Office of the Provost Announces Faculty Promotion Recommendations of 2024
Miles College proudly announces the promotion of eight exceptional faculty members to new academic ranks, reflecting their dedication to excellence and contributions to the college community. Dr. Jarralynne Agee has been promoted to Associate Professor in the Division of Social and Behavioral Sciences. In the Division of Humanities and Communications, Ms. Amara Chekwa, Mr. Demetrius Newton, Ms. Rachel Pierce, and Ms. Ruth Randall have been promoted to Assistant Professor. In the Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Dr. Nikaela Flournoy has been promoted to Associate Professor and Dr. Loretta Westry has been promoted to Full Professor. Dr. Tamatha White has been promoted to Full Professor in the Division of Business and Accounting.
These promotions follow a rigorous review process conducted by Division Chairs and the Promotion and Tenure Committee, with oversight and final approval from Dr. Tonya Perry, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs. These advancements recognize scholarly contributions, publications, service, research, student engagement, and success securing external funding.
Promotion from Instructor to Assistant Professor
Ms. Amara Chekwa
Promoted to Assistant Professor of Communications and Graphic Design
Division of Humanities and Communications
Ms. Amara Chekwa is a dedicated Instructor of Graphic Design in the Division of Humanities and Communications at Miles College, where she has been shaping the minds of aspiring designers since 2016. With a robust educational background, she earned her Master of Fine Arts from the Rochester Institute of Technology in 2014 and a bachelor’s degree from Jacksonville State University in 2008. Her academic experience includes key courses in Typographic Design, Motion Graphics, 2D and 3D Animation, and Programming for Designers, equipping her with a diverse skill set that she brings to her teaching. At Miles College, Ms. Chekwa teaches graphic design courses, including Logo Design and Drawing, Print Layout and Design, Motion Graphic Design, and Digital Image Manipulation.
Her classes emphasize creativity and technical proficiency, preparing students for the evolving demands of the graphic design industry. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Ms. Chekwa is proficient in several industry-standard software applications, including Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, After Effects, and various modeling and animation tools. Her practical experience as a freelance graphic designer has further enhanced her skill set; she has created logos, newsletters, and marketing materials for a diverse clientele. Ms. Chekwa is an active member of professional organizations, including the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA) and the ACM SIGGRAPH, where she engages with fellow professionals and continues to expand her knowledge. She has participated in several conferences, including the AIGA Conference and Adobe Max, further enhancing her skills and staying current with industry trends. Through her commitment to excellence in graphic design education and her extensive professional experience, Ms. Amara Chekwa continues to inspire and empower her students at Miles College.
Mr. Demetrius Newton
Promoted to Assistant Professor of Communications
Division of Humanities and Communications
Demetrius C. Newton Jr. is a dedicated instructor in the Division of Humanities and Communications at Miles College, where he has been shaping the next generation of filmmakers and media communicators since September 4, 2002. With a robust film and mass communication background, he is currently seeking promotion to Assistant Professor. Mr. Newton earned his Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Tuskegee University in May 1993, followed by a Master of Fine Arts in Film from Howard University in May 1997. Additionally, he completed graphic design courses at Lawson State Community College in 2016, enhancing his skill set in visual storytelling. Mr. Newton's career in the film and media industry spans several roles, beginning as a Producer/Editor at UPN 68/CW WTTO 21 from April 1999 to March 2001, where he produced movie bumpers, edited promos, and directed studio shows. He has also interned at Black Entertainment Television, contributing to popular shows like Video Soul and Caribbean Rhythms. Notably, he worked as a Production Assistant on the critically acclaimed documentary Good Hair with Chris Rock in 2007. His artistic contributions include roles as a boom mic operator and sound operator in various film festivals, such as the Black Diamond Juneteenth Film Festival and the Urban Mediamakers Film Festival, where he received recognition for his work.
Mr. Newton has participated in numerous film projects, including 42: The Jackie Robinson Story and Life After Pilot Pickups. His work has encompassed a range of production roles, from voice acting in radio dramas to serving as a production assistant on reality TV shows and feature films.
