Alumni News

Talladega College Alumna, Rica Lewis-Payton, Named VA Network Director

Rica Lewis-Payton, MHA, FACHE, has been named network director of the South Central VA Health Care Network, an integrated system of 10 VA medical centers providing a full range of specialty, tertiary, mental health, and long term care in an eight-state region. She starts her new position on March 11.

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Talladega College Alumni Evelyn Watkins Serves 60 years at VSU

In her six decades at Virginia State University (VSU), Evelyn Watkins Jemison has taught so many students that she can't even estimate the number. "It must have been in the thousands, and many of them became professionals in medicine, dentistry, optometry and even government officials and other leaders," she said.

On Saturday, Jemison celebrated her 90th birthday at the new Gateway Dining Hall on the same campus where she started to educate and impact the lives of so many by teaching undergraduate students and master's degree graduates. To this day, she is the only woman in the history of VSU to receive the rank of full professor without a Ph.D.

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TCNAA Awards at Birmingham Triennial Meeting

One of the highlights of the 13^th Triennial Meeting held in July in Birmingham was the presentation of recognitions during the Alumni Awards Luncheon. 

Special Recognition – Shani Forbes

This year we had an unusual recognition.  On an annual basis nationwide, 23 educators are recipients of the distinction as National Math and Science Initiative’s All-American Teacher of the Year.  Of the 23 so honored this year, one is African American and an alumnus of Talladega College.  Shani Forbes is a member of the class of 2001, teaching in the Birmingham City School System.  Her recognition as one of the 23 from around the nation was based upon her preparation of students for high and qualifying scores in biology in Advanced Placement exams.  Shani has shown sensitivity to her students and their needs and a phenomenal capacity to reach them as they come and help them to reach their potential.  Her students were not among those traditionally considered viable candidates for success in Advanced Placement.  Shani Forbes brings honor to her family, her city, her students, and to her alma mater. 

The Galaxy Award – Gladys M. Swain, Associate Professor of Biology

Mrs. Swain has been a member of the Biology Department at Talladega since 1978.  Previously, she taught at Tennessee State University and conducted research at Vanderbilt Hospital in Nashville.  During her tenure at Talladega, she has coordinated the Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics’ senior seminars and senior Project orals and track division graduates.  She serves as co-sponsor of the TriBeta Biological Honor Society, co-chair of the Ceremonial Occasions Committee and she works with the Upward Bound program.  Gladys Swain has been the recipient of numerous recognitions and is an active participant in community service activities.                    

Eastern Region Outstanding Alumnus Award – Jeanette Higgins Judkins

A member of the class of 1954, Jeanette Judkins’ service has included holding office in the Greater NY Chapter, in the Eastern Region, and as an elected member of the National Alumni Board.  Jeanette has contributed her time, her finances, and her talents for the benefit of Talladega College.  She has been a consistent change agent in her profession, an avid church and community volunteer, a devoted supporter of the arts, a champion for student recruitment and a viable force in fundraising efforts for Talladega College and for other worthwhile organizations.

Far West Region Outstanding Alumnus Award – Herbert L. Williams, M.D.

Dr. Herbert L. Williams is a member of the class of 1952.  He is well respected as a dedicated member of the Los Angeles Chapter, where he has served in various elected capacities for many years.  Herb Williams has been treasurer for the Los Angeles Chapter as well as for the Far West Region since 2001.  He was Vice President of the Chapter for many years.  Dr. Williams views Talladega College as the foundation of his academic success and is dedicated to helping others achieve their goals by giving back to an institution that has given him so much.

