Mr. Michael J. Cleveland  ’17

Michael J. Cleveland is a respected healthcare executive, public health leader, and proud 2017 graduate of Tougaloo College with extensive alumni service and governance experience. Born and raised in Natchez, Mississippi, Michael J. embodies the values of community, accountability, and service that define Tougaloo’s legacy. He proudly goes by Michael J.

Michael J.’s commitment to Tougaloo College has continued well beyond graduation through sustained leadership within the Tougaloo College National Alumni Association, Inc. (TCNAA). He is a Life Member of TCNAA that has served as Chicago Chapter President, Assistant Secretary of the TCNAA Board of Directors, Western Regional Representative, Midwest Regional Representative, and Membership Chair. Across these roles, he has worked to strengthen alumni engagement, expand membership participation, and ensure alumni voices are meaningfully represented at the local, regional, and national levels.

Nationally, Michael J. serves as President of the UNCF National Alumni Council and as an Individual Member of the UNCF College Presidents Board, contributing alumni perspective at the highest levels of institutional governance. His leadership has strengthened alumni engagement, improved collaboration with college presidents, and reinforced alumni participation in fundraising and accountability efforts.

Professionally, Michael J. serves as Chief Operating Officer of Care Alliance Health Center, a Federally Qualified Health Center in Cleveland, Ohio. In this executive role, he oversees complex, multi-million-dollar operations and partners closely with Boards of Directors on fiduciary oversight, regulatory compliance, risk management, and long-term strategic planning. His experience aligns directly with the responsibilities of safeguarding institutional integrity and sustainability.

Ms. Ranada Robinson  ’02

Ranada Robinson is a nationally recognized civic research strategist, leader, and proud Tougaloo College alumna. A native of Jackson, Mississippi, she earned bachelor’s degrees in mathematics and computer science from Tougaloo, where her commitment to leadership and service first took root.

Ranada currently serves as Senior Director of Research and Strategy at Georgia Alliance, where she leads award-winning research that informs civic engagement and institutional strategy across the South. Her work translates complex data into actionable insights for organizations, funders, and coalitions working to strengthen democracy and expand opportunity in historically underserved communities. She previously founded and led the research department at the New Georgia Project, where she coined the widely adopted term “high-opportunity voter,” reshaping how institutions engage communities too often overlooked.

A longtime Tougaloo active alumna, Ranada has served in multiple leadership roles within the Tougaloo College National Alumni Association, Inc., including multiple terms as Southeastern Regional Representative and leadership within the Atlanta Tougaloo Alumni Chapter, where she served as chapter president for seven years. In recognition of her professional achievement and alumni service, she was inducted into Tougaloo College’s inaugural 40 Under 40 class in 2016. She also was recognized as Young Alumna of the Year in 2009 and UNCF Outstanding Young Alumnus in 2010. Her sustained alumni engagement reflects a deep and enduring commitment to Tougaloo’s mission and legacy.

In addition to her Tougaloo leadership, Ranada brings meaningful governance experience through service on nonprofit and advisory boards focused on civic participation, youth leadership, and institutional advancement, including the Outstanding Atlanta Board of Trustees, the Tufts University CIRCLE Advisory Board, the New Leaders Council Executive Board, and others. Her board service demonstrates a commitment to strengthening institutions that cultivate leadership, access, and generational impact.

Ranada holds two master’s degrees from Georgia State University in Urban Policy Studies and Risk Management and Insurance and is the Founder and Principal of Robinson Research & Consulting, where she partners with organizations across the South on research, evaluation, and strategy initiatives rooted in community voice and institutional accountability.

A lifelong institution-builder, Ranada’s leadership is grounded in Tougaloo’s legacy of intellectual rigor, moral courage, and social justice. She remains deeply committed to advancing the College’s future while honoring the transformative role it has played in shaping generations of scholars and leaders.

Rev. Cassius L. Rudolph  ’14

The Reverend Cassius L. Rudolph is a nationally respected voting rights activist, social justice leader, theologian, and pastor. A native of Chicago, Illinois, he serves as Senior Pastor of Saints’ Memorial Community Church in Willingboro, New Jersey, General Chaplain of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and Special Assistant to the Reverend Al Sharpton at the National Action Network.

Formerly, Rev. Rudolph served as National Field Director of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition and Special Assistant to the Reverend Dr. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr., while leading Alpha Phi Alpha’s historic “A Voteless People Is a Hopeless People” initiative, helping to register more than one million Black male voters during the 2020 election cycle.

