Board of Trustees

James K. Lehman, Esq., Chair of the Board

Mr. James K. Lehman is the managing partner of Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP. In addition to his service to Claflin, his community service includes serving as chair of the Governor's School for Science and Mathematics Foundation Board, the United Way of the Midlands, Transitions Homeless Recovery Center, which he helped found, the South Carolina Philharmonic and a former member of the boards of directors of the Central Carolina Community Foundation and Hannah House women’s shelter. He is a Leadership South Carolina graduate and is a Liberty Fellow.

Ms. Lessie Price, Vice Chair of the Board

Ms. Lessie Price is currently the Manager of Government Affairs and Community Relations for Amentum’s Nuclear & Environment Strategic Business Unit. Ms. Price is responsible for providing leadership in mission related programs and defining strategic direction based on the company’s mission and objectives, and design and execute programs to achieve the company's goals.  The assignment further includes cultivating relationships with leading organizations and agencies, providing expertise necessary to carry out advocacy strategies, monitor and analyze information that could have a significant impact on the company’s current and future direction, foster and maintain relationships with stakeholders of interest and develop outreach efforts to support community activities, develop effective mechanism to shape communications in a meaningful way, lead briefing for stakeholders and work closely with management to ensure an integrated approach occurs to influence positive outcomes.  Ms. Price represents the company at public meetings and serves as spokesperson when appropriate along with identifying new issues that may be important to the company.

Mrs. Jessica Aaron

Ms. Aparna Bawa

Ms. Aparna Bawa brings to Zoom an expertise in building infrastructure for rapidly growing technology companies as they scale. Most recently, she was senior vice president/general counsel for Magento Commerce, the leading global provider of ecommerce software solutions. She helped sell the company to Adobe in 2018. Prior to Magento, Bawa was the vice president/general counsel for Nimble Storage (NYSE: NMBL); she was instrumental in the company’s initial public offering in 2013. Later, she was a key contributor in Nimble’s sale to Hewlett Packard Enterprise in 2017. Previously, Bawa led the legal and corporate development functions for Inphi Corp (NYSE: IPHI). She began her career as a corporate and securities attorney for Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati. She was also an investment banker at Lehman Brothers and Deutsche Bank, where she executed multiple IPO and M&A transactions for technology clients.

Mr. Keith M. Clarke

Mr. Keith Clarke started with MCA in 1987 and has been Principal since 1994 and President and CEO since 2000. He is responsible for executing the MCA business plan to achieve the goals and objectives as defined by the MCA Board of Directors as well as overseeing the work of all company disciplines to ensure compliance with project scope, cost estimates and schedule requirements.

Rev. Dr. Robin Dease

Rev. Dr. Robin Dease felt the call to ministry while a student at Claflin University majoring in elementary education. She earned a Master of Divinity degree and a Doctor of Ministry degree in Stewardship from Wesley Theological Seminary, Washington, D.C. In 1992, Dease joined the South Carolina Conference and was ordained an elder in 2001. She first served as pastor of Wesley United Methodist Church, Johns Island (1998-2008), followed by John Wesley UMC, Greenville (2008-2012). In 2012, she became interim chair of the Department of Philosophy and Religion at Claflin University. Dease has held a number of district and conference positions in Te United Methodist Church; Chair of the Committee on District Superintendency-Charleston District, Conference Board on Ordained Ministry, District Board on Ordained Ministry-Greenville District (2008-2012), Conference Connectional Table Task Force (2012-2012), Chair of Continuing Education Covenant Groups (2008-2012) and District Study Task Force (2011-present).

Dr. Willie L. Frazier

Dr. Willie L. Frazier is a native of Orangeburg, S.C. He received a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Claflin University; a master’s degree in strategic studies from the U.S. Army War College; and a PhD in analytical chemistry from Howard University. Dr. Frazier was commissioned a second lieutenant. He retired from the USAR in June 2005 after 30 years. He’s also a retired scientist at Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS). He is married to the former Betty D. Lee, Claflin alumna.

Artis Hampshire-Cowan, Esq.

Ms. Artis G. Hampshire-Cowan, Esq., principal of Leveraged Leadership Group, LLC, is an Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges (AGB) senior fellow. During her 25-year tenure at Howard University she served as the senior vice president and corporate secretary, chief operating officer, and acting president. Prior to being promoted to senior vice president, she was concurrently secretary and vice president for human resource for Howard University’s 6,000 workforce. Her previous positions include general counsel, DC NFL Team’s RFK Stadium; congressional lobbyist; attorney-advisor, deputy mayor for economic development; and senior advisor and counsel city administrator. She began her legal career as a prosecutor in Philadelphia.  

