Management & Leadership Institute

Dr. Elise Reed is an Associate Professor and serves as the MSW Director at Grambling State University (GSU). She earned a Bachelors and Masters Degree in Social Work and a Doctorate in Education from GSU. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Board Approved Clinical Supervisor, Licensed Addiction Counselor, and a Certified Clinical Supervisor.

Since the start of tenure at GSU, Dr. Reed has served on several committees, coalitions, and advisory boards. She is a member of the National Association of Social Workers and the Council on Social Work Education. Dr. Reed has been instrumental in developing programs to increase the number of clinical practitioners in Louisiana.

Dr. Reed brings a wealth of practice experience to academia. She has worked in the in-patient and outpatient behavioral health treatment settings with diverse populations. She has been able to transpose that experience to the classroom setting. She teaches classes in practice, child welfare, and addictive studies. Her chief research interest revolves around the exploration and eradication of health disparities in rural communities.

Dr. Reed enjoys reading, long walks, and spending time with family. She has one son, Joshua, and often they can be found creating, facilitating, and participating in community projects together.

Adarian D. Williams, a native of Simsboro, LA, currently serves as the Deputy Chief of Staff in
the Office of the President at Grambling State University. In this role, he provides strategic support
to the President, oversees key initiatives, and fosters collaboration across university departments
to advance institutional goals and student success. His leadership is instrumental in driving the
university’s mission and enhancing operational efficiency.

Adarian holds Bachelor of Arts degrees in Music and Visual & Performing Arts, as well as a
Master’s degree in Public Administration from Grambling State University. During his
undergraduate years, he demonstrated exceptional leadership, serving as the Student Government
Association President for two consecutive terms and representing Louisiana’s public higher
education institutions as the Student Member to the Louisiana Board of Regents.

Committed to community engagement, Adarian actively participates in Mount Zion Baptist
Church in Grambling, LA, and is a proud member of Phi Mu Alpha Fraternity of America, Inc.
His artistic talents have led him to perform at prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall in New
York City, showcasing his dedication to the arts.

Adarian’s commitment to public service is reflected in his diverse experiences. He has interned
with the United States Congress, served as an Organizing Fellow for President Joseph R. Biden’s
campaign, and worked in the Washington, D.C. office of former Congressman Cedric Richmond,
as well as with the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Adarian is dedicated to community service. He serves on the
boards of United Way of Northeast Louisiana and the Ruston-Lincoln Chamber of Commerce,
actively contributing to the growth and development of his community. His multifaceted career is
driven by a passion for leadership, community engagement, and the arts, consistently striving to
make a positive impact on society.

Jane Jacob is the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs at the College of Education and Human Sciences and an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at Louisiana Tech University. Before joining Tech, she completed her postdoctoral work in England, trained as a Cognitive Neuroscientist in Texas, and has lived in various states and countries. Her research focuses on early visual information processing, sparking an interest in User Experience (UX). She applies her UX expertise in her teaching and administrative roles to meet the needs of students and faculty. Jane enjoys discussing and teaching about the human brain and its role in daily behavior – from neuroanatomy to cognitive processes & application to the mind-body problem. Outside of work, she cherishes traveling with her husband, Steven, and her dog, Luna, and enjoys hobbies like crocheting, music, art, collecting houseplants and fountain pens, and letter writing when possible.

Ashley Owen is a mental health professional presently pursuing an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership at Louisiana Tech University. She holds a Ph.D. in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Louisiana Monroe, coupled with a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health from Louisiana Tech University. Her professional credentials encompass a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor designation, National Certified Counselor status, and a range of other specialized certifications in mental health.

In her current capacity as the Director of Counseling Services at Louisiana Tech University, Ashley provides short-term, solution-focused counseling while overseeing the comprehensive operations of the department. She is also a staff advisor for the Peer Leadership Council and supervises both doctoral and master’s level intern students. Her leadership extends to numerous community organizations, including the Miss Louisiana Watermelon Festival Scholarship Organization and the Farmerville Junior Chamber of Commerce. Furthermore, she is a member of the University of Louisiana System Mental Health Advisory Committee and the Louisiana Tech University Threat Assessment Team.

Her research focuses on the challenges of suicidal bereavement, particularly existential regret, sense-making, meaning-making, relational dynamics, and the influence of physical exercise on mental health. In her spare time, Owen enjoys cheering for the Bulldogs and Lady Techsters, spending time with family, and volunteering.

