Dr. Ron K. Patterson named Murray State University President

The Murray State University Board of Regents Presidential Search Committee has announced Dr. Ron K. Patterson as Murray State University President. Currently Chadron State College President, Patterson will commence his role as the 15th President of Murray State on July 1, 2025. He will succeed President Dr. Bob Jackson, who will retire on June 30, 2025. The selection of Patterson follows an extensive process and national search.

Patterson serves as president of Chadron State College, one of three state college institutions within the Nebraska State College System and an institution with approximately 2,300 students and 600 full-time faculty and staff. In his role, Patterson launched and chaired the college’s new five-year strategic plan, established strategic enrollment partnerships, commenced new academic programs and partnerships, furthered external relationships with federal, state and local government leaders, and fostered an environment of success within the college’s Division II athletic programs. 

Prior to Chadron State College, Patterson served at the University of North Alabama. His administrative progression at the University of North Alabama included service as associate vice president for enrollment management, chief enrollment officer, and chief enrollment officer and special assistant to the president for diversity and inclusion with responsibility for both enrollment management, academic programs and centers, and diversity and inclusion. 

Prior to the University of North Alabama, Patterson served for 14 years as an administrator at Marietta College, University of Central Arkansas, University of Tennessee Health Science Center and Christian Brothers University in Memphis. He also spent four years as an assistant men’s basketball coach and head men’s golf coach at Tusculum College and Marietta College. 

With 25 years of higher education experience, Patterson has developed a collaborative, servant leader approach who values accessibility and affordability, education and innovation.

Patterson earned a Doctor of Education in Higher Education Administration and Leadership at Creighton University, an Education Specialist degree with a concentration in Community College Administration at Arkansas State University, a Master of Arts at Marietta College, a Bachelor of Science at the University of Tennessee – Southern and an Associate of Arts at Northeast Mississippi Community College. He recently completed professional development offered by the American Academic Leadership Institute and Penn State University’s Academic Leadership Academy for Academic Administration.

Patterson hails from Corinth, Mississippi. He and his wife, Jenny, have two children, Olivia and Braylon.

“I am truly humbled and honored to be selected as President of Murray State University,” Patterson said. “I would like to thank the Presidential Search Committee, Board of Regents, campus community and alumni for entrusting me to lead this historic university. 

“My family and I are honored and privileged to join the excellent students, faculty, staff and city of Murray to continue the great momentum of Dr. Bob Jackson and the leadership team, capital improvement projects, and rich tradition of Murray State University in its second century.”

“We are excited to welcome Dr. Ron K. Patterson as the 15th President of Murray State University,” Murray State Board of Regents Chair Leon Owens said. “Dr. Patterson brings considerable experience in numerous areas of higher education, all of which are necessary, to continue the upward trajectory of our institution. Dr. Patterson is a servant leader and a proven collaborator who has a commitment toward excellence. We welcome Dr. Patterson, along with his wife Jenny and children Olivia and Braylon to our campus and broader community.

“I am grateful to our Board of Regents Presidential Search Committee as well as Academic Search for their hard work and assistance during the search process.

“I would like to also thank Dr. Jackson for his continued wonderful leadership, excellence and many years of service to Murray State as his retirement approaches on June 30, 2025.”

“I am excited to welcome Dr. Ron K. Patterson, his wife Jenny and children Olivia and Braylon, to Murray State University, and am confident that the future of Murray State is in excellent hands with Dr. Patterson,” Murray State President Dr. Bob Jackson said. “As I’ve said many times, Murray State University is truly a special place. Dr. Patterson’s experience, vision and passion for higher education will continue to advance this special place that is shared by our many students, faculty, staff, alumni and supporters.”

Sisters Network® Inc. & Black Girl Vitamins Team Up To Elevate Black Women’s Breast Health

Sisters Network® Inc. (SNI), the only national African American breast cancer survivorship organization, is proud to announce a strategic partnership with Black Girl Vitamins (BGV). This collaboration solidifies BGV as the official “Health and Wellness Partner of SNI” for 2025. The partnership unites both organizations in their shared mission to support the health and well-being of Black women nationwide. Among the partnership activities includes Black Girl Vitamins at Sisters Network Inc. 15th Annual Stop The Silence on Saturday, April 5th at Tom Bass Park in Houston, TX. Over 4,000 women will come together for this annual celebration and fundraiser for Black women courageously fighting breast cancer.

