The National Council for Education and Human Development

Created in February 2000, the National Council for Education and Human Development supports the Dean, faculty, students, staff, and mission of GW's Graduate School of Education and Human Development (GSEHD) by fostering positive relationships with GSEHD alumni, engaging with and advising on programs/policies, and assisting with fundraising efforts. Council members choose their area(s) of interest and participate on sub-committees chaired by a council member.

Meet the Council

V. Carolyn G. Barker

Vivian Carolyn Gilbert Barker (“Carolyn”) received her B.A. in Communications from the Annenberg School, University of Pennsylvania, in 1990. Upon graduation, Ms. Barker moved to Hong Kong and worked as an Account Executive for an international advertising firm before returning to work for the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative during the George H.W. Bush administration. From 1993 to 1998, Ms. Barker was the Director of Conference Programs for the Sigur Center for East Asian Studies at The George Washington University, where she planned and implemented multilateral conferences in Washington, D.C., and a number of major cities across East Asia, and coordinated the Visiting Scholars Program and the Distinguished Visiting Scholar Lecture Series, among other responsibilities. She earned her M.A. in International Education from GWU in 1998. She has since held a variety of teaching, education consulting and tutoring positions, and is active in local charitable and community work in Alexandria, Virginia. Ms. Barker has traveled extensively in Asia, Africa and Europe, and her interests include international education policy with a focus on fostering international communication, cooperation and understanding. Ms. Barker is married to husband Jim, a partner in a global law firm, and has six children.

Dr. Sheila Barry-Oliver

Dr. Barry-Oliver retired in 2012, having most recently been on the faculty at the University of Maryland University College and Trinity Washington University, where she taught graduate management courses. She was previously an associate professional lecturer in management science at GW from 1999 to 2006.

Dr. Barry-Oliver worked in the information technology and change management fields for 28 years. She served in several positions at Booz Allen Hamilton from 1987 to 1997, including as director of career advancement from 1993 to 1997. Dr. Barry-Oliver was a senior manager at Price Waterhouse Management Consultants from 1983 to 1987, managing information technology projects. She worked for Electronic Data Systems (EDS) from 1973 to 1983, managing information technology projects and business units. Dr. Barry-Oliver was on the technical staff at MITRE from 1969 to 1973. She is the author of Women’s Professional Organizations: Their Potential Role in Women’s Careers (GWU, 1999), and a contributor to Managing Impressions with Information Technology (2004). Dr. Barry-Oliver received a BA in mathematics from Emmanuel College in 1969 and an MBA from the Boston College Carroll Graduate School of Management in 1973. Dr. Barry-Oliver graduated from GSEHD with an EdD in human resource development in 1999.

Dr. Debra Bright

Dr. Debra Bright serves as the Associate Dean of Student Affairs, as well as Chair of the President’s Advisory Committee on Equity and Inclusion at Montgomery College (MC). In her role as Associate Dean, Dr. Bright helps to provide operational leadership for the Student Success unit, chairs the campus Behavioral Intervention Team, and advocates for students experiencing academic and personal difficulty. Passionate about empowering students, Dr. Bright helped develop a mentoring program at MC for single mothers, at-risk and first-generation college women, and personally mentors several female students and young professionals. Prior to her current role, she was the Director of Articulation, Transfer and Academic Services at MC (2007-2013) and Director of Admissions and Student Services at the George Washington University Graduate School of Education and Human Development (1993-2006). During Dr. Bright’s tenure at GW, she was an active member of the National Association of Graduate Admissions Professionals and served on its executive governing board.

Currently, Dr. Bright is a member of NASPA – Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education, the Association for Student Conduct Administration, the Mid Atlantic Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education, and a charter member of the Montgomery College chapter of the American Association of Women in Community Colleges. Additionally, she has served on the Steering Committee for the National Conference for College Women Student Leaders since 2012. Outside of academia, Dr. Bright is very active in her community and has been a member of several organizations that focus on empowering women and girls, including the Montgomery County Commission for Women, where she served as president for 2 years.

