STEPHENS - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Adjunct Instructor at Baylor Journalism
Andrew has served as adjunct instructor at Baylor Journalism, Public Relations and New Media department and the University of Missouri School of Journalism. He is president of Draft 13 Media, LLC, a media production company geared around grassroots journalism.
Job Titles:
- Director of Engagement / Ashlea
Ashlea has spent the entirety of her career in the nonprofit world, primarily focused on volunteer management and program development. During her free time, Ashlea enjoys reading, crafting, and spending time with her loved ones. Ashlea and her husband, Tyler, live in Columbia with their Corgi, Raine, and two cats, Poppy and Ivy.
Job Titles:
- College As the Controller
- Vice President for Finance and Administration
Dane joined Stephens College as the Controller in September 2017 and has served as the Vice President for Finance and Administration since June 2019. As Vice President for Finance and Administration, his primary responsibilities include the oversight of the College's financial and business functions as well as operations.
Prior to joining Stephens, Dane served as the Director of Finance for Services for Independent Living, a nonprofit organization serving seven counties in Missouri. A Certified Public Accountant, he earned bachelor's degrees from the University of Wyoming and Columbia College.
Dane lives in Columbia, Missouri, with his wife, Christina, and two young children, Pearl and Oren.
Job Titles:
- President of Accolades, Inc
Daryll Harris Griffin is the president of Accolades, Inc., a brand marketing firm she founded in 1990. Prior to entrepreneurship, she was a public school teacher, reading consultant, and executive with Xerox Corporation.
While building her 30-year-old firm, Griffin has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to the promotional products/branding industry. An active member of the Promotional Products Association International (PPAI) and the Georgia Association of Promotional Products Professionals (GAPPP), Griffin has graciously served the industry on countless PPAI committees, task forces and advisory groups, including the Distributor, Certification, Leadership and Membership Services committees. She is an industry advocate and speaker who was recognized in 2016 in the inaugural class of PPAI Fellows. Most recently Griffin has been recognized as the 2019 recipient of the PPAI Woman of Achievement Award, and the 2019 7th recipient of PPAI's H. Ted Olson Humanitarian Award.
Griffin served as chair of the board and secretary to the board of the Atlanta Business League (ABL), and vice chair of the board of the YWCA of Greater Atlanta, where she was inducted into the YWCA Academy of Women Achievers for her dedication to the YWCA and its mission. The ABL honored her with the League Leadership Award, and in 2015 Accolades, Inc. was inducted into the Atlanta Business League Hall of Fame where to date they are the only promo products/branding firm inducted. She is a former trustee of Holy Innocents' Episcopal School, and a member of the Leadership Atlanta Class of 2001. She served for a decade as secretary of the United Sisterhood, a member of the Charitable Foundation Board, and as director of Vacation Bible School at Wheat Street Baptist Church, where she is a lifelong member.
She has been recognized as one of the Top 100 Black Women of Influence by the Atlanta Business League, recipient of the Jackie Robinson Award from the Atlanta Braves, recipient of the Inspiring Woman award from WNBA Atlanta Dream, the Regional Supplier of the Year from the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) and the Trailblazer Award from WBENC's Georgia Women's Business Council. Daryll was a mentor in the Stephens Full Circle program, a member of the Stephens Alumnae Association Board, and mentor in Spelman College's Mentor program.
Daryll previously served as secretary to the board of Georgia Minority Supplier Development Council (GMSDC), board member of Callanwolde Arts Center Foundation, Hispanic Corporate Council of Atlanta and was a two-term president of NSAC Jack and Jill of America. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, and currently president of the Azalea City (GA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated.
Daryll holds a B.A. in Elementary Education from Stephens College, and an M.S. in Education from Washington University. Further graduate study has been completed at the Tuck School of Business and Kellogg School of Business. Daryll married her Mizzou college sweetheart, Mike Griffin, and they are the parents of one son, Michael, and two grandsons, Chase and Preston.