To join the cause, please visit Stop the Silence Walk Registration.

“Black women continue to face disparities in both breast cancer awareness and access to essential health resources. Sisters Network Inc., believes that knowledge is power, but so is action,” said Caleen Allen, Vice President, Sisters Network Inc. “Our partnership with Black Girl Vitamins is more than a collaboration—it’s a movement to ensure Black women are prioritizing their health, staying informed about their breast cancer risks and fueling their bodies with important vitamin supplements. Together, SNI and BGV are breaking barriers and creating lasting change in how Black women approach wellness.”

Black Girl Vitamins, a wellness brand dedicated to providing high-quality nutritional supplements specifically formulated for Black women, is equally excited about the collaboration. “At Black Girl Vitamins, we are passionate about ensuring Black women have access to essential nutrients that support their overall well-being,” said Jennifer Juma, Chief Strategy Officer of Black Girl Vitamins. “By partnering with Sisters Network Inc., we are taking a meaningful step toward amplifying breast health awareness and making a lasting impact on the health of our community.”

Through this partnership, Sisters Network Inc. and Black Girl Vitamins aim to bridge gaps in health education, increase awareness about breast cancer prevention, and encourage Black women to prioritize their well-being.

For more information about Sisters Network Inc. and its programs, visit www.sistersnetworkinc.org. To learn more about Black Girl Vitamins, visit www.blackgirlvitamins.com.

About Sisters Network® Inc.

Sisters Network® Inc. was founded in 1994 by Karen Eubanks Jackson, 31-year, and 4-time breast cancer survivor. Today, SNI is the largest and only national Black breast cancer survivorship organization in the United States and a leading voice in the fight against breast cancer in the Black community. Sisters Network Inc. National headquarters is in Houston, Texas. The organization has over 25+ survivor-run affiliate chapters nationwide located in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin.

About Black Girl Vitamins

Black Girl Vitamins (BGV) is a Black-owned health and wellness brand designed to meet the unique nutritional needs of Black women. Since 2021, BGV has partnered with experts like Dr. Standifer-Barrett, Dr. C. Nicole Swiner, and Dr. Chinyere Okpaleke to create science-backed supplements for common health concerns like Vitamin D deficiency, anemia, and PCOS.
Available on Amazon and their website, BGV is committed to bridging the health gap. The brand also gives back through collaborations with Black medical professionals, a $100,000 scholarship for Black women in healthcare, and partnerships with organizations like Howard Women’s Basketball. With over 200,000 women impacted, BGV champions health, empowerment, and representation.

CHAKA KHAN, PATTI LABELLE, GLADYS KNIGHT & STEPHANIE MILLS UNITE FOR HISTORIC TOUR!

Music history will be made as four legendary voices come together for a breathtaking evening of vocal brilliance, electrifying energy, and mutual love. The iconic Chaka Khan, Patti LaBelle, Gladys Knight, and Stephanie Mills will unite for an unforgettable tour, "The Queens! 4 Legends. 1 Stage." celebrating decades of timeless classics and cherished memories.

The first leg of the 11-city tour kicks off Friday, May 9, in Las Vegas and concludes Sunday, June 1, in Indianapolis. Due to high demand, a second leg featuring nine additional performances will begin Friday, September 19, in Greensboro and wrap up Sunday, October 5, in Cleveland.

Tickets

• Presale: Thursday, March 20, at 10:00 AM (local time) via BlackPromotersCollective.com.
• General On Sale: Friday, March 21, at 10:00 AM (local time).

"Sharing the stage with my amazing sisters is an absolute honor," says Chaka Khan. "Music is about connection, and this will be a celebration of the joy, power, and love that it brings to us all."

"I am so excited to join these icons, who I call sisters, on this tour! It's going to be something special. And I can't wait to see everyone there," states Patti Labelle.

"I'm thrilled to be touring with the best sisters a woman could be blessed with. We will come together in support of one another and in harmony at a time when love is most needed. Kicking it off in my hometown of Las Vegas makes it even more special," says Gladys Knight.

"I'm excited to tour with my beautiful sisters! Our different styles unite in love, compassion and understanding and it's important to come together now. Performing with Chaka, Patti, and Gladys for you will be electrifying. We can't wait to see you," states Stephanie Mills.

Produced by the Black Promoters Collective (BPC), this once-in-a-lifetime event unites four Grammy-winning and nominated icons who have shaped the sound of generations. Fans will experience a night of unmatched vocal mastery and show-stopping performances.

