Biography

• Troy University, MS., Human Resource Management – 1990
  
• Hampton University, MBA – 1984
  
• Air Force Institute of Technology, Certification, Logistics and Acquisition Management – 1982
  
• Alabama State University, BS., Computer Information Systems – 1980
  (301) 523-0569

Mr. Watkins is a retired Air Force Officer, and a Disabled Veteran. He served 20 years in the military and fifteen years as a federal government contractor with many years of notable accomplishments in the Air Force, Defense Information Systems Agency, and National Security Agency. Mr. Watkins is dedicated to the Christian faith and has gained knowledge, learned from other religious faiths, and worked tirelessly to improve his life and the lives of others through faithful service, especially the teachings, love, training, and leadership entrusted in him at Washington, DC Union Temple Baptist Church and Mt. Ennon Baptist Church, Clinton, MD. Pastors and leadership of these churches has strengthened his faith, and most importantly, encouraged and supported his unwavering commitment, service, and love for Alabama State University.

Mr. Watkins hosts an annual Christmas dinner for the President of ASU, students, alumni, and parents (which give students an opportunity to meet the ASU President and foster relationships between other students and alumni). He also passionately desires to give back to the community and do what so many teachers, friends, and mentors had done for him—to invest in the development of young minds and provide financial support to help young people realize their educational dreams, which motivated him to establish the Friends of Howard Watkins Fund, Scholarships, and College Development Program.

Mr. Watkins served on the Board of Trustees at his ASU, a board of director member of the Alabama State University (ASU) National Alumni Association, member of the advisory team of the Dean of College of Business Administration (now the Percy J. Vaughn College of Business), and president of the Metro Washington DC Alumni Chapter of ASU NAA where he partners with other HBCU chapters to established new scholarships and social initiatives, improved students recruitment and scholarship funds by ninety percent, and established the University first parents support group.

In 2017, he received the Marion Nine Award. This award recognizes individuals or organizations whose professional efforts have created innovation, positive change or notable advancement in an industry, environment or concept and demonstrates great vision, honorable citizenship and success and have a positive impact on the community.  Mr. Watkins is also a member of the American Legion – VFW Post 9376, Clinton, Md; the ASU Detachment 019 AFROTC Alumni Association, Troy University Alumni Association, and a life member of the ASU Alumni Association, and Kappa Alpha Psi, Fraternity, Inc. He donates annually to Alabama State University, Troy University, Alabama A&M University, Selman University, Tuskegee University, Payne University, Norfolk State University, Hampton University, Southern University, Fisk University, Cheney University, and Meharry Medical College.

• Retired Federal Officer and Philosophy
  
• America University, Washington, DC

Mr. Charles Herman French was born in Jamaica New York September 2, 1934. He joined the Navy at the age of 18 in 1952 and served throughout the Korean War. He married his childhood sweetheart, the former Sylvia Elaine Baily on September 11, 1954. Through that union, they had five children (three boys and two girls). On December 11, 1961, he and his family relocated from New York City to Washington DC, where began serving as a Washington DC Metropolitan Police Officer. After 11 years, he accepted an investigator position with the Washington DC Department of Health Human and Service (Welfare Department). He took a position as an investigator position in 1974 with the Federal Office of Special Counsel in Washington DC and retired on April 4, 1994. After retirement, he became a golf instructor in Washington DC. His most famous student was the US Vice-President Job Biden.

He attended America University and studied Criminal Justice. While in the police department he worked in the youth division and became an advocate of assistance for youth to stay in school and get an education. Over the years, he and his family have given thousands of dollars to historical Black colleges and universities. After the death of his wife, Sylvia, in 2017. Karen French Reed, was a longtime donor, encouraged her father, Charles H. French, to become a donor. Eventual he met and partners with Mr. Howard Watkins to assist him raising money to support students attending Alabama State University on behalf of his wife, Sylvia Elaine French. From that relationship the birth of the Friends of Howard Watkins was established. The two will establish a lifetime endowed scholarship at Alabama State University to assist students on behalf of Alumnus Watkins, Charles Herman French, and Sylvia Elaine French to continue their lifetime commitment to higher education and Alabama State University.

