Black Alumni Council Members
Ryan Blackwell, MBA ‘17
Ryan Blackwell is a 2017 graduate of Auburn University. During undergrad, Ryan studied Mechanical Engineering and Business and served in various leadership roles in the College of Engineering, Student Government Association, Emerge, Auburn University Marching Band, NPHC, and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc.
Upon graduating, Ryan worked as an Operations Manager for Frito-Lay leading front-line teams in the manufacturing of billion dollar brands such as Cheetos, Doritos, and Lays. In 2022, Ryan earned his MBA from The Kellogg School of Management where he served as Co-President of both the Black Management Association and Christian Fellowship and was later selected as one of Poets & Quants’ Best & Brightest MBAs. Ryan now works as a management consultant in the CPG & Retail industry helping grow and scale small, mid-size, and Fortune 500 organizations through strategy and operational excellence.
Dr. Matthew Paul “MP” Cowley ‘11
Dr. Matthew Paul “MP” Cowley is a higher education scholar-administrator currently serving as the Executive Director for Career and Professional Development at Virginia Tech. He obtained a BA in public administration and an M.Ed. in Higher Education Administration from Auburn University in 2011 and 2013, respectively. While attending Auburn, MP was heavily involved – participating in the War Eagle Girls and Plainsmen, Student Recruiters, Camp War Eagle, High School Leadership Conference, AU Marching Band, and the AU Gospel Choir. These experiences led MP to pursue a career in higher education – facilitating rich opportunities that lead to equitable career outcomes.
Upon leaving Auburn, MP accepted a position with the University of Florida’s Career Connections Center – holding several positions over nine years. While at UF, MP earned his Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction with specializations in social foundations of education and the critical study of race, ethnicity, and culture in education. In 2022, MP left the University of Florida – spending a year as the Director of Career Development Services at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA, before transitioning to his current position.
Dr. Bianca Evans ‘13
College of Education
Dr. Bianca Evans currently serves as Associate Dean focused on Recruitment and Retention in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at the University of Florida. She is committed to increasing the access, retention, and success of students that have been historically underrepresented or marginalized in higher education. Her 15+ years of experience include experience in diversity, equity, and inclusion, student affairs, program development, TRIO programs, research and assessment, leadership development, student organizations, and academic support services. Evans holds a B.S. in Biology from Tuskegee University, a M.S. in Biology from Alabama A&M University, a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from Auburn University, and a M.B.A. from Indiana University Kelley School of Business. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and a participant in Leadership Gainesville Class 49.
Dr. Cherith Fluker ‘01
College of Liberal Arts
Dr. Cherith Fluker is a Senior Implementation Manager at Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. She has an extensive background in the K-12 education space. Prior to HMH, she was Instructional Specialist for Section 504 & Homebound where one of her key responsibilities was leading teams that developed accommodation plans for students with conditions that interrupted their traditional learning experiences. Before serving as Instructional Specialist, she was a school administrator, an instructional coach and an English teacher. Cherith also has experience as an Educational Consultant and a technical writer for a major security solutions company. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Greater Birmingham Auburn Club and is a member of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International. Cherith holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership from Samford University, a master’s in Language Arts Education from Jacksonville State University, and a bachelor’s in English from Auburn University.
Student Government Association, Dunkin’ Darlings, Project Uplift, and working in the Men’s Basketball office are just a few of the things that kept Cherith busy during her time on the Plains. Initiated into the Kappa Upsilon Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. in 2000, she remains an active member of the sorority. Cherith is also a blogger and freelance writer whose writing has appeared in multiple publications.
Biomedical Sciences
Brandon Fowler proudly serves as the vice president of strategy for Surgery Partners, a leading operator of surgical facilities and ancillary services providing care in more than 180 locations across 31 states. He is responsible for leading the organization’s strategic planning and ensuring enterprise alignment of the organization’s mission – ‘Enhance patient quality of life through partnership.’ Brandon is also the chair of his organization’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion & Community Impact Council. Brandon has over 15 years of healthcare management experience and is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives.
