We are starting off Aug. with Arlinda Fair from Chicago, IL. Arlinda is an ‘11 Business major of Jackson State University. She also received her MBA from the university in 2014. While at JSU, Arlinda was active in multiple organizations including: Delta Pi Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., JSU Concert Chorale, SIFE (Students in Free Enterprise), and Alpha Lambda Delta Honors Society.
She is currently the Graduate Program Coordinator for Rhodes College here in Memphis. Arlinda also serves her community through various non profit organizations including: – Board Chair, Frayser Community Schools – Cohort 3 Member, Education Reform Now Leaders of Color – Student Recruitment and Success Committee Chair, JSUNAA Memphis Chapter – Junior League of Memphis member.
Why did you choose JSU? I owe my enrollment at Jackson State University mostly to the JSUNAA Chicago Alumni Chapter. The Chicago chapter provided me with a scholarship and invited me to a reception where I had the opportunity to meet Dr. Mason (former JSU President) and Dr. Lackey (former JSUNAA National President). As I received my scholarship at that reception, I’ll never forget Dr. Mason sharing how excited he was that I choosing Jackson State and that the university wanted more students like myself to attend. I received that message – and felt like JSU was the only institution that truly really recruited me and made me feel welcome.
What is your favorite or most fun memory from JSU? I’ll never forget when Barack Obama visited campus to speak during his first presidential campaign. While I missed class to make sure I could attend (we had to canvass for the campaign that day to get tickets to enter the event) – it was an exhilarating event that I will NEVER forget.
Favorite rival game to attend? Since my sister is an Alcornite, I love to attend the Capital City Classic/Soul Bowl! And since my twin brother is FAMU alum and they will be entering the SWAC – I’m looking forward to all future JSU-FAMU football games as well.
What do you enjoy most about being a member of the JSU Memphis Alumni Chapter? This JSU Memphis Alumni Chapter is comprised of dedicated alum who are passionate about expanding the educational mission of Jackson State University throughout the city of Memphis. My work with the Student Recruitment and Success committee is vital as we recruit Memphis area students to attend JSU and provide support to all current JSU Memphis area students.
Fun fact about yourself? I come from a big family of HBCU supporters and advocates. Each of my siblings attended HBCUs: Kelly Fair – Howard University Kevin Fair – LeMoyne-Owen College Joshlean Fair – Alcorn State University Jonathan Fair – Florida A&M University Arlinda Fair (Me!) – Thee Jackson State University
It’s Members on the Move time! We are closing our February with Ms. Delila House from Quitman, MS. Delila is an ’07 graduate of Jackson State University with a B.S in Accounting. While attending JSU she was active in Tiger Pride, Accounting Society and Gamma Rho Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
She is currently a Regional Training Specialist for Mid America Apartments, a property management company based out of Germantown, TN. She is also a Board member for the Apartment Association of Greater Memphis and Founder of “Friend I got you”.
Some of Delila’s recent accomplishments include: -National Apartment Association Diversity Leadership Program – 2020 -1st Quarter MAA Corporate Support Award Recipient -2019 -Apartment Association of Greater Memphis Corporate Support MVP 201
Why did you choose JSU? Our local alumni association would take us to the high school day every year and we were are able to have the HBCU experience. It was hard to convince my mom at first about me going to an HBCU, but she finally came around after I enrolled at another college and came back home to attend our local junior college.
What is your favorite or most fun memory from JSU? My favorite memory of JSU was Mrs. Stephanie Chatman always reminding us that we do things A Class and in Deluxe Fashion. We still remember that to this day.
Favorite rival game to attend? JSU vs Alcorn
What do you enjoy most about being a member of the JSU Memphis Alumni Chapter? When I first moved to Memphis it was a way for me to connect with a family. I have been able to make some great relationships with other alumni. It’s rewarding to be able to help future students attend our beloved JSU. As fundraising chair it has always been my goal to increase our scholarships for our future Tigers.
Please share any additional fun fact or information about yourself: I enjoy traveling and hanging with my family. My parents are the world to me so I am always checking in on them. If you let the chapter tell it, I am always in the airport when they call. My job gives me the opportunity to do what I love and travel while doing it.
