Editor's Note :
- Offices at Oakwood University will be closed during the Spring Break - February 28 to March 4, 2022 - and will reopen on March 7.
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The next issue of InsideOakwood will be published on Wednesday, March 9.
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Oakwood University Partners with D-School at Stanford University in University Fellows Program |
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(L-R) Dr. Prudence Pollard, Vice President of Quality Assurance, Research, and Faculty Development; Chase O. Brown, finance major, Student University Fellow; Dr. Ted Brown, Dean of the School of Business & Technology; Dr. Monica Sudeall-Hawkins, Director of Faculty Development
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Oakwood began conversations with the d-school two years ago, shortly after the Career Pathways Team visited the Coleman Fung Institute and Fellows Program at the University of California at Berkeley. The d-school’s director, Humera Fasihuddin, and Oakwood’s Vice President for Quality Assurance, Research, and Faculty Development, Dr. Prudence Pollard, laid plans for Oakwood’s participation in the fellows program.
The invitation was shared with Oakwood’s faculty and students. We are pleased that the School of Business, under the leadership of its Dean, Dr. Ted Brown, accepted the opportunity, which allows faculty and students to use design principles to re-image the curriculum and learning experience.
University Fellows work with their peers, faculty and administrators to create new learning opportunities for students at their schools to engage with innovation, entrepreneurship, design thinking and creativity.
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During a six-week training period, experiential training methods were used to expose fellows to design thinking, the lean startup approach, landscape mapping, strategic planning, and storytelling. The ultimate goal is to help Fellows become change agents who can increase the opportunities for students on their campuses to hone their innovative and entrepreneurial mindset. All students must acquire these skills in order to achieve their full potential. Until students are empowered to make change in the environment around them — for profit or social change — our planet will not benefit from their hope, optimism, enthusiasm and fresh perspective in solving the world’s most pressing problems. |
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In addition, we believe that students are the answer to bringing about positive changes in higher education. Students have a sense of urgency, investing four years in an education they hope will yield a good return on investment, to expand offerings that they and their peers might benefit, while also leaving a legacy for generations to come. It is believed that fellows will draw in students not presently inspired by the words “venture,” “innovation,” “creativity” and “entrepreneurship.” Stanford’s d.school believes that Fellows around the world will effectively re-frame the value proposition of innovation and entrepreneurship courses, workshops and project-based learning opportunities.
Congratulations to Oakwood University Student Fellow Chase O. Brown (Finance) and Faculty Fellow, Dr. Ted Brown. We are looking forward to their work to innovate business education at Oakwood University. We extend appreciation to the Chair of the Business & Information Systems Department, Dr. Kelly Duncanson, for her support of the application submitted by Chase.
Dr. Prudence Pollard, and Director for Faculty Development, Dr. Monica Sudeall-Hawkins, are inviting faculty to apply for inclusion in next year’s cohort. The Office of Faculty Development will host a program during the Fall semester for Dr. Brown and Chase to share their project with faculty and students.
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Oakwood University Awards Community Heroes at Final Black History Month Chapel |
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At the conclusion of programming for Black History Month, during Chapel on February 24, 2022, Oakwood University recognized two individuals as Community Heroes. |
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Dr. Prudence Pollard accepts the Community Heroes Award from Provost Dr. James Mbyirukira, for her leadership in the establishment of the Healthy Campus, Healthy Community initiative, and the Community Health Action Center.
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One of the awardees is Dr. Prudence LaBeach Pollard, who currently serves as Vice President for Quality Assurance, Research, and Faculty Development, and Dean for the School of Graduate Studies at Oakwood University. She is a tenured Professor of Management in the Oakwood University School of Business.
In 2013, Dr. Pollard worked with a team of 35 individuals, to envision what a healthy HBCU should look like, and in 2015 she launched Healthy Campus 2020 to assess the health of the university and develop a healthier campus. In 2018 Oakwood University was awarded the Crystal Apple Award by the Mrs. Michelle Obama’s Partnership for a Healthier America.
