A Quartet of Black Scholars Who Are Taking on New Positions or Duties

Barnard A. Jones was promoted to associate professor in the division of criminal justice and homeland security of the Lesley H. and Williams L. Collins College of Professional Studies at St. John’s University in Staten Island, New York. He was also granted tenure.

Dr. Jones earned a master’s degree in emergency management from the New Jersey Institute of Technology and a second master’s degree in management information systems from Kean University in Union, New Jersey. He holds a doctorate in civil security leadership, management, and policy from New Jersey City University.

Artha Gillis, a psychiatrist who studies the long-term effects of early-life adversity on children, will be the inaugural holder of the RNPH Board Advisors Term Chair in Psychiatry at the University of California, Los Angeles. Dr. Gillis has been a member of the UCLA faculty since 2021, after serving as a staff psychiatrist at UCLA Health. She specializes in evaluating and treating children who have experienced sexual trauma.

Dr. Gillis holds a Ph.D. from Texas A&M University and a medical doctorate from the University of California, Davis.

Terry-Ann Jones, professor of political science and director of the Africana studies program at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, has been appointed the deputy provost for undergraduate education at the university. She was on the faculty at Fairfield University in Connecticut for 15 years before joining the faculty at Lehigh in 2020.

Dr. Jones holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and Latin American and Caribbean studies from York University in Toronto. She earned a master’s degree and a Ph.D. in international studies from the University of Miami.

David Staten,  a professor of rehabilitation counseling, has been named associate provost for academic affairs at South Carolina State University. He has served in the role on an interim basis since December 2021. He has been on the faculty for 22 years. Dr. Staten was the first African American man to serve as the president of the American Rehabilitation Counseling Association.

Dr. Staten received a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and a master’s degree in rehabilitation both from South Carolina State University. He received a Ph.D. in rehabilitation counselor education from the University of Iowa.

Two African Americans Appointed Provosts at Historically Black State Universities

Frederick Evans was appointed provost and vice president for academic affairs at South Carolina State University. He served in the position on an acting basis since November 2021. Prior to his appointment as acting provost, Dr. Evans had served as the university’s dean of the College of Graduate School and Professional Studies. He also was an assistant professor of educational leadership in the department of educational leadership at South Carolina State University.

“I am honored to have his vote of confidence as we relentlessly pursue our mission to provide a quality education to the citizens of our state and this nation,” Dr. Evans said. “I remain committed to achieving President Conyers’ vision for success as we strengthen and expand our offerings.”

Dr. Evans holds a bachelor’s degree in social science/political science and a master’s degree in secondary education/history. He earned a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Sarasota.

Dimetri Horner is the new provost and vice president of academic affairs at Harris-Stowe State University in St. Louis. Dr. Horner most recently served as associate vice provost of academics at Strayer University.

“I look forward to the ways in which we will enhance scholarship and innovation to positively impact the academic experiences of our students and benefit the community we serve,” Dr. Horner said. “Harris-Stowe’s rich history is energizing, and our potential as a university is endless. I am inspired by the university’s future.”

Dr. Horner earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She holds a master’s degree in secondary education from the University of Southern Mississippi, a master’s degree in education innovation and technology from Capella University, and a doctorate in educational leadership from Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia.