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LeMoyne-Owen seeks stability with interim president

NEW TRI-STATE DEFENDER — Early reactions to the hiring of Dr. Carolyn Johnson-Dean as interim president of LeMoyne-Owen College are positive among LOC alumni. Given her predecessor’s tumultuous tenure, it should surprise no one that there is a recurring theme: Stability.

Published

5 years ago

August 10, 2019

Oakland Post

Dr. Carolyn Johnson-Dean will become interim president of LeMoyne-Owen College on August 26. (Courtesy photo)

By Lee Eric Smith

Early reactions to the hiring of Dr. Carolyn Johnson-Dean as interim president of LeMoyne-Owen College are positive among LOC alumni. Given her predecessor’s tumultuous tenure, it should surprise no one that there is a recurring theme:

Stability.

“I think it’s a great choice,” said Jesse Chatman, president of the LOC Alumni Association. “I wish her well. We need someone to come in here and stabilize things…and she’s a stabilizer. So I like the choice.”

Brian Clay, a 1992 alum, shared a similar sentiment.

“It’s a good move,” Clay said. “She doesn’t have a long history with LeMoyne-Owen, but what LOC needs now more than anything is stability.

“She can definitely bring that.”

The LOC Board of Trustees announced the appointment Monday in a press release. In June, the trustees board voted not to renew the four-year contract of Dr. Andrea Lewis Miller, the embattled former president whose contract expires Sept. 1.

Johnson-Dean’s tenure as president begins Aug. 26.

“It is truly an honor to assume the role of Interim President of LeMoyne-Owen College, an institution with a more than 150-year legacy in Memphis,” Johnson-Dean said in a statement.

In Memphis, Johnson-Dean is a safe, solid choice. She’s well-known and well-connected because of her 2003-07 stint as superintendent of Memphis City Schools. Her credentials also include being superintendent of schools in both Minneapolis and Boston.

She returned to Memphis in 2014 as an adviser to then-Shelby County Schools Supt. Dorsey Hopson. And as a current member of the LOC Board of Trustees, she’s a known quantity.

“Dr. Johnson-Dean’s breadth of educational leadership experience and unique understanding of the inner workings of HBCUs made her stand out as a highly qualified candidate for interim president,” said Dr. Christopher Davis, who was also announced as the new chairman of the LOC Board of Trustees, in a statement.

“Selecting Dr. Johnson-Dean to serve in this critical role is just one of the many great strides LeMoyne-Owen is making as we push forward in our mission.”

Chatman, a 1971 alumnus, believes Johnson’s tenure on the board will serve her well.

“She knows the inner workings of the college,” Chatman said. “And I’m pretty sure that the alums will rally behind her.”

Clay said Johnson-Dean should seek to boost morale among alumni, students and faculty, recounting a story from his freshman year (1987) when Dr. Irving McPhail was president.

“One thing I loved was how Dr. McPhail (took new students) through a process to kind of brainwash us into thinking we were at the best school in the world,” Clay said. “He wanted us to have a pride and sense of esteem about going to LeMoyne-Owen. That’s the kind of transition LOC needs to go through.

“You have to build morale,” he added. “You have to build enthusiasm with faculty and students.”

A spokeswoman for LOC said that Johnson-Dean would not be available for interview before TSD press time.

“As an HBCU, LeMoyne-Owen College continues to play an integral role in educating and serving students, many of whom are first-generation college-goers,” Johnson-Dean said in the statement.

“I am humbled at the tremendous opportunities that lie ahead for the College, and I look forward to working with faculty, students and community partners in this critical endeavor.”

In related news, a federal judge recently set an August 2020 date for a non-jury trial between the college’s board of trustees and faculty senate. The faculty sued the board, alleging breach of fiduciary duty and breach of contract during Miller’s term as president.

Phone calls and emails to LOC Faculty Senate President Michael Robinson had received no response at TSD press time. Robinson presided over a faculty senate that twice gave a no-confidence vote to Miller.

LeMoyne-Owen will name a permanent president at a later date, the statement said. Chatman said the next president will have work to do in fundraising, enrollment, infrastructure and technology. He also thinks a new president will need to develop relationships throughout Memphis, particularly in the faith community.

In the interim, he’s delighted with Johnson-Dean.

“I think her selection will have a calming effect on the campus,” Chatman said. “And I truly believe from all the alums I’ve talked to so far, that they’re going to rally behind Dr. Johnson.”

This article originally appeared in the New Tri-State Defender

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OP-ED: The Illusion of Allyship. White Women, Your Yard Signs Mean Nothing to Me

NNPA NEWSWIRE – “The blue bracelets are something White women are wearing so others can see that they didn’t vote for Trump,” says Liberal Lisa from Oklahoma on X. Chile, bye. These bracelets are hollow symbols, empty gestures that mean nothing to me. An accessory to claim distance from Trump’s legacy is superficial comfort, while the choice to not stand with us in the voting booth is far more profound.