Brandon is a native of Birmingham, AL and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in biomedical sciences from Auburn University and a Masters of Health Administration from The University of North Carolina at Charlotte. During his time at Auburn, Brandon played the saxophone for the Auburn University Marching and Symphonic Bands. He was a member of Alpha Epsilon Delta, a service-oriented healthcare professional society. Brandon currently resides in Charlotte, NC.
Dr. Davyda M. Hammond is a program manager at Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) in Oak Ridge Tennessee, where she conducts research on safety culture, worker health, and environmental science. Hammond earned her bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering at Auburn with proud involvement in the National Society of Engineers (NSBE) and the Tau Beta Pi Society. Hammond holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Health Engineering from the University of Alabama, Birmingham, with an emphasis on air pollution exposure and human health.
She is a life member of the Auburn Alumni Association and is a supporter of the Auburn University Center for Inclusive Engineering Excellence and the College of Engineering’s 100+ Women Strong programs. Hammond serves on the board of the Oak Ridge Breakfast Rotary Club and is an avid quilter and hiker. She is a member of the Xi Iota Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. in Oak Ridge, TN, and was initiated through the Kappa Chi Chapter at Auburn.
Briana is the Marketing Director for RenderATL, the largest Black-owned software engineering conference in the country. Her leadership led to unprecedented growth and nationwide recognition for the conference. She also founded the Network of Atlanta, a community organization serving over 20,000 Atlantans through free and low-cost events. Briana’s dedication has made her a beloved figure, inspiring community engagement. Beyond marketing and community service, Briana manages the Mayor of Atlanta’s social media strategy. Her expertise enhances the city’s online presence and citizen engagement. Recognized as a United Way Volunteer Improvement Program graduate, Briana’s commitment to serving others is unwavering. As a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, she uplifts and empowers her community while exploring new ways to create a positive impact worldwide.
Mitchell Holston ’12
Raymond J. Harbert College of Business
Mitchell Holston serves as the director for Lauder College House at the University of Pennsylvania. He graduated with his BSBA in business administration with a concentration in marketing and a minor in leadership studies from Auburn University and a MAEd in higher education from Virginia Tech. Before arriving at the University of Pennsylvania, Mitchell worked at Georgia Tech, Texas A&M University and Colorado State University with the focus areas of residence life, student leadership, curriculum development and diversity, equity and inclusion.
While at Auburn, Mitchell served in leadership roles with several offices, including the Office of Alumni Affairs, and is excited to impact the experiences of Black students and alumni.
Raymond J. Harbert College of Business and College of Education
Dr. Dahlia G. Hylton, a higher education administrator and licensed realtor, hails from Los Angeles, Calif. and resides in Atlanta, Ga. Her work in higher education includes the University of California, Santa Barbara, Lehigh University, the University of North Carolina at Asheville and her beloved alma mater, Auburn University. She has promoted diversity, inclusion and equitable practices through building comprehensive cultural spaces, engaging groups from historically underrepresented communities, multicultural education training, student advising and retention programming.
Hylton holds a Ph.D. in higher education administration, Master’s in adult education and a Bachelor’s in marketing—all from Auburn University—as well as a Masters in human resource management from Troy University.
Sonya Jenkins ’92, Immediate Past Chair
Mathematics
Sonya Jenkins is the chief of operations at Advanced Project Consulting, a defense support contractor, and lives in Warner Robins, Ga. In 2012, she worked with Middle Georgia alumni to revitalize the Middle Georgia Auburn Club and served as interim president. She also assisted with re-chartering MGAC in 2017 and has served as a club board member since 2019.
Jenkins is a sustaining life member of the Auburn Alumni Association and is a member of the James E. Foy Loyalty Society with more than 10 years of continual giving to Auburn. She serves on the Auburn University Student Affairs Development Board, COSAM Dean’s Leadership Council and the Black Alumni Council.
