Alumni Board

2024 Alumni Board Nominations

Nominations Now Open!

We're looking for Alumni Volunteers from all years and backgrounds to represent our more than 138,000 living alumni of KSU and SPSU by joining the Board of Directors beginning July 2024. All nominees and applicants will be reviewed by the KSU Alumni Association Board of Directors Nominating Committee.

Nominate a Deserving Graduate

The KSU Alumni Association strives to build positive, long-term relationships among KSU alumni, the University and community; provide value-added services to KSU alumni through networking opportunities, affinity programs, and KSU-wide events; and support the long-term objectives of the University through fundraising, fostering community support, and advocating for KSU.

Six officers and 21 board members govern the association, serve the initiatives of the University and represent the perspectives of a diverse alumni community from both sides of KSU’s legacy tree (Kennesaw State University and Southern Polytechnic State University).


Executive Officers

  • Tanjalon Solomon Lewis

    Tanjalon Solomon Lewis, President

    Tanjalon Solomon Lewis assumed the role of secretary for the KSU Alumni Association in 2018 after serving as a director-at-large. She first joined the SPSU Alumni Association in 2014. Lewis acquired her M.S. in information technology at SPSU in 2002 after earning a B.A. in mathematics/economics from Agnes Scott College in 1995. She has worked for a number of large companies as an IT business analyst and project manager. She is currently an IT Business Consultant with Warner Media (previously Turner Broadcasting System).

    • Caric Martin

      Caric Martin, Vice President

      Caric Martin joined the KSU Alumni Association as a director-at-large in 2018. He obtained an associate’s degree from Kennesaw Junior College in 1976 and went on to the University of Georgia to receive his B.B.A. in accounting (1978) and MBA (1980). Martin is a member of the KSU Athletics Association board of directors and has endowed a scholarship for the men’s basketball program. An avid supporter of KSU athletics, he can often be found at many events. A 2017 inductee into the KSU Athletics Hall of Fame, Martin works for Vinings Bank in Smyrna, Georgia, and previously served as district director for Congressman Barry Loudermilk. Additionally, Martin is a partner in two local businesses: Dogwood Golf Club in Austell and Connect Media Solutions in Atlanta.

      • Victoria Beber

        Victoria Beber, Treasurer

        Victoria Beber became a director-at-large for the KSU Alumni Association in 2018. With summa cum laude honors, she graduated from KSU in 2018 with a B.B.A. in marketing. During her time at KSU, she served as Student Government Association president for two years and was on the search committee for the new president of the University. Presently, she is a service associate in operations at Morgan Stanley, a multinational investment bank and financial services company. Beber and her husband, Mitch, who also earned a degree from KSU in 2017, reside in East Cobb.

        • Wayne McGary

          Wayne McGary

          Wayne McGary started serving as a KSU Alumni Association director-at-large in 2018. He is a U.S. Army veteran and licensed professional engineer in Georgia. McGary acquired a B.S. in civil engineering technology from SPSU in 1999. He has worked in many aspects of the civil engineering field, including private residential and commercial design, municipal regulatory compliance, road design, and program management. Currently, McGary is employed by Croy Engineering in Marietta. In the community, he is a member of several professional and civic organizations, and an alumnus of the Cobb Chamber of Commerce Honorary Commanders Association and Leadership Cobb program.

           

          • David McKoy

            David McKoy, Immediate Past President

            David McKoy started as vice president of the KSU Alumni Association in 2018 after serving as a director-at-large. Previously, he served two terms with the SPSU Alumni Association, which he joined in 2012. He earned his M.S. in quality assurance at SPSU in 2005 after 22 years of active service in the U.S. Marine Corps. In the past, he held an administrative position and was an adjunct instructor at SPSU. His daughter, Tiane' Hamler, graduated from the University in 2012, the same year she was chosen as Miss SPSU. McKoy retired again in 2019, this time as a Retired Georgia Educator, teaching at the KSU Marietta Campus and Allatoona High School.

             

            • Lance Burchett

              Lance Burchett, President's Designee

              Lance Burchett is the president’s designee for the KSU Alumni Association, beginning in 2019. Burchett started as the University’s vice president for advancement and chief executive officer of the KSU Foundation in December 2018. He reports directly to KSU President Dr. Kathy Schwaig and is a member of her cabinet. Previously, Burchett was vice chancellor for development and alumni affairs and executive director for the Foundation Fund, a position he began in 2011, at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock. Additionally, he has held administrative roles at Ringling College of Art and Design, Northwest Missouri State University and San Diego State University. Burchett earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in communication from Arkansas.

