THE BOARD AND ADVISORS

S. Denise Evans is a experienced healthcare professional with a background in medical services and community outreach. She holds certifications in Basic Life Support Instruction from the American Heart Association.

With experience owning her business, DeSlay Preparation Area, she demonstrates strong management skills. Evans has significant experience caring for those with mental health and substance abuse challenges through institutions like Mental Health Coop. and Centerstone.

Evans has excelled in healthcare staffing and management roles. As Marketing & Staffing Director at Critical Care Unlimited and Branch Manager for Roche Biomedical Labs, she managed large client portfolios and operations.

Her commitment to the community is shown through providing affordable housing and working with Nursing Resources. Recognized for her expertise and support for those in need, Evans is a valuable asset.

Edna Grove brings over 30 years of administrative experience to her role as Board Secretary. With a career spanning the VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System since 1987, she has demonstrated success in various roles.

Edna holds educational credentials including a technical secretarial diploma from Branell Business College and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Associate's in Business Management from Aquinas College. She also has Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt certification.

As an Automated Data Processing Coordinator for Medical Imaging services, Edna provided crucial leadership ensuring staff have necessary resources.

Beyond her career, Edna is committed to helping others through founding a support group. In her free time she enjoys line dancing, traveling, shopping, and actively contributes to her community through various board roles and as a volunteer registrar. Edna's generous spirit and dedication to service are evident in all that she does.

Linda Porter is recognized as an esteemed Assistant Director of Assessment and Accreditation at Tennessee State University. She manages complex international travel and event planning with skill.

With computer proficiency in Microsoft applications, Linda also serves as an Artificial Intelligence Specialist. She holds dual Master's degrees in Mental Health from Grand Canyon University and is committed to growth.

Linda trains staff to optimize organization and efficiency. She is known for her attention to detail, resourcefulness, and exemplary professionalism in customer relations.

Outside of work, Linda values loyalty and dedication. She has founded a pee-wee football team and accredited travel agency, demonstrating leadership. Additionally, Linda contributes as a ghostwriter and author.

Linda Porter continually strives to raise standards in both her professional and personal pursuits, exemplifying excellence as an employee and community leader.

Ella Louise Ford is a compassionate and dedicated individual with a strong commitment to helping people overcome various challenges. With a focus on issues such as housing, unemployment, financial mismanagement, serious illness, disability, substance abuse, unwanted pregnancy, and antisocial behavior, Ford has made a significant impact in her professional career.

Her experience includes serving as the Owner/President of Aristocrat Salon & Barbershop since 2013. Prior to that, she worked as a Mental Health Specialist II for the State of Tennessee from 1996 to 2013, and as a Mental Health Specialist I at Mehany Medical College from 1991 to 1996. Ford has also contributed to the education sector as a Substitute Teacher in Metropolitan Public Schools in 1989.

In addition to her background in mental health and education, Ford has demonstrated her versatility by working as a Bench and Jig Worker at Textron Aerostructures from 1982 to 1987 and as a Customer Service Representative at Viacom Cablevision from 1980 to 1982. Her diverse professional experience showcases her adaptability and willingness to take on different roles.

Ford's social services skills are highly commendable. She efficiently prepares statistical reports, treatment plans, and progress notes to summarize clients' progress. She serves as a liaison between mental health centers and community agencies, interpreting policies, procedures, and regulations to clients and staff. Ford conducts individual and group sessions, writes behavior modification programs, and assists with psychological evaluations. She also monitors clients' treatment progress through home visits and provides valuable supervision to employees and students.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Ford has actively engaged in community organizations. She is a member of the Psi Chi National Honor Society, Inc. in Psychology and the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She has also been involved in the Parents Teacher Association, served as a Sunday School Teacher, and held the position of Vice President of the Nurses Guild. Ford has made valuable contributions to various organizations, including being an Assistant to the Church Secretary, a Lead Usher at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, and a member of Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc., Nashville, Capitol City Chapte

Debra Alexander, a Lifelong Learner, Empowering Adult Learners at Tennessee State University, and Enriching Communities Debra Alexander is a name synonymous with dedication, leadership, and a passion for lifelong learning. With an impressive 22-year tenure at Tennessee State University, Debra has worn many hats always prioritizing student success, consistently championed the success of adult learners, guiding them through the dynamic landscape of online and blended education. Currently, Debra serves as the Academic Technology Coach for Adult Learners at the Avon Williams off-Campus Instructional Site. In this role, she acts as a beacon of support for adult students, navigating the often-complex world of online learning environments. Her expertise and unwavering commitment empower adult learners to overcome challenges, embrace innovative technologies, and ultimately achieve their academic goals. 