Mid-West Region Outstanding Alumnus Award – Leonard Smith

Leonard Smith completed his third consecutive term as Financial Secretary for the TCNAA Board.  He has also served as Member-at-Large for the Mid West Region.  Leonard has been an aggressive recruiter for the College.  He initiated a student teaching program with Talladega and the Niles, Michigan public schools.  He provided a year of volunteer support to the College athletics program, simultaneously mentoring male students of Ish Hall where he was Dormitory Director.  Leonard was the behind-the-scenes Make it Happen guy for TCNAA’s first National raffle fundraiser, procuring a Honda Odyssey van as first prize.  Leonard is a member of the class of 1959 as is his wife, Kathleen Watson Smith.  The family connection includes his brother, Paul Smith – class of 1957 and son, Andre Smith, M.D. – class of 1986

Southern Region Outstanding Alumnus of the Year – Denita M. Johnson

Thanks to the leadership of Denita M. Johnson, the Tuscaloosa Chapter was born this past year.  Denita is a member of the class of 1993 who was challenged to recruit members, help define the structure of the new organization and create a foundation for addressing the mission of our national association.  , Denita Johnson is employed full time as a chemist for the city of Tuscaloosa.  She is a wife and mother of two sons. 

Franklin W. Thomas, Sr. Outstanding Alumnus Award – Jesse Henderson, Sr.

Talladega College National Alumni Association’s highest honor, the Franklin W. Thomas, Sr. Outstanding Alumnus Award.is named for the late Franklin Thomas, a devoted Talladegan who was a cheerleader for the College, a committed supporter of the alumni association and who spawned the idea of the triennial gathering of alumni.

Jesse Henderson’s service to the Talladega Alumni Association during the past 30+ years includes presidency of the Washington, DC, Member-At-Large for the Eastern Region, and most recently, President of the TCNAA.  His presidency exceeded the typical two terms at the request of then incoming College President, Dr. Billy C. Hawkins who sought the Alumni Board’s support in fostering consistent leadership as the new College administration initiated Talladega’s “Return to Preeminence”.  During his seven and a half years as President of the National Alumni Association, Mr. Henderson led the charge for aggressive fundraising resulting in more than $100,000 contributed to the College from alumni around the nation.  This was a first for us.  As our fundraising efforts increased, Jesse demonstrated his prowess as a leader, modeling the way as our top ticket salesman.   He did not rest on that accomplishment, but was instrumental in identifying additional major contributors for the College.  During the Henderson administration, National Alumni Board officers stepped up to the challenge, agreeing to underwrite their own meeting expenses, thus decreasing the Association’s overhead and maximizing funds available in support of our alma mater.  This practice has continued and is now accepted as the norm. After his retirement from Lockheed Aeronautics, Jesse spent 18 months as a volunteer staff member of the College in the Office of Enrollment Management providing invaluable support.  He has, by invitation, continued to be an asset in his service as a member of the Board of Trustees where he has had significant impact in a number of committees.  Now a resident of metropolitan Atlanta, GA, Jesse is an active participant in the life of the local chapter.

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Talladega AlumnA being honored for 75 YEARS OF SERVICE AND LEADERSHIP AS A MEMBER OF ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA SORORITY

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®, Zeta Chi Omega Chapter is thrilled and honored to recognize Diamond Member Ophelia Pinkard on January 8, 2011 at The Renaissance Garden at Riderwood, 3160 Gracefield Road, Silver Spring, Md. from 3p.m. - 4:30p.m.  She is being recognized for 75 years as a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®.

Pinkard was initiated into the sorority in 1935 at Talladega College in Talladega, Ala. where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in romance languages.  Later, she received her Master of Arts degree from Howard University and studied at The Catholic University of America and Columbia University.

Currently a member of Zeta Chi Omega Chapter in Arlington/Alexandria, Va., she has been actively involved in projects that help the community.  Pinkard has also served in a number of leadership roles in Zeta Chi Omega – including chapter President and a Charter Member of Zeta Chi Omega Chapter. In 2011, she will also be recognized for her 75 years of service at events that will be held locally and nationally by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®.

Pinkard was born in Chicago and attended school in Baltimore and Kittrell, NC as a child. She is a member of Plymouth Congregational Church of Christ in Washington and served as the first archivist for the church.  Pinkard is married to John H. Pinkard, Jr., a retired physicist.

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