Dr. Bright is a recipient of the 2016 GW Black Alumni Association (GWBAA) Impact Award for her commitment to leadership, education, and community service. In 2019, Dr. Bright was named one of Maryland’s Top 100 Women by The Daily Record.

Dr. Bright holds a Bachelor of Science degree in broadcast journalism from Syracuse University, a Master of Education degree from Harvard University, and a Doctor of Education degree in higher education administration from the George Washington University.

Dr. Linda Campbell

Dr. Linda M. Campbell is a Senior Educational Doctoral Chair/Advisor at the Johns Hopkins University School of Education (SOE) in the EdD program. Dr. Campbell is the President of Campbell Education Consulting, LLC, (CEC), a private consulting company founded to provide school leadership development to school principals and teacher leaders in K-12 schools. She provides individual consulting services and professional development seminars on effective school leadership.
Dr. Campbell is an Advisory Board member on the National Council of Education and Human Development (NCEHD) at the George Washington University in Washington, DC. Dr. Campbell served as an Advisory Board member at Cedarville University in Ohio and served on two school accreditation teams for the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSACS) in Maryland. Dr. Campbell was a participant in the review of the Johns Hopkins University School of Education EdD On-Line Program by an Outside External Review Board. Dr. Campbell is a member of the American Education and Research Association (AERA); member and frequent presenter at the University Council of Educational Administrators (UCEA) sponsored by the University of Virginia; a member and research presenter to the Consortium for Research on Educational Assessment and Teacher Effectiveness (CREATE), sponsored by William and Mary College; and a frequent presenter to the Educational Symposium for Research Institute (ESRI) formerly sponsored by the George Washington University.

Dr. Campbell is a frequent university panelist for doctoral bootcamps, doctoral seminars, mock doctoral dissertation defense sessions at the George Washington University Graduate School of Education and Human Development. She writes research articles, papers, and book chapters on her scholarship in Teacher Leadership. Dr. Campbell also authors self-help books for teens and young adults on the effective use of study skills.

Dr. Campbell is a former high school principal, middle school director, secondary guidance counselor and academic dean, and secondary teacher. Dr. Campbell has Fortune 500 management and marketing experience and was a commercial bank officer in New York City.

Dr. Campbell received her Ed.D. degree from George Washington University, specializing in Education Administration and Policy Studies; MA Degree from the University of Maryland College Park in Education Policy, Planning, and Administration; BA Degree from Virginia State University in Business Education.

Dr. Campbell and her husband reside in Aventura, Florida. They have two adult sons, a daughter-in-law, and one granddaughter.

Barbara Edmondson, Ed.D.

Dr. Barbara McGraw Edmondson is the Head of School at Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School. She previously served as Chief Leadership and Program Officer for National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA) and Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Archdiocese of Baltimore. Dr. Edmondson’s leadership in Catholic education has had both local and national influence, serving the Maryland Catholic Conference as the Chair of the Education Committee, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) Work Group on Principal and Faculty Faith Formation, the University of Notre Dame Alliance for Catholic Education Superintendents Forum Design Team, and NCEA’s National Standards and Benchmarks for Effective Catholic Elementary and Secondary School (NSBECS) Council. She began her work as a Catholic educator both in the classroom and as principal of two Catholic elementary schools.

Dr. Edmondson began her career in higher education at The George Washington University, where she also earned her Doctorate in Education. As a senior member of the student affairs leadership, she oversaw the undergraduate residence life program for four years. Dr. Edmondson has also taught graduate and undergraduate classes in educational leadership and human development for over a decade at both GW and Loyola University in Baltimore. She currently serves as a member of GW’s National Council for Education and Human Development, Mount St. Mary’s University Center for Catholic School Excellence, and the Board of Directors for the Archdiocese of Washington’s Consortium of Catholic Academies.