Published

2 weeks ago

November 9, 2024

Oakland Post

Political yard signs can symbolize intentions and allegiance. But this year, they’ve also symbolized betrayal. During this general election, Black women were led to believe that more White women would stand with us. Exit polls, however, told a different story. Despite overwhelming displays of support, more White women still chose to vote for the convicted felon, reality TV star, and rapist. White women answered the call but left us hanging at the polls.

A Familiar Disappointment

I live in DeKalb County, Georgia, and the abundance of Harris-Walz yard signs could’ve fooled me. But I’ve seen this before, back when Stacey Abrams ran for governor. White women showed up, put up signs, attended rallies, knocked on doors, and phone-banked. Yet, when it came time to vote, they let us down—not once but twice. I’ve been here for over 15 years, and if there’s one thing I know, it’s that political signs are symbols without weight.

In every election, I’ve talked with White women. Most aren’t the primary earners in their families and vote along party lines, aligning with the preferences of their fathers and husbands. These conversations reveal a reluctance to break from tradition, even when their votes affect women and certainly when their votes impact the lives of people who look like me.

The Illusion of Solidarity—Symbols Are Not Enough

On social media, I’m seeing White women posting pictures of blue bracelets to “prove” they didn’t vote for Trump. “The blue bracelets are something White women are wearing so others can see that they didn’t vote for Trump,” says Liberal Lisa from Oklahoma on X. Chile, bye. These bracelets are hollow symbols, empty gestures that mean nothing to me. An accessory to claim distance from Trump’s legacy is superficial comfort, while the choice to not stand with us in the voting booth is far more profound.

I’ve seen Black Lives Matter signs and black squares posted on Instagram to “prove” support for Black people, but we now know that was a lie, too. Will those same people who claimed Black lives mattered now take down their Harris-Walz signs and show their true selves?

Navigating these truths is a daily struggle for me—professionally and socially. White women often misuse their privilege, supporting us only when it’s convenient. Seeing overqualified Black women sabotaged or abandoned by White women at critical moments is a constant emotional challenge. It’s exhausting to live with this reality, especially when solidarity seems like something they pick up and discard at will.

One clever campaign ad from Harris-Walz that spoke directly to White women. “Your Vote, Your Choice” emphasized that their vote was private—independent of their household situation. Another was from Olivia Howell Dreizen, the “Vote Without Fear” campaign, which empowered women to consider the greater impact of their choices. But it seems many still couldn’t choose the roadmap to freedom—even when it was handed to them.

A Call for Action Beyond Words

White women, I want to believe you care, but actions speak louder than yard signs, bracelets, or Instagram posts. Show up in our communities, advocate in your workplaces, and stand up to dismantle the structures that uphold white supremacy. Only through real action will we know where you stand.

If you choose not to act, we see you—and we know exactly where you stand. Good luck these next four years.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of BlackPressUSA.com or the National Newspaper Publishers Association.

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Supernova Parenting Conference Empowers Over 100 Parents with Resources for Neurodivergence and Mental Health

The inaugural Supernova Parenting Conference was co-hosted by Natasha Nelson, known as Supernova Momma, and Yolanda Walker, founder of Parenting Decolonized. It brought together over 100 parents, caregivers, and educators dedicated to fostering understanding and support for neurodivergent children and mental health challenges. The conference provided invaluable resources, expert insights, and a collaborative space for […]

Published

2 weeks ago

November 7, 2024

BlackPressUSA.com

The event featured a variety of workshops, panel discussions, and keynote speeches from leading experts in neurodiversity and mental health. Attendees left with practical tools and strategies to enhance their parenting journeys, emphasizing the importance of understanding and supporting the unique needs of neurodivergent children.

“While the conference was a tremendous success, we believe that our work doesn’t end here,” said Natasha Nelson. “It’s crucial to continue providing ongoing support and resources for parents as they navigate this important journey. We want to ensure families can access the tools they need long after the conference.”

To extend the momentum generated at the conference, Natasha and Yolanda are excited to announce the launch of the Supernova Parenting Community. This membership-based initiative aims to offer a safe and supportive environment for parents and caregivers to continue their growth as conscious parents.

Membership is available for as little as $5 a month via Patreon, making it accessible for all families seeking support.

“We know that parenting can be a challenging journey, especially when navigating neurodivergence and mental health issues,” Yolanda Walker added. “Our goal is to build a community where parents feel seen, heard, and supported. We hope you’ll join us in this vital work.”

For more information about the Supernova Parenting Community and to sign up for membership, please visit supernovaparenting.org