TheHBCUNation

Dr. Lanze Thompson is a finance and strategic management executive and board member with over thirty-five years of experience at Fortune 100 companies consisting of Time Warner/CNN, Ford Motor Company, Alcoa, Con Edison, PSEG, Philip Morris/Kraft Foods, and the Georgia Lottery where he has held executive positions such as CFO, Executive Vice President, Chief Strategy Officer, and Controller. He has also gained valuable operating experience as the President and COO of two start-up subsidiaries at PSEG and Con Edison. Mr. Thompson is currently the Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Chief Strategy Officer for Clark Atlanta University. Lanze Thompson was born in Boston, MA and earned his Doctorate in Business from Pace University with concentrations in Global Marketing Strategy and International Business. Lanze received his MBA from Boston College, concentrating in Strategic Management and Finance and he is a graduate of Colby College with a BA in Economics. Lanze is married with three son

On this week's episode of "it's Easy Son," host Gerald Hector speaks with institutional investment and economics expert Mr. Gerald Alain P. Chen-Young to the podcast. Born in the United States, but raised on the island of Jamaica, Mr. Chen-Young shares his journey from grade school all the way through to his attendance at some of the most reputable and recognizable institutions of higher learning in the world. He shares pearls of wisdom about taking care of self, hard work, and avoiding the trap of settling for mediocrity in our efforts around anything we set our minds to. His career spans both institutional investing with large investment banks, and also overseeing the portfolio at the United Negro College Fund, Inc, more pointedly the landmark Gates Millennium Scholars program. A lifelong learner, he shares not only his love for economics, but also his brief stint at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, France. Little did he know how much that experience would have impacted the rest of his life.

"This week on It's Easy Son, Gerald Hector welcomes to the podcast, Mr. Rohan Edwards, CPA. He is a Partner with Big Four Firm, Ernst and Young, in their Atlanta office. A native of Jamaica, Mr. Edwards speaks with us about his amazing journey from his early life in Kingston and then to Spanish Town, all the while remaining focused on a singular goal. Despite many twists, turns and experiences, he is now in a position where one of his life's goals is to help those who find themselves going through the same process he endured. He wants to find ways to lessen the challenges for these individuals. He is the son of a Bishop, and a brother to a gospel recording artiste, but his family upbringing, and his keen desire to make his mark on this world, has led him to accomplish quite a lot in a short space of time. The good news is that he is just beginning by serving charitable organizations with his time, treasure, and talent. He is a husband, father, philanthropist and an accounting and auditing expert. Listen

Rev. Nathaniel Wright was licensed to the ministry on December 8, 1996.Throughout the early portion of his religious career, Rev. Wright served on the Calvary Baptist Church Ministerial Staff as a youth minister. Reverend Wright was ordained to the Gospel Ministry on September 28, 2003 and in January 2004 he stepped into the role of Interim Pastor at Calvary. On December 11, 2005, Reverend Wright was installed as the Pastor of Calvary Baptist Church. Today, Rev. Wright continues to serve Calvary with: faithfulness, dedication and the utmost commitment to the expansion of God’s kingdom. Additionally, Rev. Wright served from April, 2012 to December 2016 as first the overseer and later Pastor for the Friendship Baptist Church in Corning, New York. Pastor Wright is a tremendous orator who is able to convey the truth of God’s word clearly, compellingly and effectively. His God-given ability to use the Bible to meet the needs of people from all walks of life is made evident by the multigenerational congregation

This week Gerald Hector welcomes to It's Easy Son, Dr. Richard Lapchick. He is an eminent scholar, an endowed chair & director of The Devos Sport Business Management, and also the Director for The Institute for Diversity & Ethics in Sport. He is a well known national and international figure as it pertains to the intersection of sports, social equity and justice. He is the author of over seventeen books and six hundred articles. Over his career he has been a consistent voice on this topic, and is highly sought after to speak to groups, companies and professional sport leagues on how they can improve in this space. He is the son of former Boston Celtic legendary player, turned coach, Joe Lapchick. In this interview he shares how an incident at a local restaurant when he was seven years old, and the treatment his father received after recruiting Nat "Sweetwater" Clifton in 1950, shaped his future interests in equality, social justice and their intersection with sports. An athlete himself, listen in as he sha

