Membership in the Dean’s Advisory Board is by invitation from the current dean of the college. The Dean’s Advisory Board will be comprised of influential business owners, community leaders, philanthropists, educators and dedicated alumni.
Sherry's extensive leadership experience stems from 16 years in education and five years in business with Eastern Airlines. During her career in education, Sherry served as an elementary school principal, classroom teacher and district program coordinator for the Special Instructional Assistance Program in Cobb County, Georgia. She also worked as a Student Team Learning Coordinator in Richland County School District One.
Sherry Whatley retired as Senior Partner of Whatley & Associates, Inc., a leadership consulting group she co-founded with her husband, Dr. Earl Whatley. Together, they conducted hundreds of leadership programs for government agencies and corporations across the country. Sherry was certified at Johns Hopkins University as a trainer in Team Learning approaches.
Her extensive leadership experience stems from 16 years in education and five years in business with Eastern Airlines. During her career in education, Sherry served as an elementary school principal, classroom teacher and district program coordinator for the Special Instructional Assistance Program in Cobb County, Georgia. She also worked as a Student Team Learning Coordinator in Richland County School District One. Sherry was honored as her school’s Teacher of the Year in Lexington District Five and received the Chrysler Learning Grant for her innovative work in Georgia schools. Additionally, she earned the United Way Award in Atlanta for organizing the most outstanding single fundraising event in Metropolitan Atlanta.
Sherry has served on numerous Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) evaluation teams, assessing instructional facilities for accreditation compliance. As Director of Marketing and Assessments for Whatley & Associates, she played a key role in program development and training. She also co-authored The Leadership Profile, a 360-degree feedback tool used in leadership development programs nationwide.
Deeply committed to education and community service, Sherry has served as a board member of Richland County First Steps (as a South Carolina legislative appointee), Chair of the Carolina Guardian Society, Vice Chair of the College of Education Dean’s Advisory Board and a member of the Carolina Promise Campaign. She has been a featured speaker at the International Reading Association Conference at Georgia State University and at the University of South Carolina College of Education Honors Graduate Ceremony.
Sherry and her husband, Earl, are proud lifelong supporters of the University of South Carolina. They are members of the Carolina Guardian Society, University Associates, the President’s Horseshoe Society and Lifetime Members of the USC Alumni Association. Having met at USC and married in the historic Rutledge Chapel, Sherry and Earl proudly call themselves Forever Gamecocks.
Baron R. Davis, Ph.D. made history as the first Black superintendent of Richland School District Two in Columbia, S.C., in the district’s 90-plus-year history. Discovering his passion for education early, Davis has been a trailblazer in public education for over two decades. Drawing on his personal experiences growing up in public housing, he assesses needs and develops innovative strategies to achieve equity and excellence.
Baron R. Davis, Ph.D. made history as the first Black superintendent of Richland School District Two in Columbia, S.C., in the district’s 90-plus-year history. Discovering his passion for education early, Davis has been a trailblazer in public education for over two decades. Drawing on his personal experiences growing up in public housing, he assesses needs and develops innovative strategies to achieve equity and excellence. His dedication to dismantling policies and practices that perpetuate inequity led to the adoption of a district Equity Policy, ensuring resources for student success and a high-quality, diverse staff.
Under his leadership, 17 district magnet programs earned national certification from Magnet Schools of America, eight of which were named Demonstration Schools. Davis also oversaw the passage of a $468 million bond referendum, one of the largest in state history, to build and renovate facilities that provide equitable learning and athletic opportunities. Prioritizing recruitment and retention of male teachers of color, he launched the Premier 100 initiative in partnership with the Call Me MISTER program. Richland Two also became one of only three districts in South Carolina—and 250 nationwide—on the 10th Annual AP® District Honor Roll by the College Board, recognizing increased student participation and achievement in Advanced Placement courses.