A Celebration of Musical Excellence

With Chaka Khan's electrifying energy, Patti LaBelle's unmatched vocal acrobatics, Gladys Knight's soulful elegance, and Stephanie Mills' heartfelt ballads, this tour promises an unforgettable journey through the greatest moments in R&B, gospel, pop, and funk.

"To have these four legendary women together on one stage is historic," says Gary Guidry, CEO of Black Promoters Collective. "Each of them has left an indelible mark on the industry, and this tour is a celebration of their artistry, resilience, and legacy."

Tour Dates & Cities

"The Queens! 4 Legends. 1 Stage." will travel to major U.S. cities. A second leg will be announced this summer:

• Friday, May 9 – Las Vegas
• Saturday, May 10 – Oakland
• Sunday, May 11 – Los Angeles
• Friday, May 16 – Columbia, SC
• Saturday, May 17 – Birmingham
• Sunday, May 18 – Nashville
• Friday, May 23 – Baltimore
• Saturday, May 24 – Brooklyn
• Friday, May 30 – Chicago
• Saturday, May 31 – Cincinnati
• Sunday, June 1 – Indianapolis

A Night of Unforgettable Hits

Fans can look forward to live performances of chart-topping classics, including:
 🎶 Chaka Khan – Ain't Nobody, I'm Every Woman, Through the Fire
 🎶 Patti LaBelle – Lady Marmalade, If Only You Knew, New Attitude
 🎶 Gladys Knight – Midnight Train to Georgia, Neither One of Us, Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me
 🎶 Stephanie Mills – Never Knew Love Like This Before, Home, I Feel Good All Over

Sadiaa Black Beauty Guide To Host Panel On Legacy Building For Black Beauty Brands AT IBS NYC

As the beauty industry continues to shift and major retailers scale back their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, the need for independent growth in Black beauty has never been more urgent. Sadiaa Black Beauty Guide is convening industry leaders to address these critical issues at the International Beauty Show (IBS) NYC Powerhouse Pavilion on March 24, 2025.

The panel, "Building Legacy Brands: The Future of Black-Owned Beauty Businesses," will explore the challenges and opportunities Black beauty professionals and entrepreneurs face in an evolving market. Experts will discuss strategies for navigating retail shifts, securing funding, and creating brands that thrive beyond corporate DEI cycles.

Moderated by Sadiaa founder Stephenetta (Isis) Harmon, panelists include:

• Rodney Barnett – Trichologist and CEO, Innovations Today
• Corey Huggins – Founder/CEO, Ready to Beauty
• Autumn Yarbrough – Founder/CEO, Nu Standard

Despite Black consumers spending $10.2 billion in 2024 on beauty in the U.S., Black-owned brands account for less than 3% of sales in the industry. And, with traditional retail spaces becoming increasingly competitive, Black beauty brands must rethink their approach to growth.

Huggins urges entrepreneurs to focus on self-reliance and collective strength:

"While systemic inequities are real, we must also take ownership of how we navigate and overcome them. That means shifting our focus to building internal strength—pooling resources, creating our own distribution channels, and leveraging our collective power to set industry standards. By being on the panel, I hope to highlight the internal power we already possess and make it clear that we are not waiting for permission, validation, or access—we are creating our own paths."

As beauty professionals play a critical role in connecting products with consumers, Barnett underscores the importance of education in retailing:

"One of the hardest challenges for a Black manufacturer is securing the right distribution for its brand," said Barnett. "Cosmetologists and barbers are the best choices for educating the public, yet they were never properly taught how to retail. If professionals generate six figures in services, they should also generate six figures in retail. That would preserve the Black brand."

While Yarbrough has experienced challenges in both retail and direct-to-consumer sales, she emphasizes green beauty as a key factor in long-term success:

"Building sustainable Black-owned beauty brands is essential because it places us at the forefront of environmental stewardship and economic empowerment. By prioritizing waste reduction, we're not just cutting costs; we're also fueling innovation that directly benefits our communities."

Sadiaa invites IBA attendees to join these thought leaders in conversation as they provide actionable strategies to build legacy brands that extend beyond trends and corporate initiatives. Beauty professionals, stylists, and entrepreneurs alike will gain key insights into creating long-term business success in an ever-changing industry.