              • Frances Beusse

                Frances Beusse, Executive Director of Alumni & Constituent Engagement

                Frances Beusse has joined Kennesaw State University as the new executive director of alumni and constituent engagement. She began work at KSU in October. 

                Beusse comes to Kennesaw State from the University of Georgia after serving a decade in the Office of Alumni and Constituent Engagement. In her previous position as Senior Director of Alumni Outreach, Beusse was responsible for managing the alumni outreach team and guiding the development of student, affinity group, and honoree engagement strategies. She also supported the UGA Alumni Association Board of Directors and managed the nomination and selection processes for the association's largest signature events, including Bulldog 100, 40 Under 40, and alumni awards.

                Beusse earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology in 2006 and recently earned a Master of Education in Leadership, Learning, and Organizational Development. She also holds certificates in nonprofit management, diversity and inclusion, volunteer management, advanced business leadership, and conference and meeting management. She lives in Marietta with her husband Thomas and son Quinton.  

                Board Members (Directors-at-Large)

                 

                • Lynn Alters

                  Lynn Alters

                  Lynn Fielder Alters graduated from SPSU in 1985 with her B.S. in Industrial Engineering Technology and later earned her M.S. in Quality Assurance from SPSU in 1995. After working for Lockheed during and after her undergraduate degree, Alters chose to apply her education and experience in healthcare. Alters' career in healthcare began with a focus on productivity and workforce management, which led her to consult with not-for-profit hospitals throughout Georgia, leadership roles in management engineering, project management, and consulting. She earned her Lean, Six Sigma, and Project Management (P.M.P.) certifications along the way while also spending time teaching a variety of courses for SPSU, Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers, and KSU. Alters currently resides in Cartersville and works as a senior costing analyst for Wellstar Health System.

                   

                  • Allen Bishop

                    Allan Bishop

                    Allan Bishop joined the KSU Alumni Association in 2018 as a director-at-large. He earned two degrees at KSU, a B.B.A. in Management (1993) and an MBA (2000). Bishop is currently the director of recruitment and business development for the KSU Executive MBA program in the Coles College of Business. Prior to KSU, he worked for WellStar Health System as executive director of retail operations. A Cobb County native, Bishop presently serves on the board of directors of the Cobb Chamber of Commerce and the Northwest YMCA, and is on the LGE Community Credit Union Supervisory Committee. Additionally, he is a graduate of Leadership Douglas (2008) and Leadership Cobb (2013).

                    • Mandy Burton

                      Mandy Burton

                      Mandy Burton graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in Journalism/Advertising (1996) before earning her Executive MBA at KSU in 2018. She has led a colorful career in Marketing & Communications in the Music, Real Estate and Healthcare industries, and currently serves as the Vice President of Member Development at the Cobb Chamber of Commerce. Prior to her role at the Chamber, Mandy served for over a decade as Marketing and Communications Director at Wellstar Health System where she became extensively involved in the community and was awarded the W. Wyman Pilcher, Jr. Memorial Scholarship for service, The Next Generation Award, and was also named a “Top 40 under 40” by both Cobb Life Magazine and North Atlanta Business Post. Mandy also held numerous volunteer leadership positions at the Chamber prior to joining the team. Currently she serves with The Center for Family Resources, Marietta Pilgrimage and Strand Theatre. Additionally, she is a graduate of Leadership Cobb (2014) and Honorary Commanders (2015). In her spare time, Mandy volunteers and is a travel, food and wine enthusiast. She lives off the Marietta Square with her dog Blue.

                        

                      • Heather Corbin

                        Heather Corbin

                        Heather Corbin started as a director-at-large with the KSU Alumni Association in 2018. She graduated from KSU in 1999, earning a B.B.A. in management. In 2009, Corbin became a certified technology specialist (CTS) and later was selected to the 2018 Audiovisual and Integrated Experience Association (AVIXA) Certification Steering Committee. She has been a part of the audio-visual industry since 1998, holding several administrative positions. Since 2012, Corbin has served on the Cobb Executive Women Steering Committee and recently joined the advisory board for the OWL (Outstanding Women Leaders) Circle at KSU. She lives in Kennesaw with her family.