A proud son of Tougaloo College, Rev. Rudolph is an active member and National Chaplain of the Tougaloo College National Alumni Association, Inc. He has demonstrated deep institutional commitment by establishing a scholarship fund to support Tougaloo students, bringing nationally recognized leaders to campus, partnering with college administration on key initiatives, and hosting Tougaloo alumni and friends on Martha’s Vineyard to expand the College’s national visibility and philanthropic reach.

Rev. Rudolph brings to the Board of Trustees a strong national network, proven fundraising and mobilization capacity, strategic leadership experience, and an unwavering commitment to Tougaloo College’s mission and future sustainability. His work consistently bridges the church, academy, and public square in ways that open doors, secure resources, and elevate Tougaloo’s legacy.

A direct student of the late Dr. James H. Cone, Rev. Rudolph is a trusted voice in Black Liberation Theology, prophetic preaching, and faith-based social justice. He holds degrees from Tougaloo College and Union Theological Seminary and is currently pursuing his Doctor of Ministry at Garrett Theological Seminary.

Rev. Jefforey A. Stafford  ’93

Reverend Jefforey A. Stafford ’93, is a multifaceted leader and community servant with a deep-rooted history in Born in Hattiesburg, he was raised in Kelly Settlement and baptized at the age of 8 by his father, the late Rev. Jesse L. Stafford in an outdoor cement baptismal at Palestine MB Church in Oakvale MS.

Moving to Jackson at age 12, he became an active member of New Hope Baptist Church where his involvement spanned various ministries and leadership roles and where he ultimately surrendered to the clarion call of preaching and teaching ministry. A dedicated scholar, Rev. Stafford holds degrees in Biology, Science & Teaching, and Theology, reflecting his commitment to both education and spiritual growth.

As the pastor of Mt. Calvary MBC Tougaloo and CEO of Stafford EdMin Consulting, he strives to enhance educational and ministry services by impacting the systems in which they are engaged. His roles within the General Missionary Baptist State Convention and National Baptist Convention further illustrate his dedication to serving the community.

He has been an active contributor to Tougaloo College general 1869 fund, booster club, and personal student scholarship supporter for greater than the last ten years. He is a

Life Member of TCNAA and maintains active membership in Jackson Area Tougaloo Alumni Chapter in Jackson, MS.

Married to LaTonya Fuqua, they are privileged parents to their routed ‘to the breezes’ adult son Marcus and fledgling son Josiah. Rev. Stafford’s mission, embodied in his vision of “Exalting Christ, Embracing Community & Engaging Culture,” seeks to glorify God, edify believers, evangelize non-believers, and revitalize society through Christ-centered compassion.

Dr. Kisa K. Harris  ’15

Dr. Kisa K. Harris is a 2015 Summa Cum Laude graduate of Tougaloo College, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. She went on to earn a Master of Public Health in Epidemiology from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and a Doctor of Philosophy in Population Health Science from the University of Mississippi Medical Center.

Professionally, Dr. Harris serves as Co-Principal Investigator of the Jackson Heart Study Training and Education Center at Tougaloo College (TC TEC), where she most recently helped secure the $14.5 million federal contract that renewed the TC TEC for an additional 10 years (2025–2035). In this role, she teaches “Research Methods in Public Health” at Tougaloo College and administers the TC TEC’s Science, Language Arts & Mathematics (SLAM) Summer Program, which prepares the next generation of high school students for careers in STEM and health fields while introducing them to the Tougaloo experience firsthand. In addition, Dr. Harris mentors student researchers through the Delta Research and Education Foundation’s Student Research and Mentoring Program.

Dr. Harris’s investment in Tougaloo extends well beyond her professional responsibilities. As a life member of the Tougaloo College National Alumni Association, she has given generously of her time, talent, and leadership to the Jackson Tougaloo Alumni Chapter. She has served as JTAC’s Recording Secretary since 2022 and also serves as the JTAC Web Manager and Chair of the Souvenir Journal Committee for JTAC’s Thelma Sanders Scholarship Dance.  She previously served as Co-Chair of the TCNAA Commencement Weekend Steering Committee. Her sustained dedication to alumni engagement has earned her the JTAC Alumna of the Year award (2018) and the UNCF Outstanding Young Alumni of the Year award (2021 and 2022).

