Q” Basir, an award-winning filmmaker; Cary Anderson, an acclaimed

Students get firsthand knowledge from Nate Parker and filmmaker Qasim “Q” Basir.

Students learn how to master the shots with cinematographer Kay Madison.

acting coach; Monika Watkins, documentary filmmaker; Kimberly Boehm, scholar of African-American and 20th-century U.S. history; and Brian Favors, co-founder of Sankofa Community Empowerment.

The students’ feedback on their learning experience has been positive.

Aspiring documentary filmmaker Shawn Antoine said the film industry presents white actors in a broad range of roles, while limiting black actors to portraying stereotypical roles. “Many of the shows starring actors of African descent show them being violent or out of control,” said the University of Rhode Island student. “t’s time we tell our stories from our perspective.”

University of Houston graduate Anjola Coker shared that attending the institute has made her more confident in her abilities as a writer. “I leave more prepared

Student film producers are pictured on set for their short piece, “STAIN.”

to write and create stories that reclaim the narrative,” said the spoken word poet. “No more excuses.”

The students’ words have been motivational and a guiding light to the Nate Parker Foundation and Wiley College as they anticipate feedback from new and returning Wiley students who have elected to pursue a bachelor’s degree in its Interdisciplinary Studies program, which now has Film, Theatre, and Drama as an area of focus. The inaugural summer institute was a pilot for the fall program; however, the institute will continue each summer.

And forthcoming on Wiley’s campus is the Nate Parker School of Film, Theatre, and Drama.

Nate Parker and Wiley’s President, Dr. Haywood L. Strickland, have envisioned that Wiley College will develop a reputation of cultivating new voices in the film industry.

“Wiley College has a rich history and legacy of producing some of the world’s leading contributors in the fields of education, science, business, and government,” said Dr. Strickland. “Now, with the launching of the Nate Parker Summer Film Institute, and the forthcoming launch of our film program, the College will produce the next generation of filmmakers telling stories steeped in African-American history, culture, experiences and beyond.”

Parker announced his plans and partnership with Wiley to launch the summer film institute, fall program and the film school at a gala on campus in March during the school’s Founders Observance.

Parker’s relationship with Wiley College began ten years ago when he appeared in “The Great Debaters,” a 2007 film based on the 1930s Wiley debate teams that went undefeated for ten years in championship competitions. Most recently, the Wiley College A Cappella Choir provided music for the film “The Birth of a Nation”– Parker’s directorial debut – which won the Audience Award and the Grand Jury Prize at this year’s Sundance Film Festival.

The Nate Parker Foundation leverages film and philanthropy to transform the quality of Black lives through education, cultural enrichment, social justice, and economic empowerment.

Nate Parker and film student Anjola Coker

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CAMPUS NEWS A Cappella Choir of Wiley College records music for ‘The Birth of a Nation’ Soundtrack, sings at Hollywood Premiere

The A Cappella Choir of Wiley College is pictured with actor, director Nate Parker and Mr. Stephen L. Hayes, center, at the recording session on campus last fall for the movie, “The Birth of a Nation.”

BY TAMMY TAYLOR

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graduate Lewis Keys, who sang the melody in Wiley’s choir during his four years at the College.

Under the baton of its artistic director , Stephen L. Hayes, who is an assistant professor of music at Wiley, the choir spent two days in November in the College’s chapel recording the scene and atmospheric music for the movie, including the hauntingly moving melody “I Couldn’t Hear Nobody Pray.”

Hayes said Keys and all members of the choir felt privileged to record music for the movie and sing at the movie’s premiere.

“My students relished the opportunity to use their musical gifts and talents to help tell the story in this movie,” he said.

This summer, Wiley’s choir recorded the background music for the song “Stand,” which was recorded by the artist Trey Sonz for the movie’s soundtrack. And in May, the choir traveled to Portland, Oregon, to perform at the General Conference of The United Methodist Church.

ith its most recent accomplishments including recording music for actor Nate Parker’s directorial debut film“ The Birth of a Nation,” and the movie’s soundtrack, which was recently released by Atlantic Records, as well as singing at the movie’s Hollywood premiere in September, the A Cappella Choir of Wiley College continues to share its music ministry around our country and the world.

Arranged by Hayes, “I Couldn’t Hear Nobody Pray,” is a piece the choir regularly performs and is highly requested to perform. Singing it for the movie and at its Hollywood premiere was Wiley 2012 4 The Wiley Reporter

“It was an honor to come back to my alma mater to record the song for this very important project,” he said. “ And what a humbling experience it is to know that this song, that I began singing as an 18-year-old kid at Wiley, will now be heard in theatres everywhere this movie plays. I am humbled and I am thankful.”

Lewis Keys ‘12, center, is pictured with Nate Parker and choir at the recording session.

Other major recent accomplishments by the A Cappella Choir under Hayes’ leadership include traveling to Japan in 2014 to perform at the International Association of Methodist-related Schools, Colleges, and Universities conference in Hiroshima; performing at the White House 2011 and 2013; performing in concert with Grammy-winning artist Rita Coolidge in 2011; and contributing music to the soundtrack for the film “The Great Debaters” in 2007. The choir has also recently received offers to sing in Africa, Brazil, and Australia.

“The Birth of a Nation,” tells the story of Nat Turner’s slave rebellion in Southampton County, Virginia, in 1831.

The movie won the Audience Award and the Grand Jury Prize at this year’s Sundance Film Festival and was acquired by Fox Searchlight for $17.5 million, the largest purchase in Sundance history.

Wiley Debate Team Keeps Eyes On Prize, Claims National Championship The Melvin B. Tolson/Denzel Washington Forensics Society wins Overall Sweepstakes, Individual Events Championships at 103rd Pi Kappa Delta National Comprehensive Tournament

Wiley debators Dominick Taylor, Eric Robinson, Ernest Mack, Marcus Rembert, Austin Ashford, Benjamin Turner, Rachel Garnett and Drake Pugh celebrate their team’s victory at the Pi Kappa Delta National Comprehensive Tournament in March at the University of Kentucky.

BY TAMMY TAYLOR

The Melvin B. Tolson/Denzel Washington Forensics Society, also known as the Great Debaters of Wiley College, has won the Overall Sweepstakes Championship and Individual Events Sweepstakes Championship at the 103rd Pi Kappa Delta National Comprehensive Tournament, which was held March 16-20 at the University of Kentucky in Lexington, Kentucky. Wiley’s team competed against 86 schools with a total of 2,400 entries, to emerge as champions.

The team arrived at the tournament as the 2014 Overall Sweepstakes Champions, and now has twice claimed this national title. Similar to the humility these achievers displayed after their first win in 2014, the team and its debate coach, Christopher Medina, paid homage to Dr. Melvin B. Tolson( the highly

regarded English professor and debate coach) and his Wiley College debaters of the early 1900s, who despite having traveled the country competing in debates and compiling an almost perfect record of winning, were not allowed to compete in the prestigious Pi Kappa Delta Tournament. Dr. Tolson and his teams’ accomplishments were the subject of the 2007 movie “The Great Debaters,” which was directed by actor Denzel Washington, who also starred in the film as Tolson. “We stand on the shoulders of greatness,” said Medina.

In related news, the Texas Historical Commission has awarded Wiley College a historical marker in recognition of the achievements of Professor Tolson. A ceremony to officially unveil the marker was held in March on Wiley’s campus (see page 7). wileyc.edu/KBWC 91.1 FM

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Renovations to Fred T. Long Student Union Building near completion

Wiley College wins $30 K Campus Pride Grant from Home Depot Wiley College earned one of the top prizes - a $30,000 Campus Pride Grant- in Home Depot’s 2016 Retool Your School Campus Improvements voting competition for historically black colleges and universities(HBCU). Three clusters of schools, which were formed based on the student population on each campus, participated in the contest. Wiley’s award is the second place prize in the cluster of schools with student populations of 1,200 or less. Le-Moyne Owens College of Memphis, Tennessee, won the third place prize of $20,000 in Wiley’s cluster, and Lane College of Jackson, Tennessee, won the first place prize of $50, 000 in Wiley’s cluster. The grant money will fund lower level renovations in the Fred L. Long Student Union building.

BY TAMMY TAYLOR

Renovations to the Fred T. Long Student Union Building have resumed and will continue through most of the fall term, and will end with the dedication and consecration of the building on November 4 during the 2016 Homecoming celebration.

Improvements to the facility include an overall facelift and modernization of the building’s façade and expansion of the main level dining hall to accommodate 700 students. And to the delight of students, the dining hall and kitchen will be the first spaces to re-open in the building. During the renovation, students have dined in the student café in the Wiley Pemberton Complex.

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Improvements to the lower level of the student union, which is the hub of student activities, include the repainting of all areas and the addition of new chairs and tables in the game room, TV room, snack area, and meeting spaces.

There will be additions to the building as well, including a mini-mart with snacks, sandwiches, and drinks, and an ATM machine.

Outside the facility, the construction fence has been removed and regrading, seeding and landscaping have begun.

The renovation of the student union is Phase Two of a $24 million construction

and facilities improvement project that included the construction the Haywood L. Strickland Living Learning Center, a 500-bed state-of-the-art student residence hall that opened in fall 2012. Lower level improvements will be funded by the $30,000 Retool Your School Campus Pride Grant the College received from Home Depot in the spring(see box).

The student union is named for Coach Fred T. Long, who for many years produced championship football teams at the College.

As construction continues, stay up to date by checking our Facebook and Twitter pages, as well as our website.

Texas Historical Commission honors contributions of Wiley Greats with historical markers

BY TAMMY TAYLOR

The Texas Historical Commission recognized the significance and contributions to Texas history of Wiley College’s seventh President, Dr. Matthew W. Dogan , and Wiley professors H. B. Pemberton and Melvin B. Tolson by awarding three official Texas Historical Markers in their honor.

A dedication ceremony to commemorate the installment of the historical markers on Wiley’s campus was held during Founders Week in March in the Julius S. Scott Sr. Chapel. Replicas of the historical markers were unveiled during the ceremony.

Speakers during the event included Wiley College President Haywood L. Strickland; Mr. Thomas Speir, chairman, Harrison County Historical Commission; Mr. Anthony Crosby, chairman, Historical Landmark Preservation Board; Mr. Eric Neal, Mayor, City of Marshall; Mrs. Charles Wilson, a Wiley alumnus and President, Mashall-area NAACP; and Mr. Nolan Anderson Jr., President, Wiley College National Alumni Association. Wiley College trustees Dr. Robert McGee, an alumnus of the College who serves as pastor of Trinity United Methodist Church in Houston gave the prayer of consecration, and Wiley trustee R. Foppe Hodge Sr. did the unveiling of the markers. Mr. O. Ivan White, Director of Administrative Services at Wiley, presided over the ceremony.