Job Titles:
- Associate Vice President of Communications and Institutional Advancement at Triton College in River Grove
- Vice President for Enrollment Management Marketing
Derrell joined Stephens in 2021 after serving three years as associate vice president of communications and institutional advancement at Triton College in River Grove, IL, where he oversaw development and implementation of the college's mission, vision and three-year strategic plan. He also led development of Triton's first diversity, equity and inclusion plan for employees and students, oversaw grants processes for securing $8.8 million in external funding, and managed a division of more than 20 staff.
Previously, Derrell was senior manager of corporate communications at BMO Harris Bank in Chicago, IL, vice president of global internal communications at Arthur J. Gallagher in Itasca, IL, and communications manager at Boeing in Chicago, IL, and St. Louis, MO.
Derrell has received numerous awards for his work, including the Platts Global Energy Award for Best Marketing Campaign and the Pacific Plains Region Silver Quill Award of Excellence. He holds master's degrees in political management (George Washington University), business (University of Missouri-St. Louis), media communications, and finance (Webster University). He earned his BA in Public Relations from Webster and is a doctoral candidate in Leadership at American College of Education.
Browse the archives at your leisure. Dedicated to the late Dr. Alan Havig, the collection is conveniently located in the lower level of the library.
Job Titles:
- President
- President of Stephens College
Job Titles:
- Associate Vice President
- Director of Student Retention and Success
Dr. Trish Parsons has served as the associate vice president for academic affairs since April 2019. She has been an educator at Stephens College since August 2015, first as a coordinating tutor with the Margaret Campbell Student Success Center, and later becoming the assistant director of the center. She has also taught as an adjunct instructor in the School of Health Sciences.
Before following her passion to work with students, Dr. Parsons was a research scientist. She directed research studies in pathobiology at the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine before coming to Stephens. Prior to moving to Missouri, Dr. Parsons held a post-doctoral fellowship at the Center for Craniofacial and Dental Genetics at the School of Dental Medicine at University of Pittsburgh.
Dr. Parsons earned her Ph.D. in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains at the University of Calgary in Alberta, Canada. Her research focused on the evolutionary development of the mammalian skull. She earned a B.S. in Biological Anthropology from Penn State.
Dylan is a fourth-grade teacher at Metropolitan Arts Academy, an arts magnet school in the Westminster Public Schools district in Denver. She also is the leader of arts integrated education.
While at Stephens, Dylan worked with fellow board member Sara Herrnstadt Crosby '76 to start the first collegiate affiliate of Plays for Living. She was also a proud three-year member of Stephens' own Velvetones and traveled to Spirit Lake, Iowa, and New York City with the group. She was a part of the Warehouse Theatre Company and loved her time at Okoboji Summer Theatre. She earned her B.F.A. in Theatre from Stephens in 2013.
After graduating from Stephens, Dylan moved to N.Y.C., where she not only lived and worked for four years - teaching elementary musical theater and voice - but also received her master's degree in elementary arts integrated inclusive education from Teachers College, Columbia University. In 2017, she moved back to her home state of Colorado, where she now lives with her husband, Zach Levenson, and their cat, Frank.
Job Titles:
- Founding Member of Victory
Gayle, a former board member (1996-2004, 2006-2015), served as a regional co-chair of the College's first comprehensive campaign with her husband, Lloyd. She also has served on the Alumnae Development Board. She received the Stephens Alumnae Achievement Award in 2009.
Gayle is a founding member of Victory, a group of American Cancer Society volunteers who sponsor the Cattle Baron's Ball in Houston; a public member of the State Bar of Texas Grievance Committee for six years; and a former advisory board member of the UTMB Galveston School of Nursing. With her husband, she co-chaired a Project Orbis Gala to fund eye care in less-developed countries.