Ms. Rachel Marian Pierce
Promoted to Assistant Professor of English
Division of Humanities and Communications
Ms. Pierce earned her Master of Arts in English from the University of Alabama in 1990, following her Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Montevallo in 1985. Her strong academic foundation supports her effective teaching methods and curriculum development. At Miles College, Ms. Pierce teaches various English courses, including English Composition I and II, and a range of literature classes, such as Introduction to Literature, British Literature, and Shakespeare. She has served as the Coordinator of the English Program from 2019 to 2022 and directed the Center for Writing across Miles from 2006 to 2013. Her teaching journey includes roles at the University of Alabama, Bevill State Community College, and Shelton State Community College, where she taught English Composition,
Developmental Reading, and American Literature. Ms. Pierce has contributed her expertise in editing by working on projects for authors such as Keith Cockrell and Gail Jennings West, demonstrating her commitment to supporting fellow writers and fostering literary excellence. She is an active member of several professional organizations, including the Sigma Tau Delta English Honor Society and the Association of College English Teachers of Alabama. Recently, she joined the Alabama Writers’ Cooperative, furthering her engagement with the literary community. Ms. Pierce has presented her research at various conferences, including the Association of College English Teachers of Alabama, focusing on themes in literature such as empathy, heroism, and the function of language. Her published work includes articles in notable academic newsletters, showcasing her insights on classic texts and their relevance today.
Ms. Ruth Randall
Promoted to Assistant Professor of Theater and Humanities
Division of Humanities and Communications
Ms. Ruth Randall has been a prominent figure in the Humanities and Communications Division at Miles College since 2008. With a dedicated career spanning over 16 years at the institution, she has made significant contributions to the fields of humanities and theatre. Ruth's academic background includes a Bachelor’s in Music Performance from Birmingham Southern College in 1990, an Artist Diploma in Opera in Music Performance from the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, earned in June 1993, a Master of Arts in Theatre from Regent University, which she completed in August 2019. She has extensive training in the performing arts, which has equipped her with a rich expertise that she shares with her students and community. Ruth has held various leadership roles as a passionate advocate for the arts. She founded F.A.W.M. Designs in 2010, where she serves as CEO and has owned Cest Elene Studios since 2003. Her commitment to nurturing young talent is evident in her role as the director and mentor for The Inspirational Singers & Mini Singers from 2009 to 2015 and as the Director of the Children’s Choir at Refresh Family Church since 2019. Ruth has also been involved with numerous educational programs, including her time as an instructor for the Red Mountain Theatre’s After School Program in Fall 2018 and as a teacher for Music for Kids, where she worked with the Magic City Choirs from 2007 to 2009 and led piano and voice labs from 2017 to 2018. Her dedication to youth music education began with her role as Youth Choir Director at Westminster Presbyterian Church from 2006 to 2008, and she continued to share her passion for music through various community initiatives, including her involvement with Christmas Help at Westminster Presbyterian Church in 2021 and 2022. She teaches Music, Theatre, Humanities, and Speech courses at Miles College. In addition to spearheading plays with students, she also teaches costume design and theatre settings.