Darrian Johnson ‘21
Computer Engineering
Hailing from Stone Mountain, Georgia, Darrian is a 2021 graduate of Auburn University, where he earned his Bachelor of Computer Engineering. During his time at Auburn, he actively engaged with minority programs and emerged as a campus leader. Darrian participated in the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), Black Student Union (BSU), the Center for Inclusive Engineering Excellence (formerly known as AEP), CUPOLA Engineering Ambassadors, and Student Government Association, where he served as a Senator for the College of Engineering. Darrian’s passion for mentorship led him to guide students in programs such as Auburn Youth Programs and OID’s Tiger Retreat, showcasing his commitment to community and diversity.
Darrian began his professional journey at IBM, where he served as a Software Engineer. There, he automated deployment processes and managed essential system clusters. He has since transitioned to his current role as a DevOps Engineer at Corsha, where he utilizes his expertise to fortify API Security by maintaining code infrastructure.
LaWanda Mitchell ‘07
Dr. LaWanda Mitchell is a first generation college student who has earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Auburn University, a Master of Arts in Teaching from the University of Indianapolis, & a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies from Purdue University. She has received numerous honors & awards; however, the recognition that is dearest to her heart is receiving Congressional Recognition for Excellence in Education in honor of her dedication to academic excellence for the students she serves. Most recently, Dr. Mitchell was recognized for her extraordinary accomplishments, significant professional achievements, and distinguished service to others by the Auburn Alumni Association’s Young Alumni Council as one of their 20 Under 40 Class of 2023.
Dr. Mitchell is a proud member of the 2018 Harvard University’s Women in Education Leadership Cohort, a Jackson Scholars’ Recipient with The University Council for Educational Administration, & a Woodrow Wilson Teaching Fellowship Recipient. She has served in many capacities ranging from district leadership to building leadership, in which she not only transformed the climate & culture of the schools under her guidance, but she also founded numerous mentoring programs renowned for resulting in higher academic growth, higher academic achievement, & lowered discipline for all students involved. Because of her experiences & passion for what she does locally, regionally, & globally, Dr. Mitchell considers herself an educational change agent seeking to create educational environments in which ALL students can excel regardless of their background, socioeconomic status, race, parental support, or zip code. Whether she’s traveling the world or serving in leadership, Dr. Mitchell considers it a privilege to be able to serve God’s people, one state, one district, one school at a time. Currently, Dr. Mitchell serves as an educational specialist for the State Department of Education, specifically assigned to the Governor’s Turnaround Initiative.
Chelsea Phillips ‘15
Chelsea S. Phillips is a 2015 graduate of Auburn University. She majored in Public Relations with a concentration in business management. While at Auburn, she was a member of the University Program Council where she served on the public relations committee, National Pan-Hellenic’s Administrative Vice President, Young Women’s Leadership Program as a mentor to students at the local middle school, Big House Foundation as a volunteer with foster children, and she worked for Verge Pipe Media as the content manager.
Her other affiliations included Alpha Kappa Psi Professional Business Fraternity (pledge educator & VP of Alumni Relations) and a Fall 12 initiate into The Kappa Chi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated (Historian). Phillips’ two favorite memories from Auburn include working for Auburn Athletics as the media relations director for Auburn Football where she would create and grow the Instagram from inception to now more than 100,000+ followers, as well as studying abroad in London, France and Nicaragua for international PR and community relations credits.
Since graduating, she has joined her family in business, Phillips & Associates, headquartered in Conyers, GA, which oversees more than 650 licensed representatives in financial services. Her responsibilities include training, developing and licensing agents in personal finance. The firm’s overall focus is building a solid financial house which includes life insurance, investments, retirement planning, college savings plans and estate planning. She has received numerous accolades from Top Producer of the Year for six consecutive years to the Coach Jerry’s Outstanding Leadership Award. Since her father’s passing in November 2020, she has stepped into a leadership role to fulfill the company’s goals of expansion and community empowerment.
From childhood, Phillips has always had an entrepreneurial spirit due to her parents being business owners since 1980. In 2018, she incorporated her own LLC, where she serves as a Sports Publicist for professional athletes. She has helped establish their brand off the field, incorporating nonprofits, planning events and featured placement in local, state and national media. Such events Phillips has planned include, but are not limited to: Annual football camps and field days, a Breast Cancer “Painting with a Twist” event, a back to school drive, and holiday giveaways in Huntsville, Carrollton, Detroit, Miami and Boston. Her most notable achievement was getting her player nominated for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, the highest accolade an NFL player can receive from the National Football League.
