The Meridian Star
MERIDIAN — special to the star
LIVINGSTON, Ala. — Two Julia Tutwiler College of Education professors were recently selected to participate in the University of West Alabama’s inaugural Leadership Development Program.
Meridian native Dr. Denise Knight, assistant professor of instructional leadership, and Dr. B.J. Kimbrough, assistant professor of elementary education and coordinator of elementary program, are the first class in this program, which is designed both to expose potential campus leaders to administrative responsibilities and procedures and to help them develop the knowledge and skills necessary to become successful administrators.
“I congratulate Dr. Kimbrough and Dr. Knight on their selection for this program,” said Dr. David M. Taylor, Provost.
“Their participation throughout the semester in a variety of professional development activities will provide them with first-hand experience in sound academic administration.”
Kimbrough will shadow College of Business Dean Dr. Ken Tucker, while Knight is paired with Dr. Venkat Sharma, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics dean.
Both will commit a minimum of 10 hours per week to internal and external administrative responsibilities, including accompanying their mentors to state and regional meetings, attending leadership seminars and University meetings, and completing a project directed by the mentoring administrator. In exchange, they also receive a one-course reduction in their teaching loads.
In addition to a Nova Southeastern University doctorate in educational leadership, Kimbrough holds a UWA master’s degree and a Stillman College bachelor’s degree. She says it is a great honor to be chosen for the Leadership Development Program.
“This program not only identifies potential leaders from within the University, but it allows us to work with extremely creative people in a manner that cultivates the best of our talents and skills,” said Kimbrough, who joined the faculty in 2006.
“Through this program, I expect to become more equipped with advanced decision-making and execution skills in order to excel as a multifaceted leader,” added Kimbrough, president of UWA’s Black Faculty and Staff Association.
Knight, who began teaching at UWA in 2008 after 28 years in Mississippi’s Lauderdale County School District, also holds a Nova Southeastern doctorate in educational leadership, an education specialist and a bachelor’s degree from Mississippi State University, and a pair of UWA master’s degrees. She says she is also humbled and honored by the selection.
“I find this program very inviting because UWA is an institution with an excellent reputation for proactively training and developing its employees,” Knight said.
“I also recognize the importance of continuous personal growth and development in the ever-changing education field, and this program provides me with an avenue to cultivate my leadership skills and broaden my understanding of the institution through interactive learning experiences.”
Knight is married to Joey Knight, Russell Christian Academy headmaster. She has two children, Dr. Erin Dewease of Brandon and Hannah Knight of Meridian. The Meridian High School graduate is the daughter of Margene Davis and the late Raymond Davis.