Debra’s diverse background spans administrative roles, she initiated and chaired the TSU Staff Senate, served for four years on the TSU President’s Cabinet under the leadership of Dr. Melvin N. Johnson, served as Administrative Assistant to the Vice President of Research and Sponsored Programs, Advisor to MANNARS (Minorities in Agriculture Natural Resources and Related Sciences) Student Association. Debra's influence extends far beyond the walls of academia. As the financial secretary for Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church, she demonstrates her deep commitment to faith and service. Her meticulous attention to detail and financial insight ensures the church's continued operation and outreach efforts. Furthermore, Debra actively invests her vibrant energy, spirit, and leadership for a worthy cause in her community fostering a welcoming and inclusive space for line dancers of all levels, through her involvement as a Trustee on the Hadley Park Line Dancing Executive Board, and Chair of the HPLD Scholarship Fashion Show, she plays a pivotal role in raising funds for deserving students, paving the way for their educational pursuits. Driven by an insatiable thirst for knowledge, Debra holds an associate degree in computer sciences, bachelor’s degree in arts and sciences with a double major in Sociology and Psychology, and a master’s in public services. Currently, she is pursuing a Doctoral Degree in Education, specializing in the Higher Education track. This unwavering pursuit of academic excellence exemplifies her dedication to lifelong learning and inspires those around her. She is computer literate, has working knowledge of Microsoft office 365, Banner, office organization, exceptional customer services, effective communication skills both oral and written, Debra's dedication to professional development is evident in her memberships with the Administrative Professionals Today, Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL) Middle Tennessee Higher Education Association (MTHEA) and the Tennessee State Employee Association (TSEA). She has received awards for completion of TSU Title III Development from eight to great for three years. Through these organizations, she stays abreast of the latest trends and best practices in adult education, ensuring she remains at the forefront of her field and equipped to provide exceptional support to her students. In essence, Debra Alexander is a multifaceted individual who wears many hats, all with the same unwavering dedication to empowering others. Whether it is guiding adult learners towards academic success, ensuring the financial well-being of her church, or fostering a vibrant community spirit, Debra's contributions leave an undeniable mark on every aspect of her life. Debra Alexander is a true asset to Tennessee State University and the wider community. Her passion for education, coupled with her diverse experience and unwavering commitment to service, makes her an invaluable resource for adult learners seeking to navigate their academic journey.

Linda Paulette Brown, most affectionately known as "Paulette" has been a Hadley Park Line Dancer for over 10 years. Her creativeness and motivation led her to develop and implement quarterly activities for the group which included an "All White Event" and an "Award Banquet." She also started a monthly birthday celebration and developed the first Hadley Park Line Dancers directory which would allow members to better communicate with each other. She has often taught new dances to the team. Paulette also penned the current slogan, "Movin and Groovin for Better Health." She also spearheaded an event that gave over 1000 books to children and families, a donation to the Nashville Rescue Mission and a monitor to a community business.

Paulette has always had a passion for helping others, growing up in Memphis, Tennessee. She attended school through the Memphis City School System and graduated from Booker T. Washington High School. She went on to attend Draughon's Business College and State Technical Institute. She received a Bachelor of Science degree from Memphis State University in Social Work.

 
She retired from the State of

Tennessee, Department if Human Services after being faithfully employed with them for over 30 years. During her tenure she was selected, out of over 1000 staff members, to appear on television broadcasts and live radio shows to discuss the different programs offered, the eligibility requirements and how to apply for assistance.

She was also selected to develop and implement the EBT (Electric Benefit Transfer) program and traveled throughout the state ensuring all staff were adequately

trained. For her involvement in this new program, she received the Commissioner's Award for Excellence." She also taught line dance at OHS during the introduction of an initiative by the Commissioner to promote physical activity. The group was called the "Wellness Twiners" and their slogan was "Being Proactive for My Health."

Paulette is a mentor with Big Brothers/Big Sisters and was matched with her "little" sister when she was 6 years old and in the 1st grade. Her sister is turning 18 years old in February and is a senior in high school. She has thoroughly enjoyed being able to mentor, support and coach a child through this community based program. Paulette is looking forward to seeing her "little" walk across the stage to receive her high school diploma. She has 2 accomplished daughters, 3 adult grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. She is the second of 7 children. 

Paulette's confidence and courageousness led her to join the United States Air Force and she proudly served until receiving an honorable discharge. She was chosen during basic training to be a squad leader for her unit, making her responsible for the education, organization and training of 15 young ladies. During her flexible time, she enjoys line dance, travel, concerts, billiards, movies, and sporting events. She is proud of her association with the Hadley Park 

Line Dancers and is devoted to

their mission and vision.