• University of Maryland, College Park, MD
• Dallas Theological Seminary, Dallas, TX

Philip Ryan Witcher, esteemed human resources executive and personal development coach, resides in Dallas, Texas, alongside his wife and two daughters. With a career marked with over fifteen years of combined experience in sales, talent acquisition, education, and diversity, equity, and inclusion, his dynamic approach to leadership and mentorship has empowered countless professionals and cemented his status as a pivotal figure in the HR and personal development domains. Phil’s commitment to fostering growth and innovation within the industry underscores his dedication to elevating organizational success and nurturing talent.

Philip offers a wealth of expertise to the Friends of Howard Watkins, drawn from his extensive experience in mid-to-senior level corporate roles at companies such as Philip Morris USA, Clear Channel Communications, Ericsson, and Nike where he led global college recruiting. Throughout his career, he has successfully led a diverse global workforce of 40+ professionals and has garnered recognition for his exceptional ability to cultivate strong, cohesive team cultures. His strategic leadership and proven track record fostering organizational excellence make him an invaluable asset to our cause.

Philip graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications. He was honored with the University’s prestigious OMSE Creative Written Expression Award, which annually recognizes written and academic achievements of undergraduate multi-ethnic students. In addition to his academic pursuits, Philip was a staff writer for the only Black student newspaper on campus, The Black Explosion.

Adding to his undergraduate experience, Philip was selected to participate in such esteemed programs as INROADS, the Harvard University Business School Summer Venture in Management and was a charter member of the University of Maryland Hinman CEO’s Program. Postgraduate, Philip pursued studies in Christian Education at the renowned Dallas Theological Seminary and earned a Youth Christian Counselor Certification from the American Association of Christian Counselors.

Philip believes that scholarships are a vital means to student achievement and for over twenty years he has supported the educational efforts of students through tutoring and mentoring disadvantaged youth, becoming certified foster parents, providing career coaching at alternative schools, serving as a substitute teacher in his local community, coaching youth athletic teams, and donating time and money to colleges and universities.

Philip has imparted this same drive and commitment to his two daughters, emphasizing the importance of intellectual growth and perseverance. He lives by the philosophy that “leadership begins within,” underscoring his belief in prioritizing self-awareness and personal healing before you can guide and inspire others.

• Alabama State University, Montgomery, Al
  

Edwin Brown, an accomplished technical expert, boasts over a decade of experience collaborating with organizations dedicated to preparing students for college. His contributions include raising and donating funds to support college-bound students, organizing events, and annually recognizing and awarding scholarships to high school and college students. As a former recipient of numerous academic and community service scholarships, Edwin harbors a deep passion for service and a commitment to giving back to the community that has generously supported him. Edwin’s expertise extends to his tenure at the Ryan Odell Mance Memorial Scholarship Foundation, where he was a four-year scholarship recipient and served on the board of directors. His significant impact on the Metro Washington DC Alumni Chapter of the Alabama State University National Alumni Association’s Pre-College Training and Scholarship Program is noteworthy. Edwin has led the recruitment of high school seniors for his alma mater, trained students for success, and ensured they have the knowledge and funds to support their education.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Edwin served as the technical lead, successfully integrating technology into creating a virtual environment for training and the chapter’s annual scholarship awards celebration. Additionally, he has held roles as the chapter’s chaplain, lead trainer, and editor of the scholarship awards booklet, demonstrating his versatility and dedication to the cause of education and community service.

Edwin, a distinguished Cum Laude graduate of Alabama State University’s Percy J. Vaughn College of Business, earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Management in 2016. Since then, he has acquired an impressive array of technical certifications, cementing his reputation as a subject matter expert within the technical community. His continuous pursuit of knowledge and excellence exemplifies his commitment to both personal and professional growth.

Prior to his tenure as a civil servant with the Department of Homeland Security, Edwin briefly ventured into the private sector, working with Spatial Front, Inc. in McLean, Virginia. During this period, he excelled in multiple roles, including that of a Local Area Network technical writer, analyst, systems integrator, and presenter. This diverse array of responsibilities underscored his multifaceted expertise and adaptability within the technical domain.

