Mrs. Adams served the Dallas community for over forty years as a teacher, Higher Education Board Member, and philanthropist. She attended public schools in Wheelock and Bryan, Texas; graduated from Bishop College and earned a master’s degree from Prairie View A&M University. Mrs. Adams taught elementary school in Hearne and Bryan, Texas, later moving to Dallas where she taught for 27 years in the Dallas ISD. Following retirement, she served as member of the Bishop College Board of Trustees and was instrumental in helping raise over $12 million to provide scholarships to students. She authored the published history book, "Remembering Negro Life in Wheelock, Texas: Churches, Schools, Cemetery, Families in the 1900s.

Paula Brown is best known as Co-Founder of the A. W. Brown-Fellowship Leadership Academy. The academy opened in 1999 with 99 students but grew to over 2,500 students with a waiting list of over 3,000 students until her departure in 2016. She served in the following capacities: Vice Principal, then Principal/Executive Director, finally as Chief Operating Officer and Deputy Superintendent. With emphasis on character and social development, this charter became the largest African-American run district in Texas and the very first to acquire an investment bond rating enabling its own bond issue. She has also worked as Minister of Music and Christian Education Director at her church.

Regina Jones is a lifelong learner whose passion for education has left an indelible mark on the field. Ms. Jones embarked on a 35-year journey with Dallas ISD. Starting as a music teacher, she transitioned into administrative roles. Her administrative career enabled her to transform schools through various positions, including Dean of Instruction, Principal, and Area Superintendent. Her tenure as Principal of South Oak Cliff High School culminated in her selection as the district Principal of the Year for Dallas ISD. Following her tenure in Dallas ISD, she lent her expertise as an Educational Consultant, working to uplift low-performing campuses across Texas. Ms. Jones continues to champion equity, inclusivity, and educational excellence for all.

An educator in the Dallas ISD for over 40 years, Mrs. Lyons has been a music teacher, academic instructor, resource teacher, instructional coach, Emergency School Aide Act (ESAA) reading specialist, and counselor. During her illustrious career, she worked with students from grades 1-12. She also established programs which have been used to prepare students for college and beyond. In the summer months, she earned a Master’s Degree in Counseling and Mid-Management Certification from Prairie View A & M University. After graduating from these programs with a 4.0 GPA, she served as an academic advisor for generations of students. Mrs. Lyons will be remembered as someone who advocated for students, parents, and fellow staff members.

Vickie has dedicated her life educating and influencing the lives of young people. She served as a classroom teacher in Lewisville ISD and Dallas ISD for ten years. Afterwards, she served as an Asst. Principal, Principal at the elementary, middle, and high school levels including the largest high school in Dallas ISD, Skyline High School. She later became an Area Superintendent/Senior Executive Director where she supervised principals in leading their campuses to academic excellence. As Area Superintendent, she executed a strategic plan that increased student performance in core learning areas which impacted the number of schools receiving a ‘Recognized’ rating by the Texas Education Agency.

Michael Reed Palmer began his teaching career in Flint, Michigan after completing his bachelor’s degree at Western Michigan University. Relocating to Dallas he began a stellar career as an elementary school teacher, assistant principal, and principal, and completed his master’s degree and administrative certification at East Texas State University. An active member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and also active in NABSE serving as the local affiliate president. His leadership led J. J. Rhoads Elementary Learning Center to become an Exemplary Rated Campus and a NABSE National Demonstration School Site which resulted in he and his school being in constant demand to provide workshops on developing and maintaining schools of excellence at the local, state and national levels.

A native of Pine Bluff, Arkansas and a Bishop College graduate, Mr. Vaughn served Dallas ISD for 40 years as a teacher, assistant principal, principal at all levels and assistant athletic director. He was the first African American male principal at Martin Weiss Elementary School and is the founding principal of J. P. Starks Elementary School. Under his leadership, Kimball High School implemented the Hospitality, Travel and Tourism program and the auditorium is named in his honor. He is a member of several educational associations, a 2012 Bishop College Distinguished Alumni and was recognized with the 1995 and 1996 Kimball Honor Basketball Teams at the UIL 5A Basketball Tournament in 2022.

First Black President of Cedar Valley College (CVC), provided leadership for the college’s recognition as a military friendly campus, national model for sustainability, and “Student Success Center” for major increases in enrollment and graduation rates. At CVC, Wimbish built three Early College High Schools, a science facility that won architectural and sustainability design awards, and innovative on-line programs. Wimbish received the Phi Theta Kappa’s Michael Bennett Lifetime Achievement award as the College Chapter won the Most Distinguished in the world. Dr. Wimbish, known for her contributions in education, received the Minority Access, Role Model, and the Best Southwest Educator’s awards. Wimbish’s book, Leadership Wisdom for All Generations, is used in college leadership programs.