Residents of Dogan Hall share their pride with a smile as they stand before the historical marker that has been installed in front of their residence hall in tribute to Dr. Matthew W. Dogan. In photo from left are Dedrionna Lewis, Arial Massey, Akionna Lewis, Taylor Perry, and Shakikka Armstrong.

In photo, Mr. Nolan Anderson Jr., Mrs. Karen Helton, D r. H a y w o o d L .

Strickland, Wiley trustee Richard Foppe Hodge Sr. and Mr. Thomas Speir unveil the replica of the historical marker f o r D r. M a t t h e w W. Dogan, Wiley’s longest serving President.

Members of H. B. Pemberton’s family are pictured with the replica of the historical marker for Dr. H. B. Pemberton.

Clockwise from top left are Ms. Ejean Pemberton Jones, her nephew Bryon Williams, her son Nicholas Charles Jones, and Ms. Edna Pemberton.

Dr. Haywood L. Strickland and Wiley board trustee Nate Parker stand beside replica of historical marker for Dr. Melvin B. Tolson.

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Tom Joyner names Wildcat Nation February’s ‘School of the Month’ Wiley College had the honor in February to join forces with the venerable radio giant and HBCU advocate Tom Joyner and the Tom Joyner Foundation to raise $44,000 for Wiley College as the foundation’s “School of the Month.” As a featured school of the month, the College showcased its academic programs, history, facts, accomplishments, and achievements on the “Tom Joyner Morning Show,” a nationally syndicated radio show that airs each weekday in 115 markets and boasts nearly eight million listeners. Each day the show

Tom Joyner

encouraged its listeners, Wiley alumni, and friends of the school to support Wiley by making a donation.

A major component of Wiley’s School of the Month honors was the naming of five male students as Hercules Scholars, who each received a $1,500 scholarship, shared their stories on the foundation’s website, and heard their names announced live on the Tom Joyner Morning Show.

And thanks to the foundation’s partnership with Toyota, four more students each received a $2,000 scholarship from the automotive giant.

The School of the Month Program is the signature program of the Tom Joyner Foundation. Each year, the foundation selects 11 historically black colleges and universities to elevate their visibility “to assist these institutions in broadening and strengthening their efforts to raise money” and to increase students’ awareness of HBCUs as viable choices for their higher education.

Meet our Hercules Scholars!

The Tom Joyner Foundation awarded scholarships to five students who are achieving excellence in academics Justice Brown of Sugarland, TX With a 3.8 grade point average, Justice Brown is a student who puts his studies first.

This biology major still finds time, however, to mentor students at a local middle school and play on the Wiley College baseball team.

CAREER GOAL: My career goals after completing school include becoming a pediatric nurse at the Children’s hospital in Houston.

Justice Brown

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During the day I focus on my studies, and then I’m off to baseball practice. My work in the classroom and on the baseball field takes up most of my day, but once a week I go to Sam Houston Middle School and mentor a student there.

Ruben Hancock of Stafford, TX An academically strong student majoring in biology, Ruben focuses most of his time on his studies; however, he still finds time for cocurricular activities and community service.

CAREER GOAL:

I’M MOST INFLUENCED BY:

After I complete my studies, I plan to become a nurse practitioner or an oncology nurse.

My mom. She is a single parent raising two boys. There has never been a time where I didn’t have food or didn’t have the things I needed for school. She is the hardest working person I know.

THE MOTTO I LIVE BY: My whole life, I have been in sports, so it would only make sense that my motto to live by was said by one of the greatest coaches of all time, Vince Lombardi.

“Winners never quit, and quitters never win.”

Ruben Hancock

I’M MOST INFLUENCED BY:

My parents and my little sister are the most influential people in my life.

They have been by my side every step of the way. They have put me on the right track to succeed in life and for that I am thankful.

THE MOTTO I LIVE BY: “Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.”

Adam McClelland-Orr of Detroit, MI Senior Adam McClelland-Orr is a musician who plans to pursue a career path that will allow him to combine his love for music with his skills and experience in computer information technology.

CAREER GOAL: I am completely infatuated with music and I was blessed enough to attend Wiley College on a full-ride music scholarship to play the tuba and piano for various music programs and organizations on campus, including the A Cappella Choir and the Department of Music.

I am majoring in Computer Information Systems and my career goals include pursuing a career as an audio engineer and composer.

I’M MOST INFLUENCED BY: Every person that I come across. I am a keen observer, and I absorb knowledge from people who can help me grow, and discard what I learn from negative influences.

THE MOTTO I LIVE BY: I didn’t have a motto until my Dad passed away last November. Going through every picture and memory that we shared made me think of how he lived his life. He never gave up, even when facing adversity, even when he was exhausted. He is my hero.

So, that is my motto, “Never give up.”

I want every future student at Wiley to have a hundred times the experience that I had. I refuse to not do my part to ensure my HBCU lives for another 143 years.

Joseph Stevens Jr. of Port Arthur, Texas Because of his academic achievements, volunteerism, and involvement in campus life, Joseph Stevens Jr. is ranked one of the top 50 male students at Wiley College. He is a senior who plans to meld community service with his career goals in business administration.

CAREER GOAL: My career goals include becoming a CEO at a Fortune 500 company.

My ultimate goal in life is to build a Boys and Girls Club in Port Arthur to give scholarships to high school seniors, and become Mayor of Port Arthur.

I’M MOST INFLUENCED BY: My parents. They taught me morals and values that only children of God could, such as how to pray, how to treat a lady, and how to go for what you want in life.

What I most admire about my parents is their nonstop desire to encourage people to learn more about Jesus Christ. Even after my father had a stroke and was unable to return to work, he and my mom never let that get them down, and I truly admire them for that.

THE MOTTO I LIVE BY: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13 Russell Jones of Cap-De-Ville-Fortin, Trinidad Russell Jones is a high-acheiving senior who lives by a powerful cause and effect motto.

Focused on his career plans in International Business, he has crafted his involvement in co-curricular activities to help him excel in achieving his goals.

CAREER GOAL:

After graduating from Wiley College, I plan to work in the field of Consulting or Management while furthering my education and experience in the field before I go on to start my own International Consulting Firm.

I’m an active member in Delta Mu Delta International Honor Society (Business), National Association of Black Accountants (NABA), the International Club, and the Student Government Association.

I’M MOST INFLUENCED BY: My parents.

THE MOTTO I LIVE BY:

If you don’t sacrifice for what you want, what you want becomes the sacrifice.

When I finish school and begin to pursue my career, I will apply my motto. It will lead me to success.

And with that success, I will support my hometown and my alma mater.

Adam M. Orr

Joseph Stevens

Russell Jones

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AFFAIRSAcademic • Faculty • Staff Wiley junior Andre Earls named 2016 White House HBCU All-Star The White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (WHIHBCUs) has named Wiley junior Andre J. Earls a 2016 HBCU All-Star. Mr. Earls is among 73 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students selected to be HBCU-All stars from a pool of more than 300 applicants from 24 states, the District of Columbia, Ghana, Nigeria, and the Virgin Islands. Students were selected based on their accomplishments in academics, leadership, and civic engagement. As an HBCU All-Star, Earls will serve as an ambassador of the WHIHBCU by providing outreach and communication with fellow students about the value of education and the role of the initiative as a networking resource.

“During the course of one academic school year, the 73 All-Stars will distinguish themselves as exemplars of the talent that HBCUs cultivate and as noble ambassadors of their respective institutions,” said U.S. Secretary of Education John B. King Jr. “The Initiative is looking forward to working with this third class of All-Stars and is confident this opportunity will allow the Initiative to meaningfully connect with HBCU students and advance academic excellence at their schools.”

Wiley’s HBCU All-Star is a mass communications major from Norwalk, Connecticut. He is an excellent student, and he is actively engaged in campus life and community activities.

Earls is a member of Wiley’s speech and debate team,the Melvin B. Tolson/Denzel Washington Forensics Society, and he is also a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity. He is excited about the opportunity to serve as an ambassador promoting Wiley College and the high quality of education students receive at HBCUs. He is thankful to his mentor for this project, Wiley faculty member Dr. Jane Munksgaard, for recommending that he apply to serve as an HBCU All-Star.

As an HBCU All-Star, Earls will participate in national and regional events with Initiative staff and other professionals on a range of disciplines that support a spirit of engagement and personal and professional development.

Wiley College is very proud of this shining star and extends him all the best as he embarks on a new school year and begins his service as an HBCU All-Star!

Wiley senior Nateisha Choice elected to White House HBCU All-Star Alumni Executive Board The White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities(WHIHBCU) has elected Wiley senior Nateisha Choice to the Executive Board of the HBCU All-Star Alumni Association. Choice, who was Wiley’s first White House HBCU All-Star(2015), was elected to the executive board as the executive secretary. She will serve in this role for two years. A criminal justice major, Choice is planning to attend law school after graduating from Wiley College. Wiley College congratulates Miss Choice on her new appointment!

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First Lady of South Africa visits Wiley College

BY TAMMY TAYLOR

The first lady of the Republic of South Africa, Madam Gloria Bongi Ngema-Zuma, visited Wiley College in February to raise awareness about diabetes and the importance of early diagnosis and the adoption of healthful practices that can prevent the onset of the disease. Speaking at Wiley as a guest of its Distinguished Lecture Series, Madam Zuma told students, faculty, and staff to ask for a diabetes screening during physical exams, exercise regularly, eat healthfully, and control portion sizes.

According to the International Diabetes Federation 2015 Atlas, 415 million adults worldwide are living with diabetes, and 75 percent of those adults live in developing countries. The World Health Organization estimated that in 2012, 1.5 million deaths were directly caused by diabetes.

Madam Zuma started the Bongi Ngema-Zuma Foundation in 2010 to help lower these staggering numbers.The goal of the foundation is to see a South Africa where diabetes ceases to be a killer due to lack of awareness.

“We have to roll up our sleeves and help each other,” said Madam Zuma. “Working together, we can win the struggle to combat the toll the disease has taken on the world.”

Madam Gloria Bongi Ngema-Zuma and Wiley’s reigning Miss National UNCF, Taylor Cooper, are pictured in the Thomas W. Cole Library after Madam Zuma’s lecture.