In 2018, Edwin Brown was in high demand by the Department of Homeland Security. Throughout his tenure, he has held numerous management and leadership positions, earning a reputation not only as a leader, manager, and instructor but also as a trusted and invaluable employee known for his reliability and precision. Edwin has been deployed to lead disaster response efforts during hurricanes, participated extensively in field operations, and contributed to the Southwest Border Project. As one of the department’s lead trainers, he has provided support to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Office of Refugee Resettlement, and the Field Operations Directorate Office Detail. His multifaceted expertise and commitment to excellence have made him an indispensable asset to the department.

• Alabama State University, Montgomery, Al
  
• Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
  
• Michigan State University, East Lancing, MI
  
• Educator and Residence Student & PhD Candidate, MSU

Darren “Dee” Dubose is a K-12 educator, advocate, and community organizer. Born in the rural Black Belt of Alabama, his academic journey was impacted by federalism that limited his opportunity to the American dream. With that, he is currently pursuing a Ph.D. student in Education Policy at Michigan State University, where his research interests are interconnected with the race and space of Black rurality. He’s interested in the functionalities of social emotional learning as a tool of harm for Black male students. In addition to his graduate studies, Dee completed a 200-hour certified yoga teacher in the Greater Lansing area. Overall, he hopes to use his scholarly research and practical knowledge to design a mindfulness curriculum to support students in historically targeted rural areas while also providing opportunities for Black males from historically marginalized communities.

• Alabama State University – Montgomery, AL ‘15
• University of Maryland Global Campus – Adelphi, MD ‘18
• Contracts Manager – Amentum

Malcolm Mallory was born and raised in Prince Georges County, Maryland and graduated with honors from Alabama State University in 2015 with a bachelor’s degree in business management. Mr. Mallory continued his studies at the University of Maryland Global Campus, earning his Master of Business Administration (MBA) in 2018. Mr. Mallory currently works as a contracts manager for Amentum, a Defense Contractor in Northern Virginia. Within his job role, Mr. Mallory manages a portfolio of contracts worth over $500 Million across multiple business organizations within the company. Mr. Mallory also has his own real estate investment company in which he renovates homes in the DMV area. Mr. Mallory has worked alongside Mr. Watkins serving as Vice Director of the DC Metro Pre-College Enrichment Program for over 8 years. Mr. Mallory still serves in a leadership capacity today for the Pre-College Enrichment program.

• Pennsylvania Western University Clarion
• Clark Atlanta University

Mr. Mitchell holds both a Bachelor of Science degree from Pennsylvania Western University Clarion as well as a Master of Business Administration degree from Clark Atlanta University. Robert is a Human Resources professional and has been the HR Director for KHAFRA Engineering Consultants Incorporated for the past 18 years. Mr. Mitchell is a past President of the Atlanta Engineering Personnel Association (AEPA) and a member of the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM). 

Mr. Mitchell has been an advocate in support of ASU through recruitment, donation of office furniture, and father of two alumni. During his spare time, he loves spending time with family and friends. Robert is also a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. 

• CEO of Preparing4College101
• Professional School Counselor
• Alabama State University-02
• Norfolk State University-22

Renita Rich Bren is a two-time HBCU alum hailing from Milton, Florida. She is most recently recognized by her undergraduate alma mater as a member of ASU’s 50 Under 50. Renita is the owner of Preparing for College 101, an innovative business that engages students and parents seeking college admissions, scholarship approval and academic counseling. Renita has assisted students with over $3 million in scholarships and aid. As a distinguished educator with twenty-one years of experience in public education in Florida and Virginia, Renita has collaborated with diverse organizations including: 100 Black Men of Hampton Roads, National Council of Negro Women, Urban League of Hampton Roads, TimeOut4U, Inc., Black Engineer of the Year Awards Pre-College Program, Educational Talent Search, and Verizon Innovative Learning Minority Male Program and Nursing Cap. She continues to host STEM workshops and College Fairs in the Hampton Roads Area in collaboration with Hampton University’s Engineering Department and the Department of Energy. Recognized in 2018 by Hampton University’s Educational Talent Search with the Community Involvement Leadership Award and honored in 2022 as Teacher of the Year. During her spare time. She loves spending time with her husband and four children. She is also an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.