Executive Team and Advisors

Anderson C. Hill

He is a distinguished entrepreneur, speaker, and community leader. A native of Little Rock, Arkansas, he holds a JD, MBA from the University of Florida, and a BS from Clark College.

He is a distinguished entrepreneur, speaker, and community leader. A native of Little Rock, Arkansas, he holds a JD, MBA from the University of Florida, and a BS from Clark College. As the president of HZ Construction and founder of Education is Cool – Get One, Inc., Hill is dedicated to uplifting his community. He serves as an ordained deacon and founder of Men of Jesus, Inc., and has received numerous accolades, including Entrepreneur of the Year from the African American Chamber of Central Florida and the US Small Business Administration's Emerging Leader in 2021.

Dr. Cornelius Wooten

He is an accomplished higher education leader with extensive experience in finance and administration. He holds a Ph.D. in Higher Education from Florida State University, an MBA from Atlanta University, and a B.S. from Savannah State College. As the former Vice President for Administration and Finance at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Dr. Wooten achieved significant accomplishments in revenue generation, cost containment, and strategic planning. He also founded Wooten Consulting Group to support historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and minority-serving institutions. Dr. Wooten's innovative thinking and dedication to excellence make him a valuable asset in shaping higher education's future.

Lloyd Myers

He is a seasoned a rchitect with over 30 years of experience, starting with the 1984 World's Fair in New Orleans. He has worked on a diverse range of projects including hotels, healthcare, and historic renovations. Lloyd contributed to urban marketplaces and mixed-use developments with The Rouse Company and was part of Disney's Boardwalk development team. His architectural firm specializes in visioning, branding, prototype development, and conceptualization for retail, entertainment, and dining spaces. With a talented team proficient in the latest technologies, Lloyd is dedicated to delivering exceptional, award-worthy designs on time and within budget.

Deborah Mathis

She is an accomplished journalist, author, and educator, known for her work as an opinion columnist and White House correspondent. Born in Little Rock, Arkansas, she began her career at the Arkansas Democrat newspaper before transitioning to TV reporting. Her column for the Clarion-Ledger was nationally syndicated, and she covered the White House for Gannett. Mathis has published three books and has been recognized for her contributions to journalism with her induction into the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame in 2003. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a commitment to exploring issues of race, faith, and the African American experience.

Adam G. Russo

He is a Central Florida attorney and partner at Myers, Eichelberger & Russo (M E Law Firm), a full-service legal practice. With experience since 201 0, Adam has represented thousands of clients, focusing primarily on Bankruptcy, Foreclosure Defense, and Family Law, while also handling probate, wills and trusts, and guardianships. He holds a Masters of Law (LLM) in Taxation and a Juris Doctor from the University of Florida, as well as a Masters of International Business Law from Université de Montpellier, France. Adam is a member of various professional associations and is fluent in French, with proficiency in Modern Greek and Latin.

Dr. John C. Cavanaugh

He is a renowned higher education leader, previously serving as the President and CEO of the Consortium of Universities of the Washington Metropolitan Area, Chancellor of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, and President of the University of West Florida. With expertise in policy, innovation, and accreditation, Dr. Cavanaugh has received numerous accolades, including the American Council on Education Council of Fellows Mentor of the Year Award. He is a fellow of multiple distinguished organizations and has co-authored various books and articles on aging, higher education policy, and leadership.

Dr. Richard Cosby

He is a renowned former baseball head coach and athletic director at Stillman College. Holding the title of the winningest coach in the college's baseball history, he boasts over 276 wins and five conference championships from 1974 to 1990. Cosby also served as Stillman's athletic director, overseeing the college's transition from NCAA Division III to NCAA Division II. He is the author of the 1990 book, "Organization & Administration of Smaller College Athletics." In 2022, a road leading to Stillman College's baseball field was named Dr. Richard Cosby Drive in his honor during the college's Homecoming event.

Dr. Rosie Walia

She is a family physician in Texas, has over 34 years of experience in private practice. She earned her B.Sc (Hons) in Microbiology and MD from the University of Ottawa, and completed her family practice residency there. Board- certified by the American Board of Family Practice, she is also a fellow of the Canadian College of Family Physicians and the American Academy of Family Physicians. Dr. Walia is passionate about mental health, women's health, and serving her community through various hospital committees. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, music, swimming, theater, and literature.

Dr. Seema Gupta

She is a highly skilled psychiatrist, specializing in both general and child and adolescent psychiatry. An accomplished graduate of Texas A&M University and Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, she completed her residency and fellowship at the University of Texas Medical Branch. With experience as a staff psychiatrist at the University of North Texas' Student Health and Wellness Center and as an Assistant Professor and Medical Director at UT Southwestern, Dr. Gupta has showcased her dedication to providing exceptional care for her patients while actively contributing to advancements in her field.

Dr. Don Betz

He is an accomplished academic leader and political scientist, currently serving as Provost and VP for Academic Affairs at the University of Central Oklahoma. With over 30 years of experience, he has held positions at Northeastern State University and Palmer College, and has worked with the United Nations, focusing on Middle East peace efforts. A respected speaker and writer, Dr. Betz received the 1991 Medal of Excellence in University Teaching. He earned his degrees from the University of San Francisco and the University of Denver. Don is married with two children and resides in Edmond, Oklahoma.

Dr. Ahmed Embabi

He is a fellowship-trained Anesthesiologist and Pain Management Physician with expertise in treating musculoskeletal pain. He completed his pain management fellowship and Anesthesiology residency at UT-Southwestern in Dallas, and earned his MD from McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas at Houston. Board certified in both Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Dr. Embabi specializes in various pain management techniques, including spinal cord stimulation and platelet-rich plasma injections. He is fluent in Arabic and conversational Spanish, and has contributed to numerous research studies and publications, showcasing his commitment to advancing the field of pain management.

Johnny Davis

He is a former NBA player and groundbreaking African American coach, boasts an extensive career as head coach for the Philadelphia 76ers and Orlando Magic, and currently as Assistant Coach of the Memphis Grizzlies. Known for his motivational approach, Davis holds a Master's Degree in sports psychology and emphasizes the importance of life beyond basketball. A devoted family man and role model, he attributes his success to his late mother's guidance and focuses on teaching players the value of humility, hard work, and excellence, both on and off the court.

Kermit McMurry

He is a distinguished educator and former basketball star with a Ph.D. in higher education administration. After his athletic career at Arkansas City Junior College and the University of Colorado, he pursued a life dedicated to education. McMurry has held various influential positions, including head of the coordinating commission for post-secondary education in Nebraska and executive vice president of Grambling State University. As the associate vice chancellor of the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, he oversees 25 colleges and universities. McMurry credits his time at Arkansas City Junior College for instilling discipline and maturity, which have driven his success in education.