- Individuals who are committed to supporting and advancing women in higher education
President/State Chair
Voorhees University
Vice President
University of South Carolina
A Virginia native, Dr. LaNaé Budden is a first-generation college graduate who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication from Old Dominion University, a Master of Arts degree in College Student Personnel from Bowling Green State University, and a Doctor of Education degree in Organizational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University. Formerly, she served as the Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students & Director of Student Activities at Columbia College and Program Advisor for Leadership Programs and Women’s Student Services at the University of South Carolina. She is an executive board member for South Carolina Women in Higher Education and a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. She loves supporting others who are striving to become their best self!
Secretary
Lander University
Treasurer & Parliamentarian
Midlands Technical College
Tri-County Technical College
Jacquelyn Blakley, PhD, is the Dean for Business and Public Services at Tri County Technical College (TCTC). She has been employed at TCTC for 25 years. Her research focuses on students of color in higher education in community colleges. Prior to working at TCTC, Dr. Blakley was employed with Cryovac as an accounting analyst. Dr. Blakley serves on various professional and community boards. She is the past recipient of the Martha Kime Piper award given by SCWHE. She also mentors young people through various organizations. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She is married to Milton and they have 3 children, Sterlin (Michael), Briana (Kennedy), Jamal, and one grandson, Michael III.
Melissia Brannen, EdD, oversees the Office of Multicultural Affairs & Community Resources and the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. She is an advocate for students and enjoys sharing opportunities that build capacity for acceptance and belonging in higher education communities. In 2022, she completed a doctorate in Professional Leadership at her undergraduate alma mater, Converse University, with a research focus on assessing diversity, equity, and inclusion best practices at U.S. institutions of higher education.
Presbyterian
College
Dr. Selena Blair is the Rogers-Ingram Vice President for Justice and Community Wellbeing and Title IX Coordinator at Presbyterian College where oversees Accessible Education, Counseling and Health Services, and the Presby First+ program which serves first-generation college students. As a first-generation college graduate, Dr. Blair understands the importance of ensuring everyone, regardless of faith, identity or background, feels welcomed, valued, respected, heard, and included. For over 22 years, Dr. Blair has worked in higher education and held various leadership positions at the state, regional and national levels. She holds a Bachelor of Social Work from Limestone University, a Master of Arts in Counseling from Webster University, and a Doctor of Education in Professional Leadership from Converse University. In addition to being a wife and mother of three daughters, she is very active in her church, community, and beloved sorority - Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Spartanburg Community College
Ann Jones is the Department Chair of Transitional Studies and the Interim Department Chair of Mathematics at Spartanburg Community College (SCC), where she has been employed for 24 years. Ann earned her bachelor's degree in Secondary Mathematics Education from the University of South Carolina-Upstate, a master's degree in Human Resources Development from Webster University, and a graduate certificate in Higher Education Leadership from the University of South Carolina. Ann is a former public school and private school mathematics teacher. She actively participates in the SC Women in Higher Education organization and has represented SCC as its institutional representative for 12 years. She is married to Curtis, and they enjoy spending time with their adult children and granddaughter whenever possible.
Leah Schonfeld is the Chief Human Resources Officer at The Citadel, the Military College of South Carolina. She received her bachelor’s degree in political science from the College of Charleston and her master’s degree in public administration from the University of South Carolina. Prior to The Citadel, Leah worked as a HR consultant with the Office of Human Resources at the SC Department of Administration. She has been active with SC Women in Higher Education and served as The Citadel’s institutional representative for several years. Leah is also an active member on the Southern Region CUPA-HR board and is a past chair of the Southern Region board. She lives on James Island with her husband, two kids, and their lively Boykin spaniel, Blue.
Carolyn Watkins is the Dean of Student Services at Greenville Technical College’s Center for Manufacturing Innovation. She is the first recipient of the 2021 Andrea Allison Advocacy Award. Holding a B.S. in Business Administration and an M.A. in Human Resources Development, she boasts a wealth of academic accomplishments, including certificates in management and project management. Throughout her tenure, she has assumed various roles, from Admissions Officer, Associate Director of Admissions, Operations Director of Admissions, Interim Director of Admissions, Dean of Admissions and Center for Manufacturing Innovation – Dean of Student Services, showcasing her versatility and dedication. Presently, she spearheads Student Services at the Center of Manufacturing Innovations, fostering partnerships with businesses and schools to promote educational opportunities. Notably, her efforts have led to a significant increase in k12 being exposed to programs in Advanced Manufacturing and Transportation Technology. Beyond her professional endeavors, Carolyn is passionate about family, friendships, and her spiritual growth. Finally, she established Joseph N. and Mary H. Watkins Scholarship, supporting aspiring GTC students.
Dr. Mary Alexander, University of South Carolina
Dr. Sally Boyd, University of South Carolina Columbia
Dr. Willette Burnham, Medical University of South Carolina
Dr. Siobhan Craft Brownson, Winthrop University
Dr. Karen Gainey, Limestone College
Dr. Mary Holloway, Midlands Technical College
Ms. Lisa Mangione, Greenville Technical College
Evelyn Pride, Aiken Technical College
Dr. Terrie Smith, University of South Carolina
Ms. Charmaine Tomczyk, Coastal Carolina University
Susan W. Pope, The Citadel
Note: Institutional affiliation is at the time of appointment of the Honorary Member.