Lacie Wentzel is the Director of Recreation and Wellness Programs for McNeese State University and has been in this position since August 2020. She received her undergraduate degree from Henderson State University in Parks and Recreation Management and Travel and Tourism Management with a minor in Business Administration. She went on to receive her Master’s Degree from Frostburg State University in Parks and Recreation Administration. She spent three years with Arkansas State Parks before returning home for a position with the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury as the Park Superintendent for Calcasieu Parish. She is currently serving on the Board of Regents for the National Recreation and Parks Association and is an instructor with the Maintenance Management School. In her current role, she has improved the Recreation Complex in its programming and infrastructure. Under her leadership, she procured funding for updating facilities and amenities, completely redesigning its layout to promote student engagement and safety. She has strived for ongoing enhancements by collaborating with student leaders to increase the student fee. Lacie recently received the Louisiana Association of College and University Student Personnel Administrators Rising Professional of the Year Award in 2022. She promotes McNeese’s motto, “excellence with a personal touch” by striving for trust, transparency, and accountability.

Dr. Keagan LeJeune is a native of Jennings and a proud lifelong resident of Louisiana. He earned a BA and MA in English and the MFA in Creative Writing (1997) from McNeese State University and a PH.D. in English with a specialization in folklore from ULL (2001).

Keagan is a Professor of English at McNeese State University. He began his teaching career there in 2003. From 2018 to 2024, he served as the Department Head of English and Foreign Languages, during which time he took great pride in serving the same undergraduate and graduate programs that made such a positive impact on his own life as a student. In July of 2024, he will begin serving as Interim Dean of the College of Liberal Arts at McNeese State University.

Keagan has taught classes in Freshman Composition, British Literature, Form and Theory of Poetry, Graduate Poetry Workshop, American Folklore, and Louisiana Folklore. As a folklorist, the people and places of Louisiana hold a special place in his heart. One of his recent courses focused on exploring local communities’ connections to their bioregions and involved various guided visits to local landscapes. Keagan’s research interests include the local legends of Louisiana, in particular the outlaw legends of Louisiana and the lore of Louisiana’s Neutral Strip. He is the author of five books. His most recent book, Finding Myself Lost in Louisiana, won the 2024 Summerlee Prize awarded by the Center for History and Culture of Southeast Texas and the Upper Gulf Coast.

Keagan is a proud member of the American Folklore Society, the Texas Folklore Society, the Bayou Culture Collaborative, and the Louisiana Folklore Society. He has served as the president of the Louisiana Folklore Society and was the editor of that central publication, the Louisiana Folklore Miscellany. He also has served on the Louisiana Folklife Commission and in 2015 acted as one of the ambassadors for the Louisiana Folklife Month’s recognition of Tradition Bearers. Keagan enjoys traveling with his wife and two daughters, visiting Louisiana’s State Parks, learning about the history of Louisiana towns, and hearing the stories of their residents.

Dr. Channing Parfait is an Assistant Professor of Teacher Education and serves as the Chair for the Department of Teacher Education at Nicholls State University. Prior to his appointment as Department Chair for the 2024-2025 academic year, Dr. Parfait served as the Assistant Dean for the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences at Nicholls for the 2023-2024 academic year. Dr. Parfait started his career at Nicholls as the Coordinator for Clinical Practice and Teacher Residency Program where he led the department’s efforts to transition from one semester of student teaching to a yearlong residency model. He earned his PhD in Educational Leadership and Research from Louisiana State University in 2022. His research agenda focuses on the examination of mentoring relationships during the residency year, how the act of co-planning can serve as a professional development activity for novice and experienced teachers, as well as the principal’s role in supervising mentor teachers.

In 2023, Dr. Channing Parfait collaborated with a group of Native American students to restart the Nicholls Association for American Indian College Students. As faculty advisor for this organization, Dr. Parfait works with students to develop cultural awareness and engage in service opportunities.

In addition to serving on numerous university communities, Dr. Parfait is passionate about service within the community. He serves as the president of the Lafourche Education Foundation Board and has been chair of the foundation’s Bayou King Cake Festival (now Louisiana King Cake Festival) for two years. As a proud Nicholls alumni, he also served as a board member on the Nicholls Alumni Federation Board. Prior to his current roles, Dr. Parfait served as a middle school English Language Arts teacher in Terrebonne, Lafourche, and Ascension Parishes.