In her time away from school, Dr. Edmondson delights in spending time with her husband, four adult children, and yellow lab both in the Nation’s Capital and at the Delaware shore. She is an avid Washington Nationals fan.

Annmarie Ekey

Annmarie Ekey graduated from GSEHD with a master's degree in Educational Leadership and Administration. She has served in the District of Columbia Public Schools as a Lead Administrator to oversee schools undergoing leadership changes and school climate shifts; working closely with district leaders to develop school transition and stabilization plans. Ms. Ekey co-authored the First Grade Academy pilot proposal for the District and also collaborated with the District Mental Health Team on the Trauma Responsive School’s pilot, targeted for launch this Fall 2019.

Titilola E. Harley

Titi started her career in education as a Business Analyst in the Office of Special Education at DC Public Schools and then transitioned to management consulting, thus marrying her business expertise with her desire to help education agencies bring about real change and better meet the needs of students from all backgrounds. While working in consulting she led and supported projects in areas such as strategic planning, performance management, program implementation and evaluation and data system adoption with leaders and educators across the United States including with the Office of the State Superintendent of Education in DC, Charleston County School District (SC), Oklahoma State Department of Education (SC), to name a few.

In 2015, Titi branched out and started her own consulting firm, Harley Consulting Group, and has partnered with a variety of organizations in the education space, including nonprofits, start-ups and foundations, to develop strategies, lend expertise, and walk alongside them to successfully manage change and exceed their goals. Some of her current and former clients include the Hawaii State Charter School Commission, the Annie E. Casey Foundation, City Year, and Diversity Talks. Titi is passionate about diversity, equity, and inclusion and working collaboratively to help people solve problems to improve opportunities and outcomes for the most vulnerable students.

Titi loves to travel, and she and her husband spend most of their time being bossed around by their 3-year old son, Caleb, and 1-year old daughter, Chole.

Isabelle Mensah

Isabelle Mensah grew up in Tampa, Florida where she received her undergraduate degree from the University of South Florida in elementary education. She began her teaching career in 2002 as a 6th grade teacher in Prince George's County Public Schools. While teaching, Ms. Mensah earned a Master’s degree from the George Washington University in educational leadership and administration. In addition to serving as a classroom teacher, she led the immersion program at Rock Creek Forest Elementary School. In 2017, Ms. Mensah became the assistant principal at Rock Creek Forest Elementary School. The commitment of the families and the spirit of the students at Rock Creek Forest is why she loves her work. Ms. Mensah is proud to serve as the assistant principal where she hopes to continue to make a positive impact on students’ academic achievements and attain a life-long love for learning.

Dr. Dorothy Moore

Dr. Moore is a professor emerita of education and international affairs at GSEHD and GW’s Elliott School of International Affairs (ESIA). Dr. Moore’s areas of specialization are international and comparative education and higher education. She has been a frequent lecturer for the US Department of State’s International Visitors Program, where she has spoken on topics concerning American education and issues in higher education. Dr. Moore is the founder and former director of the Master’s Degree Program in International Education at ESIA. She is also one of the founders and developers of the International Development Studies Program at ESIA. At GSEHD, Dr. Moore founded and directed the Office of International Activities and the Advanced Studies Program for Visiting Scholars. She previously served as the elected chair of the executive committee, as director of doctoral degree programs, and as director of the Elementary Teacher Education Program. Early in her career, Dr. Moore was a public school teacher and was elected president of the Falls Church Education Association and served on the board of the Virginia Education Association. She also taught for US Department of Defense Dependent Schools in Tokya, Japan.

Dr. Moore received her BA at the University of Maryland in 1954, her MA and EdD degrees from American University in 1959 and 1970, respectfully.

Eugene H. Rotberg, Esq.