Wiley College and student organizations made donations to Madam Zuma during her visit to support her work. To find out how you can help globally and locally, visit the foundation’s website at bnzfoundation.org.za Madam Zuma visited East Texas as a guest of Jarvis Christian College in Hawkins, Texas.

Geneva Reed –Veal: ‘ Do not give anyone an excuse to stop you’ Mother of Sandra Bland discusses with Wiley students her quest for truth, justice

BY TAMMY TAYLOR

Dr. Tracy Andrus, far right, and the Lee P. Brown Criminal Justice Institute hosted Reed-Veal’s visit to campus.

During a recent talk in the Julius S. Scott Chapel at Wiley, Geneva Reed-Veal was presented the street sign that will be installed in Prairie View, Texas, at the intersection where her daughter Sandra Bland was stopped by police for a traffic violation and, in the course of the stop, taken into custody. Three days later Bland was found dead in her jail cell; the death was classified as a suicide.

Since that time, Reed-Veal said she has been on a crusade to uncover the truth regarding her daughter’s passing. During her talk at Wiley, she told students that she is willing to accept what happened if she is presented with the proof.

While maintaining that her daughter, whom she affectionately calls “the 6-foot diva,” did nothing wrong, Reed-Veal encouraged students to ensure that their driver’s licenses are valid and that everything is in order when they drive.

“Do not give anyone an excuse to stop you,” she said.

Reed-Veal spoke at Wiley as part of the Lee P. Brown Criminal Justice Institute’s Criminal Justice Week activities.

The day after her talk, she traveled to Prairie View to take part in the official ceremony to install the Sandra Bland Parkway Street sign. wileyc.edu/KBWC 91.1 FM 11

Wiley’s Student Success Academy helps students stay on track to achieve their goals

Wiley junior Devin Grant is thriving at Wiley College thanks to her dedication and her involvement in the Student Success Academy. For the past two summers, she has received a $5,000 scholarship from the Anheuser-Bush/UNCF Leadership Scholars Program.

BY TAMMY TAYLOR

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evin Grant arrived at Wiley College in 2013 as a quiet and reserved freshman who earned modest grades. Now a junior at the College, she has come out of her shell and her grades have improved. Grant credits Wiley’s Student Success Academy and its Sophomore Year Experience Program(SYE) with helping her to make changes that have positively impacted her learning experiences.

“The Sophomore Year Experience program helped me to stay focused on my schoolwork,” said Grant. “It gave me a place to study and get my work done ahead of time and not procrastinate.”

An accounting major, Devin has a 3.6 grade point average, and she is a member of two honor societies - the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, and the 12 The Wiley Reporter

Delta Mu Delta International Honor Society in Business.

“She is thriving,” said Donza Stanley, manager of Wiley’s SYE program.

Stanley met Grant when the student transitioned from the academy’s program for freshmen and began participating in the SYE Program.

“Devin experienced growth her freshman year, and we took the torch and continued our journey with her in the SYE,” said Stanley.

Devin’s growth was so substantial that she applied for and was selected two consecutive years, as one of 30 students from around the country, to receive a $5,000 scholarship from the AnheuserBusch Legends of the Crown Leadership Scholarship Program. As part of the program, she attended workshops each summer at Anheuser-Busch’s St. Louis

Headquarters, where she and all the scholarship recipients participated in workshops on leadership development and career planning.

Stanley said she is proud to see how well Grant is doing. “We don’t put students in a box,” she said. “Each is unique. We customize our programs to meet the needs and goals of each student.”

Wiley’s Student Success Academy aims to impact the achievement of freshman and sophomore students through programs including intrusive advisement, close monitoring of performance, and strong components of support such as tutoring by academic coaches as soon as weak areas are detected.

“Our overall goal is to accomplish a rapid and lasting ‘culture change’ by helping students establish life management habits and successful study routines that will help

With all the expansion, the Academy outgrew its capability to serve all students in its limited space in the Wiley Pemberton Complex. A larger location for the academy was being renovated in Pemberton, but the intention was for the whole program to occupy the new space. Instead, the SYE program moved to the new digs.

Wiley students are pictured at the grand opening of the new space for the Student Success Academy’s Sophomore Year Experience Program.

them persist,” said Dr. Joseph L. Morale, Senior Vice President for Student Affairs and Retention Services at Wiley. “We expect our students to take part in study groups and learning communities and to take full advantage of all the academy’s programs.”

Morale said the academy nurtures the whole student, focusing on academic, spiritual, social and leadership development.

“The prize for focusing on all these areas is

seeing academically strong, engaged and successful students,” he said.

The Student Success Academy opened its doors in August 2013 to serve new freshmen. The first year’s statistics were so impressive that the College expanded the program to include a sophomore year component for 2014-2015.

“We are pleased by the numbers we are seeing,” said Morale. “During our first year, we saw an 81 percent return rate from fall to spring by our freshmen, representing a significant increase from our average retention over the last 10 years.”

And since opening the program, the fall to fall return rate for freshmen has increased from 60 percent matriculating to their sophomore year at Wiley in 2013, to 80 percent of freshmen matriculating to their sophomore year in 2015.

The Sophomore Year Experience Program saw similar numbers at the end of its first year - 93 percent of sophomores returned in spring 2015 to complete their second year of study at Wiley College.

These results led the Student Success Academy to expand its programs even more. Beginning last fall, all freshman and sophomore transfer students must also take part in the Academy’s offerings.

“We’re proud of what this growth represents for our students,” said Morale.

“We partner with our students to give them the opportunity to walk into the light, to stay in the light, and clearly see that they can accomplish their goal of successfully completing college and going on to competently pursue and achieve their career goals.”

Devin Grant is one such student walking and thriving in the light. And she has mapped out her plans for the present and near future - a member of Wiley’s undergraduate chapter of the National Association of Black Accountants, she is looking forward to attending graduate school after leaving Wiley and going on to sit for the exam to become a certified public accountant.

Posted on Grant’s Twitter page as a retweet is the following quote attributed to an unknown author: “Behind me is infinite power, before me is endless possibility, around me is boundless opportunity.”

Students get down to work in the Sophomore Year Experience Lab.

“We don’t put students in a box.

Each is unique.” - Donza Stanley

Donza Stanley, manager of the Sophomore Year Experience Program, helps Michael Sakala organize notes for a class project.

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Vice President for Academic Affairs serves on congressional panel to discuss role of HBCUs in 21st Century “When I was in school, I was a number; HBCUs focus on value added, meaning we know [our students’] names,” Dr. James told the congressional committee comprised of educational leaders from around the country. During the briefing, Dr. James also talked about Wiley’s new initiative with the federal government, the Second Chance Pell Grant program, which will allow Wiley to offer academic programs leading toward degrees to incarcerated individuals via an online portal. Wiley is one of 67 schools selected from a pool of more than 200 applicants to take part in the initiative.

Dr. Brian K. Bridges, Vice President of Research and Member Engagement for UNCF, also served on the panel. In comments Dr. Bridges released just before From left to right: Bill Mayew, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Duke the hearing, he spoke of the vital, unique role that these schools play in higher University’s Fuqua School of Business; Makola M. Abdullah, education for people of color and beyond. “HBCUs are more relevant now Ph.D., President, Virginia State University; Rep. Bobby Scott than ever before and UNCF is excited to be at the forefront of working with (D-VA), Ranking member of the House Education and Workforce Congressional leaders to ensure these historic institutions continue to have a Committee; Larry Walker, Ph.D., educational consultant and special place in the fabric of American history, culture and education, today author, HBCU Lifestyle; Gloria Pryor James, Ph.D., Provost and and in the future.”

Vice President for Academic Affairs, Wiley College; and Brian Bridges, Ph.D., Vice President of Research and Member Engagement, UNCF.

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ithin days of beginning her work in July as the new Vice President for Academic Affairs at Wiley College, Dr. Gloria Pryor James departed the campus to fly to Washington, D.C., to serve on a congressional panel to discuss what a UNCF news relief describes as the role of historically black colleges and universities(HBCUs) in the 21st century and the inequities that must be addressed to promote their longevity.

Dr. James and Dr. Bridges were joined on the panel by Dr. Makola M. Abdullah, President of Virginia State University; Dr. Bill Mayew, Associate Professor of Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business; Dr. Larry Walker, Educational Consultant and Author at online news outlet, HBCU Lifestyle; and Ms. Vashti Hinton, Congressional intern for Representative Adams’ office and student at North Carolina A T & T State University.

The panel discussion was part of a series of congressional briefings leading up to and in hopeful anticipation of the reauthorization the Higher Education Act (HEA) hosted by the Committee on Education and the Workforce – Democrats, the Congressional Black Caucus, the Congressional HBCU Caucus, and Congressman Keith Ellison.

Wiley freshmen take part in pre-College Summer program to boost math comprehension

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ourteen incoming freshmen spent 10 days on campus in July participating in Wiley’s pre-college summer math program, Math Matters! Funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), the program is designed to increase and enhance math comprehension among students who plan to pursue degrees in the fields of science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM).

Studies show that many students with an interest in working in STEM fields select other majors if they have difficulties in math courses. Math Matters aims to help students stay on track as STEM majors.

The Math Matters Camp is sponsored by the Wiley College STEM Program and the Division of Sciences. It is a major component of the division’s three-year grant from the NSF to help foster, develop, and retain students’ interest in studying in STEM fields.

This was the second summer for the Math Matters program.

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Freshmen Billy Moody, JaMarcus Alexander, and Justin Preston are pictured with math mentors Regina Moyana, a Wiley College Class of 2016 biology major who plans to attend medical school, and Denisha Peterson, a sophomore pre-nursing major at LSU-Shreveport.

Incoming Wiley freshmen who took part in Math Matters! are pictured with program director, Charlotte Edwards(first row, far right,) and math instructor Kess Hoard (second row, far right).

UNCF Awards planning grant to 30 institutions, including Wiley College, to improve job placement outcomes for graduates

UNCF’s investment in Wiley’s Career Pathways Model will bolster the academic program relevance facet of our mission and enhance our work to prepare our students to enter the workforce ready to compete, lead, and achieve.”

Wiley College and the 29 other institutions will be eligible to compete for a smaller number of implementation grants of $1 million to $1.5 million, to be announced this fall.

Wiley to take part in Second Chance Pell Grant Pilot Program Ms. Marcy J. Drummond, technical advisor for UNCF, speaks to Wiley’s faculty and staff about the UNCF Career Pathways Initiative.