"This week Gerald Hector welcomes to It's Easy Son three former guests. Mr. Wolde Harris, Mr. Gregory Simmonds, and Mr. Andre Virtue return to speak about the sport of football/soccer. They share their love for the game, how it impacts and changes the lives of young people, and their thoughts on how to lift the sport further specifically on the island nation of Jamaica. All three perspectives point to how we can make education and development though the "beautiful game" a top priority to teach life skills for greater societal impact around the globe. Listen and hear three former professionals share their thoughts on when we go from here."

Mr. Gerald Hector welcomes Nationally Recognized Leader in Higher Education, Dr. Charlie Nelms. Charlie’s eminent career includes serving as chancellor at Indiana University East, the University of Michigan-Flint, and North Carolina Central University (NCCU). During his tenure as chancellor of NCCU, U.S. News & World Report ranked it as one of the best public HBCUs in the nation for three consecutive years. Charlie has received numerous national accolades for his higher education leadership, including prestigious fellowships from the Ford Foundation and the American Council on Education. In addition, he has been widely recognized for tackling issues beyond academia in our communities-at-large. In 2012, President Obama honored him with the MLK Drum Major for Service Award for helping to address the most pressing needs in our nation. Charlie is a highly sought guest speaker, panelist, and commentator at various events, radio programs and podcasts. For five years, he was a Huffington Post blogger, where

Andre’ Virtue Man | Father | Mentor | Coach | Educator With a very calming a peaceful presence, Andre’ Virtue is a man of simplicity, vision and faith. He is a man who listens more than he speaks, except of course when it comes to those things he loves dearly; Football and faith. Before becoming husband and father to his two sons, he was and continues to be a father figure to many. The young boys and girls from all walks of life that come to Ballaz Football Academy get more than the football they come for. They get an environment of love, of family and mentorship – core values that Andre’ has insisted on over the last 17 years. As father of two sons, Christian 13 and Jaden 9 he is a comforting presence. They play, they laugh, they hug they talk. Never insisting that his boys follow in his footsteps, Andre’ lives his life transparently before them with the hopes that they will pull the good they can from his example while also learning from his mistakes. His favorite time with his sons is at bedtime when the

"This week Gerald Hector invites four guests to It's Easy Son. Now that Dr. Dorothy Cowser Yancy's documented success at Johnson C. Smith University is publicly available in electronic formats, co-authors Dr. Brian Johnson, Dr. Sharon Raynor and Mr. Benny Smith join the podcast to reflect upon the impact and inspiration Dr. Yancy has on the higher education landscape. A pioneer whose vision created one the period of greatest growth and prosperity in the university's history. A legend in higher education administration, all the authors, and Gerald as host, have been impacted by Dr. Yancy's scholarly, administrative and fundraising prowess. They are all "Yancy's Kids" even though only Dr. Johnson is a JCSU graduate. They all note that you cannot work with Dr. Yancy and not become a better administrator and fundraiser on your way to "what's next." Join these four individuals and Dr. Yancy as they discuss the timeless nature of this project. What was learned. The successes. The challenges and all that happene