Phase 2 is the community facing Healthy Campus, Healthy Community program, designed to respond to the co-morbidities in the surrounding community. Following 18 months of traveling with the President to raise funds and two years of negotiations with Huntsville Hospital to place a health clinic in Northwest Huntsville, Dr. Pollard then designed and supervised the construction in 2021 of the Oakwood University Community Health Action Center & Clinic as a partnership with Huntsville Hospital. This new primary care clinic brings healthcare to underserved populations in the community adjacent to the campus.
While construction was underway, the community Mobile Market was launched with a small grant from the State of Alabama with matching funds from Oakwood University. The Mobile Market makes fresh fruits and vegetables accessible at discounted prices. During the holiday season a grant from Versacare Foundation allowed the CHAC’s Food Pantry to deliver 100 food baskets at Thanksgiving and another 100 food baskets at Christmas.
10 LACELL: 951.662.9005
The CHAC is where after school programs will enrich the lives of community children. The CHAC is also where the comorbidities of diabetes, obesity, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases are addressed through health education, accessible medical care, nutritious food, and access to affordable food regardless of ability to pay. The University and the CHAC are where trained Student Health Ambassadors practice our motto, “Enter to Learn, Depart to Serve.”
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The second Community Hero honoree is Oakwood alumna Monique Jolecia Johnson, who has been serving as a COVID-19 nurse at hospitals in the states that have been impacted the hardest such as New York, California, Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts and Texas.
Monique says she knows she cannot save the world, but she says she can at least help save her community. She is grateful to God for His calling and protection, as to this day, she has never tested COVID positive, and knows it’s only because of God’s grace, mercy and protection.
She advises nurses of the future that they "may have an untraditional calling, and many times people may try to lead you down the safest path, but that may not be your path. Pray a lot and follow your heart even if it looks stupid or doesn’t make sense. It’ll always lead you to your passions which will continually guide you to your life mission."
Nurse Johnson established the "Year of the Nurse" Scholarship for junior or senior nursing students with a financial need, at her alma mater, Oakwood University, during 2020, the "International Year of the Nurse and Midwife.” Oakwood University is grateful for Nurse Johnson's generosity to invest in the next generation of nurses.
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Oakwood University's Partnership Described on 3ABN |
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SOHO is a non-governmental organization (NGO) that has been in existence for over 15 years, which has served over 40,000 children from various parts of Eswatini. This program began with seeking to meet needs through food distribution, mobile clinics and feeding programs, and has evolved into sustainable programs impacting communities in Eswatini where SOHO has put down roots.
Dr. Shalunda Sherrod, chair of the Department of Social Work, was recently interviewed by Cynthia Prime on 3ABN. Dr. Sherrod shared information about Oakwood University’s partnership with the Saving Orphans Through Healthcare and Outreach (SOHO), and the various departments involved. She beautifully tied in the mission of Oakwood University, where students “enter to learn and depart to serve.”
In 2020 Oakwood University joined as one of SOHO’s many partners, to assist the Eswatini community by helping to address the following needs:
- Structuring the living environment for the children (where they will initially be fed, taught, and housed.)
- Diet and Nutrition issues that impact how the physical premises must be designed
- Cultural sensitivities that might influence decision making
- Preparing for initial Assessments of child-led households that will have to be done before and during provision of services for the children
- Baseline research to enable effective measurement of programmatic impact from the very beginning.
- Train the trainer resources to influence child development.
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Primero Dios Visits Central Florida |
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Dr. Leslie N Pollard, president of Oakwood University, is a firm believer of what Ellen G White, cofounder of Oakwood, stated in the book of Education, “In the highest sense the work of education and the work of redemption are one…”
Rooted in this belief, Elder Isaac Ibarra (below, right), special assistant to the president for Diversity and Inclusion, and Pastor Enoc Balbuena (below, left), enrollment specialist at Oakwood, are engaging in the ministry and recruitment, believing that putting God First is the essence and the foundation of Oakwood University.
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The weekend of February 18-20 was a clear demonstration of it! The "Primero Dios (God First) ministry was in the spotlight in two places: the pulpit and the baseball field.