It’s member on the move time! This week we are highlighting member Valleria Sewell from Natchez, MS. Valleria is an ‘92 graduate of JSU with a B.S. in Criminal Justice. She also obtained a Masters of Business Management (M.B.A.) and Masters of Special Education.
Valleria is currently an educator for Shelby County schools. She is the Special Education chair and Teacher Lead at Ridgeway IB World school. She is also the Director of Raleigh in Motion; And a member of the Powerspot Church ministerial staff.
Some of her most recent accomplishments include: 2015 Southeast Regional Board Member JSUMEMPHIS 2016-2018 Activities and Fundraising Director
Why did you choose JSU? Jackson State University offered me an opportunity to matriculate as a college student and to develop invaluable life-long relationships and friendships. Jackson State University open doors for me and afforded me a chance to mature in every aspect of my life to become an educator that impacts minds and continues to change lives.
What is your favorite or most fun memory from JSU? My favorite memory is of my family, friends, and I getting all “dolled up” to attend our football games! It was the social event of every week, and it continues to be a social event we love to attend each and every football season.
Favorite rival game to attend? Jackson State University versus Alcorn State University
What do you enjoy most about being a member of the JSU Memphis Alumni Chapter? Serving with the board to ensure the future of our Alma Mater will continue to thrive well into the future.
Please share any additional fun fact or information about yourself: I love adventure, travel, good food and great times
It is Member on the Move time! This week we are featuring James Gordon, a native of Coldwater, MS. James received his Bachelors of Elementary Education and Mathematics from JSU in 05′. He was apart of the JSU Football team, JSU Choir, and the Alpha Beta Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity.
James is the Principal of Hickory Ridge Elementary School and member of the Shelby County Schools Principal Association. He is a 3-Time Reward School Principal for Top 5 percent of high performing schools in TN. He is also an active member of the DeSoto Co Alumni Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma. James is the proud Husband of Ashley Gordon, and Proud father of Jade Elise Gordon.
Why did you choose JSU? Jackson State was the only university that really recruited me (thanks to Dean Belton). They also provided me with several scholarships (academic and choir).
What is your favorite or most fun memory from JSU? Being on the yard when they had the Greek Plots that were TREES. Going to the football games and attending homecoming.
Favorite rival game to attend? Jackson State vs Alcorn (Soul Bowl)
What do you enjoy most about being a member of the JSU Memphis Alumni Chapter? Leadership and the energy from all fellow alumni.
It’s time for our Member on the Move Spotlight! We are pleased to open February with JSU Memphis Chapter member Terel Key. Terel is a Jackson, MS native who graduated JSU with a Mass Communications degree in ‘02. While at Jackson State he was a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. and Thee Sonic Boom of the South.
He volunteers weekly at the Lewis Senior Community Center with Princeton James Productions teaching the seniors acting and stage presence for their plays. He also volunteers at Hickory Ridge Elementary school teaching acting, film, and videography. Terel has performed in several stage plays and acted in local films. He also worked behind the scenes in production on theater and film projects in the Memphis area.
Why did you choose JSU? One reason I chose JSU was because my parents are alumni of JSU. I would always attend JSU events as a kid and plus our home was full of JSU memorabilia. Another reason is because I was a musician and being in the band was my childhood dream. Lastly, I was always into cameras and learning more about production of film and TV and being on camera. JSU was the place that had my major as well. So all of those components are what made me make my final decision to be JSU.
What is your favorite or most fun memory from JSU? My favorite fun memory has to be riding my bicycle on campus to class. During the time I was in school, there was a lot of construction going on. We were unable to park on campus. My good friend Toby Johnson and I would ride our bikes to class after parking far away. One day my professor, Rev. Barron Banks jumped on my bike in the middle of class, rode it around the room, then down the hallway. Everyone laughed at him! He and I became good friends after that and he would always ask about my bike years after graduation.
Favorite rival game to attend? My favorite rival game to attend would be the JSU vs Southern University game.