Gerica is from Crocker and is a Stephens College alumna. She graduated in 2018 with a Bachelors of Science in Human Development. While attending Stephens, she played soccer and softball all four years (Go Stars!). She worked in the social work field as a foster care case manager, but chose to come back to Stephens because of the lasting impact it had on her. Gerica wants to give future Stephens women the support that she was given. When she is not working, she is at the gym, playing cornhole, on a restaurant patio, or hanging out with her dogs.
Job Titles:
- Vice President
- Vice President for Institutional Advancement
Gina serves as vice president for institutional advancement. In her role, she is the chief fundraising officer for the College and advises the president on all matters pertaining to the management and operation of development, alumni relations, as well as community and donor relations. She provides strategic leadership and direction for the Advancement program and is responsible for designing and implementing best practice, sustainable and comprehensive institutional advancement programs, recruiting and developing talented team members focused toward the ultimate goal of significantly increasing constituent involvement and fundraising outcomes.
Gina maintains close working relationships with the president and key internal and external stakeholders. She works to advance the mission, vision, and short and long-term goals of the College in concert with the president and senior administrative colleagues. She personally maintains a dynamic portfolio of high-net-worth individuals and secures major, capital and planned gifts, as well as advanced annual gifts and endowment support.
Prior to Stephens, Gina has had a successful and extensive career in higher education institutional advancement, including leadership roles at Saint Louis University, Washington University, the University of Missouri and Marquette University in Milwaukee. She most recently served as vice president for university advancement at Marquette University, where she was responsible for all areas of the advancement division. Gina was assistant vice chancellor for advancement at Mizzou during its $1.3-billion Our Time to Lead campaign; prior to that, she was associate dean and senior director of development at Washington University, where she participated in the $2.3-billion Leading Together campaign.
Gina has a bachelor's degree in international relations from Missouri State University. She and her family live in Columbia.
Greg Flaker graduated from the University of Missouri in 1972 and was co-captain of the basketball team with Mike Griffin, spouse of Daryll Griffin. After medical school and residency at the University of Missouri, he completed a Postdoctoral Fellowship in Cardiovascular Diseases at the Ohio State University. Since 1981 he has been a faculty member at the University of Missouri, serving for 6 years as the Chief of the Division of Cardiology. He has been the local principal investigator of grants totaling over $2.5 million with research interests which include antithrombotic drug therapy, antiarrhythmic drug therapy, and cardiac rhythm devices. His CV lists 200 publications and a book on atrial fibrillation. He is the proud husband of Sondra Flaker, the proud father of 5 daughters and the proud grandfather of 3 grandchildren.
Job Titles:
- Associate Director, Gift Processing, Stewardship and Advancement Systems
Jacob has been with Stephens since 2018. He serves as the associate director of advancement services and assistant secretary for the Stephens College Board of Trustees. He is a 2018 graduate of the University of Missouri, and had worked in the sports and entertainment industries prior to joining Stephens. Away from campus, Jacob is a big soccer (football) fan, and even owns a small share of AFC Wimbledon in the English Football League. He also enjoys playing the saxophone, building computers and gardening. Jacob and his wife live in Columbia with their two cats, Cosmo and Sharky.
Job Titles:
- Assistant Director of Financial Aid
Born and raised in Missouri, Jason spent time at several different institutions of higher education as an athlete before ultimately graduating from Columbia College with a Bachelor of Arts in General Studies. He almost immediately took the opportunity to enter higher education as a profession with Columbia College as a financial aid specialist, working five and a half years in various roles with his alma mater. Jason brings a passion for higher education and the role it can play in shaping students personal and professional life as they transition in the years beyond high school. In his spare time, Jason enjoys attending local sporting events; spending time with his wife and son; and assisting his wife, who is an equine veterinarian, on farm calls.
Jennifer grew up in nearby Glasgow, Missouri. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Commercial Art with an emphasis in Graphic Design from the University of Central Missouri. Jennifer started her career in higher education and hasn't looked back. She joined the University of Missouri Press where she was a designer and collaborator in the publication of books. She enjoyed the details involved in composition and typesetting, as well as bringing an author's vision to fruition in the cover design. As an added bonus, she was able to read many manuscripts while typesetting, combining her love of design with her love of reading. Jennifer joined Stephens in 2012, where she implements the visual needs of the College through print and digital media. She thrives on the energy Stephens creates and loves to see the campus come alive with Stephens women each fall. On her down time, you will find Jennifer spending every second with her family, whether it be sporting events or lazy evenings watching the storm roll in from her back porch.