Wiley College is among 30 institutions of higher learning that have been selected as planning grant awardees for UNCF’s new Career Pathways Initiative (CPI), a highly competitive grant process open to four-year historically black colleges and universities(HBCUs) and predominantly black institutions (PBIs) to help students gain the knowledge, preparation, insight and skills needed for meaningful employment upon graduation.

Lilly Endowment Inc. committed $50 million in October 2015 to launch the UNCF® Career Pathways Initiative to improve the job placement outcomes of graduates from HBCUs and PBIs. Institutions will employ various strategies to achieve this goal, including aligning curricula with local and national workforce needs, developing intentional career pathway options for students across their collegiate experience, and strengthening their career service operations.

“Wiley College is pleased to have been selected as a planning grant awardee for UNCF’s Career Pathways Initiative and to be eligible to compete for an implementation grant,” said Dr. Haywood L. Strickland, President and CEO of Wiley College.

“Aptly named ‘Your Career Starts Now,’ Wiley’s career pathways project will advance all of the CPI objectives and reap the desired outcomes for students. Benefits for students will be immeasurable,” said Dr. Strickland. “We are confident that

Wiley College was selected by the U.S. Department of Education as one of 67 colleges and universities that will provide postsecondary education to nearly 12,000 students in more than 100 state and federal prisons nationwide as part of the Second Chance Pell Grant Pilot program.

Wiley was selected to participate in the program out of more than 200 applicants in 48 states.

Working with three facilities in LouisianaSt. Gabriel Department of Corrections, Winnfield Correctional Center, and Madison Parish Detention Center- Wiley College will offer the Associate of Arts Degree, the Bachelor of Arts Degree, and the Bachelor of Business Administration Degree in disciplines such as Criminal Justice, Business Administration, Hospitality and Tourism Administration, Interdisciplinary Studies (various concentrations), and Sociology that are designed to be completed in two to four years, respectively.

Courses will be offered online via a portal and Wiley faculty and advisors will make periodic visits to the correctional facilities.

Wiley among seven colleges and universities to share $2.3 million grant to enhance college completion rates Wiley College has been selected to receive a grant from USA Funds to develop and apply data tools and campus-wide practices to enhance college completion rates and career readiness of its students. Wiley is one of seven colleges and universities tapped to share a $2.3 million grant prize to take part in USA Funds’ three-year

project targeting first-generation, lowincome students on minority-serving campuses. Wiley’s grant prize is $325,000.

Other institutions selected for the project are Harris-Stowe State University, Martin University, Miami Dade College, St. Thomas University, Salish Kootenai College, and Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi.

Wiley will use the grant funding to integrate data to track and intervene strategically to promote early college success, persistence, completion, and meaningful outcomes of graduates.

Lilly Endowment funds “Running with the Giants” Youth Theology Summit High School students explore their call to ministry during summer program

Thanks to a $204,000 three-year grant from the Lilly Endowment, Wiley College hosted its first Youth Theology Summit in July for high school students to explore questions about their faith and the moral dimensions of contemporary challenges that confront today’s teenagers. Called “Running with the Giants,” the summit, which is named for the John Maxwell book the students read for the program, gave students the unique opportunity to follow a scripture-based curriculum to study theology, examine how their faith calls them to lives of service, and strengthen their ways of thinking and feeling about the place and relevance of religion in their personal lives.

The summit was a two-week residential program provided at no cost to the participants. Wiley is one of 82 U.S. colleges and universities that received a grant from the Lilly Endowment to fund a youth theology summit. wileyc.edu/KBWC 91.1 FM 15

Commencement 2016 New Wiley College graduates Shaun Wilkins, Ethel Ajanga, Iryine Chelangat, and Nicholas Ward are all smiles on their special day!

Wiley College graduates largest class ever

BY TAMMY TAYLOR

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ith 237 students walking across the stage in the Alumni Gymnasium to receive the rewards of persistence, Wiley College graduated its largest class in May at its 127th Baccalaureate and Commencement Convocation.

Commencement speaker Ryan Mack, Market President, MidAtlantic Region for Operation Hope, told graduates that they are now on a journey to achieve success and, ultimately, greatness, with all roads leading toward the good works they will do for humanity.

“Success is what you do for self,” said Mack. “Greatness is what you do for others. Let us begin the journey to greatness.”

Mack told students that because Wiley has educated them to elevate their thinking, they can step into their futures with faith that they can achieve their goals. “You don’t have to wait for your ship to come in. You can build your own ship,” said Mack.

Wiley graduate Shelby Collymore shared reflections during the commencement ceremony, telling the graduates that God has been her support system during her time at the College.” He has been there for me,” said Collymore, who graduated from Wiley with highest honors. “ And I am thankful for the people God has put in my life.”

16 The Wiley Reporter

Collymore praised and thanked her mother for her love and guidance. She thanked Wiley’s faculty and staff for pushing her and encouraging her and taking her under their wings.

Collymore also praised the class of 2016. “We are eagles flying high,” she said. And using a quote from football legend Vince Lombardi, she told the graduates, “ ‘Winning is not a sometime thing. It’s an all the time thing.’ You are winners. Let us go forth inspired, glorious deeds to do.”

For her academic achievements and contribution to the community, Collymore was presented the Allen Mercer Mayes/ Laverne Hadnott Endowed Scholarship award during the ceremony.

Also during the ceremony, Dr. Sarah Honeycutt, Instructor of English, received the Exemplary Faculty Award.

The Alumni Gymnasium was filled to its 1,800 seating capacity with friends and family who came out to share in the graduates’ special day. Overflow seating for 600 was filled to capacity in the Julius S. Scott Chapel, where the ceremony was streamed live on two screens.

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Diamonique Jackson, Jessica Izquierdo, and Ian Maldonado Lauren White, Kia Hadnot, D’Mari Domingo, Joycelyn Branch, Shammia Williams and Kiara Hadnot Zakiya Pleas-Carnie Commencement speaker Ryan Mack, President, MidAtlantic Region, for Operation Hope Evan Grant and Ray Early Wiley graduate Shelby Collymore, center, is pictured being presented the Allen Mercer Mayes/Laverne Hadnott Mayes Endowed Scholarship award by Dr. Glenda Carter, Executive Vice President for Wiley College and Dr. Haywood L. Strickland, President and CEO of Wiley College. Collymore graduated from Wiley with highest honors.

Graduate Ian Maldonado with family member Dr. Sarah Honeycutt, center, Instructor of English, is pictured being presented the Exemplary Faculty Award by Dr. Carter and Dr. Strickland.

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Inside the Class of 2016:

BY TAMMY TAYLOR

Sons of Wiley make the ultimate exit to a new beginning Now that they have graduated from Wiley College, Sons of Wiley Founders Christopher Brown and Montreal Major will embark on new lives. Brown and Major are true examples of the maxim: “It’s not where you come from but where you are going.”

Christopher Brown

Major earned his GED while in prison and started preparing and praying for a second chance, which he received.

Released after serving five years, Major enrolled at Wiley College and never looked back. While pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, he and fellow student Christopher Brown co-founded the Sons of Wiley to use their stories to inspire others. “By having a positive mindset, staying focused, and believing in themselves, Wiley men can overcome any obstacles that may threaten to derail their dreams of earning a degree,” said Major, who graduated from Wiley in May. Chris Brown also graduated from Wiley in May with a bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. “We want to be the example,” he said about his work with the Sons of Wiley. “I was raised with few material things, and my upbringing helped me make no excuses,” he said. “Education was my only way out.” Even with this belief, Brown still had doubts about his future until he had a breakthrough.

“Exiting college was never a reality for me until I made it a number one priority,” he said. Brown is now pursuing a Master of Public Administration degree from Grand Canyon University.

The Sons of Wiley is a charitable organization that works to motivate and encourage young black men to persist to graduation at Wiley College. The organization also strives to make the world a better place through random and planned acts of kindness, good deeds, and community service.

Montreal Major

Several years ago, Montreal Major was facing a long-term future viewing the world from a prison yard. Incarcerated for armed robbery and sentenced to five-99 years behind bars, he was forced to deal with the poor choices he had made in his life. Facing the truth, however, gave him the impetus to turn things around.

18 The Wiley Reporter

Former secretary finishes what she started,fulfills dream of earning degree Augustine A. Jenkins has earned many titles in her 74 years – mother, grandmother, pastor, survivor, and overcomer. After crossing the stage at Wiley’s commencement to receive her

Augustine A. Jenkins

degree in religion, she can now claim a few more titles – dreamkeeper, finisher, proud alumna of Wiley College.

“It’s been awesome,” Jenkins told The Marshall News Messenger in a story the paper wrote about her after learning of her perseverance to fulfill her dream of earning a college degree. “It’s been tough but it’s been awesome and I’ve loved every minute of it.”

Jenkins’ motivations to earn her degree include her desire to become a spiritual counselor, a title she has already earned through living for God, giving, and helping others, but she wanted the degree.

“I always want to learn more. The Lord called me to evangelize and to serve as a counselor, and I wanted the degree behind me to do it,” Jenkins told The Marshall News. “God has already given me the tools and the credentials, now I will have the paper from man. I want my grandkids to know their granny believed in education and loved the Lord.”

Augusta A Jenkins –Wildcat, role model, inspiration.

Wiley’s A Family Affair for cousins Susana and Samuel Belmontes Attending and graduating from Wiley College was a family affair for cousins Susana and Samuel Belmontes, who hail from Juarez, Mexico. Both students earned bachelor’s degrees in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus on Child Development, and they were seatmates at Wiley’s commencement in May. Susana and Samuel were active in campus life and community service, and they were both members of Wiley’s A Cappella Choir. Susana sang in the choir, and Samuel was a musician. As members of the choir they had the opportunity to travel across the country sharing the news of God’s love for His children through song. Susana even had the opportunity to meet President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama when the choir performed a holiday concert at the White House in December 2011.

Susana and Samuel Belmontes

Both students were attentive to their studies, and Samuel graduated with honors. They love their college and are proud wildcats.

The future looks bright for these cousins, and Wiley looks forward to seeing all that they will accomplish as they begin new lives as graduates of Wiley College.

Wiley’s first Joint Admission Medical Fellow is Med School Bound Shelby Collymore is on track to accomplish her goal of becoming a pediatrician The Joint Admission Medical Program was established by the Texas Legislature to help high-achieving students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds accomplish their goal of attending medical school. The program provides undergraduate scholarships, summer stipends, and placement in its summer internship programs.