Before turning professional, Gregory Simmonds was his high school’s (Sherwood High School, Olney, Maryland) first ever All-American athlete. He also still holds the record for goals scored at his alma mater, Howard University. Simmonds began his professional soccer career with the Hershey Wildcats where he scored 35 goals, had 16 assists and was named USL-1 Rookie of the Year in 1999 and Team MVP in 2000. Simmonds also played for D.C. United in the CONCACAF Champions Cup in 1999. Simmonds also boasts international experience, having played with the Jamaican National Team youth and senior teams (Reggae Boyz) in 1999. Signed by the Miami Fusion in 2001, he tallied 4 goals and 2 assists in league and Open Cup matches. After the Fusion folded in 2001, he signed with Rochester Rhinos in 2002 where he led the team with 9 goals and 6 assists. In 2003, he played in 27 games with the Richmond Kickers. Simmonds played for USL First Division team Charleston Battery for the 2004 and 2005 seasons and was the team’s leadin

André A. S. Dick, MD, MPH, FACS Associate Professor of Surgery ASTS Transplant Fellowship Program Director | UWMC Surgical Director, Pediatric Kidney Transplant | SCH Interim Surgeon-in-Chief | SCH Division of Transplantation, Department of Surgery www.seattlechildrens.org Dr. André Dick is an Associate Professor of Surgery at the University of Washington Medical Center and Seattle Children’s Hospital. He was born in Jamaica and attended medical school at the State University of New York School of Medicine at Buffalo. Dr. Dick fulfilled his residency at Pennsylvania State University Hershey Medical Center, and completed his fellowship in abdominal transplant surgery at the University of Washington Medical Center. In 2008 he joined both the University of Washington Department of Surgery and Seattle Children's Hospital as Assistant Professor of Surgery. Dr. Dick was promoted to Associate Professor of Surgery in July 2014. He was appointed Surgical Director, Pediatric Kidney Transplantation at Seattle Children'

Coach Dez is a youth sports expert whose life story has empowered him to lead young people to a better life through coaching and mentorship. "I'm Coach Desmond Dunham, a nationally acclaimed track and field and cross-country coach. I've been teaching, mentoring and coaching in the Washington, DC Metropolitan area for over two decades. In addition to currently teaching and coaching high school students, I'm also the founder of Kids Elite Sports which offers summer sports camp and youth sports training." - Coach Dez

Luvelle Brown is an experienced educator who has held positions as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, school CIO, and Superintendent of Schools. Currently, Dr. Brown is serving as the Superintendent of the Ithaca City School District (ICSD) in Ithaca, New York. During his tenure in Ithaca, the Ithaca City School District has experienced unprecedented levels of success. Dr. Brown has received various awards and recognitions. The 2017 New York State Superintendent of the Year has been listed by TrustED as one of the nation’s top educators and thought leaders. Dr. Brown has been recognized by the National School Boards Association as a “20-to-Watch” and “Difference Maker”, received the Center for Digital Education Top 30 Award, and received the 2014 eSchool News Tech-Savvy Superintendent Award. He was selected by the US Department of Education as one of the nation’s top 100 Innovative Superintendents. Along with that distinction, Dr. Brown was invited to be a featured speaker at President Barack Obama’s

Philip L. McKenzie is an anthropologist who uses his expertise in culture to advise organizations on how best to thrive in an increasingly challenging and uncertain environment. Philip uses his quantitative background and Wall Street experience in combination with a qualitative understanding of social, economic and cultural movements to unmask complex opportunities and identify significant trends that impact and uncover viable futures. Philip’s work has placed him at the center of understanding the significance of culture as a reflection of shared values. As a result he is a sought after strategist working with a myriad of global organizations. He is a content creator and writer. He is the current Executive Director of Advancing Diversity and a columnist for MediaVillage. He is the creator and host of The Deep Dive, a leading culture and insights podcast. In the past, he has manifested his creative vision as co-host/co-creator of 2 Dope Boys & a Podcast. Philip is a global speaker, having provided keynotes