Emily Scurto is the Assistant Director of the Office of Residential Living at Nicholls. She has been a dedicated employee at Nicholls since 2018, bringing valuable experience and commitment to the institution. Since 2021, she has been serving in the Residential Living Office, where she has played a crucial role in enhancing the residential experience for students. Emily, who holds a Bachelor’s in Interdisciplinary Studies, is pursuing her Master’s in Educational Leadership. Committed to making the on-campus living experience the best possible, she aspires to help students achieve their goals and be a positive light in their college careers. In her spare time, she enjoys watching television with her significant other, Jonathan, and their dog, Bonnie. Glitter, sparkles, dogs, Mardi Gras and helping people are some of Emily’s favorite things.

Lindsey Vascocu is a two-time Northwestern State University graduate who is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Student Affairs in Higher Education. She began her career at Northwestern State in 2011 with the Office of Financial Aid, where she worked for over ten years, assisting students with their federal, state, and university financial assistance needs. Her leadership skills and dedication to student welfare led her to her current position as Assistant Director of Auxiliary Services in 2021, where she oversees campus housing, dining, bookstore, and post office operations. One of her proudest achievements in this role is her office’s partnership with the National Swipe Out Hunger Initiative, which is crucial in enhancing student well-being by helping reduce food insecurities and student hunger by providing free meals to students in need. She also serves on the university’s Student Affairs Council Committee and is the committee coordinator for the university’s Auxiliary Services Committee.

Outside of work, Lindsey loves spending time with her husband, Dusty, and their three children, Logan, Truett, and Daily. Together, they enjoy serving in their church, enjoying the great outdoors, and spending time with family.

Qwontice McDowell is an Assistant Professor of Finance at Northwestern State University, a position she has held since 2022. Her journey at Northwestern began in 2016 as an Enrollment Specialist, followed by her role as a Computer Information Systems Instructor in 2019.

Qwontice actively contributes to various committees, including serving as Chair of the Recruiting Committee and the Faculty Research and Support Fund Committee, as well as a member of the Retention Committee. She is also a proud member of Phi Beta Delta, an honor society that recognizes scholarly excellence in international education. Additionally, Qwontice is deeply committed to community service through her involvement with the Service League of Natchitoches, where she chairs the Service Committee.

Qwontice earned her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and then completed her Master of Business Administration at Louisiana Tech University. To further her expertise, she obtained a Graduate Certificate in Information Security, Assurance, and Digital Forensics from Trident University International. In the summer of 2022, she began her doctoral studies at Trident University International, pursuing a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), and is expected to achieve ABD status by October 2024.

Qwontice and her husband, Raymond, are proud parents of four daughters and grandparents to one grandson. They also have two fur babies. Outside of her professional responsibilities, Qwontice enjoys spending quality time with family and friends, traveling, and enthusiastically cheering on her daughter at softball games.

Susan Zimlich is an Associate Professor in the Department of Teaching & Learning at Southeastern Louisiana University. She grew up in Idaho Falls, ID and earned a BS in Chemistry and a BS in Mathematics from Lewis & Clark College in Portland, OR. After marrying and moving to Alabama, she earned an MAT in Elementary Education from The University of Alabama, as well as teacher certification in Elementary Education, Early Childhood Education, and Gifted Education. She spent 8 years teaching in North Alabama in elementary and gifted education classrooms. She earned her EdS and PhD in Special Education with a focus in Gifted Education from The University of Alabama and then began working at Southeastern Louisiana University in 2012. For more than 10 years she has taught a variety of classes that include science and social studies methods, special education courses, courses relating to teaching Academically Gifted students, and supervising student teacher residents. She has participated with the USPrep Curriculum Design group where faculty across the U.S. work together to improve teacher education, as well as participating with the Louisiana Department of Education Science Collaborative to create recommendations for preparing teacher candidates to teach science in Louisiana. She has served as Graduate Coordinator and as Interim Department Head for the Department of Teaching & Learning at Southeastern. She has additional training in the NIET Aspiring Teacher Rubric and the International Baccalaureate Programme, as well as being a certified trainer for Talents Unlimited.

Dr. Zimlich currently lives in Denham Springs, LA with her husband, Jim who was a high school math teacher and currently teaches as an instructor for the Mathematics Department at Southeastern. She has twin boys, Douglas and Andrew. Douglas attends ULM as a pre-pharmacy student and Andrew attends Southeastern as a Physics major. Her youngest child, Josie, is a senior in high school and planning to attend college to major in something that includes science and math. She supports and cheers on her children in their endeavors and in her spare time enjoys playing tabletop games and video games with her family. She is honored to be selected as a member of the eighth class of the Universities of Louisiana Management and Leadership Institute.

Vanessa Prentice serves as the Chief Engagement Strategist for University Advancement at Southeastern Louisiana University. Her journey at Southeastern began in 2017 when she joined as the Director of Development. In this initial role, she focused primarily on the university’s annual giving programs, laying a strong foundation for the institution’s fundraising efforts.

In her current capacity, Vanessa’s responsibilities have expanded significantly. She is now charged with enhancing alumni and donor engagement and increasing philanthropic support through a variety of initiatives. Her role involves a comprehensive approach to building and maintaining relationships with the university’s alumni, friends and donors, ensuring their continued connection to and support for Southeastern.

One of Vanessa’s key collaborations is with the Alumni office, where she plays a crucial role in assessing and developing strategies to deepen alumni engagement. This includes creating opportunities for alumni to become more involved in the life of the university, whether through events, volunteer opportunities, or other forms of participation. Her efforts aim to foster a stronger sense of community and loyalty among graduates, ultimately leading to increased involvement and support.

Vanessa’s educational background is well-suited to her current role. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Massachusetts and furthered her education with an MBA from both Fordham University and Loyola University in New Orleans. This solid academic foundation in business and management has been instrumental in her ability to strategize and execute effective engagement and development programs.

Before joining Southeastern, Vanessa had a diverse career. She started in New York City’s finance sector, gaining valuable experience that she would later leverage in her roles in the non-profit space. After taking time off to raise her two children, Vanessa transitioned into non-profit work in 2005. She spent nearly a decade at Saint Joseph Abbey + Seminary College, serving as the Development and Communications Director. In this role, she honed her skills in development and communication, preparing her for her subsequent positions in higher education advancement.

Vanessa’s career is marked by a commitment to fostering connections and supporting the mission of the institutions she serves. Her strategic vision and dedication to engagement continue to make a significant impact at Southeastern Louisiana University.

Dr. Rafael Hernandez is a professor in the Chemical Engineering Department and the holder of the J. Madison Nelson Professorship. He has served as Department Head for 11 years and has been the Interim Department Head of Petroleum Engineering for 5 years. Dr. Hernandez earned his Bachelor’s (1993) and Master’s (1996) degrees in Chemical Engineering from the University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez, and a Doctorate in Chemical Engineering (2002) from Mississippi State University.

Dr. Hernandez is active in research areas including catalysis, biofuels, and environmental applications, having managed over $15 million in research funds and published over 100 peer-reviewed articles and technical presentations. As a department head, he prioritizes efficient management of fiscal, personnel, and facilities matters. He emphasizes the importance of research, teaching, and service to build strong accredited departments and enhance national standing.

Dr. Hernandez envisions the Chemical and Petroleum Engineering Departments being known for excellence in education, a multidisciplinary approach to problem-solving, and a commitment to student success, industry relevance, and community service. His mission is to provide a supportive learning environment and equip students with the skills and experiences necessary for success in the chemical and petroleum engineering fields.

Kevin Guillory is the Operations & Community Engagement Coordinator for the Louisiana Entrepreneurship and Economic Development (LEED) Center in the Moody College of Business Administration at UL Lafayette. The LEED Center is a University Center funded by the Economic Development Administration, focused on leveraging university assets to build regional economic ecosystems that support innovation, entrepreneurship, resiliency, and inclusiveness. Kevin is a native of Lake Charles, Louisiana, and a graduate of Washington-Marion Magnet High School. He is a two-time graduate of the UL Lafayette Moody College of Business Administration with a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing along with a Master of Business Administration.

