SEARCH  

• Home
• About Us
• People
  • Staff
  • Organizational Chart
  • Student Organizations
• Programs & Services
• Events
• Contact

• Division of Student Affairs
• Pouncin' Around

Staff

		Dr. Doris Derby Director | Email Dr. Doris A. Derby has been Georgia State University’s Director of the Office of African American Student Services and Programs since 1990. Additionally, she is the Minority Advising Program Officer, at Georgia State University, for the University System of Georgia. In her present role, Dr. Derby has designed a department to provide co-curricular support for the Retention, Progression, and Graduation of African American students. Programs and services have been created in student leadership development and have resulted in the chartering and co-sponsorship of over 20 student organizations and the OAASS&P Presidents Council. Academic support services include Tutoring, Academic Advising, Peer Advising, Mentoring, and the Black Freshman Network, Black Sophomore Society, Black Junior Achievers, and the Black Senior Scholars and Superstars. Dr. Derby is an education administrator, anthropologist, artist and photographer. She has earned her Doctor of Philosophy degree in Cultural/Social Anthropology with a concentration in African American Studies from the University of Illinois. She is an accomplished documentary photographer and oil painter. Exhibits of her works have been held in numerous art fairs and juried art shows in Wisconsin, New York, Pennsylvania, California, Illinois, Virginia, Alabama, Mississippi and Georgia.
		Dr. David Smith Jr. Interim Director | Email Dr. David Smith, Jr., has served as the Assistant Director of the Office of African American Student Services and Programs, Division of Student Affairs since 2008. He is an Educator, Historian, and an Administrator-Scholar focused on African American student retention, progression, and graduation; diversity in higher education; global higher education and professional associations, and higher education administration and governance. Dr. Smith is a member of several university-wide committees including the Diversity Recognition Committee and the Disabilities Initiatives Committee. He was previously on staff at Emory University and the University of Pennsylvania, Wharton School of Business. Dr. Smith has lived, worked, and traveled around the world including Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Central America, Europe, the Middle East, North America, and South America. He pursued primary, secondary, and higher education in Asia, Europe, and North America including attending primary school on the Island of Okinawa, Japan and teaching college in Germany. As a globally educated citizen, he has always felt a responsibility to help unite the global community through higher education and increased awareness about cultures throughout the world. Dr. Smith spent a career in the United States Army including a combat tour during Desert Shield/Storm in the Persian Gulf with the 1st Armored Division, 7th Corp. Dr. Smith has earned six college degrees including a Ph.D. in Higher Education from Georgia State University. He is the author of 6 books including Georgia State University: An Institutional History, 1913-2002; African Wisdom: 365 Days A Year; The First Ten African American Presidents, 1848-1904; The African American Presidents: The Carter Presidential Center Exhibit; Ancestors: An American Journey – The Story of a Family; and The Pyramid of Excellence for Goal Achievement. His books are available on Amazon.com and in various bookstores. He has been invited to speak at a number of venues including The Library of Congress on Capitol Hill; The Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum; at National Conferences; Martin Luther King, Jr., Memorial Library in Washington, D.C., and at Presidential Banquets and Programs (to include President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf - Republic of Liberia, President Jimmy Carter; and President Koroma – Republic of Sierra Leone). Recently he was an invited guest of Dr. Martin Luther King’s family to sit with them in the family section during the MLK Memorial Dedication Ceremony in Washington, D.C., where he was an eyewitness to history.  Dr. Smith is the advisor for 7 student organizations or affiliates including the Model African Union Delegation at GSU; the African American Male Initiative; the Student Veterans Association at GSU; OAASS&P’s Veterans Keepers; the National Association of Black Law Students – College Student Division at GSU; the University Speakers Association (Toastmasters) at GSU; and A Vineyard of Praise. The Model African Union Delegation at GSU was recently recognized at the National Conference as the Outstanding Delegation (best) in the nation.
		Traci Shelton Student Development Specialist | Email Traci Shelton has served as OAASS&P’s Student Development Specialist since 2008. Traci is the advisor for several groups in OAASS&P including the Black Freshman Network, the Black Sophomore Society, and Sisters Keepers. In addition, she advises Conscious Collective, a student organization focused on artistic students. Traci received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Georgia State University. She has over 10 years experience in Mediation and Arbitration at the corporate level. Traci is a fitness and wellness expert with previous training and certification through AFAA.
		Michael Wyatt Senior Student Development Specialist  | Email Michael Wyatt serves as the Senior Student Development Specialist for OAASS&P.  Mike is staff advisor to the chartered student organization Black Graduate Student Association and the Peer Group Retention Initiatives:  Brothers Keepers, Black Junior Achievers and Black Senior Scholars and Superstars.  Mr. Wyatt serves as the primary facilitator for OAASS&P’s GRE Prep and Public Speaking Workshop Series.  Michael is a member of OAASS&P President’s Council; He is member of the National Council of Black Studies and Toastmasters International. Mike has received numerous awards including the Kwame Ture Award for Outstanding Academic Achievement and the Asa G. Hilliard Award for Excellence in Graduate Studies.  Michael earned his Master’s Degree in Public Policy and his Bachelor’s Degree in African American Studies from Georgia State University.
		Angela Stover Administrative Coordinator  | Email Angela Stover has served as OAASS&P Administrative Coordinator since June 2011.  She brings with her over seven years of experience working in Higher Education.  She graduated December 2010, from Kennesaw State University with a Bachelor Degree in Criminal Justice.  As the Administrative Coordinator, Angela trains and supervises student assistants, interns, volunteers and employees from the Georgia Works program.  She manages the day-to-day office operations and provides general information to the University community and the general public.  Angela is currently working on completing certification in Alternative DIspute Resolution at Kennesaw State University.
		John W. Jones African American Male Initiatve (AAMI)Success Program Coordinator   | Email John W. Jones serves as Coordinator of the African American Male Initiative Success Program for OAASS&P.  He comes to OAASS&P with experience in administration, education and training.  John received an Associate Degree in Educational Administration and Methodology from the Community College of the Air Force, Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology from Troy State University and a Master of Arts Degree from Northern Michigan University in Administrative Service.  He completed the Behavior/Learning Disabilities Program at Georgia State University which lead him to receiving his Georgia Educator Certificate in Special Education (P-12). In addition, John is certified as an Anger Management Specialist, DUI/Drug Use Risk Reduction Program Instructor and a Registered Conflict Resolution Mediator.  He is currently working towards certification in Substance Abuse Counseling.