Around 400 attendees from California, Texas, Alabama, Georgia, Florida and from overseas, gathered in central Florida, to participate in a Seventh-day Adventist Baseball Tournament initiative that is taking place twice a year in the North American Division territory.
The organizers of the event have identified the main purpose to be evangelism. Each of the eight teams has players who are joining the family of believers and are responding to the appeal to become followers of Jesus.
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(Left) Oakwood Latino Association Baseball Team; (Right) Oakwood Latino students baseball team |
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(L-R) OU Student Gabriel Chiquillo at bat; Enoc Balbuena; OU student Benjamin Rijo |
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The program was conducted by Oakwood students in the Primero Dios ministry (below, left). The speaker of the event was Pastor Roger Hernandez (below, right), ministerial director of the Southern Union and a friend of Oakwood. He shared four things that we must do to achieve our vision, and identified Oakwood University as a great place to turn a vision into a reality. |
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The organizers of the event declared that Oakwood University has officially become one of the sponsors of the baseball tournament, and are extremely grateful to the Oakwood family for supporting the baseball ministry.
To God be the glory!.
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Oakwood Adventist Academy Boys Basketball Team Forfeits Semi-final Game Scheduled on Sabbath |
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Oakwood Adventist Academy Mustangs basketball team congratulate the winners of the evening semi-final game of the Alabama High School Athletic Association State Tournament. The academy team did not play in their afternoon game as it was scheduled an hour before sunset on Sabbath, Feb. 19, 2022. Screenshot/Facebook
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On February 19, 2022, the Oakwood Adventist Academy (OAA) Mustangs academy basketball team attended the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSSA) State Tournament in Jacksonville, Alabama. But they weren’t there to play. They showed up to cheer on and thank two of the teams for their willingness to reschedule their game so OAA could have played at the later time once the Sabbath was over. AHSAA denied the requests to swap the games; Oakwood's basketball team said that they would not play until the sun was down. The story has since garnered national attention, from such outlets as CNN and Newsweek, as well as Alabama Governor Kay Ivey.
In a press release issued this week, administrators of the South Central Conference,
applauded "the young men of the Oakwood Adventist Academy Basketball team for their recent stand to not play a state regional tournament game scheduled during the Sabbath hours. The conference administration is thrilled to see faith lived out in the lives of its members. The Oakwood Adventist Academy Varsity Basketball team had a historical season by advancing to the Alabama High School Athletics Association (AHSAA) Class 1A Boy’s Northeast Regional Basketball Semi-Finals this past weekend. However, because of our Sabbath teaching and observance, the team chose to forfeit their game. This in essence ended their basketball season this year.
Elder Benjamin Jones, Jr., president of South Central Conference, stated he "is very proud of the Oakwood Adventist Academy basketball team as they stood for Biblical principles and demonstrated excellence of character to not play on Sabbath.” Jones adds, “the young men, the coaches, the Oakwood Adventist Academy administration, Mrs. Judy B. Chiles-Dent, principal, and her leadership team, parents, and staff members have the full support of the South Central Conference office and administration.” The team has given an excellent example for other Seventh-day Adventist youth around the world.
“The commitment of our students to uphold the biblical principles taught by our educational institution is commendable”, said Mr. Johnny Holliday, South Central Conference Superintendent of Education. Holliday continues, “We are proud of our basketball team, the mentoring of Coach Melvin Allen, the leadership of Calvin Morton, Athletic Director, Team Captain Raynon Andrews, Jr., the leadership of the Oakwood Adventist Academy administrative staff, Principal Judy B. Chiles-Dent, and Assistant Principal Chantel Bailey-Callendar.”
Oakwood University President Leslie Pollard commented, “Our University’s historic connection to and support of Oakwood Adventist Academy is profound. Our OAA students made our University community proud! My conversations with Huntsville City Officials were extremely affirming of our OAA student athletes. Numerous members approached me at my Chamber of Commerce meeting yesterday to express their concern and support. Now we must engage with the Association to make sure that this type of discrimination never occurs again.”