What do you enjoy most about being a member of the JSU Memphis Alumni Chapter? Being a member of the JSU Memphis Alumni Chapter reminds me of my dear old college home. I enjoy coming together as alumni with the same goals. Goals of pushing our dear old college home forward and helping paving the way for future students of JSU.
It’s time for our Member of the Move Spotlight! We are pleased to close out January with JSU Memphis Chapter member Roshanda DeBoise .
Roshanda is a Summit, MS native who graduated JSU with a Accounting degree in ‘07. She also has a Masters in Taxation from the University of Memphis. While at at JSU, she participated in the Accounting Society and Tiger P.R.I.D.E.
She currently is an Internal Revenue Service, Revenue Agent and resident of Bartlett, TN.
Roshanda is active as a volunteer for Hope 4 Kids and serves as 1st Vice-President for JSUNAA Memphis.
Why did you choose JSU? I always dreamed of attending an HBCU. Honestly, JSU offered the first scholarship. After speaking with Dean Belton about my GPA and ACT score, he said I qualified for a full academic scholarship. JSU was the only college I applied for.
What is your favorite or most fun memory from JSU? I lived on the third floor of Alexander with a window facing the plaza my freshman year. Those ladies made life fun every night and that window room fed into my nosinesss. I also met the love of my life at the laundromat on campus during my freshman year.
Favorite rival game to attend? It’s a toss up between Alcorn and Southern
What do you enjoy most about being a member of the JSU Memphis Alumni Chapter? I love the relationships I’ve formed with members of the Chapter. I’m in a place with no family other than my husband and kids. Members of the Chapter have become my family.
Please share any additional fun fact or information about yourself. I am the Mother of Anfernee (yes, he was named after Anfernee Hardaway) and Madison. Traveling is my passion.
It’s Member on the Move time!! Each month we will be highlighting one of our awesome Chapter members. August spotlight goes to Ms. Sharon Shaw.
Ms. Shaw is a 91’ Industrial Technology/Airway Science graduate of Jackson State University.
She is currently an Air Traffic Controller/Support Specialist and Lead for Memphis Air Route Traffic Control Center Aviation Tours. Sharon introduces youth to Careers in Aviation. She is also a Facilitator for Memphis ACE Camp.
Organizations/ Affiliations include: National Black Coalition of Federal Aviation Employees (NBCFAE), Professional Women Controllers (PWC), Memphis Blackhawks, FAA STEM AVSED
What is your favorite memory from JSU? : My favorite memory at JSU was Friday nights on the Plaza watching the Sonic Boom and Greeks.
What do you enjoy most about being a member of Memphis Alumni Chapter? I enjoy most the fellowship and opportunity to network with and support other alums in my community.
Favorite rival game to attend:? My favorite game to attend is The Southern Heritage Classic.
Anything else you would like to add? My advice to freshman is not to overload their academic schedule the first semester. Leave some room for social adjustment and acclimation to new environment. Take an elective that has nothing to do with their intended major, something never done before or something that they’re curious about.
Its “Members on the Move” time! Each month we will be highlighting our awesome Chapter members. This week’s member on the move is Sheila Christine McDuffie, a 2018 Interdisciplinary Studies graduate of JSU. Sheila graduated summa cum laude with a 3.8 GPA.
Ms. McDuffie is a substitute teacher for Shelby County Schools who is working on a Masters in Early Childhood Education and Development at Jackson State University.
Recent Accomplishments: Ms. McDuffie is a retired flight attendant for Delta Airlines. She currently volunteers with Shelby County Schools where she was voted most valuable volunteer at A. Maceo Walker Elementary School. Also, in the past few months, Sheila has organized tours with the City of Memphis Mayor’s office and Steve Schular, Special Assistant for the Mayor Neighborhood Concerns program. She partnered with the City of Memphis to find solutions to many concerns that affect the quality of life in her community.