Phillips’ extracurricular activities include mentorship to young women in Rockdale County, also known as the First Ladies of Rockdale, where she serves for 21 weeks as the middle and high schoolers complete a rigorous program to shape them into tomorrow’s leaders. She was also selected to serve the University’s Communications Working Group where she pitches ideas for the Auburn Magazine.
Her favorite quote to live by is “You make a living by what you get, but you make a LIFE by what you give.” – Winston Churchill.
Tionna Plummer ‘17
Tionna Plummer is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Novaturient Inc. Tionna graduated from Auburn University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Development and Family Studies, she later went and studied at Walden University in Developmental Psychology with a focus in children and adolescents. During her time at Auburn University, she was part of the child life club, black student union, and untamed. She also volunteered with a local non-profit, IAMBK, as a mentor, cheerleading coach, and event coordinator.
With a passion for improving the next generation, Tionna uses her experiences and education to continue to help children create and live a better life. After interning in Cape Town, South Africa the vision and journey for Novaturient Inc was born. Tionna uses her platform to be who she needed growing up. She knows she has the opportunity to utilize her purpose with her passion and create a new hope for children after they’ve experienced traumatic experiences. Through her own experiences in life, Tionna is able to not only relate, but also feel the same emotions that children feel post-trauma.
In 2021, Tionna was named 30 under 30 for Atlanta’s nonprofit leaders, and 2022 Tionna was nominated for the RICE Founders Rising Star award. Now in 2023, Novaturient Inc., was nominated as nonprofit of the year. Tionna continues to look for opportunities to give back to the communities around her and utilizes her skills to be the person she needed as a young girl. She is excited to be part of the Black Alumni Council for Auburn University and hopes to give back to her alma mater and the individuals that make up the Auburn family!
David A. Russell Jr. is a Birmingham native and P.D. Jackson-Olin High School graduate. He is a 2015 graduate of Auburn University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Russell’s concentration was in Supply Chain Management and Logistics. He also holds a Master of Business Administration from Strayer University.
Since 2022, Russell has been a partner at the Birmingham Business Alliance, working on the economic development business retention & expansion team. He supports existing businesses in the following industries: logistics, distribution, light manufacturing, and advanced manufacturing, with solutions for their needs. Prior to joining the Birmingham Business Alliance, Russell founded Synergy Consulting Group, LLC (SCG) in 2018 and held positions with both Walmart and Dollar Tree in various distribution centers.
Russell is the father of a 7-year-old daughter, Sumia Russell. His goal is to positively impact his community through influence, education, and inspiration. Russell’s future goals include teaching business on a collegiate level, being an impactful C-suite executive, and positively influencing his community. He hopes to use the skills he gains to empower students from low-income backgrounds.
Nathaniel Rutledge ’90
College of Liberal Arts
Nathaniel Rutledge, Jr. is a native of Birmingham, Ala. who served over 33 years in criminal justice at the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and Fairfield Police Department before promotion to police chief for the city of Bessemer, Ala. in 2003. Chief Rutledge retired in 2017 and now serves with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, as well as an adjunct criminal justice instructor at varying colleges and universities throughout Alabama.
An 11-year veteran of the United States Marine Corps Reserves who served in Operation Desert Storm, Rutledge is a graduate of the 238th Session of FBI National Academy and a graduate of the FBI Southeastern Law Enforcement Executive Development Seminar. He served two terms as President of the Alabama Association Chiefs of Police.
Abraham Snell ‘94, Chair
College of Liberal Arts
Abraham Snell, an Alabama native, is a technologist and communicator with over 26 years of experience in computer solution architecture, system engineering, system administration, technical people management, and as a college professor. He has also served in the Army/National Guard as well as the Executive Pastor for a large church. These experiences spanning Fortune 200 corporations, non-profit organizations, higher education, the military, and the federal government have provided cultural and organizational insight towards innovative and people-oriented solutions.