Job Titles:
- Director of Philanthropy and Engagement
Jenny serves Stephens College as a director of philanthropy and engagement. She graduated from the University of South Dakota with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis in marketing. After many years in the pharmaceutical industry as a hospital sales representative, Jenny stayed at home for several years to raise her children as well as volunteer for several organizations. Upon returning to the workforce, she worked at Columbia Public Schools for four years and then for the University of Missouri for six years. Her experiences in sales and education are a perfect fit for Stephens. Jenny enjoys engaging with alumnae and obtaining gifts to advance the mission of Stephens College. When asked, she will say, "This is the best job I've ever had."
John Sebree has been CEO of Missouri REALTORS® since September 2014. Prior to his move to Missouri, John served as senior vice president of public policy for Florida REALTORS®. Prior to joining the team at Florida REALTORS®, John worked in the government affairs division of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (NAR) in Washington, DC for thirteen years. Prior to NAR, John worked for two years for the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Banking, Finance and Urban Affairs.
John is a native of Kentucky. He received a bachelor's degree in Business Management from Northern Kentucky University where he was student body president. John earned an M.B.A. from The George Washington University in Washington, DC. John is also the current chair of the Hawthorn Foundation, a highly diverse group of Missouri leaders in business, education, economic development, health care and labor dedicated to making the state of Missouri stronger.
John resides in Columbia, Missouri, but enjoys travel and spending time with family and friends on his farm in Williamstown, Kentucky.
Job Titles:
- Director of Financial Aid
Keri started her career in financial aid at the University of Missouri-Columbia and rapidly discovered her passion for helping students navigate the complex world of paying for college. She has a deep love for advocacy and has visited with legislators in Jefferson City and Washington, D.C. to fight for program funding and initiatives to simplify the financial aid process. Keri's passion and dedication to students and their success is infectious, and she has been recognized at both the state and regional level for her work. She has received numerous awards for her committee efforts, and is a recipient of both the MASFAP Bob Berger Newcomer Award and MASFAA Outstanding New Professional Award. Keri is also one of only 65 individuals from across the nation to have earned all 17 NASFAA credentials, and has been certified as an NCAN Access Advisor. In addition to her work with Stephens, Keri serves on the Executive Board of the Midwest Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators as well as the City of Columbia New Century Fund, Inc. Board. Keri received her Master of Public Affairs from the University of Missouri-Columbia. When she isn't dreaming up ways to simplify the FAFSA, you will find Keri spending time with her friends and family, traveling, and snuggling up with a good book.
Leonard was born and raised in Selma, Alabama. He holds a BA in Business Administration and minors in Religion & Philosophy from Graceland University. He was a four-year varsity letterman for Graceland University's football team. Leonard served as a campus pastor and football team captain for three and a half years. Following his undergraduate degree, he worked for Graceland University as an undergraduate recruiter for seven months prior to joining Stephens College. Leonard believes in the benefits of small colleges and wants to allow others to know and take part in that. He will soon pursue a master's degree in Divinity.
Job Titles:
- Assistant Director
- Assistant Director of Engagement
Lori was born and raised in Iowa, but has lived in Missouri since 1986. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in business education from Northeast Missouri State University (now Truman State) and immediately began her career in the graduate office for her alma mater. She spent seven years in the health care arena, then returned to higher education where she has held several roles since 1994. Lori is passionate about Stephens and engaging with alumnae, students, families and donors. She is an avid reader and enjoys watching sports, fitness, road trips, and spending time with her sons and granddaughters.
