Board of Trustees

1. Dr. Stanford Simmons, (CEO/Chairman) has served in administrative and instructional positions at universities and community colleges in California, Illinois and Texas. He has extensive experience in coordinating and articulating academic and career educational programs. He also held managerial positions with Pacific Gas and Electric Company before entering into higher education. Dr. Simmons earned his Educational Doctorate degree from the University of San Francisco in Higher Education Administration and his Master of Arts in Organizational Communication from University of the Pacific. His undergraduate degree is from Northern Illinois University. He is committed to creating a state of the art educational institution that prepares young men to successfully matriculate to colleges and universities or the world of work. His passion for this commitment is evident in his motivational speaking engagements across the country. Dr. Simmons also mentors young men in their college pursuits from high school through college.
2. Dr. Michael P. Williams (Vice Chairman) is a visionary leader, exemplary community advocate, academic innovator, gifted author and nationally recognized educator. He is also a member of the Board of Trustees for Houston Community College since 1999, and has served the institution’s board in numerous capacities, including board chair twice, in 2005 and in 2010. Williams is the Founding Pastor of Joy Tabernacle in Houston, which in 1999 became the first African-American church to relocate to the heart of Houston’s inner city for service and advocacy. Williams earned his undergraduate degree from Westminster College; his Master of Divinity degree from Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut; and his Doctor of Ministry degree from Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas. Dr. Williams is the author of three books and his articles have been featured in professional and popular journals. He has served as a professor at several universities, including the University of Houston. Dr. Williams is a highly sought-after speaker for conferences and conventions and on college campuses across the nation.
3. Dr. Jonita Reynolds (Parliamentarian) is the Chief Executive Officer of Gulf Coast Community Services Association, the largest Community Action Agency in the state of Texas. As an issue-advocate, Dr. Reynolds and her team of 420 employees work tirelessly to ensure that the 50 high-quality programs and services offered to the unserved and under-served, educate, equip and empower them toward independence and self-sufficiency.
4. Mrs. Shirley Carter-Williams is an accomplished hair stylist/owner of Ultimate Touch Beauty Salon, whose expertise, and unparalleled trends in hair styling and hair care techniques has made her a leader among her peers in the cosmetology industry for over twenty years. Mrs. Carter-Williams has held an array of leadership positions: Ladies of Class President; 1stand 2nd Vice President of the North Houston Frontiers Club, Inc, and Fifth District Director of the Frontiers International. She has also assisted in building houses for the Betty Ford Project. Currently, serving as President of the North Houston Frontiers Club, Inc., her continued dedication for young adults is admirable. She continues to work and support area high school students who are eligible for college through their scholarship program.
5. Mr. Lorenza Butler, Jr. is a business owner in the Houston area. He is a well-known community activist who assists organizations with their capital fundraising campaigns. Mr. Butler is Publisher Emeritus of the Oldest Continuously Published - Black Newspaper and Radio Company West of the Mississippi River, the Freedmen's Publishing Company

President’s Advisory Board Members:

1. Dr. Sheryl Sanders, Professor of Christian Ethics at the Howard University School of Divinity.
2. Dr. Patricia Mitchell is a professor at the University of San Francisco in the College of Education. Dr. Mitchell spent a year at Morehouse College in Atlanta in a consultative capacity.
3. Mrs. Brenda Russell Williams, the Russell Williams Group in Chicago, A strategic planning, branding and creative problem-solving consulting firm with Fortune 500 companies.
4. Dr. Robert Ford, Chairman Chemistry Department, Texas Southern University.
5. Judge Prince Cartwright, Attorney and Judge in Houston Texas.
6. Kyra S. G. Payne, Esq. is a probate attorney and resides in Chicago, IL.
7. Mr. Edmund L. Hendon, Teacher G.I.S.D., Adjunct Instructor Galveston College & Texas Southern University, CEO & Founder Spectrum Entertainment; Galveston, TX.
8. Rev. Venoy Pearson, Jr., is an alumnus of Bay Ridge College and the pastor of Rosenberg First Church of God in Rosenberg, TX.
9. Rev. Darius Miller, admissions department at the University of Houston, Houston, TX.
10. Mr. Tony Boudreaux, corporate manager in San Francisco, CA and Project Manager of the Vera Boudreau Haiti Missions ministries.
11. Rev. Dr. Dennis Kidd is an educator and alumnus of Bay Ridge College and Hampton University. He is pastor of Joynes Road Church of God in Hampton, VA.
12. Mr. Ronald Garner is President/CEO of Group Design Associates, Inc. in Chicago, IL. As a licensed architect, he has over 29 years of work experience with the City of Chicago. He brings energy and a wealth of knowledge regarding facilities to the board.