Mr. Rotberg has been an independent advisor to international development and financial institutions since 1990. He advises on reserve management, and interest and exchange rate volatility. From 1987 to 1990, Mr. Rotberg was executive vice president and a member of the executive committee at Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. From 1969 to 1987, he was vice president and treasurer of the World Bank.

Mr. Rotberg earned a BA from Temple University, an LLB from the University of Pennsylvania.

Dr. Jarris Louis Taylor, Jr.

Dr. Jarris Louis Taylor, Jr., was appointed by President Obama on December 14, 2009, as the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Strategic Diversity Integration, in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force Manpower and Reserve Affair. He is a member of the Senior Executive Service, and is responsible for the policy, guidance, direction, and oversight of all plans and programs affecting diversity integration for Air Force military and civilian personnel. He provides leadership, strategic direction, and oversight to all levels of the Air Force to ensure a diverse and inclusive total force. Additionally, he is an Advisor to the Executive Resources Board.

Dr. Taylor retired from the United States Air Force on May 1, 2005 after 20 years of distinguished service to the nation. Upon retirement he immediately pursued his career goal of working in academia. He served as an adjunct professor at Regent University in the Organizational Leadership & Management Undergrad program and at Norfolk State University in the School of Education, Secondary Education & School Leadership program. In 2006, he returned to his alma mater, Hampton University, as the Associate Director for the William R. Harvey Leadership Institute and Honors College. He served as an administrator and held a faculty rank of assistant professor.

Dr. Taylor is a servant leader committed and dedicated to community service and served in the following leadership positions: Chairman for the Commonwealth of Virginia Governor’s Commission on National and Community Service (2007-2010); Virginia Service Foundation (2008-2010); Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Taxation Advisory Group (2007-2009); First Congressional District Education Advisory Board (2009); President of the Virginias Collegiate Honors Council (2008-2009); National Collegiate Honors Council, Assessment & Evaluation Committee (2008-2009); National Collegiate Honors Council, Professional Development Committee (2008-2009), National Visionary Leadership Project Advisory Board (2009); President of the Zeta Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. (2008-2009); Zeta Lambda Education Foundation (2006-present); Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Virginia, Board of Directors (2009); President of the Yorkshire Downs Master Association (2006-2009); Regional Director, Veterans and Military Families for Obama, Obama Presidential Campaign 2008.

Dr. Taylor earned his AA (1992) from Ball State University, AS (1994) from Community College of the Air Force, BA (1995) from Hampton University, MA (1997) and EdD (2005) from GSEHD. In 2011, he was elected into the Baltimore City College Alumni Association Hall of Fame.

Dr. Edward Vest

Dr. Vest was a test center administrator with Prometric, a computerized testing vendor in Fairfax, Virginia, from 2003 to 2007. He also worked on the 2010 US Census. Dr. Vest retired in 1989 after 30 years of service in the Prince George’s County public school system; first as a French teacher and later as vice principal at Crossland High School, and vice principal at Friendly High School. He also worked as assistant principal of the Islamic Saudi Academy in Alexandria, Virginia from 1991 to 2002. Though semi-retired now, Dr. Vest serves as treasurer of the Prince George’s Public Schools Retirees Association, a position he has held for many years. Likewise, he has been an election judge in Prince George’s County, Maryland for a number of years.

Dr. Vest received a BA in 1959, an MA in administration in 1965, and an EdD in secondary administration in 1972, all from GSEHD. Dr. Vest received the GW Distinguished Alumni Service Award in 1997.

Mary Kay Vona, Ed.D.

Dr. Mary Kay Vona is a proud graduate of George Washington University’s ELP Doctoral Program (class 4!), specializing in Organizational Development and Executive Leadership. She brings more than 37 years of industry and consulting expertise and has a unique combination of practice leadership, education, strategy, innovation, change management, business transformation and talent strategy experience. She is a change agent with a strategic mindset and ability to motivate others.