When Lynda began working in financial aid in 1994, she never considered that it would become more than just a job. Communicating her knowledge of federal financial aid to students and then seeing their "aha" moment, when they understand and have a better idea of what to do next, is always a moment of great satisfaction.
Working at Stephens is a kind of homecoming. One of her daughters graduated from Stephens College and Lynda came to know Stephens through the eyes of a mother of a college student. She is so glad to be a Financial Aid Counselor at Stephens, and share the knowledge and help that was once shared with her and her daughter!
In her non-working hours, she loves to travel, spend time with family, watch sports of all kinds, go to operas and symphonies, read and listen to music.
Madison is from St. Louis and is a Stephens College alumna. Since receiving her BFA in Fashion Communication and minor in Women Studies in 2021, she has taken on her first full-time position post-graduation as an Admissions Counselor for Stephens College. Madison works part-time as social media director for a local counseling center and manages and runs her own fashion and lifestyle photography business known as Madison Jewel Photography. In her free time, you'll find Madison at the gym, doing yoga at local parks, grabbing dinner at the sushi restaurants downtown, painting, or reading a book!
Job Titles:
- Engagement Office Coordinator
Melissa earned her BFA in Digital Filmmaking from Stephens College and soon after began a career as adjunct instructor of Digital Storytelling and Film Studies at the University of Missouri, while simultaneously starting her own business as a freelance video producer, spearheading a grassroots music video festival, and co-founding Columbia's community media center Vidwest Studios. As a result, she is no stranger to working hard, sharing vision, and cheerleading others to invest in a myriad of ideas. Her fundraising experience, passion for storytelling, and love for Stephens serves her well in this role.
Job Titles:
- Vice Admiral
- Service Vice Admiral
After completing over 35 years of service Vice Admiral Nancy E. Brown retired from her position as the Director, Command, Control, Communications and Computer Systems, The Joint Staff. Since retiring on 1 October 2009, she has served as an Outside Director of Systematic Software Engineering, Inc, on the Board of Advisors for Enlightened, Inc, The EDGE, and Kingfisher Systems, Inc., Vice Chair of the Broad of Directors of the United States Naval Institute, Chair of the Board of Directors of Homeward Deployed and an Executive Committee Member of the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association (AFCEA). She also served as the Vice Chair of Veterans Honor Flight of Southern Illinois and was instrumental in organizing and executing their first flight to Washington, D.C. She currently works as an independent consultant for various C4I focused companies.
Raised in Marion, Illinois, she is a 1973 graduate of Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri. Following graduation she joined the United States Navy. Highlights of her assignments include attending the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California, where she earned a Master of Science Degree in Communications Systems Management; the Naval War College and was awarded a Master of Arts Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies; and the Senior Course at the Army War College, Carlyle, Pennsylvania.
In August 1993, VADM Brown assumed command of Naval Computer and Telecommunications Station Cutler, Downeast, Maine. After completing her command tour, she was assigned in August 1995 to the National Security Council staff at the White House. In July 1997, VADM Brown assumed command of the Naval Computer and Telecommunications Area Master Station Atlantic, Norfolk. Completing her major command tour in June 1999, VADM Brown returned to the White House as the Deputy Director, White House Military Office. In October 2000, she reported to the Chief of Naval Operations as Deputy Director and Fleet Liaison, Space, Information Warfare, Command and Control (N6B). In August 2002 she assumed duties as Vice Director for Command, Control, Communications, and Computer Systems (J6), the Joint Staff. In August 2004 she deployed to Iraq becoming the first Multi-National Force-Iraq C6 headquartered in Baghdad and returned to the Joint Staff in April 2005. In August 2005 VADM Brown assumed the duties as J6 Director for both North American Aerospace Defense Command and United States Northern Command. In August 2006 she assumed her last active duty position as the Director, Command, Control, Communications and Computer Systems (C4 Systems), The Joint Staff.