Davis holds a B.S. in Sociology from Francis Marion University, master’s degrees in school counseling and educational administration, and Educational Specialist and Ph.D. degrees in educational counseling from the University of South Carolina. He serves as Superintendent in Residence in USC’s College of Education, Department of Educational Leadership and Policies. He holds certifications in superintendent, school counseling, secondary principal and secondary supervision. He has completed numerous leadership programs, including the South Carolina Department of Education’s Tapping Executive Educators Program, the School Leadership Executive Institute, the South Carolina Education Policy Fellowship Program and the Riley Institute Diversity Leaders Initiative at Furman University.
Davis has received numerous honors for his leadership and impact, including:
A native of Columbia, Davis is a member of Brookland Baptist Church. He and his wife, Pamela, have three daughters, two currently attending schools in Richland Two and one recent graduate of the district.
Originally a student in the College of Journalism, Melissa transferred to the College of Education during her sophomore year, where she discovered her true calling. She completed an exceptional student teaching experience in a newly developed, multi-aged, gifted and talented classroom in Richland County. Melissa earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education with a minor in German
Melissa Kale grew up in the Washington, D.C. area and is a proud product of Fairfax County Public Schools. After graduating from Langley High School in McLean, Virginia, she attended the University of South Carolina, where she embraced all aspects of university life. During her time at USC, Melissa served as president of her sorority, participated in dormitory councils, worked at WUSC Radio and waited tables at the Capstone House restaurant.
Originally a student in the College of Journalism, Melissa transferred to the College of Education during her sophomore year, where she discovered her true calling. She completed an exceptional student teaching experience in a newly developed, multi-aged, gifted and talented classroom in Richland County. Melissa earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education with a minor in German.
Following graduation, Melissa began a 28-year career with the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA), serving as a teacher, assistant principal and principal. Her time overseas provided the opportunity to immerse herself in diverse cultures, travel extensively and support military families through volunteer service and community engagement. During summer recesses, she earned a master’s degree in School Supervision and Administration from San Diego State University.
Melissa found great fulfillment in her work, combining her love for education with her commitment to serving military families—whom she fondly calls “our nation’s youngest patriots.” Her assignments took her to Korea, Italy, Turkey, Japan, Portugal, Florida and Georgia. In 2005, she was recognized as a National Distinguished Principal by the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP). She was later named the NAESP/Nova Southeastern University Distinguished Fellow and awarded a full doctoral scholarship from Nova Southeastern University, where she earned a doctorate in Organizational Leadership. Her dissertation focused on professional development needs for paraprofessionals in schools.
After retiring from federal service in 2010, Melissa married and relocated to Virginia Beach, where she joined the Superintendent’s Office of Virginia Beach Public Schools to manage initiatives related to the No Child Left Behind Act, including school choice and supplemental educational services. When that mandate concluded, Melissa spent two years in southern China as Director of Instruction at a large international school. Upon returning to the U.S., she served as an Associate Professor at Concordia University in Portland, Oregon, teaching graduate courses in Curriculum and Instruction.
Although most of her career was spent working with early childhood and elementary learners, Melissa especially valued her time as a Graduation Coach at Lexington High School in South Carolina. Most recently, she has enjoyed supervising student teachers for Clemson University.
Melissa is married to Major Ronald P. Kale, USMC (Ret.), and they reside in Chapin, South Carolina. For more than eight years, she has served as a Guardian Ad Litem in Lexington County. She is also an active member of several organizations meaningful to her, including the St. Andrews Women’s Club, the Columbia Area Delta Zeta Alumnae Chapter and the University of South Carolina Alumni Association, where she is a lifetime member.
Mary Beth dedicated twenty-eight years to teaching English Language Arts at the middle and high school levels in Lexington Richland District Five. She achieved National Board Certification in 2002 and again in 2012. During her tenure at Dutch Fork and Chapin High Schools, she served as department chair and teacher leader, mentoring and advising new and experienced educators.
A native of Columbia, S.C., Mary Beth was educated in Lexington Richland District Five. She earned both her Bachelor of Arts (1982) and Master of Education (1985) in Secondary Education–English from the University of South Carolina.