Dr. Harris is a member of the LC Dorsey Research Honor Society and Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, and holds the Certified in Public Health credential from the National Board of Public Health Examiners. Her commitment to community is further reflected in her life memberships in the National Council of Negro Women — where she serves as Third Vice President and Youth Group Advisor of the Metro Jackson Section — and the NAACP. Dr. Harris is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., initiated into the Gamma Psi Chapter in Fall 2013.

Ms. Minnie Sherman Roberts  ’76

Minnie’s professional career reflects the versatility of a Tougaloo education. Following her graduation, she built a robust career in the medical and insurance fields, contributing her expertise to major organizations including Parke-Davis, the Oakland County Health Department, and Blue Cross Blue Shield. Following the birth of her son, Minnie transitioned her skills into the classroom, serving as a teacher, highlighting her adaptable nature and her dedication to nurturing the next generation.

Minnie’s commitment to the Tougaloo family spans over four decades and multiple regions:  She has been a Lifetime member of the Tougaloo College National Alumni Association since 1992; She served as President and Vice President of the Metro Detroit Chapter for four terms; The Detroit Chapter ’s longevity and reach are a direct result of Minnie’s dedication. When the chapter was in danger of disbanding, Minnie single-handedly recruited enough members to stay active. Because of her efforts, the chapter has remained active and thriving ever since; Also while living in Metro Nashville, she was instrumental in reactivating their alumni chapter, which also remains a viable and active organization today.

Strategic Fundraising: After gaining extensive knowledge in fundraising leadership under the late Donald Beale, she established critical relationships with Detroit-area churches and other venues to support alumni initiatives.  During her tenure, Minnie chaired two of the most successful fundraisers for the Detroit Chapter. Her strategic efforts resulted in raising over $25,000, providing the essential resources needed to sustain the chapter’s mission of supporting Tougaloo College over the years.

Community Service:  Beyond her direct service to Tougaloo, Minnie has been a pillar of her community and a leader in several humanitarian efforts:

• Faith & Education: As a long-standing member of the oldest Black church in Oakland County, she has served as Church Steward, Director of Christian Education, and Sunday School Teacher.
• Civic Engagement: Her volunteerism includes work with Forgotten Harvest, literacy programs, and annual programs honoring Dr. King. She is also a former Board Member and Fundraising Chairperson for A Peaceful Retreat, an organization dedicated to Women Against Domestic Violence.
• Sisterhood & Service: A Lifetime member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. since 1978, she has served as an officer and on numerous committees within her local chapter.

Minnie Sherman Roberts represents the very best of Tougaloo College. Her “many hats”; from chairing Juneteenth celebrations to mentoring youth in the Sunday School and Drama ministries in addition to her work for the Detroit Chapter of TCNAA demonstrate a life dedicated to the uplift of others; representing the values, Tougaloo College continues to teach. She is a truly deserving candidate for Alumnus of the Year.

Mr. Roosevelt Turner, Jr. ’72   

Roosevelt Turner, Jr., born in Natchez, Mississippi, enrolled in Tougaloo in 1968 after graduating from Natchez Adams High School.  He received the bachelor’s in mathematics and physics from Tougaloo in 1972.  Roosevelt, was initiated into Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, via the Gamma Upsilon Chapter at Tougaloo College. Roosevelt further advanced by earning his master’s in computer science from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (Troy, New York) in 1974. His professional experience includes: General Electric (GE) Corporate Research and Development Center (Schenectady, New York); International Paper Company (Mobile, Alabama); and Spring Hill College (Mobile, Alabama).

Roosevelt is the owner and proprietor of Turner & Associates, Information Systems Computer Services, Young World Learning Center and Real Estate Services in Mobile, Alabama and Jackson, Mississippi.  Roosevelt’s commitment and dedication was ignited early in his career. His entrepreneurial spirit has allowed Roosevelt to contribute funds and ideas/recommendations to advance Tougaloo College.

Roosevelt served as class president in college. He currently serves as the Class Agent for the Class of 1972, where he continually galvanizes his class in supporting the National Alumni Association and the College. Along with his classmate George Bartley, they started the Tougaloo Class of 1972 Foundation a non-profit 501(c)3. Through that foundation, the class hosts an annual Founders Week golf outing aka the Beverly Wade Hogan Golf Tournament. Proceeds support Tougaloo student scholarships, donate funds to the college, and help meet other student needs. Roosevelt organized and led an initiative to assist 2024 graduates in clearing their student debt in order to graduate.