Vice Admiral Brown's decorations include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal (with Oak Leaf Cluster), the Defense Superior Service Medal (with two Oak Leaf Clusters), the Legion of Merit (with Gold Star), the Bronze Star Medal, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal (with Oak Leaf Cluster), the Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal (with two Bronze Stars), the Global War on Terrorism Medal, the Armed Forces Service Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal (with two Bronze Stars). She has also been recognized by the Diversity Journal in 2007 as one of their 5th Annual Women Worth Watching, in February 2009 by Fast Company The Most Influential Women in Tech, the 2017 Lifetime Achievement Award Marion Area Chamber of Commerce, the 2017 Southern Business Journal Leaders Among Us and the 2019 Distinguished Graduate from Stephens College.
Nikki is retired after having served from 2002-2013 as the vice president for finance and administration for the University of Missouri System where she had responsibility for university-wide strategic financial planning, including the university's budget, management of its endowment and retirement trust funds, and its debt. Under her direction were the university's treasury, accounting, procurement, facilities planning and development, real estate, internal audit, risk and insurance management, and institutional research functions. Prior to working at the University of Missouri, she worked at Stephens College for 14 years serving as vice president for finance and administration, associate dean of faculty, and a faculty member in the Department of Business.
Nikki presents workshops on higher education budgeting and finance and consults on strategic finance and resource allocation with higher education institutions. She has served on the boards of a number of higher education associations and is currently on the board of the National Student Clearinghouse. She also serves on the boards of directors of Landmark Bank, Columbia, Missouri; the University of Missouri School of Accountancy; the Ragtag Film Society; and the Central Missouri Sheltered Workshop.
In 2010, Nikki was the recipient of the National Association of College and University Business Officers Distinguished Business Officer award and in 2013 was the Columbia, Missouri recipient of the 2013 Athena Leadership Award and the Trulaske College of Business Alumni Citation of Merit. While Nikki worked at Stephens, she was a recipient of the Century Candle Award for her outstanding contributions to student life (1995); the Stephens College Excellence in Teaching Award (1987); and the Stephens College Excellence in Advising Award (1986).
She has degrees from Washington University, Teachers College, Columbia University and the University of Missouri-Columbia. She earned her C.P.A. in 1984. Nikki and her husband, Aaron, have one son, Adam.
Job Titles:
- Director of Philanthropy and Engagement / Executive Director, Okoboji Summer Theatre
- Executive Director for the Okoboji Summer Theatre
Ruth Ann Burke serves as the executive director for the Okoboji Summer Theatre, where she plans to help the Company celebrate 63 seasons in the Iowa Great Lakes region during her 24th season next summer. During the school year, she is a Director of Philanthropy and Engagement, connecting with Stephens College supporters and overseeing marketing and corporate sponsorships for the School of Creative and Performing Arts. Before returning to Columbia in 2007, Burke worked in marketing and public relations in Seattle. She is a proud alumna of Stephens College, where she earned her B.F.A. and M.B.A. She also received an M.A. from Drake University.
Sarah's passion for writing and the performing arts has led her to her role at Stephens. She received her Bachelor of Arts degrees in English and Theatre from Truman State University, and a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from Lindenwood University. Professional roles include working at the Coterie Theatre in Kansas City, news writing for the Washington Missourian, the St. Charles County Business Record and Missouri Lawyers Weekly, teaching at State Technical College of Missouri, and leading a number of initiatives for the Missouri Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development. Sarah believes fully in the Stephens mission to Learn. Grow. Lead. A Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, higher education policy wonk, and poet, Sarah promotes the Stephens brand through all internal and external communication channels.
Job Titles:
- Graduate / Online Admissions Counselor
Sean was born in Murray, Kentucky, but grew up right here in Columbia. He holds a BA in Literature from Murray State University and an MA in Literature from the University of Missouri-St. Louis where he taught for two years. Following graduate school, he worked in the restaurant industry where he learned how to make a killer Daiquiri. Sean transitioned back into higher education at Stephens College to be part of an exciting institution that empowers women from diverse backgrounds and helps them chase down their dreams. In his free-time, Sean loves to explore the American West with his talented and lovely partner, play Mario Kart with his two daughters, or enjoy a glass of mezcal on his back porch.