Mary Beth dedicated twenty-eight years to teaching English Language Arts at the middle and high school levels in Lexington Richland District Five. She achieved National Board Certification in 2002 and again in 2012. During her tenure at Dutch Fork and Chapin High Schools, she served as department chair and teacher leader, mentoring and advising new and experienced educators. As a member of the district’s Language Arts Leadership Team, she collaborated with colleagues to align curriculum with state and national standards and ensure instructional accountability. She also expanded academic opportunities for students by developing a dual-credit English elective in partnership with the University of South Carolina and by promoting Advanced Placement programs.
Beyond the classroom, Mary Beth has been an advocate for educational excellence. She served on the South Carolina Department of Education’s High School Redesign Commission and spent ten years with CERRA—first as a Teacher Cadet instructor and later as an advisory board member—helping to recruit and retain teachers across the state.
In 2012, Mary Beth retired from Lexington Richland District Five to become an adjunct instructor of English at Newberry College, where she designed a writing-intensive elective course on the Jazz Age and supervised student teachers in the Education Department. From 2015 to 2023, she continued this work at the University of South Carolina’s College of Education as a supervisor of student teachers. Though she retired again in 2023, Mary Beth remains deeply committed to teacher preparation, recruitment, and retention.
Mary Beth and her husband, Lee—a recipient of the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award—are proud supporters of the University of South Carolina. They are members of the President’s Horseshoe Society, University Associates, and life members of the Alumni Association. The couple resides in Chapin, where they enjoy time with their sons, Lee Jr. and Chase; daughters-in-love, Elizabeth and Ally; grandson, Lee III; and their beloved Cavalier puppy, Sudie.
After a distinguished career in Michigan’s public education system, Denson returned to South Carolina in 2018. She served as Director of Community Engagement in her hometown of Heath Springs, launching programs, projects, and events that strengthened the municipality and surrounding communities.
Zora Smith Denson, Ph.D., is a native of South Carolina and a 1975 graduate of the University of South Carolina. She earned her doctorate in Educational Leadership from Wayne State University in Michigan. Denson attended the historic Hillside High School in Heath Springs and graduated from Andrew High School in Lancaster County in 1971.
After a distinguished career in Michigan’s public education system, Denson returned to South Carolina in 2018. She served as Director of Community Engagement in her hometown of Heath Springs, launching programs, projects, and events that strengthened the municipality and surrounding communities. In this role, she partnered with non-profits, public health agencies, local businesses and faith-based organizations. She retired from this position in June 2025.
Denson remains active in community service, serving as a board member for HOPE Outreach, an advisor to the Lancaster County Historical Commission and a member of the Lancaster Women’s Democratic Council. She has led Positive Parenting classes for Lancaster’s Promise Neighborhood Summer Enrichment Programs and serves on the Lancaster Wholespire Coalition (Eat Smart Move More) planning committee, organizing health and wellness fairs and initiatives addressing food insecurity.
She also coordinates the Faith Activity Nutrition (FAN) program through the University of South Carolina’s Prevention Resource Center, engaging over thirty-five faith-based organizations in health promotion activities.
In recognition of her leadership in public health and community service, Denson received the 2022 Community Star Award from The National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health. She is the author of Elementary Principals: Perceptions of the Effects of Professional Development on Instructional Leadership and is a sought-after speaker, including at the 2023 Alliance for a Healthier South Carolina.
Denson is an active member of Gethsemane Baptist Church in Liberty Hill, South Carolina, where she teaches Sunday School, and maintains ties with her home church, New Hope Missionary Baptist in Heath Springs. She is the daughter of the late Willie and Susie Massey Smith and treasures the memory of her late husband, Curtis Ralph Denson.
Sherry's extensive leadership experience stems from 16 years in education and five years in business with Eastern Airlines. During her career in education, Sherry served as an elementary school principal, classroom teacher and district program coordinator for the Special Instructional Assistance Program in Cobb County, Georgia. She also worked as a Student Team Learning Coordinator in Richland County School District One.
Tjuan Dogan, Ph.D. is a philanthropic and social impact strategist dedicated to expanding educational access and opportunity. With more than two decades of experience leading global initiatives that drive societal change, she most recently served as Global Director of Social Impact at Coursera, a leading online learning platform and certified B Corp. Her previous leadership roles include positions in philanthropy and corporate responsibility at IBM, the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, Emory University and the Southern Education Foundation.
A recognized thought leader and speaker, Dogan has received numerous honors, including the Atlanta Business Chronicle’s Leaders in Corporate Citizenship Award and Emory University’s Sustainability Innovator Award, which she earned while serving as Emory’s first Assistant Vice President for Social Impact Innovation.
Dogan is a proud board member of Science ATL, a mentor with the Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta, a community impact committee member with the Community Foundation of Greater Atlanta and a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. A native of Greenville, S.C., she earned her B.A. in Journalism and both M.Ed. and Ph.D. degrees in Education with a concentration in business management from the University of South Carolina (USC), followed by a fellowship at Harvard Business School. A lifelong learner, she recently completed a Master of Religion and Public Life at Emory University’s Candler School of Theology, where her research explored the intersections of faith, philanthropy, and social justice.
Dogan serves on the USC College of Education Dean’s Advisory Board and the Candler Alumni Board. A life member of the USC Alumni Association, she was named a distinguished alumna of the College of Education and was an undergraduate recipient of the prestigious Caroliniana Award. Her name also appears in the Hall of Leaders in the Russell House University Union, and in 2023, she was honored with a brick on the historic Horseshoe, recognizing her as one of 18 Black women trailblazers who helped shape USC’s legacy.
In 2024, Dogan established the Tjuan Dogan College of Education Endowed Scholarship to invest in future scholars at USC and inspire them to pursue their purpose with perseverance. In her free time, she enjoys Gamecock women’s basketball, live theater, golf, travel and creating stained glass art.
Sarah Keeling, Ph.D. is a proud three-time alumna of the University of South Carolina system. She currently serves as the Director of Education and Research for the National Association for Campus Activities.
Sarah Keeling, Ph.D. is a proud three-time alumna of the University of South Carolina system. She currently serves as the Director of Education and Research for the National Association for Campus Activities (NACA), where she works to foster inclusive college communities where everyone feels a sense of belonging.
Outside of her professional role, Keeling volunteers with the Palmetto State Abortion Fund and is passionate about building meaningful connections within the Columbia community. In her free time, she enjoys relaxing on her screened porch with her dog, Bea, and spending time with friends and family.
Following graduation, Cathy began her teaching career in Lexington School District Two at Saluda River Elementary, where she taught for four years. During that time, she married Marion A. (“Lex”) Knox, Jr. Together, they have three children—Alex, Ashley and Trevor—and three beloved granddaughters: Rosie and June Carnahan of Minneapolis, MN, and “Rae” (Rachel) Knox of Columbia, SC.
Cathy Knox was born in Columbia, S.C and educated in Richland School District One. She graduated from A.C. Flora High School after her junior year and was admitted to the USC Honors Program, the forerunner of today’s Honors College. She later transferred to the College of Education, where she completed her degree.
Following graduation, Cathy began her teaching career in Lexington School District Two at Saluda River Elementary, where she taught for four years. During that time, she married Marion A. (“Lex”) Knox, Jr. Together, they have three children—Alex, Ashley and Trevor—and three beloved granddaughters: Rosie and June Carnahan of Minneapolis, MN, and “Rae” (Rachel) Knox of Columbia, SC.
A lifelong member of Shandon United Methodist Church, Cathy met her husband there, where both remain active participants. She has served on numerous church committees, including the Kindergarten Board and the Commission on Education, and also as a Brownie Scout Leader. Cathy and Lex are longtime members of The JOY Class, where she has served in various capacities. The class recently honored its beloved teacher, the late Dr. Harvey Allen, former USC Education professor and interim dean, for 50 years of dedicated service.
