Standard of Excellence, Inc.: A Mentoring and Leadership Society Presents 2018 Symposium “The Degree Attainment Plight For African-American Men” Theme: Putting the Pieces Together Purpose: Standard of Excellence (SOE) 2018 symposium purpose is to facilitate a comprehensive examination of Black males’ academic perceptions, complex learning, and social developments that impact degree attainment This unique in-depth study examines the phenomenon associated with Black males Wisdom from Black males who are college graduates is used to provide viable solutions and strategies for mentoring young men of color SOE symposium panelists consist of five African-American males with terminal degrees who are noted experts in their field Theme: Putting the pieces together address the totality of circumstances impacting the degree attainment plight for African-American males Ron Anderson Recreation Center 3820 Macedonia Road Powder Springs, GA 30127 Friday, April 6, 2018 Doors Open at 5:30PM Show Start at 6:00PM 2018 Symposium Panelists Dr Timothy Fairley, Host Standard of Excellence, Inc Founder and CEO A Study of African-American Men in Higher Education Dr Timothy Fairley is the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Standard of Excellence Incorporated; a non-profit organization that predominantly mentor to AfricanAmerican males He brings to SOE over 30 years of experience working with young people Previous employment include Juvenile Probation Officer with the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice, Social Service Case Manager with the Georgia Department of Families and Children Services, Senior Counselor at Youth Villages which is a psychiatric residential treatment facility for children with serious emotional disturbances, Paraprofessional with Cobb County School District, and Youth AdvisorCollege Care Ministry Dr Fairley is a United States Veteran, serving in the Navy during Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Strom (1990-1991) He was reared by Christian parents His father was a Baptist Minister who embedded in him the moral seeds and positive decision making skills that deeply impacts his character Dr Fairley received his Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from DeVRY University, his Master of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Troy University, and his Doctorate in Education from Jones International University He is committed to achievement, demonstrated by being awarded the 2010-2011 Classified Employee of the Year award by Cobb County School District He also received the “Man of The Year” award from the Pensacola Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated Symposium Featured Panelists Dr Edward Louis Hill, Jr Black Males’ Academic Readiness for Higher Education Dr Edward Louis Hill, Jr is the Dean of the College of Education and Associate Professor of Educational Leadership at Texas A&M University-Central Texas An accomplished Administrator, scholar, and teacher, Dr Hill brings to the deanship a deeprooted commitment to academic excellence, student success, access and inclusion, and a keen awareness of how to create effective cross-divisional collaborations between academic affairs and student affairs that will positively impact the lives of students and change society He has developed and executed a five year strategic plan that focused on: Quality and Distinctiveness of Student Success; Academic Reputation, Flagship Programs and Community Outreach; and Technology for the 21st century University Dr Hill has a long administrative career in both K-12 and higher education During his career, he has served as an administrator in both public and private universities, overseeing professional programs and liberal arts in environments serving undergraduates, graduates, traditional and non-traditional students He has worked with active duty military and veteran students He has previously served as coordinator of the Troops to Teachers Initiative Dr Hill has received many awards and commendations for excellence in teaching and outstanding administrative service Dr Hill has published in the areas of educational leadership, school culture, and cultural responsive teaching and has obtained numerous grants and research awards for the enhancement of teacher quality and preparation His proven strategies for increasing academic achievement for African-American males have been featured in the 2008 Publication State of Black South Carolina Dr Hill has served as chair of several state and national committees that have examined and identified effective strategies and best practices for increasing male student enrollment and retention at minority-serving institutions Dr Hill has expertise in analysis and assessment of student and learning outcomes for continuous improvement and accreditation He has served as chair of AdvancEd school reviews and accreditation evaluator for the National Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) He also serves as a member of the Continuous Improvement Committee He has successfully lead universities and faculty through successful accreditation reviews to include SACSCOC, NCATE, and Council for Accreditation of Counseling (CACREP) Dr Hill is a servant leader committed to serving the community Dr Hill has been an active member of numerous organizations including Rotary Club, Toastmasters, local Chamber of Commerce and Community Development Corporations, Boys and Girls Club, and is the founder of the school-based fatherhood engagement initiative D.A.D.S (Developing a Demonstrating Society) He serves as the Director of Community Outreach and Education Chair within his chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated Dr Hill received a Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership from South Carolina State University in 2005, a Masters of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Columbia College in 1999, and a Bachelors of Arts in Early Childhood Education from Morehouse College in 1993 In addition, Dr Hill has participated in several executive leadership development programs including Deans of Impact Fellowship, William R Harvey Leadership Institute, American Association of Blacks in Higher Education, and the Executive Leadership Institute of the University System of Georgia Symposium Featured Panelists Dr Jeffery Bright Black Males Involvement in the Criminal Justice System Dr Jeffrey Bright began his career with the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice on December 1, 1994 Dr Bright has worked in various leadership positions within the Division of Secure Facilities and the Division of Community Services of the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice Dr Bright transferred to the Board of Pardons and Paroles in 2001 to serve as a Senior Parole Officer in The DeKalb Parole Center, Jonesboro Parole Office, and Clayton Day Reporting Center In 2007, Dr Bright returned to the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice to serve as a Regional Residential Placement Specialist, Regional Program Coordinator, and Associate Director of Security and Programs Dr Bright has extensive knowledge and experience in juvenile/adult correctional facilities, juvenile/adult probation and parole services, juvenile/adult community corrections and programming/evaluation In February of 2018, Dr Bright transferred to the Georgia Department of Corrections to serve as an Education Program