Roosevelt, a founding member of the Bulldog Booster Club, along with two other Tougalooians, Jerry Nickens and Dr. Wesley Prater, helped restart the club as the Tougaloo College Athletic Booster Club, Inc. to support the college’s athletes. Through the organization’s ongoing outreach, alumni are encouraged to attend games, celebrate athletic achievements, and assist with athletes’ unfunded needs. The commitment level is unparalleled.

He, among others, was instrumental in developing the concept of the Two Rivers Gala, which was a successful alumni-led fundraiser for many years. A 2002 TCNAA Hall of Fame Inductee, Roosevelt served as president of the Tougaloo College National Alumni Association (TCNAA) from 2006-2009.

Roosevelt serves on the Tougaloo College National Alumni Association’s Alumni House building committee as well as the organization’s investment committee. He makes himself available to students, alumni, and the college, generously donating his time, talent, and resources.

He has maintained an extensive email list of alumni and consistently resends college updates to keep alumni informed and engaged. Roosevelt was instrumental in collaborating with an alumnus from Ohio years ago to start an alumni tree, galvanizing alumni and broadening engagement across a wide reach.

Additionally, Roosevelt worked for more than ten (10) years with the Explorer Program of the Boy Scouts of America of Mobile, receiving several awards and recognition for his dedicated service and performance of the Explorer Post. Another passion for Roosevelt is mentoring young people and novice entrepreneurs. He tutored local elementary school children who were academically behind. Roosevelt, who holds membership in the Mobile Chapter of AARP and the Jackson Rotary Club, is motivated by the scripture, “I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.”

Roosevelt loves to travel and spend time with his family. A devoted father of three (3) girls and grandfather to five (5) grandchildren, he is a proud member of a Tougaloo College “legacy” family, which includes his wife of over 50 years, Geraldine Wilson Turner, ’72; daughter, Khira Turner-Jobe, ’99; brother, Michael Turner, ’70; nephew, Umoja S. Turner, ’95; nieces, NaCola R. James, ’02; Krystle Lemon-Wilson, ’03; and Kristi Kirkwood, ’10; great nieces, Madelyn Griffith (current student/Brown exchange student) and Kaitlyn James (current student); and great nephew, Kaleb James (former student).

Roosevelt fully believes in the “work” and “mark” of Tougaloo College, which is evident in his multiple terms as a member of the Board of Trustees and by establishing the “Turner-Wilson Scholarship Fund” at Tougaloo College.

Dr. John B. Veasley  ’79

John B. Veasley, a Kosciusko native, is a member of the Class of 1979 and a life member of TCNAA, and 2019 inductee into the TCNAA Hall of Fame. After completing a Bache-lor of Science in Mathematics on a pre-health scholarship, Dr. Veasley received a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Howard University College of Dentistry on a public health scholarship, completed a general practice residency at the University of Mississippi School of Dentistry, and completed a Master of Public Health degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Dr. Veasley has a deep love for Tougaloo, especially his 1979 classmates, those attending Tougaloo with him, and the entire Tougaloo family. His wife is Barbara Banks Veasley ‘79 and daughter Allison Veasley Brazzel ‘09 are Tougaloo graduates. While a student, John was an active, involved member of the student body serving as an SGA representative, Junior Class vice president and Judiciary Council Chairman. He was also a member of the Pre-Health Club and held office as secretary of the Rho Epsilon Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity.

Although Dr. Veasley has not lived in an area that has an alumni chapter, he has remained active and engaged with the betterment of the alumni and the College. In 2009, Dr. Veasley established the Tougaloo Alum Facebook group to acquaint Tougaloo alumni from all classes to increase the familial bond between all alumni and support the College. With over 4500 members, the Tougaloo Alum Facebook group is the largest Tougaloo group on social media and is a go-to place for disseminating information to alumni.

Dr. Veasley conceived the 2015 Eagles Soaring 365 project to highlight a Tougaloo Alumni member daily for the year. He personally authored over ninety of the profiles. He also wa instrumental in leading Tougaloo to winning and placing in the top three positions for three years to win over $300K in the Home Depot Retool Your School project.  Dr. Veasley is often a contributor to various Alumni chapters. He has served as the Gulf Coast TAC’s scholarship banquet speaker, a major planner and solicitor for Rho Epsilon Chapter of Omega reunions and fundraisers for college donations (most recently the $75K Omega Psi Phi Endowed Scholarship), and Class of 1979 reunion committee member and class agent for decades. There are currently three students from Pensacola at Tougaloo that Dr. Veasley recruited.

Dr. Veasley has repeatedly shown a love for Tougaloo that is unmatched by most.