Organizations/ Affiliations: As a committed member of Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Sheila has served as the chair of the church’s school’s adopter program for three Whitehaven schools. She also organized their Back-to-School Uniform and school supply drives. Ms. McDuffie is an active alumna for JSU helping to promote the university and working tirelessly to get many donations for the upcoming Bluff City Soiree. She also serves as the committee lead for acquiring silent auction items from many businesses throughout the city of Memphis.
Join JSUNAA- MEMPHIS, get connected and you too can be a MEMBER on the Move!
It’s Members on the MOVE time! Each month we will be celebrating our awesome chapter members… This month we celebrate Brandy J. Flynn. Ms. Flynn received her BS in Criminal Justice ( ’00) and Master of Science in Guidance & Counseling (’04) from Jackson State University. She is the Owner of Brandy J. Flynn Counseling and Consulting Services and Founder/Executive Director of Breaking the Barriers of Mental Health.
Recent Accomplishments: Brandy has an upcoming episode on For My Man, which is a crime documentary that is shown on TV ONE. Brandy has opened up the East Memphis location of Better Days Tax Service where she serves as branch manager. She has recently hosted her Sixth Annual Mental Health Awareness Brunch for “Breaking the Barriers of Mental Health”.
Organizations/ Affiliations: Member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Member of JSUNNA-Memphis/co-runs the social media team Board Member of Step by Step Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Foundation.
What is your favorite memory from JSU? : I have so many memories from JSU that it is so hard to pick one. I will say one of my favorite times is hanging out on the yard on a sunny day after one o’clock. I remember the yard being so packed because everybody is out hanging out. I also remember seeing people pouting because they had to go to class and they could not hang out.
What do you enjoy most about being a member of Memphis Alumni Chapter? What I enjoy most about being a member of the Memphis Alumni Chapter is the fellowship and taking care of business to ensure future students have a better chance of successful opportunity at JSU, than I had. Don’t get me wrong, I was very successful during my time, but when I was in school, I didn’t have the chances ( or didn’t know about the opportunities) that is now being offered to upcoming students.
Favorite rival game to attend: ? My FAVORITE rival game is the Southern Heritage Classic. There is NOTHING like talking CASH MONEY to people that I know that went to TSU that is from the city, and at the same time fellowship with them
Anything else you would like to add ? Attending Jackson State University is the best decision that my mom allowed me to make. Jackson State made me become the confident woman that I am today and I am so happy to have the experience. It prepared me for the real world by teaching me to handle the world that isn’t always nice. Every time I meet a high school student, I always ask them about college. I ask them about their choices and tell them that a HBCU should be one because I am a proud product of one.
Its “Members on the Move” time! Each month we will be highlighting our awesome Chapter members. This week’s member on the move is Dr. Derek Henson. Dr. Henson is a 91′ (Undergraduate) & 2009 (PHD) graduate of JSU.
Recent Accomplishments: I recently started my own company – The Henson Consortium. (www.drderekhenson.com). We focus on building communities and economic empowerment via our grant writing, strategic planning and financial services.
Organizations/ Affiliations: Currently the Vice chair for Arrow Academy of Excellence Charter School in Memphis and a member of the New Olivet Baptist Church.
What is your favorite memory from JSU? My ultimate favorite memory of JSU would be the first time I marched into Memorial Stadium with the Sonic Boom of the South! The excitement that BOOM brings anywhere is unmatched any world!
What do you enjoy most about being a member of Memphis Alumni Chapter? I enjoy the family atmosphere that the Memphis Chapter has. We are all connected by JSU but have become “family”. Many of the members are not native Memphians so we have built family bonds through our “Blue Blood” connections.
Favorite rival game to attend: Well us against everybody would be my first answer! But if I must choose then I would rank them Mississippi Rival – of course Alcorn; SWAC Rival – Southern Ugh! And finally, Tennessee State because of Southern Heritage Classic!
Anything else you would like to add? My family is an HBCU and 3rd Generation JSU family! My Mom, my aunt, my brother, my nephews and nieces have all attended JSU and two of my sisters attended Mississippi Valley and Dillard Universities. I would tell any student looking to pursue higher education don’t sleep on HBCU’s. You can get a quality education and build life long “Family” bonds that are hardly anywhere else in the world!