"Building Black beauty brands isn't just about the entrepreneurs behind them—it's about building generational and communal wealth, as well as championing representation with products that serve diverse consumers," said Stephenetta (Isis) Harmon. "We want attendees to walk away with actionable strategies to build and maintain visible, profitable, and influential businesses -- no matter the market conditions."

IBS New York takes place March 23-25, 2025, at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in NYC. "Building Legacy Brands" panel will be hosted on Monday, March 24 at 2 PM.

Dr. Robert Scott Named President of Albany State University

The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia (USG) named Dr. Robert Scott president of Albany State University (ASU), effective May 1, 2025. 

Dr. Scott, who holds a Ph.D. from the Georgia Institute of Technology, will return to higher education  after almost two decades working in the private sector. He is currently the president of research and development at The Kraft Heinz Co. Dr. Scott has also served in executive roles at Abbott Nutrition and The Coca-Cola Co. He spent his early career teaching and serving as an administrator at Boston College, Spelman College and Norfolk State University.

“Dr. Scott is a five-star recruit, someone with both industry expertise and academic experience who will advance Albany State’s mission and cement its impact helping students find success in today’s workforce,” USG Chancellor Sonny Perdue said. “He has experience in improving large organizations, simplifying processes and making the best use of resources. More importantly, he’s committed to fostering an environment at this important HBCU where all faculty, staff and students can thrive.”

“We’re also deeply grateful to interim President Lawrence Drake for his work to advance ASU’s commitment to student success and strengthen its engagement with the community,” Perdue said.

Dr. Scott’s appointment to the presidency follows a rigorous seven-month national search in which he was named the sole finalist. ASU has been led by Drake since July 1, 2024, following the departure of President Marion Ross Fedrick to serve as executive vice president and chief of staff to the president of Georgia State University.

“My goal as president will be to ensure that Albany State University operates at the highest level of efficiency and effectiveness and maintains financial health, all while expanding growth opportunities for students and the university,” Dr. Scott said.  “I believe that ASU is more than a great institution — it is also an amazing brand that must be cultivated and elevated.”

“Everything we do speaks to the brand of Albany State,” Dr. Scott said.  “From academic programs to athletics, student services to community engagement, alumni successes to corporate partnerships, we must ensure our actions reflect excellence, innovation and a commitment to developing the next generation of leaders. My executive accountabilities at some of the world’s largest corporations and top-tier universities have uniquely prepared me to lead ASU into a new era of recognition, growth and innovation.”

About Dr. Robert Scott

Born in New Jersey and raised in Suffolk, Virginia, Dr. Scott was the first in his family to attend college. He attended Norfolk State University, a historically Black university in Norfolk, Virginia, as a DNIMAS Scholar. The DNIMAS Scholar program, created through a generous gift to the university, addresses the severe shortage of minority scientists in the workforce by attracting and producing undergraduates who can complete graduate degrees in STEM. After earning a biology degree from Norfolk State, he then entered the graduate program at Georgia Tech, with a research focus in cell and molecular biology, and became the first DNIMAS Scholar to receive a Ph.D.

After receiving his Ph.D., Dr. Scott became a biology professor at Norfolk State. He later served as an associate dean at both Boston College and Spelman College. In these roles, he gained leadership experience, oversaw curriculum development, secured research funding and mentored future leaders, all while prioritizing student success.

In his most recent role at The Kraft Heinz Co., Dr. Scott worked to transform the company’s R&D organization model, departmental strategy and culture in order to drive business transformation.  Among his responsibilities, he worked to foster partnerships between corporations and universities.

“These types of industry-academia partnerships create benefits like research funding, student co-ops, internships and permanent employment placements, as well as endowed faculty positions,” Dr. Scott said.

In his time at Kraft Heinz, he led a R&D transformation that has helped the company track toward delivering an innovation growth goal of $2 billion in incremental sales, increased revenue attributed to innovation by double digits and created a culture of engagement which led to a reduction in voluntary turnover in his organization by more than 50%.

At Abbott Nutrition, Dr. Scott led a global team to deliver science and technology-based nutritional products to consumers and healthcare providers. During his tenure at The Coca-Cola Co., he led corporate teams in the United States, Europe and Asia from Atlanta and then lived abroad in Mexico to lead Coca-Cola’s Latin America R&D organization, helping to commercialize consumer-centric product innovations and packaging solutions that supported company environmental and sustainability goals. Dr. Scott also worked for Procter & Gamble as a senior scientist. In each corporate role, academic partnerships were a key enabler of his success