Speakers

One of the best features of the National Black Graduate Student Conference is the unprecedented gathering of top-notch presenters, leaders, and experts. Core developers, unique users, and visionaries share their knowledge with attendees to assist with academic and professional challenges. You won't find a gathering like this at any other conference! The list of speakers below participated in the previous conference. Please check back regularly for news and updates about the speakers for the upcoming conference.

	John Jackson, EdD, JD Schott Foundation, President & CEO Dr. John H. Jackson is the President and CEO of The Schott Foundation for Public Education. Dr. Jackson leads the foundation’s efforts to ensure a high quality public education for all students regardless of race or gender.
	Jerlando Jackson, PhD Associate Professor Dr. Jackson is a WISECAFE Faculty Association at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He is the acclaimed author of "Stregthening the African American Education Pipeline".
	Juan Gilbert, PhD Brothers of the Academy, President Dr. Juan E. Gilbert is teh TSYS® Distinguished Associate Professor in the Computer Science and Software Engineering Department at Auburn University where he directs the Human Centered Computering Lab.
	Walter Kimbrough, PhD Philander Smith College, President Dr. Walter M. Kimbrough is the 12th president of Philander Smith College in Little Rock, Arkansas. As the first college president from the hip-hop generation, he is one of the youngest college presidents in the nation.
	Cyrus Ellis, PhD Professor Dr. Cyrus Ellis is an Associate Professor in Counseling at Governor State University. He received his doctorate from University of Virginia and his area of research is Familial Strength Patterns as Functions of Self-Concept.
	Terrie Williams, PhD The Terrie Williams Agency, President Dr. Terrie Williams is co-founder, president, and CEO of one of the most successful public relations firms in the country. Williams opened the Terrie Williams Agency, which she has built into one of the largest minority-owned public relations firm in the country.
	Sonia Sanchez, PhD Poet Dr. Sonia Sanchez is an African American poet most often associated with the Black Arts Movement. She has authored over a dozen books of poetry, as well as plays and children’s books.
	Stephanie Evans, PhD Assistant Professor Dr. Stephanie Evans is an Assistant Professor in African American Studies and Women’s Studies at the University of Florida in Gainesville. She is the acclaimed author of “Black Women in the Ivory Tower: 1850-1954.
	Todd Shaw, PhD Founder of NBGSA Dr. Todd Shaw is a Founder and the 1st NBGSA National President. He is an Assistant Professor in Political Science and African American Studies at the University of South Carolina. His research focus is African American politics, urban politics public policy, and social movements.
	Freedom Speaks Lecturer, Writer, Performer, more... Freedom Speaks has been lecturing, conducting workshops, and developing programs since 1996. She is experiences in creating writing and performance poetry, issues in home school education and curriculum.
	Ron Wagner, PhD Professor Dr. Ron Wagner is an Associate Professor in the Department of Health Science and Sport Studies. Prior to his current appointment to Cal, he served as Director and Assistant Professor of Athletic Training Education at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale.