Executive Committee

Denise Troutman, Ph.D.

Denise Troutman, Ph.D.

President

Denise is an Associate Professor in the Department of Writing, Rhetoric, and American Cultures and the Department of Linguistics, as well as a former faculty-affiliate with the African American and African Studies (AAAS) Program. She is the winner of two Fulbright Awards (2001-2002; 2018-2019), a 2003-2004 Postdoctoral Fellowship from the American Association of University Women (AAUW) Educational Foundation, and a 2009-2010 Humanities and Arts Research Program (HARP) Award. From 2004-2007, Denise served as Diversity Coordinator for the College of Arts and Letters. She is also the Vice-President (President-Elect) for the International Gender and Language Association (IGALA).

Yolanda Anderson, Ph.D.

Yolanda Anderson, Ph.D.

Vice President

Yolanda is an academic teaching specialist in the Computer Science and Engineering department. She earned her computer science degrees from Tuskegee University, Vanderbilt University, and Auburn University. As a member of BFSAA, she wants to do her part to foster inclusion and diversity at MSU. In her spare time, she enjoys sewing and crafting.

Isaac Kalumbu, Ph.D.

Isaac Kalumbu, Ph.D.

Assistant Vice President
Evelyn F. Griffith, BA, PMP

Evelyn F. Griffith, BA, PMP

Treasurer

Evelyn is an Assistant Director in IT Services specializing in software implementations.  Her career path is diverse, holding positions as a senior finance analyst (Controllers’ Office), manager of accounting (Controllers’ Office), and a unit administrator for VDL (College of Veterinary Medicine).  She also served as the functional lead for the Kuali Finance system on the EBS project. In her role as Treasurer, her goals are clear: she aims to secure funding that will advance the association's mission. This funding strategy includes leveraging membership dues, seeking donations, and establishing partnerships across MSU's campus. She is driven by her desire to expand connections and foster community among BFSAA members.

Amir Franklin

Amir Franklin

Corresponding Secretary

Amir Franklin M.S. is the Academic Specialist for the Office of Student Success within the College of Social Science at Michigan State University (MSU), where he passionately empowers students and helps them overcome barriers to higher education. Since joining MSU in 2023, Amir has drawn upon his experience as an academic advisor at Wayne County Community College District, where he guided students through curriculum requirements and supported their academic decision-making. Previously, Amir served as a part-time academic advisor at Eastern Michigan University (EMU), focusing on students in the Brotherhood Scholars program. He provided personalized guidance to ensure their academic success. At EMU, he also excelled as a project coordinator for MICUP-BEAT, facilitating the transition and success of transfer students. His role fostered collaboration within the Academic Success Partnerships department, creating a supportive environment for students. Amir holds a master’s degree in higher education, leadership, and administration from Capella University, complementing his bachelor’s degree in hotel and restaurant management from EMU.

Jaela Young

Jaela Young

Recording Secretary

Jaela is a Program Assistant at the Center for Community Engaged Learning at Michigan State University, where she is currently pursuing her Master’s in Higher, Adult, and Lifelong Education. She is deeply passionate about outreach and promoting academic and professional excellence, with a strong focus on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB). Jaela is dedicated to building community and serving as a co-educator to her fellow committee members, supporting the University's efforts. She is enthusiastic about collaborating with individuals across campus and beyond.

Ebony Lucas, MSW

Ebony Lucas, MSW

Assistant Recording Secretary

Ebony Lucas is a Social Worker with over fifteen years of experience providing person-centered services to diverse hard-to-reach populations. Ebony received her bachelor’s degree in Africana studies and a master’s degree in social work from Wayne State University. Ebony has worked with Doctors without Borders (Médecins Sans Frontières- MSF), an international humanitarian medical non-governmental organization (NGO) of French origin best known for its projects in conflict zones and in countries affected by endemic diseases. In June 2020, the organization became active in the United States to address the pandemic. Most recently, Ebony served as a Wellness Support Officer providing supportive services to the ‘hardest hit’ nursing homes in Michigan. Before that, she was the Project Coordinator for the AmeriCorps Domestic Violence program at Wayne State University. The AmeriCorps Domestic Violence Program provided necessary services to victims of intimate partner violence. She has conducted intensive research on the influence of secularism on politics. She has experience studying abroad in the West Indies, South and West Africa. Ebony is a married mother of one who enjoys traveling and reading. Ebony and her family are proud Michiganders who enjoy the diverse activities of the University. Ebony is passionate about promoting work-life principles to improve everyday life and the overall employee experience. She works in Human Resources as a Social Worker, as a part of our CAIT team. Her role on the team is to provide support and advocate for our employees.

Brian June

Brian June

Webmaster

Brian June is a Data Analyst in the Data Stewardship department of Enterprise Services in MSU IT Services.  As a member of BFSAA he wants to help with the various outreach efforts at MSU.

Chris Chapman

Chris Chapman

Strategic Communications Coordinator

As the Title IX Communications Manager at Michigan State University, Chris Chapman leads the development and implementation of impactful communication strategies for civil rights and Title IX initiatives. In this pivotal role, she crafts comprehensive communication plans to enhance awareness, understanding, and compliance with civil rights and Title IX policies and regulations. Drawing on her expertise, Chris actively fosters a culture of safety, respect, and inclusivity on campus, collaborating closely with diverse university stakeholders. Prior to this, Chris dedicated seven years to communications at a leading aerospace company, driving sales goals through strategic initiatives. Chris holds a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Media Communications from Wilberforce University and is currently pursuing an Executive Master of Business Administration at the Eli Broad College of Business at MSU, reflecting her unwavering commitment to professional growth.

Jimmy Bruce, Ph.D., LP

Jimmy Bruce, Ph.D., LP

Historian
Lee N. June, Ph.D.

Lee N. June, Ph.D.

Assistant Historian

Lee came to MSU in 1973. Lee is currently a professor in the Honors College and the Department of Psychology. He has previously served as the director of the counseling center, as senior advisor to the provost, assistant/associate provost for academic student services and multicultural issues, and vice president for student affairs and services.

Stratton C. Lee, III

Stratton C. Lee, III

Past President

Stratton is the assistant director for undergraduate programs in the MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR). Stratton believes… “while we may not all agree on the methodology or strategy, we should all agree that progressive change and advancement is necessary for our community. Our perspectives influence what we think is most important, and our perspective should not be that our current condition is bigger than our historic, current and future individual and collective value. Black Lives Matter! Without us where would the world be?”