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The Oakwood University Church publicly affirmed the decision of the Oakwood Adventist Academy boys team to not play in a basketball tournament on Sabbath. |
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Oakwood University Music Students Place in
NATS Alabama Winner's Circle
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“We are very proud of our students who have shown, once again, that Oakwood University not only houses exceptional talent, but matures it. Congratulations to our students who have succeeded amidst many challenges. To our voice faculty, who have guided these young people, we thank you. Long live the Oakwood Music Department,” said Dr. Jason Ferdinand, department chair. |
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Oakwood University Mourns the Passing of
Dr. Brian Bull
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Oakwood University grieves the passing of Dr. Brian Bull, along with the entire Loma Linda University family. Dr. Brian Bull, who served as dean of the medical school from 1994 to 2003, passed away on February 22, 2022.
"During my 14 years at Loma Linda University, I served on the Admissions Committee for the School of Medicine. While there, I had the opportunity to work very closely with Dr. Bull in the recruitment of minority applicants to the Loma Linda School of Medicine.
"Dr. Bull single-handedly revolutionized the admissions process through statistically identifying a competitive MCAT scoring range that predicted the successful matriculation of underrepresented candidates in the school of medicine. By correlating the success of minority medical school graduates on their medical boards with their incoming MCAT scores, Dr. Bull was able to establish a predictive model that expanded the understanding of our entire admissions committee. The Bull Model made it possible for scores of underrepresented minorities to be welcomed as credible medical school candidates," said Dr. Leslie Pollard, President of Oakwood University. MORE
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"Blessings and Breakthroughs" Available Electronically |
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President Leslie Pollard presented the institution's annual report at the North American Division year end meetings on November 4, 2021.
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Editor's Note :
- Offices at Oakwood University will be closed during the Spring Break - February 28 to March 4, 2022 - and will reopen on March 7.
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The next issue of InsideOakwood will be published on Wednesday, March 9.
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Attention, Oakwood Nation! It's time again to VOTE for our Oakwood -- to possibly win up to $120,000 through the HOME DEPOT RETOOL YOUR SCHOOL voting campaign 2022!
All VOTING starts Monday, February 28 at midnight. We need all of our InsideOakwood readers, alumni and friends to begin to VOTE every day, all day, and as many times a day possible until March 27th to win this competition.
There are three ways to vote:
- Post on Instagram with our hashtag #RYSOakwood.
- Post on Twitter with our hashtag #RYSOakwood.
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Use the HOME DEPOT website link to its voting platform to vote. www.retoolyourschool.com, select OAKWOOD, and vote.
Every time you post on Instagram or Twitter, please use our HOME DEPOT RYS hashtag #RYSOakwood especially STARTING FEBRUARY 28th at Midnight and flood your personal social media.
Please share this opportunity all weekend long with your family, friends, co-workers, and everyone you know.
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...Depart to Serve: Alumni News |
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Eryn Young is a 2004 OC double-major graduate (Fitness & Wellness, Pre- PT) from Los Angeles, California. After 10 years of promoting health through Justmuv Consulting, she says she was "shocked and honored last week before the Lakers game to receive a Woman of Entrepreneurship Award. I really still can’t believe it," she said. "It has been a long road with ups and downs. Ironically my consulting was birthed years ago out of necessity, having been dropped out of the blue from my "career job." Oh, but what God can do with a little idea... "While I have had small victories over the years, I can testify that when God is with you on the small business journey, He is true to His word about exceeding abundant blessings that He is able to open the store house for, when you trust Him while trying something new. Not bad for a Lady Ambassador (basketball and softball)," Young concluded.
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The Black Resource Center (BRC) at San Diego State has a new director, and Dr. Brandon Gamble says he’s focused on continuity and what’s next. When Gamble was named new director of the BRC last December, cases of COVID-19 were surging across San Diego. During that time, Gamble was preparing to welcome students back to the BRC and begin his work as director. “The students have me really excited about being back,” said Gamble. “I miss being with the students. That’s what makes the BRC alive and worth getting up and making the drive every day.” Since Gamble’s appointment, COVID-19 cases have steadily declined and students have returned to SDSU. MORE
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Oakwood alumna Brandie Inez Sutton is featured in the latest issue of The Whole Review. Most of our readers know how beautifully she can sing; however, to read Brandie's full profile, the magazine can be purchased by clcking here.