Specialist within the Division of Inmate Services Dr Bright holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Savannah State University, a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Troy University, and an Educational Specialist Degree and Doctor of Education (Educational Leadership) from Argosy University-Atlanta Campus Dr Bright is a life member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated Dr Bright has a (22) twenty-two year career in public service with the State of Georgia Dr Bright currently is currently employed with the Georgia Department of Corrections and has served as an Adjunct Professor at Atlanta Metropolitan State College and Georgia Military College Dr Bright is a U S Navy veteran that served in Operation Desert Shield/Storm (1990-1991) and Operation Enduring Freedom (2001-2002) Dr Bright is the founder and CEO of Bright Solutions and Consulting Services, LLC Symposium Special Guest Panelists Dr Bobby Allen The Impact of High Stakes Testing on Students of Color Dr Bobby Allen has been a Georgia certified educator since 1997 He has served in a myriad of roles He has dedicated his entire public-school career to inner-city education Dr Allen has served as an elementary school teacher of multiple grade levels, an instructional coach, a district-level specialist, and as a school administrator He has also served over twelve years as an adjunct professor for two area universities He has served as a Department Chairman at an area for-profit college, school administrator for an alternative middle/high school and as a teacher in a private lottery pre-kindergarten program Dr Allen has also served as vice-president of a charter school’s board and has endured numerous significant experiences in education A Georgia Certified Educator, Dr Allen is certified (L7 & T7) in Early Childhood Education, English to Speakers of Other Languages and Education Leadership He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music, a Master of Public Administration and both the Education Specialist and Doctorate of Education in Education Leadership Dr Allen is a certified Microsoft Office User Specialist (MOUS) and holds membership in the National Council for Teachers of Mathematics, National Science Teachers Association, Professional Association of Georgia Educators, Pi Lambda Theta, and Phi Beta Sigma Dr Allen is a well-published author, whose work is cited and used in several places all over the world As a respected educator, Dr Allen was one of six selected to represent the greater Atlanta area in a round-table discussion with former President George W Bush on the status of education in Atlanta, Georgia He was an invited presenter at the Georgia TESOL Conference, Georgia STEM Conference, the National Science Teachers Association’s Conference, the National Council for Teachers of Mathematics’ Conference and helped to develop the Latino Educational Action Plan for an area public school system Dr Allen, for two years, served as a specialist in an urban school district developing school administrators, instructional coaches and teachers in the art of mathematics instruction He was tasked with changing the trajectory of the lowest-performing schools in the district and averting government takeover He has dedicated his life to improving education and providing academic equality to at-risk students Symposium Special Guest Panelists Dr Darius Sams Summary: Conclusions, Implications, and Recommendations Dr Darius Sams currently is employed with Wellstar Orthosport in Douglasville, Georgia, providing physical therapy services for the community Dr Sams began his career in healthcare while attending the Academy of Medical Science and Research at South Cobb High School From this experience, he went to obtain his Bachelors of Science in Exercise Physiology from Valdosta State University in 2012 Later, he received his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Georgia State University in 2016 In his spare time, Dr Sams enjoys working with the youth at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church where he serves as mentor and role model for elementary and middle school males He also mentors and assists training young athletes at Champion Performance Training in Power Springs, Georgia Cameo Performance By Khalil ‘ Mr Cello’ Payne Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestra 1st Chair Cellist 2017 - 2018 Achievements • Preformed in Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestra, (GYSO) in 7th grade • GYSO second top orchestra first seat cellist • Made honor orchestra 9th seat top orchestra in 7th grade • Made honor orchestra 2nd seat top orchestra 8th grade • Made it to the second round in state competition • Was able to perform half of a prelude in just one week ã Learned ắ of a page of a concerto in less than a week • Received a first place award for composing a piece in reflections in 7th grade • Preformed in various churches around metro Atlanta • Preformed a solo in an orchestra in 7th grade • Performed with a youth ascension orchestra with artists such as: Katt, Mark Universe, The Elovaters-Reggae Band, and Slyce • Preform “The Swan” by Saent Saens • Member of the Men of Tapp, mentoring program • Complete 8th grade in the summer of 2018 • President of the Junior Usher Ministry and Vice-President of the Youth Ministry at church • Participated in Lip Sync Battle at Tapp Middle School in 8th grade • Performs community service hours at Reflections of Trinity Food Bank Mistress of Ceremony Rev Dr Cedrita Denise Reid Rev Dr Cedrita Denise Siplin Reid is a native of Tampa, Florida She is an Associate Minister, Bible Study Teacher, Sunday School Teacher, New Member Orientation Teacher, President of the College Care Ministry, and Dean of Christian Life School of Theology Global at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, Powder Springs, GA Rev Dr Reid academic achievements are Associate Science Degree from St Petersburg Junior College, Clearwater, Florida Bachelor of Science, Master of Science in Business Administration from Nova Southeastern University, Ft Lauderdale, Florida where her name was placed on the National Dean List Master of Theology, Master of Divinity, Doctor of Theology from Christian Life School of Theology Beacon Institute of Ministry, Beacon University, Columbus, Georgia She graduated in top 1% of the class Rev Dr Reid community affiliations include Grief Recovery Counselor for Greener Pastures Funeral Home, in Powder Springs, Georgia, and American Red Cross Blood Drive Liaison at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church She is a former member on the Cobb County NAACP Executive Committee, and Pastor, Minister/Laymen Prayer Hour Contact Information Standard of Excellence, Inc P.O Box 864 Lithia Springs, Georgia 30122 Email: standardof.excellence@yahoo.com www.standardofexcellence.org Phone: 404.384.9280 ... reviews and accreditation evaluator for the National Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) He also serves as a member of the Continuous... years as an adjunct professor for two area universities He has served as a Department Chairman at an area for-profit college, school administrator for an alternative middle/high school and as a. .. in the National Council for Teachers of Mathematics, National Science Teachers Association, Professional Association of Georgia Educators, Pi Lambda Theta, and Phi Beta Sigma Dr Allen is a well-published