Promotion from Assistant Professor to Associate Professor
Dr. Jarralynne Agee
Promoted to Associate Professor of Criminal Justice & Psychology
Division of Social and Behavioral Sciences
Dr. Jarralynne Agee is a highly distinguished educator and community leader known for her extensive contributions to Miles College and the broader community. Several significant achievements in academic programming, grant writing, student engagement, and community service have marked her tenure at Miles College. Dr. Agee's commitment to education is evident in her leadership roles, especially as the former Provost and Senior Vice President at Miles College, and in service roles on various college and divisional committees. Notably, she served as the SACSCOC Liaison for two years, where she successfully led the proposal for the college’s Bachelor’s program in Psychology and its online offerings, earning SACSCOC approval in 2019. Her work in this capacity also included submitting the notification letter for the college’s inaugural Actuarial Science program. In addition to these accomplishments, Dr. Agee has played a crucial role in grant writing and development, serving as lead author for several proposals, serving as the lead author for several proposals, including the collaborative Advancing Research Capacity grant, which was awarded $3 million in partnership with four other HBCUs. Agee was instrumental in securing federal funding for the Williams Hall historic renovation phases and a $300,000 grant from Southern Company to develop eGaming. She has also been instrumental in establishing the Judge UW Clemon Justice Center. Dr. Agee is passionate about fostering student engagement and community development. She has been a driving force behind several initiatives, such as bringing back ROTC to campus and introducing the Alpha Lambda Delta National Honor Society to recognize high-achieving students. Under her guidance, Miles College established its first TRIO student honor society and Chi Alpha Sigma, the student-athlete honor society. Beyond the campus, Dr. Agee has made a significant impact through community service. She developed the Academy for Civic Engagement in partnership with the City of Birmingham and chaired the United Negro College Fund fundraising campaign, raising $850,000. Her efforts have garnered various grants for mental health and workforce development, highlighting her dedication to improving lives locally and statewide.
Dr. Agee’s influence extends beyond local initiatives. She has facilitated international experiences for students, including a trip to Japan as part of the Kakehashi Project. Her involvement in national programs includes contributions to mental health prevention initiatives and participation in the Center of Academic Excellence Program Managers legacy program. Dr. Agee’s exemplary service and leadership have earned her numerous accolades, including the Vulcan Award as a “Game Changer” in 2016 and the UAB Community Health Innovation Award in 2014. Her work in community health and youth training programs reflects her commitment to making a lasting impact. Dr. Jarralynne Agee inspires students and community members through her dedication to education, advocacy, and social justice. Her leadership at Miles College and extensive community engagement demonstrate her unwavering commitment to creating opportunities for growth and development.
Dr. Nikaela Flournoy
Promoted to Associate Professor of Biology
Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
Dr. Nikaela Y. Flournoy is an esteemed Assistant Professor in the Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics at Miles College, where she has been making significant contributions to the field of biological sciences since August 2021. With a rich academic background, Dr. Flournoy earned her Ph.D. in Biological Sciences from The University of Alabama in May 2017. Her dissertation, titled “Multiphasic Approach to Investigating Microbial Community Structure and Function in Oiled Salt Marshes and Weathered Crude Oil Products during the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill,” was supervised by Dr. Patricia Sobecky. Before her doctoral studies, Dr. Flournoy obtained a Master’s degree in Microbiology from The University of Iowa in May 2009, with a thesis focused on apoptotic pathways related to equine infectious anemia virus. She completed her undergraduate studies with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology (Magna Cum Laude) from Alabama A&M University in May 2006. Dr. Flournoy teaches various courses at Miles College, including Microbiology, Human Physiology, and General Biology. She is committed to innovative instructional design, utilizing metacognitive strategies to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes in traditional, virtual, and online formats.
Flournoy’s teaching methodology includes real-time metrics to assess student comprehension and foster a dynamic learning environment. Before joining Miles College, Dr. Flournoy served as a Postdoctoral Research Scientist at the Alabama Water Institute, where she investigated water resource management and the impacts of anthropogenic disturbance on microbial diversity in coastal ecosystems. She was pivotal in interdisciplinary projects and contributed to numerous grant proposals, including those focused on sustainable waterways and public health compliance. Dr. Flournoy's experience extends to policy-making and research dissemination, having served as a Christine Mirzayan Science Policy Fellow with the National Academies of Sciences. In this role, she contributed to reports and initiatives related to community resilience following environmental disturbances, including the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Her research contributions have been published in notable journals, and she has presented her work at numerous conferences. Flournoy's commitment to science education and research excellence is evident in her applied skills in genomic sequencing, statistical analysis, and ecological research methodologies. Through her dedication to teaching, research, and community engagement, Dr. Nikaela Y. Flournoy continues to inspire and lead in the field of biological sciences, shaping the next generation of scientists.