Shelby Collymore

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s Wiley’s first Joint Admission Medical Program (JAMP) Fellow, Shelby Collymore knows where she is going and what path to take to get there. Accepted into medical school early in the spring term at the University of North Texas Health Science Center, Collymore credits Wiley College and her participation in JAMP for preparing her to be ready for the next stage of her studies.

“Studying at Wiley College helped me develop the academic skills and knowledge I will need to be a successful medical student,” said Collymore.” “And Jamp has helped me put my perspectives in line about medical school and why I want to attend.”

The program also provides mentoring and a multi-phase preparation program for taking the Medical School Admission Test (MCAT). If all JAMP criteria are met, including completing two internships and maintaining a 3.25 grade point average, the program guarantees admission to a Texas medical school.

Collymore completed her first internship in 2014 at the University of North Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine in Fort Worth, Texas. And last summer, she completed an internship at U.T. Southwestern Medical School of Dallas.

“At UNT, I obtained hands-on experience in the new University Hospital and in independent clinics,” she said. And last summer at U.T. Southwestern, Collymore said she participated in clinical rotations in Emergency Medicine and Radiology.

She also took part in several courses, including Biochemistry, Ethics, and Embryology.

This aspiring pediatrician took the opportunity to publicly acknowledge those who have nurtured her development when, as the student in the Class of 2016 with the highest grade point average, she shared reflections at the commencement ceremony, thanking her mother for the love and guidance she provided to her and thanking Wiley’s faculty for pushing her and encouraging her to do her best.

And true to Wiley’s mission of producing servant leaders, the College can look forward to Collymore’s good works in the community– she plans to serve as a mentor to help other students accomplish their goals. “Wiley has a great knack for being a community and family,” she said. “Almost everyone here helps and supports anyone in need and that means a lot to me.”

Collymore was presented the Allen Mercer Mayes/Laverne Hadnott Endowed Scholarship award during Wiley’s commencement. The $1,000 award is presented to a graduating senior who has excelled academically and who was actively engaged in community service while attending Wiley College. During her time at Wiley, she volunteered as a tutor at Sam Houston Middle School, which is located near Wiley. She is also a Sunday school teacher at her church.

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SPORTS Highlights from the year in sports at Wiley College Men’s track and men’s soccer have historic seasons in 2015-16

BY ANDREW GLOVER

Jordan Woods, Roger Ali, Moriba Morain, Head Track and Field Coach Marlon Baugh, Marbeq Edgar, Oriane Palmer, Quinn-Lee Ralph, Justin Maloney, and Machael Mark at NAIA Championship in Gulf Shores, Alabama, in May, where they finished third.

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he Wiley College Athletics Department had a pair of historic runs in 2015-16. The men’s track and field team finished third at the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics(NAIA) Championship in Gulf Shores, Alabama, which is the best national finish by a Wiley College team. The men’s soccer team won its first Red River Athletic Conference (RRAC) Tournament and secured its first NAIA berth.

Men’s Track and Field team produces NAIA Champions, claims third RRAC Championship The Wildcats’ track team had two individual NAIA champions.

Freshman Moriba Morain won the 100-meter dash in 10.09.

Freshman Marbeq Edgar won the 800-meter run in 1:49.24. Junior Quinn-Lee Ralph and freshman Oraine Palmer earned NAIAAll American with their top five finishes in the 100-meter and 200-meter dashes. The Wildcats finished with 51 team points.

Marbeq Edgar finishes the 1,500-meter run at the RRAC Championship in San Antonio, Texas, in April.

Men’s Soccer team wins first RRAC Championship The 2015 season saw a lot of firsts for the men’s soccer team. The Wildcats got off to their best start in program history at 3-0. Even though the team battled through injuries, it was able to rally and qualify for the RRAC Tournament as the sixth seed.

The Wildcats opened the tournament with a 3-1 victory at Louisiana State University-Alexandria for their first postseason victory in program history. Quesi Weston scored two goals and Deon O’Garro scored one. Wiley College traveled to Houston, Texas, for the semifinals and championship game.

In the semifinals, the Wildcats met top seed University of Saint Thomas-Houston. The game was scoreless after a 90-minute regulation and two 10- minute overtimes. Penalty kicks decided the winner. Trailing 2-1, goalkeeper Erik Reyes made a save.

Maximiliano Jara tied the count at two. Dwight Pope scored to tie the count at three. Reyes made another save which set up Luis Pena’s game-winner.

The men’s track team won its third-straight Red River Athletic Conference championship as it doubled second-place Langston with 203.5 points. Morain won the 100-meter, 200-meter and 400-meter dashes. Edgar won the 1,500-meter run and the 3,000-meter run.

Leonard Kiprono won the 5,000-meter and 10,000-meter run. Machael Mark won the long jump. The Wildcats won all three relays.

Moriba Morian

20 The Wiley Reporter

The Men’s Soccer team is pictured in Houston, Texas, celebrating its first RRAC championship victory, which it won by defeating the University of the Southwest.

The Wildcats jumped out on the University of the Southwest to win the championship 3-1. Wiley College received first half goals from Weston and Abdallah Rayyan. Tafadzwa Madamombe scored in the second half to give the Wildcats a three-goal lead. Weston, Reyes and Jara were named to the RRAC All-Tournament Team.

Wiley faced Baker University in the NAIA Opening Round and lost 2-0 in Baldwin City, Kansas. The Wildcats finished the season with an 8-6-1 record, which tied the program record for wins in a season. Weston was named to the RRAC First Team All-Conference for the second consecutive season. Abdallah Rayyan earned Second Team All-Conference. Madamombe was a Champion of Character winner at the conference and NAIA level.

Women’s Track and Field team repeats as RRAC Champions, gains six NAIA All-Americans The women’s track and field team had a strong showing at the NAIA Championship meet as six were named NAIA AllAmericans. Ethel Ajanga was the NAIA runner-up in the 400-meter dash and was a part Danielle David, Candice Higgins, Head Track and Field of the third-place Coach Marlon Baugh, Ethel Ajanga and Chriss Ann Thomas 4 x 400-meter are pictured at the NAIA Championship Meet in May. relay team and the fourth-place 4 x 100-meter relay team. The other members of the 4 x 400-meter relay team was Danielle David, Chriss Ann Thomas and Candice Higgins. Terrisa Mark, Kenisha Arthur and Chriss Ann Thomas ran on the 4 x 100-meter relay team. Higgins finished seventh in the 800-meter run.

The Lady Wildcats repeated as RRAC Champions with 188 points.

Terrisa won the 100-meter and 200-meter dash. Ajanga won the 400-meter dash. Higgins won the 800-meter, 1,500-meter and the 3,000-meter runs. Wiley won the 4 x 800-meter and the 4 x 400-meter relay.

Women ‘s Soccer team reaches new heights in 2015-2016 In Rafael Muniz’s first year as head women’s soccer coach, the Lady Wildcats reached new heights. They started the season 3-0 for their best start in program history. Wiley set new records for most goals in a game (6), largest margin of victory (5), most wins in a season (8), most conference wins (4). With their 4-4 record in conference play, the Lady Wildcats reached the RRAC Tournament for the first time in program history.

Wiley College defeated LSU-Alexandria 2-1 for its first postseason victory in school history. The season came to an end with a 2-1 loss to top seed and eventual tournament champion Our Lady of the Lake. Kayla Taylor, the program all-time leading scorer earned her second consecutive RRAC First Team All-Conference.

Shalette Alexander and Idali Mesta were selected to Second Team All-Conference. Anali Magna was selected to the Champions of Character team.

Volleyball team reaches RRAC semifinals The volleyball team went 14-9 and 11-3 in the RRAC in LaKyva Bason’s return as head coach. The Lady Wildcats reached the RRAC semifinals, where they were defeated by St. ThomasHouston.

Men’s and Women’s Basketball teams battle injuries, make RRAC as fifth seed The basketball teams battled injuries all season and were unable to return to the NAIA Tournament. The women went 17-10 in Ashley Walker’s first season as head coach and made the RRAC Tournament as a fifth seed. The men went 16-12 in Hartsfield’s second season as head coach and made the RRAC Tournament as a fifth seed.

Baseball team gains new permanent home at Coker Field The baseball team gained a new permanent home with the completion of Coker Field. Wiley went 16-34 and 11-21 in the RRAC in Kendrick Biggs’ first season as head coach.

Men’s and Women’s Cross Country teams finish second in RRAC

Director of Athletics and Women’s Track and Field Coach recognized for achievements

Both cross country teams finished second in the RRAC in Baugh’s first season as head coach. Patrick Mutai won the RRAC individual title and qualified for the NAIA Championship with Leonard Kiprono. The women had four qualifiers with Iryine Chelangat, Maureen Rono, Higgins and Ajanga. None of Wiley’s NAIA qualifiers ran at the championship.

Dr. Joseph L. Morale, Senior Vice President for Student Affairs and Retention Services and Wiley’s Director of Athletics, was named Athletics Director of the Year by the RRAC. Marlon Baugh, Head Track and Field Coach, was named Women’s Track and Field Coach of the Year by the RRAC.

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MYWiley Shammia Williams counts her time as Miss Wiley ‘A blessing’

BY TAMMY TAYLOR

Some might say Shammia Williams’ reign as Miss Wiley College got off to a rocky start.

On the night of the coronation ceremony during Homecoming, it rained heavily and thunderstorms were looming.

And because of the rain, the next day’s Homecoming parade was cancelled. Nothing, however, could detract from this campus queen’s high spirits. “ I was so blessed to have the opportunity to represent Wiley College in this way,”

said Miss Williams. And the Wiley community was very proud of Miss Williams, so much so that a host of family, friends, fellow classmates, faculty, staff, and alumni came out to support her and to enjoy the coronation despite the gloomy weather.

Williams, a native of Sibley, Louisiana, said the experience of being crowned and serving as Miss Wiley created memories she knows she will always cherish.

“During my time as Miss Wiley, I enjoyed upholding Wiley’s legacy of excellence by performing well in my studies, and by giving back through service to my campus and the Marshall community.”

Over the years at Wiley College, Williams served in the Student Pastors Organization of Chaplains, National Society of Collegiate Scholars, Imitators Promoting Acts of Christ Together Campus Ministry, Student Government Association (as Sophomore Class Chaplain and Miss

Junior 2014-2015), and the Pre- Alumni Council.

While being actively engaged in campus and community life as a student leader, Williams always placed her academic studies first. This religion and philosophy major graduated from Wiley College with a 3.9 grade point average.