Cathy is also a dedicated member of the Augusta Beckman Circle, having served as circle leader and on multiple committees. She especially enjoyed hosting the group’s annual covered dish Christmas gatherings for many years prior to the COVID era.
Active for decades in United Methodist Women (UMW), Cathy served as co-chair and later as chair of the annual UMW Bazaar. More recently, she has focused her efforts on the Women’s Annual Church Garage Sale, which raises funds for charities throughout South Carolina. In recognition of her dedicated service, she was awarded a Lifetime Membership Pin from the United Methodist Women.
In 1999, Cathy joined ten other Shandon members on a United Methodist Volunteers in Mission (UMVIM) trip to El Estribo, Honduras, to assist in recovery efforts following Hurricane Mitch. There, she helped lay foundations and make cement blocks by hand for new homes.
Beyond her church work, Cathy has supported several community organizations, including the American Heart Association, The Tiffany Circle of the American Red Cross, and Columbia College, where she was honored with an honorary alumna membership.
Cathy and Lex have enjoyed traveling extensively throughout the U.S., Mexico, the Caribbean, and Europe—including a Viking river cruise through Russia—and a meaningful journey to Israel. Today, she enjoys spending time with family and relaxing at their second home on the Isle of Palms.
Bio coming soon.
After his years of service in Sumter County Schools, Ortmann became the State Vocational Director for the Palmetto Unified School District. He currently serves with the Palmetto State Teachers Association, where he has the opportunity to support, serve and collaborate with educators across South Carolina.
Joseph C. “Jody” Ortmann is a native of Sumter, South Carolina. He was educated in Sumter’s public schools, where he later served as a teacher, coach and administrator for more than 25 years. Jody earned both his B.S. and M.Ed. from the University of South Carolina.
After his years of service in Sumter County Schools, Jody became the State Vocational Director for the Palmetto Unified School District. He currently serves with the Palmetto State Teachers Association, where he has the opportunity to support, serve and collaborate with educators across South Carolina.
Jody is married to Libby Ortmann and is the proud father of three daughters—Sallie, Anna and Catherine. The Ortmann family is especially proud to hold ten degrees collectively from the University of South Carolina. Forever to Thee!
Wages began his teaching career in 1974 at Clarke Central High School in Athens, Georgia, where he taught government. The following year, he returned to South Carolina to continue his career at Spring Valley High School as a sociology teacher. At the age of 31, Wages became the originator and promoter of the 25-year retirement option for teachers and state employees in South Carolina—a significant contribution to the state’s educational workforce.
Jason Wages is a 1971 graduate of Spring Valley High School in Columbia, South Carolina. He attended the University of South Carolina, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in education (1974), a master’s degree in education (1977) and a doctorate in secondary education (2002).
Wages began his teaching career in 1974 at Clarke Central High School in Athens, Georgia, where he taught government. The following year, he returned to South Carolina to continue his career at Spring Valley High School as a sociology teacher. At the age of 31, Wages became the originator and promoter of the 25-year retirement option for teachers and state employees in South Carolina—a significant contribution to the state’s educational workforce.
In 1987, Wages was honored as Spring Valley High School’s Teacher of the Year. Deeply committed to community service, he also launched and organized annual Thanksgiving and Christmas projects at Spring Valley to assist families in need. In addition, he taught sociology in the Adult Education Program for Richland School District Two. After an impactful career spanning nearly three decades, Wages retired from teaching in 2002.
Today, Wages continues his advocacy for education and lifelong learning as the Institutional Ambassador for Allen University in Columbia, S.C., where he assists students in identifying scholarship and grant opportunities. He also serves as Institutional Ambassador for Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union, where he previously served on the Board of Directors (1991–1995) and currently contributes as a member of the Nominating Committee.
Wages is widely recognized for his Egg Baby Socialization Project, an innovative educational initiative designed to help students develop responsibility and citizenship. This project holds a patent registered with the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C.
A native of Blythewood, S.C., Wages is one of two sons born to Melvin and Pauline McDaniel Palmer Wages. He is the proud father of Jason II, father-in-law to Courtney and grandfather to Grayson.