Job Titles:
- Associate Vice President for Institutional Advancement
Severin most enjoys the relationships she holds on behalf of Stephens, working with individuals genuinely interested in stewarding Stephens College through their philanthropy and volunteerism. In addition, she works with the organization donors and sponsors who include Stephens in their corporate citizenry through philanthropy. As a project manager, she oversees many of the cross-function projects for Advancement, and often represents Advancement for college-level initiatives and projects.
She has a master of arts degree in Geography from the University of Kansas and a bachelor of arts degree in Geography/minor in Anthropology from the University of Missouri. At the University of Kansas she started her career in a research think tank in big data analytics and mapping and has since leveraged those skills in higher education fundraising and grant writing.
Her genuine love for people and travel is the compass for her curiosity. She returned to Columbia in 2012 with her family and enjoys gardening, bike riding on the trails, camping, and making art.
With over 20 successful years in the nonprofit, political and public sectors, Silissa's diverse and multifaceted career includes the areas of advocacy, fundraising, community engagement and public affairs. She has worked for organizations such as Planned Parenthood, the Feminist Majority Foundation, community-based organizations, numerous progressive political campaigns, and the City of Long Beach.
Born and raised in Orange County, California, Silissa has deep roots throughout Southern California. Her professional successes are the result of mentorship, hard work and an exceptional education: general education and theater coursework at Fullerton Community College, a B.A. in Political Science from Stephens College, and an M.A. in Organizational Leadership from Chapman University's Brandman School. Her executive leadership training and professional development experiences include: MANA A National Latina Organization, AvanZamos Fellowship Program and HOPE's (Hispanas Organized for Political Equality) Leadership Institute.
Silissa has served as a trustee for the College since 2015 and is a former member of the Stephens College Alumnae Association Board. She received the PLEN Leadership Award in 2015, the Stephens College Black Alumnae Association Award in 2008, the Californians for Justice, Racial Justice Hero Award in 2007, the MANA de Orange County Crystal Award for Advocacy in 2008, and the California Democratic Party JFK Junior, Community Service Award in 2003.
While at Stephens, Silissa re-energized the College Democrats chapter, was a Mortar Board member, and an editorial contributor for Stephens Life when it was the College's campus newspaper. She served as an intern for retired Representative Vicky Riback Wilson in Jefferson City. In her senior year, she received the John Dekker Award for Social Sciences Student of the Year.
Job Titles:
- Board Member of the Texas Conservation Alliance
Susan founded and served as editor of Medicine for a New Era newsletter highlighting the latest research on anti-aging, stem cells and regenerative medicine, providing only accredited and authoritative articles for 10 years. Today, her focus has been her regenerative sciences research advisory service, specific to all forms of cellular regeneration, stem cell therapy and precision testing. She manages a private membership group of individuals seeking anti-aging information. Susan has researched and tested the effects of lifestyle choices on telomeres, whole body cell regeneration and intracellular micronutrients. Susan found her interest in science at Stephens College in her first anatomy and physiology class with her adviser, Dr.
Earlier in her career, Susan founded Children Writing for Children, a nonprofit organization that honors literary works written and illustrated by children and has published 17 books. The nonprofit received the 2004 Outstanding Minority Health Education Publication Award from the Ohio Commission on Minority Health. Susan served as assistant to the head librarian for the Dallas Museum of Art, creating a metadata project that analyzed museums' digital content that serves as a model for the Getty Museum. She catalogued numerous private collections at SMU's DeGolyer Library Archives using DAC standards. Susan was selected by Komen's national headquarters to archive the private collection of Susan G. Komen for its corporate office. She worked with the art history department at St. Mark's School of Texas, a private boy's school, developing a database of 2,000+ art images for the classroom devising metadata schematics for intuitive retrieval.