Williams’ immediate future plans include pursuing a Master of Science degree in Pastoral Counseling. She would like to one day open up her own practice.

She also plans to continue to develop her ministry through preaching and by performing in her youth and praise dance ministries.

Shammia Williams is the daughter of Pastors Rodney and Cynthia Williams, who serve at the King Solomon Baptist Church in Sibley, Louisiana. She has five siblings: Amy, Anaiah, Tasia, Rodney Jr., and Reggie.

A lovely Inspiration: Third -Generation Wildcat crowned Miss National UNCF

BY TAMMY TAYLOR

Wiley junior Taylor R. Cooper is the new Miss National UNCF. Cooper won the title in February during the Miss UNCF Pageant at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in New Orleans, Louisiana. She is the 13th Wiley queen to win the Miss National UNCF title since 2000.

The pageant is an annual event that takes place during the UNCF Leadership Conference and features Miss UNCF campus queens from UNCF- member colleges. The campus queen who raises the most money is crowned Miss National UNCF. Cooper, a native of Marshall, Texas, was crowned Miss UNCF for Wiley College in December. She and her competitor at Wiley, rising senior Cecilia Silas of Chihuahua, Mexico, collectively raised over $35,000 to help fund scholarships for deserving students and provide supportive services to UNCF colleges. Cooper is a sociology major who represents the third 22 The Wiley Reporter

generation of her family to attend Wiley College. Her mother, Angela Fitzpatrick, and her grandmother, the late Barbara Anderson Marshall, also attended Wiley College. As a third-generation student, Cooper is actively engaged in campus life, including singing in the College’s A Cappella Choir.

She also served in the Student Government Association as the vice president of the sophomore class.

About her decision to run for Miss UNCF , Cooper said she earned a full-ride scholarship to attend Wiley and wanted a way to help other students in acknowledgement of the blessing she received.

“I am aware that there are a number of students who

need financial resources to defray the cost of a college education and the monies are not available,” she said.

“I wanted to know what I could do, as a student, to help. I prayed about running for Miss UNCFWiley College and then Miss National UNCF. I instantly found my motivation from God, family, friends, and other Wileyites.”

Volunteering to help others is a long-standing tradition and priority in Cooper’s family.

While in New Orleans, she had the delight to cheer for Wiley’s Pre Alumni Council as they were named the Barbara Anderson Marshall Council of the Year during the leadership conference.

ALUMNINews • Notes Greetings from the Office of Alumni Relations!

A

s a proud alumna of Wiley College, I cannot express my excitement about the accomplishments of this institution. For over 143 years, Wiley has provided quality educational opportunities to students who now excel in many career fields, including medicine, education, law, and computer science. They are entrepreneurs, community leaders, professors, and administrators.

Each year, we are reminded of the great legacy left behind by our wonderful alumni and we strive to instill that tradition of excellence in our students.

To tell “our” story, we need you! You can keep the story going by simply making a commitment to tell everyone you encounter, “I graduated from Wiley College.”

With the completion of the inaugural class of the Nate Parker Film Summer Institute, the unmatched accomplishments of our debate team and student leaders, and stellar athletic championships, there is much to celebrate.

We hope you will join us for Homecoming 2016. As always, our activities are designed to inspire you to reminisce, reconnect and engage as we celebrate the tradition of Wiley, and honor the Silver Anniversary Class of 1991 and reunion classes of 1981, 1986, 1996, 2001, 2006, and 2011.

As the Director of Alumni Relations, I am honored to serve my alma mater and the thousands of alumni who make this institution great. Thank you for your continued support and dedication to Wiley! Together, we are Wiley strong!

In the True Spirit of Wiley,

Alvena Jones

Class of ‘04 Director of Alumni Relations

Wiley College Alumni Clubs

Wileyites, reconnect with your classmates and friends!

Join your area Wiley College Alumni Club today.

Don’t see a club serving your area?

Call (903) 927-3318 for assistance in starting a new club.

Chicago Wiley Club Mr. Arnold Grizzard, President 7152 Kedzie Avenue Chicago, Illinois 60629 (773) 918-0952 Dallas Metroplex Wiley Club Mr. E.P. Shaw, President 1009 Glenda Street Terrell, Texas 75160-5013 (972) 524-6116 Delaware Wiley Club Mr. Warren Scott, President 4660 Malden Drive Wilmington, Delaware 19803 (302) 764-4027 Detroit Wiley Club Dr. Robert Perkins, President 760 Lincolnshire Drive Detroit, Michigan 48203 (313) 892-7002 Ft. Worth Wiley Club Ms. Helen Crowder 5413 Chimney Rock Rd Fort Worth, TX 76112-2953 (817) 688-8937 Georgia Area Wiley Club Dr. Donald Gibson, President 5082 Kanawha Bluff Stone Mountain, Georgia 30087 (770) 934-5354 Houston Wiley Club Mr. London Wilson 12003 Segrest Dr. Houston, Texas 77047 (713) 734-1343 Longview Wiley Club Office of Alumni Relations – Wiley College 711 Wiley Avenue Marshall, Texas 75670 (903) 927-3318

Los Angeles Wiley Club Ms. Deanette Hilburn-Brewer, President 10007 S. 2nd Avenue Inglewood, California 90303 Low Country Wiley Club Dr. Julius S. Scott, President #6 Battery Road Hilton Head, South Carolina 29928 (843) 671-4144 Lufkin Wiley Club Mr. Jonny Ross, President P.O. Box 3878 Lufkin, Texas 75903 (936) 534-7089 Marshall Wiley Club Ms. Lillian Banks 201 Adkins Street Marshall, Texas 75670 (903) 938-1103 New York Wiley Club Ms. Velma D. Banks, President 720 W. End Avenue, Apt. 809C New York, New York 10025-6299 (212) 724-5482 Northwest Louisiana Wiley Club The Rev. Alexander Squire, President 9050 Youree Dr. #1206 Shreveport, Louisiana 71115 (318)797-9108 Oklahoma Wiley Club Mr. Glenn Brooks, President P.O. Box 54724 Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73154 (405) 219-6949 San Antonio Wiley Club Mr. Wilbert Mitchell, Interim President 15839 Legend Elm San Antonio, TX 78247-5603 (210) 490-6219 National Association President Mr. Nolan Anderson 11131 Oak Rise San Antonio, Texas 78249-3371 (210) 262-3424 wileyc.edu/KBWC 91.1 FM 23

2016 Homecoming Schedule of Activities Sunday, October 30 10:00 a.m. Church Service, Julius S. Scott Sr. Chapel 11:00 a.m. Brunch, Wiley Pemberton Complex Gymnasium 3:00 p.m.

Queens’ Reception 7:00 p.m.

Seniors’ Choice Awards Show Monday, October 31 7:00 p.m.

Clash of the “Classes” Basketball Championship, Alumni Gymnasium 8:00 p.m.

Movie Night Tuesday, November 1 11:00 a.m. Chapel Service, Julius S. Scott Sr. Chapel 5:30 p.m.

Women’s Basketball Game (Wiley vs. Dallas Christian College),

Alumni Gymnasium (Wiley College Students-$1.00 with ID; Faculty and Staff-$3.00;

General Admission: $5.00) 7:30 p.m.

Men’s Basketball Game (Wiley vs. Dallas Christian College),

Alumni Gymnasium

(Wiley College Students-$1.00 with ID; Faculty and Staff-$3.00;

General Admission: $5.00) 9: 00 p.m. Do It for Culture-Party-Pemberton Gymnasium Wednesday, November 2 12:00 p.m. Taste of Wiley, Freeman P. and Carrie E. Hodge Center

(General Admission: $5.00) 9:00 p.m.

S.G.A. President Soiree- Wiley Pemberton Complex Gymnasium Thursday, November 3 7:00 p.m.

Volleyball Game (Wiley vs. University of the Southwest),

Alumni Gymnasium (Wiley College Students-$1.00 with ID; Faculty and Staff-$3.00;

General Admission: $5.00) 9:00 p.m.

The Dollar Gathering, Pemberton Gymnasium Friday, November 4 9:00 a.m.

Alumni Reunion Registration, Freeman P. and Carrie E. Hodge Center 11:00 a.m. Alumni Day Convocation, Julius S. Scott Sr. Chapel 12:30 p.m. Fred T. Long Student Union Building, Dedication and Consecration 2:00 p.m.

Pep Rally, Alumni Gymnasium 3:00 p.m.

Reunion Classes Meeting, Freeman P. and Carrie E. Hodge Center 7:00 p.m.

Miss Wiley Coronation, Julius S. Scott Sr. Chapel 8:00 p.m.

Alumni Basketball Game, Alumni Gymnasium 8:15 p.m.

Miss Wiley Coronation Reception, Fred T. Long Student Union, Ballroom 9:30 p.m.

Alumni Mixer, Charlie’s Backyard Grill (General Admission: $10.00) 10:30 p.m. Organization of the Year Event, Alumni Gymnasium Saturday, November 5 3:00 a.m.

Student Breakfast, Fred T. Long Student Union, Cafeteria 8:00 a.m.

High School Day, Freeman P. and Carrie E. Hodge Center 10:00 a.m. Homecoming Parade, Freeman P. and Carrie E. Hodge Center 11:00 a.m. Volleyball Game (Wiley vs. Langston University), Alumni Gymnasium

(Wiley College Students-$1.00 with ID; Faculty and Staff-$3.00;

General Admission: $5.00) 11:30 a.m. Young Alumni Jazz Brunch, Fred T. Long Student Union ,Ballroom 2:00 p.m.

Homecoming Women’s Basketball Game (Wiley vs Rust College),

Alumni Gymnasium (Wiley College Students-$5.00 with ID; General Admission: $10.00) 4:00 p.m.

Homecoming Men’s Basketball Game (Wiley vs. Rust College),

Alumni Gymnasium

(Wiley College Students-$5.00 with ID; General Admission: $10.00) 6:00 p.m.

Greek Reception, Freeman P. and Carrie E. Hodge Center 9:30 p.m.

President’s Blues Concert, Featuring T.K. Soul, Pemberton Gymnasium

($30 in advance and $40 at the door, and $300 for a table of ten) 10:30 p.m. Homecoming “The New ERA Party,” Alumni Gymnasium

24 The Wiley Reporter

wileyc.edu/KBWC 91.1 FM 25

Wiley Celebrates 143r Wiley welcomes home Wildcats and honors Golden Class of 1966 during 2016 Founders Observance

Wiley College welcomed home Wildcats and members of the Golden Class of 1966 during the 2016 Founders Observance in March. Captured on these two pages are highlights from the week’s events, including Founder’s Convocation, where the Class of 1966 was honored.