                        • Cassie Cotter

                          Cassie Cotter

                          Cassie Cotter joined the KSU Alumni Association as a director-at-large in 2021. She graduated from KSU with summa cum laude honors, earning her BBA in Finance with a Minor in Spanish in 2014. Cotter previously served on the advisory board for the O.W.L. (Outstanding Women Leaders) Circle. After interning at Henssler Financial in Kennesaw, she worked for five years in Operations before moving into the marketing field as an operations project manager with HD Supply in 2018. She lives with her family in Woodstock.

                          • Ericka Davis

                            Ericka Davis

                            Ericka Brown Davis, Ph.D., graduated from SPSU/KSU in 1997 with her M.S. in Technical and Professional Communications. Davis has led a successful career in communications and currently serves as the chief communications officer for three state agencies — State Road and Tollway Authority, Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority, and the Georgia Regional Transportation Authority. Prior to her role as president of the SPSU Alumni Society, Davis sat on the Black Alumni Leadership Council board at the University of Georgia, where she helped launch the 1961 club. In her spare time, Davis volunteers actively in the community and her alma maters.

                            • Inger Eberhart

                              Inger Eberhart

                              Inger Eberhart assumed the role of a director-at-large for the KSU Alumni Association in 2018. She earned her M.A. in integrated global communication from KSU in 2015 after receiving an MBA at Shorter University and a B.S. in psychology from Georgia State University. Eberhart has experience in the corporate and non-profit sectors of finance, operations management and board governance. In the government sector, she has worked in government affairs and as a copywriter. Currently, Eberhart is the executive assistant to Cobb County’s District 3 commissioner, along with being a member of the International Association of Business Communicators and American Writers and Artists Inc. Additionally, she volunteers for political, civic and academic organizations in her spare time.

                              • Allen English

                                Allen English

                                Allen English began serving as a director-at-large in 2021. He graduated from KSU in 2018 with a BBA in Management and a minor in Entrepreneurship. As an undergraduate student, English was elected KSU's homecoming king and served as president and founder of the Iota Mu Chapter of Delta Sigma Phi. Presently, he is an associate at commercial real estate consulting firm Haddow & Company, where he has worked since 2018. Active in civic affairs, English also serves on numerous political and academic boards, including serving as the current president of his fraternity chapter's alumni board. 

                                • Quinn Green

                                  Quinn Green

                                  Quinn Green graduated from KSU, obtaining his MBA through the Executive MBA program in 2021. He currently holds a real estate broker license (GA) and is a graduate of REAP (Real Estate Associates Program) Atlanta (c/o 2012), University of Southern California (USC) Lusk Center for Real Estate Ross Minority Program in Real Estate Development (c/o 2019), Leadership Academy (DeKalb Association of Realtors and Georgia Association of Realtors), Leadership DeKalb (c/o 2017), Leadership Buckhead (c/o 2018), Economic Development Fellow Program for DeKalb County, Small-Scale Property Redevelopment Community Builders Program (Invest Atlanta), and Center for Leadership (CFL) for the Urban Land Institute (ULI) – Atlanta. He has also served as President of the DeKalb Association of REALTORS (2017), REALTOR of the Year (DeKalb Association – 2020) and is a former recipient of the Atlanta Business Chronicle "40 under 40" award. His approach to work/life balance includes volunteering with programs such as Habitat for Humanity, Junior Achievement, United Way (Young Professional Leaders and African American Partnership), speaking about his career at local schools, and serving as a youth mentor at his church (Calvary Hill Baptist Church – Lithonia, Georgia). 

                                  • Tiane' Hamler

                                    Tiane' Hamler

                                    Tiane' McKoy Hamler graduated from SPSU/KSU with a Bachelor of Apparel and Textiles Technology,  minoring in Business Administration. Following undergrad, she attended Mercer University, earning her MBA and Master of Accountancy degrees. Although born in Okinawa, Japan, Hamler was raised in Marietta, Georgia, where she currently resides with her husband (who is also an SPSU alumnus) and playful Yorkie, Riley. Hamler is currently a senior administrative assistant at Boston Consulting Group, where she is actively involved in leading training, interviewing, affiliation collaboration, and assisting with their North American diversity, equality, and inclusion conferences. Prior to joining BCG, Hamler was an experienced tax associate at PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP. In her spare time, she continues to incorporate her love of fashion through her social media outlet on Instagram as a content creator.