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One of our very own Oakwood alums, from a Oakwood Legacy family, a champion for Oakwood, medical degree from Meharry Medical College, President & CEO of Regional One Health, and now named to the Memphis Business Journal’s 2022 Power 100 List, Dr. Reginald Coopwood. This list honors local leaders who are helping to build a stronger, better future for Memphis and the Mid-South. Regional One Health states, they are “grateful for Dr. Coopwood’s leadership both at Regional One Health and within the larger community." Continued blessings to him and family as he represents his God, his family, and his Oakwood.
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The George Washington University Transplant Institute is now Washington, DC’s newest location for Liver Transplantation, increasing the accessibility to care within the DC Metropolitan region. According to The Liver Foundation, there are approximately 5.5 million Americans living with chronic liver disease or cirrhosis and over 14,000 people in the US currently waiting for a liver transplant.
The surgical director of the GW Transplant Institute is Oakwood alumnus Stephen Gray, M.D. He received his medical degree from the University of Michigan and completed his general surgery training and abdominal transplant fellowship at the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 2012. He also holds a Master of Science in Public Health in Clinical Research from the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Public Health.
Prior to joining the GW as an associate professor of surgery, he practiced transplant surgery at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and University of Maryland.
He specializes in liver transplantation and hepatobiliary surgery. From a surgery standpoint, Dr. Gray is involved in the evaluation, management, and treat patients with end-stage liver disease, including management of complications of cirrhosis, management of immunosuppression, and optimization of medical comorbidities.
His research interests relate to ensuring that culturally and ethnically appropriate assessment strategies are used to eliminate age and racial health disparities in liver transplant candidates. He has a special interest in the assessment and selection of appropriate older adults for liver transplantation. He also has an interest in health services research, specifically identifying modifiable predictors of transplant outcomes.
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The Reunion Honor Classes of the 2s & 7s are already giving and participating since our last Alumni Homecoming 2021. The Office of Alumni Relations will be celebrating the top three Reunion Honor Classes for their participation and engagement through giving.
The record-breaking numbers to beat from last year's Reunion Honor Classes of the 1s & 6s are:
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Over $144,000 was given to every type of Oakwood cause from student scholarships, to the Annual Fund, to the endowment, and even giving to all three by starting a recurring monthly Ignite 10 gift https://give.oakwood.edu/ignite/ with all these gifts of support given by Alumni Homecoming 2021. Note: Over $90,000 of the $144,000 was given in the last 5 weeks! WOW!!
- Over 200 Oakwood alums from 2021 Reunion Honor classes of the 1s & 6s participated in giving!
THANK YOU ALL AGAIN for giving back to your Oakwood in a BIG WAY!!
Here is how THIS YEAR'S Reunion Honor Classes of the 2s & 7s are ranking so far in participation & engagement through giving with eight (8) weeks left to go before Alumni Homecoming 2022:
Almost $34,000 has been given from 59 generous alums participating. Now THE CURRENT CLASS RANKINGS:
- 1982 1st in Giving 1982 1st in participation of giving
- 2007 2nd in Giving 1987 2nd in participation of giving
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1992 3rd in Giving 2007 Tied 3rd in participation of giving
- 2002 4th in Giving 2002 Tied 3rd in participation of giving
- 1977 5th in Giving 1997 4th in participation of giving
- 1987 6th in Giving 2012 Tied 5th in participation of giving
- 2012 7th in Giving 1977 Tied 5th in participation of giving
- 1972 8th in Giving 1992 6th in participation of giving
- 1997 9th in Giving 1972 Tied 7th in participation of giving
- 2017 10th in Giving 2017 Tied 7th in participation of giving
GET FIRED UP or Keep it up, our 2022 Reunion Honor Classes!! Only the top three will be announced during our Alumni Homecoming 2022 Divine Worship Service just before offering.