“Whether you come home for special occasions or whether you come often, you are always warmly welcomed home

by Wiley College,” Golden class member Evelyn Foster Hamilton said at Convocation, where she served as Mistress of Ceremonies.

John A. unt Watson, ilton. e Pearline H Foster Ham ar yn n el io Ev at d oc an nv r, co ke rs al W de left at Foun , Sherley Ray Pictured from yn Deckard Thompson ol ar C , on Thomps

Golden class member John Thompson shared reflections at Convocation, telling the Wiley family that “SuccessOur Destiny,” was the class theme. Commenting on the value of a Wiley education, he said that in 1967 eight Wiley graduates applied for teaching positions in Topeka, Kansas, and all were hired without first being interviewed. Said Thompson, “I just want you to know, there is power in a Wiley degree.”

Dr. Haywood L. Strickland, Mrs. Blanche Ingram, and Dr. Walter L. Sutton Jr.

Attorney Billy R. Casey and Patricia Casey

26 The Wiley Reporter

Darlene and Artis Wright

Monica and Errol Hanson

rd Founders Observance Wiley alumni at Wiley Welcome Mixer

Wiley alumni at Wiley Welcome Mixer

Anissa Centers (Mistress of Ceremonies at Founders Gala) and Reggie Centers

Delois Smith, Dr. Lonzetta Smith Allen, and Dr. Barbara Washington

Lillian Banks, John Frank Strauss, Bonnie Strauss, and Dr. Barbara Washington

Amber Jones, Shammia Williams, Kenneth Crawford, Edward Grogan, Robert Wiley, Alexandra Jeremiah, and Erica Hall

Third grader gets pinned at Founders, becomes youngest lifetime member of WCNAA Future wildcat Morgan Howze made history during the 143rd Founders Observance when she became the youngest lifetime member of the Wiley College National Alumni Association(WCNAA). A third grader from Dallas, Texas, Miss Howse is the daughter of Ms. Marsha Howse and niece of Wiley alumna Janice H. Richardson. Morgan was pinned by family and close family friend and Wiley alumna Ms. Gloria Larry during the WCNAA Membership Pinning Ceremony, which this year took place during the Founders Scholarship Gala. The Wiley College Family is very proud of this future wildcat and wishes her all the best in her academic pursuits! Persist Wildcat!

In photo, Miss Morgan Howze is pictured with her aunt, Ms. Janice Richardson, close family friend Ms. Gloria Larry, and WCNAA Officer Dr. Barbara Washington during the WCNAA Membership Pinning Ceremony at the 143rd Founders Scholarship Gala in the Alumni Gymnasium on March 19, 2016. wileyc.edu/KBWC 91.1 FM 27

CLASS NOTES ‘16

‘13

Shelby Collymore has begun medical school at the University of North Texas Health Science Center.

Bryan Humphrey earned a Master of Social Work degree in May from Stephen F. Austin University in Nacogdoches, Texas.

Austin Ashford was accepted into graduate school at the University of Arkansas, where he is now pursuing a Master of Fine Arts degree.

La Maria Gill has been hired as an accountant in Assurance Services

by Price Waterhouse Cooper.

Marcus Rembert has begun graduate La Maria Gill school at Minnesota State University, where he is pursuing a Master of Arts degree in Communication Studies.

Kai Scates has begun a fall communications internship with the Black Caucus Foundation in Washington, D.C., on Capitol Hill.

Krystal Watson, who completed a threemonth internship in December with the American Kai Scates Bar Association on Capitol Hill, is now completing a congressional internship on Capitol Hill.

Kaylyn Milton is pursuing a Master of Arts degree in Teaching at the University of Southern California.

Krystal Watson and Ailey Pope

28 The Wiley Reporter

Ailey Pope works on Capitol Hill as a staff assistant to U.S. Senator Roy Blunt(MO)

‘06

Mia Curtis Harris and Kelton Harris ’05 were married in Cancun, Mexico, in June 2015. They live in Houston.

Mr. & Mrs. Harris

‘12

Former Miss Wiley Cha ‘ Mira Keener graduated in May from South Texas School of Law in Houston.

Vicki Hines and Roslyn Davis

Roslyn Davis, a pre-kindergarten teacher at Washington Early Childhood Center in Marshall, Texas, was selected as the 2016 Marshall Independent School District Elementary School Teacher of the Year.

She shares the honor with Wiley alumna Vicki Hines ’85, a fifth grade teacher at Price Middle School in Marshall, who was named the Secondary Teacher of the Year by the Marshall ISD. Tristan Love has been named assistant principal at the Sam Houston Math, Science, and Technology High School in Houston, Texas, making him one of the youngest teachers to ever be named to that position in the Houston Independent School District.

Christina Jewett earned a Master of Social Work degree in May from Stephen F. Austin University in Nacogdoches, Texas.

‘08

Kaylyn Milton

‘14

Clarence Calhoun has been accepted into Mehary Medical School in Nashville, Tennessee, and began his studies there in June.

Reginald Cooper

Reginald Cooper, Fire Chief for the City of Marshall, Texas, was recognized as a 2016 Man of Strength at a luncheon in the Wiley-Pemberton Intramural Complex during Men of Strength Week.

Cha ‘Mira Keener

‘64

Street named for Wiley alumnus Howard George Austin Howard George Austin now has a street named in his honor in Prescott, Arkansas.

Prescott Elementary, where Austin served as principal for 19 years, renamed its pickup and drop-off street in recognition of his dedicated service to the school. It is not his first recognition for his years of leading the school. Austin was also awarded a congressional plaque for his service in 2004 by U.S. Representative Mike Ross, and he was named Arkansas’ National Distinguished Principal in Washington, D.C., in 2003. He and his wife, Vera, retired to Prescott.

‘15 Aspiring ESPN Reporter is Mastering the Craft of Storytelling

Edward “McStat” McFarland

BY TAMMY TAYLOR

I

t was easy for anyone on campus at Wiley to guess that Edward McFarland ’15 would pursue a career in sports broadcasting. A mass communications major, he was active with Wiley’s KBWC 90.1 FM Radio and he created a video sports broadcast on campus called “McStats,” using the platform to report Wildcat Athletics scores and statistics and to record pre- and post-gameday interviews.

After graduating from Wiley, McFarland enrolled at Syracuse University and earned a Master of Science degree in Broadcasting and Digital Journalism in June. In July, he began an internship with ESPN/Yahoo Sports in his hometown of Houston, Texas.

How did Wiley prepare you for graduate school at Syracuse University and your new internship? Wiley taught me to create opportunities as opposed to waiting for opportunities. Learning this has helped me in a competitive atmosphere at Syracuse University, and I know it will serve me well with my new internship, and in my future.

What have been some of your challenges on your journey to preparing for your career in Broadcast and Digital Journalism and how did you overcome or conquer those challenges? A challenge that stood out to me is the art of storytelling. Only beginning my hands-on experience as a Multi-Media Journalist about a year ago at Syracuse University, I struggled to tell stories in a concise and understanding manner through using a video camera. In addition to that, I had to learn how to clean up (not hide) my

Texas accent. Nonetheless, with a desire to improve, I continued to practice, accepted criticism, and studied the craft from those who are good at storytelling. By staying true to this process and with the help of God, I eventually broke through. I now feel capable enough to explain any story to anyone.

What is your advice to Wiley undergrads on persisting and persevering to earn their degree? Keep God first, and create your own opportunities at Wiley. If you’re serious about what you’re pursuing, I believe Wiley gives you the freedom and support

to achieve what you’re in pursuit of; in my case, that was to become a sports journalist.

What are your responsibilities and duties at Yahoo? I assist with production of radio shows and manage the station’s online content.

What’s next after your internship and what are your career goals? I am pursuing a news/sports reporting job. By getting a chance to be a reporter for a news station, I believe it will lead me to my main career goal to be on TV as an ESPN reporter and NBA Analyst. wileyc.edu/KBWC 91.1 FM 29

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: The Rev. Leonardo Haro

While teaching at the Institute in El Paso, he enrolled at the Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University in Dallas. He graduated from Perkins in 2010 and shortly after, he was named the worship leader at the El Paso church, Ekklesia.

In 2013, he began his appointment at the Grand Prairie church.

Tammy Taylor: What are a few of your favorite memories from life on campus at Wiley?

Leonardo Haro

Rev. Haro is pictured at a Wiley chapel service with Autumnwind Spear, Cheerita Nicholas, Rev. Tabitha Rankin (Wiley College Chaplain), and Jose Luis Garcia Jr.

BY TAMMY TAYLOR

Wiley alumnus Leonardo Haro chats about the importance of faith, his life-changing negotiation with God, appreciating differences, and his awardwinning impersonation of Slim Shady, yes, Eminem!

T

he Rev. Leonardo Haro, Class of 2005, is an associate pastor at First United Methodist Church of Grand Prairie, Texas, where he leads the church’s start-up ministry, Iglesia Unida.

Before answering his calling to the ministry, Haro answered a tug on his heart to teach, but not just anywhere. He returned to his high school in El Paso to teach English as A Second Language and coach soccer(he was a student-athlete at Wiley) at the Lydia Patterson Institute.

The school is very special to Haro because of the quality of education he received there and because it was the Institute, along with the United Methodist Church, that helped make it financially possible for him to attend Wiley.

30 The Wiley Reporter

Haro, pictured center in the bottom photo, was one of the first Hispanic students on the soccer team, and he was the only Hispanic student in his freshman class at Wiley College. Today, the team’s makeup and the College’s student population are much more diverse.

“Wiley is where God sent me for a purpose...

Maybe, just maybe, I was used as a trailblazer. -The Rev. Leonardo Haro The Rev. Leonardo Haro: On the week of my arrival, I heard there was going to be a talent show. I registered and did an impersonation of Slim Shady (Eminem). And Yes, I won first place.

And in 2003, I was selected Athlete of the Year. But besides the plaques and trophies, the love from teachers and staff would be most memorable. Instructors such Ms. [Willie] Owens, [Dr. Amanda] Winters really impacted my life.

Taylor: What are other ways attending Wiley impacted your life?

Rev. Haro: Things were completely different back in 1999 when I arrived to Wiley. No New Chapel, No New Dorms.

Dr. Strickland took office in 2000 and gave Wiley a new image and a new vision. I was the only freshman Latino on campus. Learning a new culture and new traditions impacted my life and enriched it in a special way.