Promotion from Associate Professor to Full Professor
Dr. Loretta Westry
Promoted to Professor of Mathematics
Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
Dr. Loretta Westry holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Education focusing on Mathematics Education and Community College Leadership from Walden University (August 2016). She earned a Master of Education in Secondary Education and Mathematics from Auburn University at Montgomery (December 2005), a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Communications Science Disorders (CSD) Deaf Studies from the University of Montevallo (December 2000), and an Associate in Arts in Elementary Education from Bishop State Community College (May 1997). Dr. Westry serves as the Actuarial Science Program Coordinator and Associate Professor of Mathematics in the Natural Sciences & Mathematics Division at Miles College. Since joining Miles College in 2015, she has played a pivotal role in curriculum development, program enhancement, and student mentoring. Dr. Westry has been instrumental in establishing partnerships with organizations like Protective, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama, and the International Association of Black Actuaries (IABA), aiming to bolster the Actuarial Science program and support students in STEM fields. Dr. Westry's research interests center on the lived experiences of African American women STEM majors in community colleges. ProQuest published her dissertation, titled "African American Women STEM Majors’ Lived Experiences in Community College," in 2016.
Westry has presented extensively at various conferences, sharing insights on collaborative learning strategies, STEM education, and the importance of supportive environments for underrepresented groups in mathematics. Notable presentations include topics on study skills for mathematics, creative, collaborative learning activities, and the experiences of African American women in STEM. Dr. Westry is actively engaged in several professional organizations. She is a member of the Mathematical Association of America and the Alabama Association of College Teachers of Mathematics, where she serves as President. Additionally, she holds a position on the Executive Board of the Alabama Journal of Mathematics and has contributed to the Alabama Mathematical Association of Two-Year Colleges (AlaMATYC). Dr. Westry’s service to Miles College includes advising the Math Club, mentoring new instructors, and leading initiatives to enhance technology use within the mathematics department. Her commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive academic environment remains a priority as she strives to inspire and empower her students.
Dr. Tamatha White
Promoted to Associate Professor of Business Administration
Division of Business and Accounting
Dr. Tamatha White is an accomplished leader in higher education, currently serving as the Interim Chair, Associate Professor, and Coordinator of Business Administration at Miles College. Dr. White brings extensive expertise in enrollment management, curriculum development, and faculty administration with a Doctorate in Business Administration specializing in International Business from Argosy University, Atlanta, and an MBA from Kaplan University. Dr. White has held several key positions throughout her career, including Admissions Coordinator and Assistant Dean of Enrollment Management. At Miles College, she oversees the Division of Business and Accounting, ensuring the continuous development and maintenance of the Business Administration major. Her commitment to enhancing educational experiences is evident through her innovative initiatives, such as developing a Faculty Orientation Handbook for adjunct faculty and creating a Non-traditional Student Manual at Voorhees College. Dr. White has successfully chaired curriculum review teams for various majors and implemented the first Non-traditional Student Association at Voorhees College. Her expertise in compliance is highlighted by her revisions for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACS-COC) requirements and her role in writing the college’s response to SACS-COC standards.
In her teaching role, Dr. White prepares and executes course curricula for both online and on-ground classes, employing diverse teaching methods to accommodate various learning styles. She also advises students and ensures that academic programs meet necessary standards. Dr. White is dedicated to professional growth, participating in numerous workshops and conferences on adult learning assessment, student recruitment, and retention strategies. She has presented at national conferences, sharing insights on student retention and leadership development topics. Her grant-writing expertise includes securing funding for initiatives like the Connecting Minority Communities Pilot Program and the HBCU Innovation Grant to enhance educational resources and opportunities for underrepresented groups. Dr. White is an active member of several professional organizations, including the American Association for Adult and Continuing Education and the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). She has held leadership roles in various associations, contributing to advancing business education and supporting minority communities. Dr. White is committed to community service and advocacy, empowering students and promoting educational equity. Her involvement in initiatives such as the Strada HBCU Initiative and the Community Navigator Pilot Program further illustrates her dedication to enhancing access to education for all.