                                    • Michelle Kimrey

                                      Michelle Kimrey

                                      Michelle Kimrey is a registered nurse who serves as the director of nursing for cardiac services at Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center. She received a B.S. in Nursing from Kennesaw State University in 2007 and M.S. in Nursing from the University of West Georgia in 2013. Kimrey is certified as a clinical nurse leader by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. She is certified as a nurse executive by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Kimrey is currently pursuing an MBA from Kennesaw State University and is part of the 2022 Executive MBA cohort. She lives in Kennesaw and is an avid Owls fan.

                                      • Nicole Lawson

                                        Nicole Lawson

                                        Nicole Lawson began as a director-at-large in 2021. She graduated from KSU in 2001, earning a B.S. in Human Services and an MPA in 2002. Presently, Lawson is the Northwest Regional Director for United Way of Greater Atlanta, serving Cherokee, Cobb, Douglas, and Paulding Counties. She has worked in the nonprofit sector all her career, with a focus on children and families. Lawson serves on the Cobb Executive Women Steering Committee, the Marietta/Cobb Continuum of Care Board of Directors, Leadership Cobb Class of 2021-2022, and Rotary Club of Canton Board of Directors. 

                                        • Joanne Louis

                                          Joanne Louis

                                          Joanne Louis began as a director-at-large in 2021. Louis graduated KSU in 2006, earning a BBA in Management. Louis serves in a variety of leadership roles, including vice president of membership for The Junior League of Atlanta, publicity chair for the Georgia State Association of Parliamentarians, vice president of education for Toastmasters, board member and chair of the Leadership and Development Committee for United Way's Women of Cole; board member of United Way's African American Society; past board member of The PEARL Foundation; and past vice president and program chairman of Rho Zeta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., a graduate of the Georgia Women's Policy institute class of 2021. Louis is also a 2020 graduate of Atlanta Women Foundation Inspire program. Currently, Louis is employed by Troutman Pepper and is a Realtor with Better Homes and Gardens, Inc. Louis lives in Powder Springs and enjoys Atlanta's arts scene in her free time. 

                                           

                                          • Ashley Nealy

                                            Ashley Nealy

                                            Ashley Nealy is an assistant director for the federal government and the founder and chief creative officer of Mindly Maven, LLC, a web design company. She is involved with many initiatives across metro Atlanta, including serving as co-director of New Leaders Council - Atlanta and President Emeritus of the KSU Black Alumni Society. She is a graduate of Leadership Atlanta's LEAD Atlanta Class of 2018, where she served as alumni mentorship co-chair. Nealy was awarded GovLoop's NextGen Public Service Award for Innovation for her dedication to innovating government. She has been recognized as an Outstanding Atlantan Class of 2015, Power 30 Under 30, and has received the Civic Engagement Award from the MECCA Chapter of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women. Nealy graduated from KSU in 2010 and 2011 with her B.S. in Information Systems and Master in Information Systems, respectfully. 

                                             

                                            • Kryss Roch

                                              Kryss Roch

                                              Kryss Roch became a part of the KSU Alumni Association as a director-at-large in 2018. She graduated from KSU in 1999 with her B.A. in international affairs and a minor in geography. Roch went on to earn a J.D. through the Georgia State University College of Law in 2006 and has come back to KSU as a volunteer judge for the mock trial program. Since 2006, she has served as senior assistant solicitor general with the Cherokee County Office of the Solicitor General in Canton, Georgia. Active in her community, she is a past president of the Canton Optimist Club. 

                                              • Kim Wigington

                                                Kim Wigington

                                                Since graduating from KSU in 1989, Kim Wigington has forged a dynamic career in the field of education. She has worked as a teacher, counselor, and administrator in Cartersville and Acworth schools for more than 30 years. In 2003 Wigington's 7-year-old daughter was diagnosed with dyslexia, which led Wigington to found Brookwood Christian School. BCS serves students with dyslexia who have not had success at other public and private schools. Wigington is very active in the Acworth community and serves as the 2021 president of the Acworth Business Association and the chair of the Acworth Downtown Development Authority. She is also a member of the Cobb Chamber and Cobb Executive Women. One of Wigington's biggest honors came when she was named as the Chamber of Commerce's Acworth Citizen of the Year in 2016. 