(Ret.) Lt. Col. John O. Herring

Dr.  John O. Herring is an associate pastor and a lieutenant colonel of the U. S. Army. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Claflin University. He also earned an MBA and a degree in human resources management. He also is a graduate of the U.S. Department of Justice Mediator’s Program and recipient of a Doctor of Ministry degree from the Interdenominational Theology Center. He and wife, Deborah, are the proud parents of two adult children and one grandson.

William H. Johnson, Esq.

Mr. William H. Johnson, JD, LL.M, is a distinguished former transportation industry corporate trial lawyer. He is certificated in freight transportation by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology with Law degrees from Duke and Temple Universities. Attorney Johnson’s long and expansive legal career included work as attorney-advisor with the Interstate Commerce Commission, chief counsel to the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee Surface Transportation Subcommittee and senior counsel for various Fortune 500 companies in complex multimillion dollar civil cases litigated before State and Federal courts.

Mr. George Loening

George S. Loening is the Founder and CEO of Select Equity Group LP. Select Equity is a New York City based asset management firm with $40 billion in assets that invests in public equities across all geographies and market capitalizations in both long only and long/short funds. In addition, the Firm has Private Equity and Venture Capital funds. Select Equity has offices in NYC, Chicago, London, Seattle and Washington DC. The Firm and its charitable arm, the Select Equity Group Foundation, have donated more than $50 million dollars to causes championed by its employees. Mr. Loening received a B.A. from Columbia University.

Janice Wannamaker Marshall

A St. Matthews, South Carolina native is the daughter of the late Verna Wannamaker Abrey. Janice was educated in the Calhoun County Public School System before attending Claflin University earning a bachelor’s degree in Social Studies. She is the Executive Director of The James E. Clyburn Scholarship & Research Foundation with a 20-year tenure. Under her leadership millions of dollars have been awarded to students, many of whom are first generation college pursuers and completers. An intrepid leader, Janice has received numerous awards and recognitions on local, state, and national level. Her lifelong commitment is to make a difference in the lives of our young people as they aspire to fulfil dreams and visions. She is the widow of Dr. Henry T. Marshall, and they have one daughter Jai-Shirell Marshall.

Mr. Virgil R. Miller

Virgil Miller is president of Aflac Individual & Group Benefits. Miller earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Georgia College, a master’s degree from Wesleyan College and doctorate of humane letters from Gammon Theological Seminary. He is a former U.S. Marine and veteran of Operation Desert Storm. Miller has served on the Board of Directors for SC Chamber, Prisma Health Foundation and Columbia Urban League.

Ms. Hema Patel 

Mrs. Hema Patel grew up in Toronto Canada and attended the University of Toronto, receiving her Baccalaureate in Biochemistry and Chemistry with distinguished honors. Following several years in biochemical research, Mrs. Patel turned her experience and talent to education, working in South Carolina where she taught Chemistry and Physics. Following an 11-year teaching career Mrs. Patel began the pursuit of a lifelong passion for entrepreneurship and established herself as one of the first leading female South Asian Hotelier in the United States. Currently, Mrs. Patel and her husband, Sudhir, own and operate Courtesy Management, a hospitality company, managing and developing hotels in South Carolina. 

Dr. Trudie K. Reed

Dr. Trudie Kibbe Reed is a student-centered leader, educator, taskmaster, administrator, visionary, transformative leader, public speaker, motivator, and fundraiser. As an expert in Transformative Leadership, she is noted for radically transforming systems and organizations, based on the techniques discussed in her book, The Caring Community: A Journey into the Spiritual Domain of Transformative Leadership. She is credited with launching the first Master of Science degree program in Transformative Leadership at Bethune-Cookman University. Dr. Reed pulls from a wealth of experience that includes two presidencies at the college/university level (Philander Smith College and Bethune-Cookman University), as well as a member of the General Secretariat of a women’s advocacy organization, and over 18 years in various top-tier rankings of The United Methodist Church administration.  Dr. Reed’s leadership skills are widely recognized and utilized in varied arenas.  She was elected to the board of the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, and U.S. Senator Bill Nelson selected her to serve on Florida’s Federal Judicial Nominating Commission.  In 2008, she was elected as a member of the United Methodist General Board of Higher Education and Ministry. In 2006, she was selected by the Governor of Florida to serve a three-year term on the state’s Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service.  Appointed by the US Secretary of State Arne Duncan, she serves on the HBCU Capital Financing Advisory Board and has served the White House Commission on HBCUs under appointment by President Bill Clinton.

Mr. Robert Scarborough

Mr. Robert Scarborough graduated from the University of South Carolina with a degree in accounting. On December 31, 2004, he retired as executive director of the South Carolina Association of School Administrators. Scarborough is a recipient of The Order of the Palmetto. He serves as vice chairman of the Board of Trustees of Southern Mutual Church Insurance Company and chairman of the Board of Trustees of The Oaks Retirement Community. Scarborough is a member of Bethel United Methodist Church at Peachtree Rock. He is married to Kathryn W. Scarborough.

