Saluki Women's Weekend | SIU Foundation | SIU

Dr. Sheryl Ann Tucker joined Southern Illinois University (SIU) as Provost, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Professor of Chemistry in June 2023. As Chief Academic Officer, she is responsible for setting the overall academic priorities for the University and sees the role of the Provost’s Office as facilitating the success of SIU's students, faculty, staff and alums.

As a former National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellow, Dr. Tucker earned her doctorate in chemistry from the University of North Texas, followed by her postdoctoral studies in analytical chemistry at Duke University. As a molecular spectroscopist with interest in chemical separations, she has published over 100 peer-reviewed articles in journals including Science, and garnered significant funding from federal and foundation sources while mentoring 50 undergraduate and graduate student researchers, over 70% from underrepresented groups. With her long-held beliefs about the pivotal role education plays in society, Dr. Tucker is enthusiastic about developing the students as people, scholars and professionals.

Prior to joining SIU, Dr. Tucker served as Vice Provost and Dean of the Graduate College for the Oklahoma State University (OSU) System graduate campuses – main campus in Stillwater, OSU – Tulsa branch campus and the Center for Health Sciences; she also served as the OSU Interim Vice President for Research and Technology Transfer. Prior to joining OSU, Dr. Tucker was an NSF Program Director for the Graduate Research Fellowship Program, Graduate School Associate Dean and Professor of Chemistry at the University of Missouri – Columbia (MU).

For more than 15 years, Dr. Tucker was a noted leader in graduate education and was recently honored by the Conference of Southern Graduate Schools receiving the 2023 Award for Contributions to Graduate Education in the Southern Region. She also served as an elected member of the Council of Graduate Schools National Board of Directors.

During her professorial and administrative careers, Dr. Tucker has received numerous awards and honors, especially those related to inclusive excellence: White House Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring, NSF Director’s Award for Collaborative Integration, Girl Scouts of the USA Quality Recognition Award for her “Magic of Chemistry” program, American Chemical Society Stanley C. Israel Regional Award for Advancing Diversity in the Chemical Sciences, Sigma Xi – The Scientific Research Society Distinguished Lecturer, MU Chancellor’s Diversity Initiative Inclusive Excellence Award and MU Graduate Faculty Mentor Award. She also served on the Oklahoma EPSCoR Advisory Committee through appointment by the State Board of Regents.

 

She and her husband David Beech have a daughter, Tucker Airabella Beech, and two Sheltie dogs, Sunny Beech and Stormy Beech, and reside in Carterville, IL.

Tami Hansbrough-Kupec is a dedicated leader in the world of philanthropy, with over 15 years of experience in both domestic and international nonprofit fundraising. She has served as an Annual Fund Director and major gifts officer at the UNC School of Dentistry, where she was actively involved in the Dental Sciences Building Campaign, helping to raise over $50 million. Transitioning to UNC Student Affairs, Tami worked as a major gifts officer, creating a Parents Advisory Board Council with $20 million in commitments, as well as a First Generation Student Program with $1 million in funding to benefit first-generation students and their families in need of additional support. She also created a successful mentoring program for out-of-state students.

Additionally, Tami has international nonprofit experience, having worked as the Executive Director of Development with Watoto Child Care Ministries in Uganda. This organization focuses on rescuing and empowering vulnerable individuals. In her role, Tami oversaw the U.S. team's fundraising operations, recruited volunteers, and developed educational and healthcare programs to address the needs of the vulnerable.

Pictured left to right: Ashley Hinton, Dorcas Brou, Stellah Nakiranda and Kierra Greer.

Join us for the student-led breakout session titled "A Mentor's Journey," where speakers Dorcas Brou, Ashley Hinton, Kierra Greer, and Stellah Nakiranda will share their invaluable experiences and insights on mentorship. Moderated by WLC Board Member Diane Eaton, this session aims to explore the transformative impact that mentorship can have on both mentors and mentees. Don't miss this chance to gain a deeper understanding of the role mentorship can play in personal and professional development.

Kelly Bond-White – Head Coach – SIU Women’s Basketball
Topic: “Surviving to Thriving: Staying Armored Up While Living Our Best Life”

About:

Kelly Bond-White is entering her second season as head coach of SIU's women's basketball team. She joined the Salukis after a successful 19-year tenure as Gary Blair’s lead assistant at Texas A&M. For the last 15 of those years, she served as the associate head coach, helping the Aggies secure their first NCAA title in 2011. She also played a role in 18 NCAA tournament appearances during her time with Blair, which includes his last three years at Arkansas from 2000-2003. In her first season at Southern Illinois, the team posted a record of 12-19 overall and 8-12 in conference play. On three separate occasions, the Salukis scored at least 100 points, including a season-high of 115 on December 1, 2022. Under Bond-White's leadership, Southern Illinois earned a first-round victory in the MVC Tournament, defeating Indiana State 81-79 on March 9, 2023.

She and her husband, Christopher, are the proud parents of Lauryn Christina.

Kelli Dunaway – CEO of Aspire and Councilwoman in St. Louis County, MO
Topic: Find Joy in Your Work

About:

Kelli Dunaway is a coach, teacher, activist, and writer whose raison d'être is helping people realize their potential. Kelli designs and delivers coaching and training that empowers individuals to define the leader they aspire to be and to pursue their achievement with intentionality and purpose.

As a coach, Kelli uses humor, instinct, and powerful questions to support her clients in imagining and executing practices and habits that help them achieve their professional and personal leadership goals. As a consultant, Kelli works with organizations to define what leadership looks like and design training and coaching programs and policies to meet these goals. As a Councilwoman, Kelli imagines policy and collaborates with constituents, County departments, the County Counselor’s office, industry experts, and the Executive's team to create laws for the equitable benefit of St. Louis County and the environment.

As a woman, Kelli is a mom to Bella and Liam, a historical novelist, a magick enthusiast, and a lover of happy hour and brunch.

Kelli is the Founder and CEO of Aspire, an elected Councilwoman in St. Louis County, Missouri, an ICF-certified coach, and a member of the California Bar. She earned her J.D. from UCLA and her B.A. in History from Southern Illinois University.

Amanda Holm
Conscious creator and founder of Girl Gong Wild, Amanda is passionate about empowering individuals through an integrated approach to wellness. She specializes in sound therapy, breath work, mindful movement, meditation, and womb wellness. Her aim is to guide people on a transformative journey to self-discovery and holistic health.

Background:
- Ordained Minister (2016)
- Death Doula (2017)
- Reiki Levels I, II, and Master (2016-2018)
- Native Medicine Wheel Certification (2018)
- Barefoot Freedom 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training (2019)
- Completed MAPS.org Psychedelic Course (2020)
- Sexual Sovereignty Program (2021)
- Sonic Sound Therapy Certification (2022)