Saint Rice, EdD, CDE
President
Saint Rice is the Director for Truman’s Center for Diversity and Inclusion. Throughout his career, Dr. Saint Rice has been a passionate advocate for education and has a proven track record of directing instructional programs to meet the needs of students and organizations. He has more than 15 years of experience in administrative leadership in the fields of higher education and criminal justice, including eight years as a trainer and facilitator of diversity, equity and inclusion curricula. Dr. Rice has experience in higher education through various roles with multiple institutions. Dr. Rice’s devotion to increasing equitable educational access for individuals from historically excluded and disadvantaged backgrounds ignites his passion and purpose towards equity and social justice. He is a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. and the Prince Hall Masonic Order. Dr. Rice is married to LaVada Rice.
Dr. Rice earned his Doctorate in Education in Higher Education Administration and Leadership at Maryville University (St. Louis, MO). Dr. Rice is a Certified Diversity Executive (CDE).
Vanessa Loyd, PhD DNP RN
Vice President
Vanessa Loyd is the Dean's Fellow for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and is an Associate Teaching Professor for the University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL) College of Nursing. Dr. Loyd provides leadership in institutional strategic planning, diversity programming, education; student support; recruitment, and community partnership. She served as a liaison between the College and local communities on issues of equity and inclusion to enhance the College's presence as a community partner committed to diversity and inclusion. Dr. Loyd was awarded the Chancellor's Inaugural Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award. Dr. Loyd has a strong interest in and has experience addressing Disparities, Social Justice, Inclusion, Equity, and Diversity.
Dr. Loyd received her PhD in Educational Leadership from the College of Education and DNP in Leadership in Population Health and Healthcare Systems from the College of Nursing at UMSL
Zakiya Brown, M.Ed.
Secretary
Zakiya Brown serves as the CSAO/Dean of Students, Chief Diversity Officer, and Title IX Coordinator at Lincoln University (MO). Under her leadership, Zakiya provides leadership support for the division of student affairs, chairs the institutions' diversity advisory task force, serves on a number of committees, and coordinates its Title IX processes and procedures. Prior to joining Lincoln, she was the interim dean of students and director for student engagement and campus life at Central State University, assistant director for diversity and inclusion initiatives at Rollins College, residence life coordinator at Centenary College of Louisiana, and residence hall coordinator at Central State University. Zakiya is a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
Zakiya received a bachelor of arts in economics from Central State University, a master's in educational leadership from Concordia University-Portland, and currently working on a doctorate in educational leadership specializing in higher education administration at Northcentral University.
Daniel Ogunyemi, MS
Treasurer
Daniel Ogunyemi serves as the inaugural College Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Ozarks Technical Community College. Civically, Daniel serves on the Board of Directors at The Arc of the Ozarks and Arvest Bank-Springfield, Young Professionals Committee for CoxHealth, and Charter Member/Vice-President of the Sigma Nu Lambda chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. Daniel has received awards from the Springfield Business Journal (2020 12 People You Need to Know and 2021 40 Under 40), 417 Magazine 2020 Best Dressed, and 2020 Emerging Leader of the Year Finalist at the Southwest Missouri Nonprofit Excellence Awards. He is married to Ki Ogunyemi and has son named Kian.
Daniel obtained his Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Evangel University and Bachelor’s in Psychology from Southwest Baptist University while being a student-athlete.
Michelle Martin Bonner, MACM, JD
Michelle Martin Bonner currently serves as the Executive Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at St. Louis Community College. With over 25 plus years of experience as a facilitator, consultant, and educator, she provides leadership in strategic planning, diversity education, programming, community partnerships, inclusion and belonging.
Michelle received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from St. Louis University Business School, a Juris Doctorate from St. Louis University Law School along with the William C. Wefel Certificate for Employment Law, and a Master of Arts in Christian Education from Missouri Baptist University, with a Master of Arts in Christian Ministry with an emphasis in Professional Education.