When living in N.Y.C., Susan served as assistant vice president of Christies Auction House and director of the photography department where all works of art were photographed/catalogued for reproduction in its national/international catalogue division. She managed a $1 million budget, managed traffic for 45 departments, scheduled more than 100,000 art properties for photography between four studios, and 15 staff each year.
Susan is a board member of the Texas Conservation Alliance, a nonprofit organization, as communications director, a member of Phi Kappa Phi national honor society and the Kappa Alpha Theta national sorority.
Job Titles:
- Treasurer and Chief Investment Officer of the University of Missouri System
Tom serves as treasurer and chief investment officer of the University of Missouri System. In his current role, he provides operating leadership and strategic direction for the university's cash management, debt and banking relationships across all four campuses and the healthcare system. In addition, Tom manages investment portfolios in excess of $6 billion, including the university's retirement, endowment and general operating funds.
Tom served as interim vice president of finance from July 2013 to August 2014. Prior to his appointment as treasurer by the Board of Curators in January 2011, he was responsible for the university's financial reporting and taxation matters as well as all accounting for the treasury function.
Tom received the 2013 Rising Star Award from the National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO). The award is given to up-and-coming leaders in higher education in the areas of finance, administration and business who are known for their innovative, meaningful contributions to the improvement of their profession and to the efficiency of their institution.
With over 20 years of experience in the financial sector, Tom served as chief financial officer of a $2 billion community banking organization headquartered in Columbia, Missouri. He also was an audit manager in the financial services practice of PricewaterhouseCoopers in Indianapolis.
Tom earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan and is a certified public accountant. He serves as a volunteer member of the Board Finance Committee of Columbia Public Schools and as treasurer of the Northwest Rotary Foundation. He served 10 years as a board trustee for the Columbia Public Library and Daniel Boone Regional Library.
His wife, Melissa Lawson, M.D., is an associate professor of child health in the School of Medicine, specializing in adolescent medicine, at the University of Missouri-Columbia. They have two children, Laura and Jack.
Vicki worked for Tribune Publishing Company in various capacities from 1977 until she retired in late 2016. The Fulton Sun (12 years) and then the associate publisher (21 years) and publisher (five years) of the Columbia Daily Tribune. Aside from decades of management experience, Vicki was the driving force behind numerous new initiatives and publications at both newspapers. She served on the Tribune's corporate board of directors for more than 20 years.
She has been quite active in professional, business and civic organizations. Her newspaper industry roles include: Current chair of the Missouri Press Foundation Board of Directors, past chair of the Missouri Press Service Board of Directors, past president and long-time member of the Missouri Press Association, and founding committee member and first board chair of the Missouri Society of Newspaper Editors.
Vicki serves on the corporate board of The Callaway Bank and on the Boone County Community Trust Board of Directors. She is a past board chair of the Fulton Chamber of Commerce and the Columbia Chamber of Commerce. She is also a past board chair of Regional Economic Development, Inc. (REDI) and has chaired the boards of many civic, arts and charitable organizations.
Her leadership was recognized in 2016 by the Columbia Chamber of Commerce Women's Network with the Athena Award and by the Greater Missouri Leadership Foundation as the Community Leader of the Year. She was also inducted into the Missouri Press Association Hall of Fame.
She was chair of the Stephens Board of Trustees from July 2015 through June 2018, has served on the board for more than 12 years, and has helped with various fundraising campaigns since 1995.
Vicki received a B.J. (1972) from the University of Missouri School of Journalism, where she also attended graduate school and worked as a graduate teaching assistant.
Her late husband, Henry J. (Hank) Waters III, was a Stephens trustee for many terms.
Vivian is from Princeton, Missouri. After graduating high school, she moved to Trenton, Missouri and earned her Associates of Arts Transfer degree from North Central Missouri College while playing softball. Vivian transferred to the University of Missouri-Columbia, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication with a minor in Business and a certificate in Multicultural Studies. During her free time, Vivian enjoys reading, watching sporting events and spending time with her friends and family.