Kevin began his service at UL Lafayette in March 2014 as an Admissions Counselor. He served in this role until December 2020, when he moved to his current position at the LEED Center. In his current role, Kevin coordinates all activities and logistics of the LEED Center, including event planning and office management. He also assists in preparing grants, maintaining grant budgets, and communicating with grant sponsors. Additional duties include engagement with civic and economic development entities across Acadiana, speaking at community meetings to promote the LEED Center’s work, performing site visits with business owners, and cultivating relationships with local journalists and media outlets.

Kevin also oversees the marketing for the LEED Center, including social media and website management. He provides one-on-one business consulting to university and community entrepreneurs. Prior to his career in Higher Education, Kevin worked in full-time college ministry, Human Resources, and Logistics & Supply Chain Management.

Outside of his work at the university, Kevin enjoys working with community development and nonprofit organizations. He currently serves as the VP of Engagement for the Leadership Institute of Acadiana. He is also the President of The Family Connection Inc., a nonprofit founded by him and his wife with the mission to support youth aging out of the foster care system by providing them with life preparation, independent living guidance, career guidance, and educational development. Kevin was a recipient of the Top 20 Under 40 Young Leaders in Acadiana award in 2017 and is a graduate of Leadership Lafayette Class XXXV (2022). Kevin resides in Lafayette, Louisiana with his wife, La’Toya, and son, Kevin Jr.

Carmen Wright currently serves as the Senior Women Administrator and Director of Student Athlete Success at the University of Louisiana at Monroe. She leads a team of Academic Counselors who oversee and manage the academic success of the student athletes at ULM. Carmen serves on a number of committees to help better serve the student athletes and continue to foster a relationship with all those on campus.

Carmen is a proud native of Katy, Texas and first came to ULM on a softball scholarship. After completing her eligibility and graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing and Masters in Business Administration, Carmen worked for many years in healthcare administration. She returned to ULM in 2016 and feels it is truly full-circle to be able to foster and grow the next generation of student athletes. With a passion for people, she feels privileged to be working with young adults.

Carmen is married to Dr. James Wright, who is also a former student athlete at ULM. They have two young children who keep them busy and on their toes. Carmen enjoys travel and spending time with friends and family. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, a sustainer with the Junior League of Monroe and serves on the Board of the Northeast Louisiana Arts Council.

Dr. Arturo Rodriguez currently serves as the Director of the William D. Hoover School of Accounting, Financial, Information Services at the University of Louisiana Monroe. He is responsible for the academic programs and faculty within the school. He is an Associate Professor of Finance.

Dr. Rodriguez has a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing and International Business as well as a Master of Business Administration Degree with a concentration in Leadership from Harding University. He received a Doctoral Degree in Management from Colorado Technical University while working full time as a commercial loan officer for different community banks in Colorado and New Mexico.

Dr. Rodriguez advocates passionately for mentorship of future business professionals in the classroom and during advising sessions. He knows that the type of student that ULM recruits is often a first-generation college student. Often times, these students are never told that they can achieve remarkable things and they typically hear these words of encouragement for the very first time in a college classroom or academic advising session.

Dr. Rodriguez is a former student-athlete who understands the stress that student-athletes regularly encounter not just in the classroom, but also on the field or court. He serves as the Chair of ULM’s University Academic Athletic Advisory Committee where, along with committee members strives to help student athletes navigate the challenging situations that they must face.

Since July 2021, Nancy has served as Associate Vice President of the Graduate School at University of New Orleans where she supervises the day-to-day operations and personnel of the office including admissions, recruiting, scholarship allocation, graduate assistantships, budget administration, academic records, certification of degree completion, and catalog compliance. As part of the University’s Plan for 2030, she also develops and oversees the strategic plan for graduate education in collaboration with graduate program coordinators, college deans, provost, and enrollment management.

Prior to relocating to New Orleans, Nancy worked at Samford University in Birmingham in a variety of roles concluding as Associate Provost for Student Success and Institutional Research and overseeing University-wide academic efforts for student success and engagement including student retention programs. Over 10 years in the Provost’s office, she also supervised online and professional studies, academic grants, faculty development, budget allocation, curricular and program development, and undergraduate research.

Nancy received a B.A. in political science from Drew University and M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in political science from the University of Alabama. A native of Rhode Island and recent transplant to Louisiana, Nancy enjoys travel, fitness, football, and great food with her husband, Joey, a maternal fetal medicine specialist, and adult children, Connor and Sophia.