Currently, Dr. Vona is an adjunct Professor at Vanderbilt and The George Washington Universities where she teaches Consultation Skills, Organizational Development and Business Transformation courses to graduate students and Strategy/Analytics to doctoral students. As a Partner at EY, she led the Financial Service region for People Advisory Services (PAS) change management and talent practice. She also was the founding member of EY’s Learning Services and Adoption practice. Prior to joining EY, Dr. Vona held similar Partnership roles at PW/PWCC/IBM for over 22 years and served many industries including Financial Services, Media & Entertainment, Automotive, Oil & Gas, Power & Utilities, Communications and Telco. She was IBM’s Human Capital Practice Leader and Global Learning Partner, driving learning and adoption solutions and thought leadership around the globe. She is also a Prosci™ Certified Change Practitioner and Train the Trainer as well as a recognized author and speaker.

Dr. Vona has endowed the “Dr. Mary Kay Vona and Family” Doctoral Scholarship at The George Washington University that is awarded on an annual basis to a GW Doctoral Student. She has been a board member of Davis College/Akilah Institute of Rwanda for 10 years and served as a chair for 2 years. She is an advisory board member of the Florida Holocaust Museum and supports Parkinson’s Lewy Body Dementia Research; Children’s Cancer Research; Worldwide Orphans of Ukraine; Diabetes Research Institute (DRI); Duke Cancer Research; and the Orkweesa Education Scholarship Foundation.

Membership

Council members serve for a term of 3 years, which is renewable. Strong candidates typically bring special skills/experience, independent judgment, and an external perspective to the table; however, expert knowledge in the field of education is not required. While GSEHD maintains a strong representation of alumni on the Council, consideration is open to people without formal GW affiliations as well. Parents, emeritus faculty, friends, as well as leaders in education, business and the community are also able to join.

If you’re interested in joining the Council or know someone who is, please submit the NCEHD Nomination Form today for more information. Formal invitations to join the Council are contingent upon approval by the Dean, in consultation with the Office of Development and Alumni Relations.

Meetings & Engagement

The full Council meets twice a year. During these general meetings, sub-committee chairs report on their activities. Time is also allotted during these meetings for the sub-committees to convene. Members are expected to attend at least one of the two general body meetings each year. Additionally, members are encouraged to attend the university-wide Leadership Retreat.

Financial Support

As leaders in personal philanthropy and fundraising efforts, an annual gift of at least $1,500 is requested, which will be designated to the member’s GSEHD fund of choice. Members are also encouraged to consider a major gift commitment, and may take advantage of a variety giving options available, including planned giving and gifts of real estate.

Roles & Responsibilities

Work to enhance the image, standards, and resources of the Graduate School of Education and Human Development.
Stay informed on issues relating to the advancement of the school.
Provide constructive feedback to school leadership on issues such as advancement objectives, strategic planning, curriculum/program development, student recruitment strategies, and career development for graduates.
Assist in developing new partnerships between the school and external constituencies.
Identify and recruit new board members, as appropriate.
Identify and open doors to new sources of financial support.
Support the school financially through personal or corporate resources—an annual gift of at least $1,500 is requested from each Council member, which will be designated to the member’s GSEHD fund of choice.
Assist with fundraising strategies, including leveraging personal relationships with others (including corporations, professional service firms, foundations, individuals and governmental agencies).
Assist with introductions to, cultivation of and stewardship of current donors and future prospects.
Attend at least one of the two Council meetings annually.
Attend Council meetings and other activities, including special events and Council retreats.
Come to Council meetings well-prepared and well-informed about issues on the agenda.
Contribute to Council meetings by expressing individual point of view.
Consider other points of view, make constructive suggestions, and help the Council make decisions that benefit those GSEHD serves.
Support in a positive manner all actions taken by the Council even when in a minority position on such actions.
Assume Council leadership roles when asked.
Develop individual plan for fulfilling Council work and responsibilities.

The Council does not have executive, administrative or fiduciary responsibilities.