This week Gerald Hector welcomes to his 50th episode of It's Easy Son, Dr. Samantha Madhosingh. Psychologist, author, motivational speaker, executive coach, mother and friend. She shares her journey from her early years living in the UK, to Jamaica, to the USA and what those moves taught her about her family and herself. Always the inspiration, she shares her highs and lows in those moves, and how those experiences shaped her thinking and work she does today. A very unselfishness person, she gives of her time and talents to inspire people to see past their stations in life to unlock their full potential. "I had to change because if I wanted my life to be different, I had to be different." This simple quote summarizes this impactful and timely conversation. She walks us through how to recognize how our brains process what we see and experience and provides tips on how to get back on track. We are all grateful that she made that change early on, as her work spanned youth in middle and high schools, young men

This week Gerald Hector welcomes to the podcast, academician, scholar, philanthropist, lecturer and orthodontist, Dr. Nigel Knight. He is a several times graduate of the prestigious Howard University, where his academic pursuits resulted in his name listed along hallways of the dental school. His list of clients with "beautiful smiles" is extensive. An extremely quiet and humble individual, his influence on so many people is palpable, and is felt in Jamaica, the Caribbean and in the USA. He inspires many with his tireless work ethic , his penchant for business and focus on entrepreneurship. Despite all that, what draws people to him is his quiet confidence in all he sets his mind to. He is a volunteer to many organizations where he donates his skill at dentistry for free to assist those who need it most. A character trait that is recognizable in his two sons and the dental students he mentors. He lectures at the University of the West Indies and is Chairman or lead executive on many associations related to

This week Gerald welcomes to the podcast Dr. Brian Johnson, the president of Warner Pacific University. In addition to being his former colleague at Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, North Carolina, Dr. Johnson is also a past president of the historic Tuskegee University, Assistant Provost at Austin Peay State University and has held other roles at the senior levels of higher education at Johnson C. Smith University and Mercy College in Manhattan. A scholar par excellence, Dr. Johnson's academic credentials are impressive https://www.warnerpacific.edu/wpu-announces-eighth-president/. As a Dubois and Washington scholar, he shares his perspective on a host of issues through daily quotes from these leaders. A man of deep faith and conviction he continues his quest to shape the conversation around the future of higher education and scholarships's relevance to it. It's Easy Son airs each Wednesday at 8pm on the HBCU Nation network.

This week on It's Easy Son, Gerald welcomes to the podcast Dr. Kelli Rainey. A former colleague at Johnson C. Smith University, she shares her journey from childhood through her current role as Senior Director at @Anthology (formerly Campus Labs). Listen in as she highlights various intersections of her passion, drive and execution that saw her meteoric rise to the C Suite at one of the nations storied #HBCUs. Considered an expert in college and university assessment, she definitely is enjoying her current role in assisting colleges and university transform their operations. A very modest person, Dr. Rainey shares not only her thoughts on accomplishments, but grounds us in the conversation as she inspires others through her overcoming cancer and sharing her thoughts on how to approach each day in life. Another powerful and awesome story of triumph and testimony.

This week Gerald Hector welcomes to "It's Easy Son" his former colleague at Ithaca College and currently the Chief Human Resource Officer for the University of Tennessee System, Mr. Brian K. Dickens. The consummate professional, advisor, counselor, career coach and mentor, he stops by to share his journey from his early years to the huge role and responsibility he has today. Listen in as he shares all the various obstacles that were before him, but through grit, determination, and focus he was able to achieve despite the odds. Another career and life that has a profound impact on so many people who have come in touch with him. His demeanor and attitude exudes those words from Coach William P. Moultrie: "It's Easy Son."

This week Gerald Hector welcomes to Its Easy Son, Mr. Keith W. McIntosh. He is the vice president for Information Services and chief information officer (CIO) at the University of Richmond where he has served since August 2016. Prior to joining the University of Richmond, Keith was the CIO at Ithaca College, CIO at Pima County Community College District, and held various progressive IT leadership positions during his distinguished twenty four years of service in the United States Air Force including a combat tour in Northern Iraq. Tune in to hear another story and life journey of triumphs, set backs and perseverance, as this major voice in higher education technology shares his words of wisdom and inspiration on how to drive and maintain change in organizations and to inspire people.