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                                                  Jamila Young

                                                  Jamila Young is a lifelong believer in giving back and advocates for assisting passionate "goal getters" to achieve their highest aspirations. She is a partner at Moore and Young Legal Solutions and is the program coordinator for the Wellstar Ethics program. Prior to her current roles, Young served for several years as a health policy and advocacy professional working in local, statewide, and federal positions. Young is a native of Albany, Georgia, and received her B.A. in English from KSU. Young was very active as a student at KSU and served as an SGA senator, crowned the 2009 AASA Queen, and a member of Sigma Epsilon Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Sigma Tau Delta Honors English Society, and more. She obtained her J.D. from the Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University School of Law and her LLM in Health Law and Policy at Hofstra University. Young has served as a board member at Feminist Women's Health Center, as the 2019-2021 president of KSU Black Alumni Society, a 2021 New Leaders Council Fellow, and 2019 Young Gamechargers fellow. She is a proud mother of one amazing son, Tre.

                                                  Directors Emeriti

                                                   

                                                  • Steven Ellis

                                                    Steven Ellis

                                                    During his time as president from 2016-18, Steven Ellis oversaw the successful consolidation of the SPSU and KSU alumni associations. He also represented alumni on the KSU presidential search committee in early 2018. Prior to his time as president, Ellis was a director-at-large from 2010-14 and vice president from 2014-16. He is a 2003 KSU graduate with a B.S. in political science. While at KSU during the 2002-03 academic year, Ellis served as president of the Student Government Association and was named the Political Science Student of the Year in 2003. He earned his J.D. in 2007 from John Marshall Law School. Currently, Ellis is the Solicitor for the Sandy Springs, GA municipal court. He previously served as an assistant solicitor general for the Cobb County Solicitor General’s Office from 2012 to 2021, and currently serves as a part-time professor of political science at KSU. He also serves as president of the non-profit Sober Streets, a board member of the Restoring Lives Alliance and is chair of the KSU Political Science Advisory Board. Ellis was named the 2017 Next Generation Award winner by the Cobb Chamber of Commerce for his outstanding work in the Cobb Community as a young professional. In 2018, Georgia Trend magazine named Ellis to their “40 Under 40” which recognizes 40 outstanding young professionals in the state of Georgia under the age of 40 every year.

                                                     

                                                    • Teronzo Helm

                                                      Teronzo Helm

                                                      Teronzo Helm took over as treasurer of the KSU Alumni Association in 2018. He is a former president of the organization who first became a member of the organization in 2008. Helm earned his MBA from KSU in 2002 after receiving a B.S. in electrical engineering technology at Missouri University of Science and Technology in 1983, graduating with honors from both institutions. Since 1983, he has served in various professional and executive roles for the Hewlett-Packard Company. Helm’s current title is Global Operations Director at Hewlett Packard Enterprise in Alpharetta, Georgia until his retirement in May 2019.

                                                       

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                                                        Ben Phillips

                                                        Ben Phillips is an emeritus member of the KSU Alumni Association. In 1966, he received his A.S. in electrical engineering technology from SPSU. Phillips is retired but active in volunteering for the Marietta Civitan Club, Cartersville-Bartow Civitan Club and as a part of the adult choir at Roswell Street Baptist Church. He worked for many years with applications and design, and was a private systems design consultant for engineering firms. Phillips’ wife, Mary, retired from SPSU in 2012 after serving as the executive assistant to the president.

                                                         

                                                        • Ray Pinkerton

                                                          Ray Pinkerton

                                                          Ray Pinkerton is an emeritus member of the KSU Alumni Association. He acquired his A.S. in electrical engineering technology at SPSU in 1961 before moving on to earn a B.B.A. (actuarial science, 1970) and an M.S. (business management, 1990), both from Georgia State University. Pinkerton spent nearly 32 years with the Federal Aviation Administration, starting out as an electronics technician before retiring as the manager of the Southern Region Airways Facilities Division. He now works part time as a senior engineer at Robison Aviation Inc.

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