Taylor: What was it like being the only Hispanic in your freshman class?

Rev. Haro: Every change demands adjustment and reinvention. To leave home is not easy, and to go to an unknown place was not an easy move. I am a very outgoing person, and taking the first place at the Freshmen Talent Show allowed me to be accepted and to assimilate myself to Wiley quicker than I thought. Isolation is not an option for me. That was my reality. Wiley is where God had sent me for a purpose. Not only was I the only Hispanic as a freshman, but also on the soccer team.

Maybe, just maybe, I was used as a trailblazer.

Taylor: Was there a definitive moment or time period when you knew you had been called to serve the world through ministry?

Taylor: What’s the top thing that students from diverse backgrounds can do to accept and respect each other’s cultures and differences?

Rev. Haro: In 2006, a year after I graduated from Wiley, I was working as a Girls Soccer Coach in El Paso, Texas.

The boys soccer team made it to the State Finals held in Waco, Texas. I was asked to help drive one of the vans with 12 student on board. On February 18 of that year, while driving back from Waco on I-35, the weather conditions were horrible and the van flipped and turned over a couple of times. Thankfully everybody survived. One student came out of the broken window, hurting his back and receiving severe bruising. While spinning, I cried out to the Lord, “SAVE THEM” “SAVE THEM.” Up until this day, I asked myself why I did not include myself in that prayer. After that incident, I decided to surrender completely to the Lord and serve Him.

Rev. Haro: Differences exist not only between different backgrounds and ethnicities. Differences are found within our own brothers and sisters, between our own groups. The lack of respect and acceptance is, in most instances, taught and/or indoctrinated. My daughters enjoy watching the new “Annie” movie just as well as they enjoy the old “Wizard of Oz.” They read and speak English and Spanish just as well. My wife comes from a Lebanese background and we as a family enjoy the traditional Lebanese food. We love diversity, and we love to learn from other people’s values and costumes. We pay little attention to what the media is trying to feed us.

Taylor: How best can students nurture their own spiritual development as they face so many challenges and competing demands on their time and attention?

Rev. Haro: Attending college is indeed a challenging time. Students are reaching the next level of maturity, which will determine most of their future. There will be a group of students and/or adults who will put Jesus as second, pushing Him to the side. I can only speak from my own experience. A mentor is needed, a person we can trust who can remind us about the importance of spiritual nourishment. Otherwise, we are like sheep without a shepherd.

Taylor: How can someone overcome making a “wrong” choice or bad decision?

Rev. Haro: The easiest way to overcome a wrong choice or decision is by blaming somebody else. Easy doesn’t mean right. We should own up to it, admit it. Always have in mind that adversity builds character.

Don’t let “bad” experiences paralyze you.

Taylor: What was your favorite spot on campus?

Rev. Haro: Absolutely the soccer field. I wish I could say the library. Please forgive me.

Taylor: What is your favorite scripture?

Rev. Haro: Mark 6:34 Taylor: What song is stuck in your head?

Rev. Haro: “Oh, How I love Jesus” Taylor: What is your trademark expression?

Rev. Haro: It’s not failure. It was just a learning experience.

Taylor: What is your favorite passage or lyric from our alma mater, “Oh, Wiley Dear.”

Rev. Haro: Oh Lord, we pray, may our dear Wiley stand; A beacon light shining o’er our dear land.

wileyc.edu/KBWC 91.1 FM 31

In Memoriam Wiley College Alumni

‘30s

‘50s cont.

LO S ANGELES , C AL IFO RN IA

MARSHALL, TEXAS

‘40s

Dr. Warren Hawkins, ’56

Birdie McClellan, ’40

H O US T O N, T E X A S

DALLAS , TE X AS

‘60s

Gloria Bell-Sneed, ’56

Wendell Scott, ’39

MARSHALL, TEXAS

Magnolia Franklin, ’58

E R NES TINE CARRE AT H E RS, ‘4 5 PRAIRIE VIEW, T E X AS DR. CHES TER L E V Y, ‘4 9 PORT ARTHUR, T E X AS

Margaret Bankhead, ’64

‘50s

Williard McCrumby, ’66

C H I C A G O , I L L I NO I S

CO M P T O N, C A L I F O R NI A

Annie Bohannon, ’51 MERIDIAN, MISSISSIP P I

Dr. Odis Rhodes, ’54 LUFKIN, T E X AS

James Norville, ’54 COMPTON, CA L IFO RN IA

Dr. Amanda Winters, ’55 HOUS TON, T E X AS

Lawson Bush,’66

‘80s

Denise Henderson, ’81 M A R S H A L L , T EXA S

Warren Smith, ’80 M A R S H A L L , T EXA S

‘00s

Traci Fisher, ’00 M A R S H A L L , T EXA S

Bobby Timms, ’04 F O RT W O RT H , TEXA S

Vanessa Valentine, ’04 M A R S H A L L , T EXA S

Bianca Davis, ’15

P O M A NA , C A L I F O R NI A

B R E A UX B R I D G E , L OUIS IA NA

Altha Faye Perry,’68

Garrett Palmer, ’15

DESOTO, TEXAS

‘70s

Janie Webb Merriweather, ’71 F O RT W O RT H , T E X A S

R AY T O W N, M I SS O URI

N O C L AS S Y E AR NOTE D

Bernice Greenwood D A L L A S , T E XA S

Tommie Canady ’55

James Mitchell

DALLAS , TE X AS

D A L L A S , T E XA S

Please help keep us informed.

Please report any deaths in the Wiley College family to: • Office of Alumni Relations • Ms. Alvena Jones • ajones@wileyc.edu

32 The Wiley Reporter

W

e must often rely on reports from our friends and alumni concerning alumni deaths. To ensure accuracy, please provide all of the following information: the deceased’s name, the date of death, a copy of the obituary or a funeral program, year graduated, and city where residing at time of death. It is our desire to be as accurate as possible when announcing alumni deaths. We humbly apologize if any errant information appears in this section.

THE

Summer/Fall 2016

Wiley College Broadens Pathways To Success!

Lilly Endowment and UNCF award Wiley College Career Pathways Initiative Planning Grant

PLUS:

Student Success Academy helps students stay on track Cultivating New Voices -

Nate Parker Summer Film Institute launched at Wiley College A Cappella Choir Shares Music Ministry in Hollywood!

Commencement 2016 Renovations to Fred T. Long Student Union Building Near Completion

Hollye Weekes, Andaes Williams, and Erica Hall are vying to win the title of Miss UNCF for Wiley College.

The Wiley Reporter The Wiley Reporter is published by Wiley College 711 Wiley Avenue, Marshall, Texas 75670 (903) 927-3300 Wiley College, founded in 1873, is a private, co-educational institution of higher learning affiliated with The United Methodist Church and The UNCF/College Fund.

For more information, visit our website, www.wileyc.edu.

Editor Ms. Tammy Taylor Director of Public Relations Photography Mr. Venson Warren Staff Photographer The President’s Cabinet Dr. Haywood L. Strickland President and CEO Dr. James Batten Vice President for Business and Finance Mr. Antonio Boyle Vice President for Enrollment Services Dr. Glenda F. Carter Executive Vice President

Three Wiley students have launched campaigns to compete for the title of Miss UNCF for Wiley College

T

hree Wiley College candidates have launched campaigns to compete for the title of Miss UNCF for Wiley College. Wiley’s candidates for the fall campaign are Hollye Weekes, a junior from Jackson, Mississippi, who is majoring in chemistry; Andaes Williams, a rising junior from Vallejo, California, who is majoring in biology; and Erica Hall, a junior from Fort Worth, Texas, who is majoring in sociology.

During their campaigns, each student will raise awareness about why historically black colleges and universities matter, the high quality education students receive at HBCUs, and the importance of community support to help students afford the cost of attending college. These students will also raise funding to support UNCF and Wiley College. The winner will go on to compete for the title of Miss National UNCF. The reigning Miss UNCF for Wiley College and Miss National UNCF is Taylor Cooper, a junior from Marshall, Texas.

To learn more about the Miss UNCF campaign, please call (903) 927-3318.

Wiley College Board of Trustees Members

Members cont.

Judge Richard Anderson

Mr. John Frank Strauss

Mr. Jerry Cargill Vice Chairman

Dr. Beverley V. Baxter

Dr. Herman Lavon Totten ‘61

Dr. Donald Gibson

Rev. B.T. Williamson

Mr. Anthony L. Holloman Vice President for Institutional Advancement

Attorney Billy R. Casey ’73 Vice Chairman

Rev. Chuck Huffman

Mr. John Walker ‘73

Dr. Gloria Pryor James Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs

Mr. Warren Scott ’65 Treasurer

Bishop Scott J. Jones

Mrs. Karen Helton Assistant to the President/Director of Sponsored Programs

Dr. Joseph L. Morale Senior Vice President for Student Affairs and Retention Services Dr. Charles Smith Executive Assistant to the President/ Chief of Staff

Officers

Atty. Walter L. Sutton Jr., Ph.D. Chairman

Mr. Nolan H. Anderson Jr. ‘69

Mrs. Kathryn Hegwood Hill Secretary Mr. Richard Foppe Hodge Sr. ’65 Member-at-Large Mrs. Claudia S. Rimes ’52 Member-at-Large

Mr. Derek L. Stovall-Leonard ‘92

Rev. Sanetta G. Jackson Mrs. Gloria D. Larry ‘80

Ex-Officio

Dr. Haywood L. Strickland

Dr. Robert McGee ‘70 Dr. Nate L. Parker Mr. Wilbert Lee Peques Dr. James Perkins ‘71 Mrs. Patsy Ponder Mr. Calvin Stamps

wileyc.edu/KBWC 91.1 FM 33

Wiley College Office Of Public Relations 711 Wiley Avenue Marshall, Texas 75670 www.wileyc.edu

Nonprofit Org. U. S. Postage

PAID Montgomery, AL Permit No. 88

Wiley College

The Place Where Every Student Can Succeed.

Through a tradition of educational excellence and leadership, Wiley College became a pathway to scholarship, a vista of values, and a bulwark of integrity. Wiley College is committed to providing students with a broad liberal arts and career-oriented education in a Christian environment, promoting teaching and learning excellence, and daring its students to have the audacity to succeed.

To learn more about Wiley College or to schedule a visit, please contact the school at (903) 927-3300.

Now offering three fully online degree programs! Visit Wiley College online at www.wileyc.edu.