News Articles
Sep 30, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MARSHALL, TX – Wiley University is proud to announce the appointment of three accomplished leaders to its inaugural Residency Program: the Honorable Brandon L. Simmons as Entrepreneur in Residence, Ms. Kelley Cornish as Executive in Residence, and Dr. Robert "Biko" Baker as Activist in Residence. These distinguished professionals bring a wealth of knowledge and real-world experience that will enrich the academic and co-curricular environment at Wiley University.
Honorable Brandon L. Simmons
The Honorable Brandon L. Simmons is a fifth-generation Texan and third-generation Houstonian. He earned a B.A. from the University of California, Berkeley, and a Doctor of Jurisprudence from Stanford Law School. He served as a law clerk for Chief Judge J.L. Edmondson of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit.
Simmons is an experienced board member and executive and a recognized leader in board governance. He has served on numerous corporate boards and in executive leadership for early and growth-stage companies in the energy and technology sectors. Earlier in his career, Simmons served in the corporate practice of Hogan Lovells. He was appointed to the Texas Southern University (TSU) Board of Regents by Texas Governor Greg Abbott in February of 2023 and unanimously confirmed by the Texas Senate. He has served as the Twenty-Third Chairman of TSU's Board of Regents since October 2023. In 2024, Simmons was the Inaugural Convocation Speaker at The Imani School and was named a "Legendary Scholar" at the Community of Faith Houston's Black History Month Celebration.
"I am honored to join Wiley University, one of the oldest HBCUs West of the Mississippi and the home of the 'Great Debaters,' as Entrepreneur in Residence. I am excited to encourage Wiley students to pursue careers in the economy of the future and collaborate with your visionary President and other university leaders on advancing innovation and opportunity." - Honorable Brandon L. Simmons. Simmons plans to bring his Amazon-sponsored mentoring series to campus to support Wiley students entering the technology sector. He will deliver a distinguished lecture, drawing from his work on the transformational power of capitalism and encouraging the younger generation to follow the private sector path to human flourishing.
Ms. Kelley Cornish
Ms. Kelley Cornish, President & CEO of the T.D. Jakes Foundation hails from Aiken, South Carolina. A graduate of the University of South Carolina at Aiken, she also earned a Master of Arts in Human Resources Management from Webster University. She has also completed executive coursework at Harvard Kennedy School and Cornell University. Ms. Cornish has built a distinguished career in corporate America, including senior leadership and global roles at Wells Fargo and T.D. Bank, where she championed Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) strategies and initiatives.
As Executive in Residence, Ms. Cornish will expose Wiley students to current practices and methodologies impacting corporations, nonprofit organizations, and the modern workplace. Ms. Cornish's time at Wiley will help the university construct a bridge from the classroom to the boardroom and beyond. She will also deliver a distinguished lecture, drawing from her extensive background in leading DEI strategies and championing transformation in the financial sector. "I am truly excited about this unique learning opportunity that the students at Wiley University will soon experience. Wiley continues to prove that it is a top-tier institution, dedicated to nurturing the next generation of leaders. I am honored to serve as the institution's first Executive in Residence, and I look forward to pouring into the hearts and minds of these outstanding students while partnering as an architectural thought leader in their educational journey." - Ms. Kelley Cornish.
Dr. Biko Baker
Dr. Robert "Biko" Baker, a Milwaukee native, earned his Ph.D. in History from UCLA and has built a remarkable career advocating for social justice. As the founder of Render, a digital storytelling firm, and former Executive Director of the League of Young Voters, Dr. Baker has led campaigns to promote voter engagement and end violence. His work has bridged grassroots activism with digital storytelling to inspire and mobilize communities.
As an Activist in Residence, Dr. Baker will engage students through the Heman Sweatt Center for Social Good and Leadership. "I am excited by the enthusiasm of Wiley students. I believe this generation of students has so much to offer, and I cannot wait to serve at Wiley." Dr. Robert "Biko" Baker. He will guide them in crafting impactful social justice initiatives and visual storytelling, including contributions to Wiley's Freedom Film Project.
About the Residency Program
The Wiley University Residency Program is a transformative addition to the university's academic offerings. Designed to foster immersive learning, the program brings prominent leaders to campus for residencies, providing students with unparalleled access to industry expertise. Through this initiative, Wiley continues to push the boundaries of traditional education, enhancing student experiences through real-world application and mentorship.
"Our new residency program is testimony of extraordinary talent that is attracted to Wiley University," said President & CEO Herman J. Felton, Jr. "Our students, through this experience, will be exposed to a wide range of opportunities that Increase their learning experience. The opportunity to host these three powerhouses for residencies are examples of the bold and audacious vision coming to life."
With this unique program, Wiley University is poised to offer its students a rich tapestry of opportunities that blend academic rigor with practical experience, empowering the next generation of leaders, entrepreneurs, and change-makers.
For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact Catherine G. Sellers, Executive Director of Marketing, Communications, and Brand Management, at communications@wileyc.edu.
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About Wiley University:
Wiley University, formerly known as Wiley College, is a premier liberal arts institution affiliated with the United Methodist Church, with an intentional focus on social good and leadership.