IF YOU ARE PART of our 13 Reunion Honor Classes and have not yet engaged through giving during YOUR REUNION YEAR, simply click https://give.oakwood.edu/ and SHOW YOUR LOVE by getting engaged through giving back today.
To our Reunion Class Presidents, members of your class leadership, or someone who just wants to reconnect with your class reunion activities and also find out about the other 3 main reunion honor class engagements through SERVICE, through MEMORIES, and through HAVING FUN FELLOWSHIP, please email alumni@oakwood.edu and get connected. TO LEARN MORE see the attached Oakwood Reunion Class TOOLBOX for SUCCESS for 2022.
To get connected with your classmates and update your info, here are some of the Reunion Honor Classes who have set up their ENGAGEMENT SURVEY LINKS through the University:
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Thursday @ 8:30 a.m.
Join us at 8:30 a.m. (Central Standard Time) Thursdays on Morning Joy with Dawna Baker, for a special edition of "Inside Oakwood with Dr. Leslie Pollard." The program is broadcast on Facebook Live, and you can also listen to our live stream at http://wjou.org.
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Editor's Note :
- Offices at Oakwood University will be closed during the Spring Break - February 28 to March 4, 2022 - and will reopen on March 7.
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The next issue of InsideOakwood will be published on Wednesday, March 9.
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Call for Submissions: Young Women's Devotional |
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The Anna Knight Women's Leadership Center & Museum is excited to announce the upcoming production of a Young Women’s Devotional. Sharing your story is important and we have compiled templates and guidelines to help you put your story in motion, to help, motivate, and encourage other young women. We encourage you to submit as many entries as you wish!
We want to encourage you to submit as many entries as you wish. We cannot do this without you!
Submit your story or your artistic expression today! If you have any questions, please contact Adrienne Reid at wlc@oakwood.edu, or (256) 726-7245.
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Leave a Legacy at "the Oaks" |
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Pave the way into the next 125 years of success by purchasing a personalized brick on the Legacy Walkway, that leads from Ford Hall and Peters Media Center to the rest of the campus.
The Legacy Walkway Brick Campaign provides an opportunity to leave a legacy and support campus improvement at the same time. Our Legacy Walkway features names of donors, loved ones, special remembrances, and favorite sayings. Bricks are a great opportunity to congratulate a graduate, celebrate an advanced degree or accomplishment, or honor your loved ones.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to leave more than a memory at Oakwood University. You can leave your own legacy as we continue our mission – to transform the lives of our students.
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Give back year-round to Oakwood University
while shopping online with AmazonSmile.
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The AmazonSmile Foundation will send OU .5% of eligible purchases when you choose Oakwood University.
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It's simple:
- You can use your current Amazon account.
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Just click https://smile.amazon.com.
- When prompted, select Oakwood University as your charitable organization, and then
- Shop as you normally do.
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Donations are made by the AmazonSmile Foundation and are not tax deductible by you.
Your Oakwood University family thanks you for all you continue to do for
"our dear Oakwood."
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Show yOUr Pride in Alabama! |
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Purchasing an Alabama “Oakwood University License Plate” is a simple way to contribute to scholarships for Oakwood students who are Alabama residents.
Request your Oakwood University collegiate plate when you normally register your car in Alabama so you don’t have to double pay. Contact Debbe Millet in IMPR if you have any questions.
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Editor's Note :
- Offices at Oakwood University will be during the Spring Break - February 28 to March 4, 2022 - and will reopen on March 7.
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The next issue of InsideOakwood will be published on Wednesday, March 9.
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The mission of Oakwood University, a historically black, Seventh-day Adventist institution, is to transform students through biblically-based education for service to God and humanity. |
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InsideOakwood is published by the Office of Integrated Marketing & Public Relations.
Editor: Debbe Millet
Photographer: Teymi Townsend
Graphic Designer: Ron J. Pride
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