While at Auburn, Abraham participated in ARMY ROTC, the Auburn Marching Band, the Auburn Gospel Choir, and was initiated into Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. through the Omicron Kappa Chapter on campus. Abraham’s interest are the intersection of technology and culture. He regularly presents on Leadership and Purpose, Digital Transformation and Modernization, as well as Automation and it’s connection to open, collaborative, and inclusive work culture. Abraham earned degrees in History, Computer Science & Engineering, and an MBA with a concentration in Technology Management all from Auburn University. He currently serves as an Enterprise Solution Architect with Red Hat, Inc., and as the Governance Chair for a non-profit Board of Directors.
Dr. JoQuese W. Satterwhite, MBA ‘06, Secretary
College of Science and Mathematics
Dr. JoQuese Satterwhite has been with Medtronic for 16 years and is Chief of Staff for the Office ofEthics & Compliance and is the Sr. Director of Global Compliance Governance & Risk. In these roles she is responsible for the overall global risk assessment, strategic planning, and governance aspects for the Office of Ethics & Compliance. JoQuese received her BS in Biomedical Science from Auburn University (2006), completed her MBA focused on Health Care Management (2010), and completed her Doctor ofHealth Administration in 2019. JoQuese also received her Advance Healthcare Compliance Certificatefrom Seton Hall in 2021.
JoQuese has the pleasure to serve on the San Antonio Boys & Girls Club and San Antonio JuvenileDiabetes Research Foundation Board of Directors where she is the chair of the Diversity & InclusionCommittees for both boards. She also serves as the Chair for the National Association of Black Compliance & Risk Management Professionals Corporate Advisory Board. She was also recently named as a member of the San Antonio 40 under 40 2023 class. She is a proud and active member of the San Antonio Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.
Dr. Addie C. Swinney ‘80
College of Liberal Arts and College of Education
Dr. Addie Cobb Swinney, an Auburn native, was the first Executive Director of Human Resources for Auburn City Schools and former Chief Officer of Human Resources for Horry County Schools in Conway, SC. She served as the national and state President of the American Association of School Personnel Administrators and the Alabama Association of School Personnel Administrators. She is passionate and dedicated to recruitment, retention, mentoring, and providing leadership training opportunities that will continuously impact personal growth and development in others. She continues to provide professional coaching services to individuals, businesses, and nonprofit organizations.
Swinney holds a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership, Master of Science in Administration of Elementary and Secondary Education, a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, all from Auburn University, and her Superintendent Certification from the University of Alabama.
Electrical Engineering
Joe was born in Long Island, New York but raised in Alabama. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Auburn University in 1998. While at Auburn, Joe was a member of Freshman Forum Class of 1994, SGA, Black Student Union, Gospel Choir, a member of the Academic Honesty Committee while also serving as a tour guide and student recruiter. Joe’s efforts earned him the Martin Luther King, Jr. Award from Auburn University.
Since graduation, Joe has worked in for Southern Company, Orange and Rockland, and Con Edison. He currently serves as the DG Ombudsman for Con Edison working with the New York Department of Public Service and New York State’s Energy Research and Development Authority. In his spare time, Joe plays recreational football, enjoys traveling, volunteers with Hearts and Bones Foster program, and spends time with his nieces.
Harold L. Wilson ‘87
Electrical Engineering
Harold L. Wilson is Deputy Branch Head for Logistics Information & Emerging Technology working for the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Fleet Readiness and Logistics, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations located in the Pentagon. He provides senior analysis and leadership for the Navy’s continuous effort to inject technology and enhance the performance of logistics systems and processes.
Mr. Wilson was born in Wetumpka, Alabama. He was introduced to Auburn University through the Minority Introduction to Engineering (MITE) program and attended school as an Air Force ROTC scholarship student. He is a retired US Air Force Colonel with professional qualifications as a Master Maintenance & Munitions specialist and Certified Professional Logistician. He has also served as Assistant Professor of Acquisition at National Defense University where he developed and taught graduate school courses in Defense Systems Acquisition, Research & Technology Policy, Defense Market Theory, and Robotics Autonomous Systems Industry Studies.