Rev. Dr. Albert Shuler

Rev. Dr. Albert Shuler is a native of Calhoun County, South Carolina. He is a graduate of Claflin University and Duke Divinity School, Duke University. Rev. Dr. Shuler served as pastor, program director and district superintendent in the North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church for 44 years. During that time, he gave leadership to the General Conference as a delegate six times and the Jurisdictional Conference seven times. He has served on national and international boards and agencies of the United Methodist Church and Ecumenical bodies. Rev. Dr. Shuler is currently serving as the retired supply pastor of Mount Carmel UMC, Bamberg, a Master Coach for Strengthening the Black Church for the 21st Century (SBC 21), and chairperson of Business and Finance for the North Carolina Council of Churches. He is married to Jimmie Blake Shuler, MD (first female Claflin graduate to become a medical doctor) and one daughter Melissa Danielle Shuler who resides in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Ms. Joan Steward Stevens

In 1970, Joan Steward Stevens graduated Magna Cum Laude from Claflin University with a Bachelor of Arts degree. As a student, Stevens was a part of the Voter Registration Project, the Practice Teaching Program a member of the Alpha Mu Honor Society. Upon graduation, Mrs. Stevens entered federal service where her career expanded over 38 years within various federal agencies.  Among her many accomplishments, she received the Secretarial Award for exceptional management achievement in the Department of Health and Human Services.  Moreover, Mrs. Stevens was selected for the Senior Executive Service, the highest rank any government employee can obtain in the span of their career. Mrs. Stevens was a high-level executive at the Social Security Administration (SSA) for many years.  As Assistant Associate Commissioner for SSA, Office of Central Operations, she was in charge of the recruitment for all employees within the entire organization.  In this period of her career, she utilized her extraordinary leadership skills, innovative project management skills and passion for community service to return to her native community of South Carolina and Claflin University; establishing several recruitment initiatives to benefit its citizens and other graduates of her alma mater. Under Mrs. Stevens' direction and guidance, SSA sent outreach recruiters to visit and advise countless potential job applicants at Claflin University and other schools within her home state of South Carolina. SSA made on site visits, and hired over 75 students as a result of this creative initiative. In fact, the majority of the students who received these highly competitive and coveted federal positions were Claflin University alum. Mrs. Stevens is a loyal member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Washington, DC Alumni Chapter of Claflin University, the National Drifters, Inc. (Mitchellville Chapter), and the Antioch Baptist Church, Upper Marlboro, Maryland where she faithfully is Director of the Usher Ministry as well as International Projects. She is the widow of Joseph Stevens.

William L. Thompson, Esq.

William “T” Thompson is a former international airline captain, lawyer, award-winning businessman, professional speaker, and past president & CEO of the USAFA-AOG.  “T” has served four governors on both sides of the aisle, overseeing state aviation agencies. He has been featured in the Wall Street Journal and Black Enterprise Magazine, appearing on NBC, CBS, and many other media outlets. He is the author of the Best-Selling book “THE FLIGHT TO EXCELLENCE.” 

Mr. John Uprichard

Mr. John Uprichard is the CEO for Find Great People (FGP), recognized as one of America’s Best Recruitment Firms by Forbes. John is a board member at the SC Department of Employment and Workforce, the former Board Chair for the SC Chamber of Commerce, a Liberty Fellow, and a member of YPO. He is a partner at Payfluence, a human capital management company. John earned a bachelor’s degree from Auburn University and an MBA from Brenau University.

(Ret.) Brigadier General Twanda Young

Brigadier General Twanda Young graduated from Claflin in 1989 with a bachelor's degree in English. Young participated in the Army ROTC program at Claflin University through the cross-enrollment agreement with South Carolina State University. She was the first female commissioned from the ROTC program to earn the rank of Brigadier General. She earned two master's degrees from Ball State University and another master’s from the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle Barracks, Pa. The last position she held was Deputy Commanding General Human Resources Command, the nation’s largest human resources organization. She is now retired after a distinguished 32-year military career in US Army. She is the recipient of the 2010 Order of Saint Maurice Award presented by the 197th Infantry Brigade and the 2011 Horatio Gates Bronze Medal by the Adjutant General Regiment. Her military awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, two Defense Meritorious Service Medals, seven Meritorious Service Medals, Joint Service Commendation Medals, three Army Commendation Medals, four Army Achievement Medals, two National Defense Service Medals, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Army Superior Unit Award, NATO Medal, Army Staff Badge, and the Airborne Badge. Young is an adjunct professor at Bowie State University in Bowie, Md.

Mr. Charles Winton

Dr. Dwaun J. Warmack, Ex Officio