Dr. Frank T. Hawkins
Founder
- In Memoriam -
Professor Emeritus - Prairie View A&M University
Prairie View, TX
Dr. Frank T. Hawkins held various faculty positions at Prairie View including, director of Freshman Studies Mathematics, head of the Department of Mathematics, and professor of Mathematics. He also served as Prairie View's coordinator for the Texas School Mathematics Initiative for the state of Texas, a position he held until his retirement in August 2004. He taught at the Department of Mathematics for 39 years before retirement and founded the Research Association of Minority Professors (RAMP). Dr. Hawkins was a true visionary and was held in high esteem by all who knew and loved him.
Dr. Frank T. Hawkins died on December 21, 2020, at the age of 85.
Prairie View, TX
Dr. Frank T. Hawkins held various faculty positions at Prairie View including, director of Freshman Studies Mathematics, head of the Department of Mathematics, and professor of Mathematics. He also served as Prairie View's coordinator for the Texas School Mathematics Initiative for the state of Texas, a position he held until his retirement in August 2004. He taught at the Department of Mathematics for 39 years before retirement and founded the Research Association of Minority Professors (RAMP). Dr. Hawkins was a true visionary and was held in high esteem by all who knew and loved him.
Dr. Frank T. Hawkins died on December 21, 2020, at the age of 85.
RAMP Executive Board
2025 - 2027
We are pleased to highlight the members of our Executive Board for 2025 - 2027!
Dr. LaShawn McNeil
Acting President
Virginia State University
Ettrick, VA
Dr. LaShawn McNeil is the Acting President of the Research Association of Minority Professors. He is an Assistant Professor in the College of Education and the UTEACH Site Coordinator at Virginia State University. As an Assistant Professor, Dr. McNeil has a joint appointment where he teaches Foundation of Education courses in the College of Education and Introductory Chemistry courses in the College of Natural and Health Sciences. He has a Ph.D. in Science Education, MEd in Chemistry Education, and B.S. degree in Chemistry. Throughout his professional career, Dr. McNeil has taught at the K-12, community college, and university level in the states of North Carolina, Virginia, and Florida. He is committed to mentoring and motivating students to pursue advanced degrees in their fields of interest. His areas of research are Small Groups and examining race, gender, and status using Claim-Evidence-Reasoning in undergraduate Chemistry.
Ettrick, VA
Dr. LaShawn McNeil is the Acting President of the Research Association of Minority Professors. He is an Assistant Professor in the College of Education and the UTEACH Site Coordinator at Virginia State University. As an Assistant Professor, Dr. McNeil has a joint appointment where he teaches Foundation of Education courses in the College of Education and Introductory Chemistry courses in the College of Natural and Health Sciences. He has a Ph.D. in Science Education, MEd in Chemistry Education, and B.S. degree in Chemistry. Throughout his professional career, Dr. McNeil has taught at the K-12, community college, and university level in the states of North Carolina, Virginia, and Florida. He is committed to mentoring and motivating students to pursue advanced degrees in their fields of interest. His areas of research are Small Groups and examining race, gender, and status using Claim-Evidence-Reasoning in undergraduate Chemistry.
Dr. Andrea McDonald
President-Elect
Prairie View A&M University
Prairie View, TX
Dr. Andrea McDonald is an Assistant Professor of Health and current curriculum chair in the Department of Health and Kinesiology at Prairie View A&M University. She received a Ph.D. in Health Education from Texas A&M University, College Station, a Master of Science in Human Sciences concentration in Dietetics, and a Bachelor of Science in Dietetics, Foods, and Nutrition from Prairie View A&M University. She is a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) and credential in Effective College Instruction by the Association of College and University Educators and the American Council on Education (ACUE). Dr. McDonald research focus on health disparities among underserved minority adolescents, food preparation literacy, mental health and curriculum development specialized in backward design, accommodations, and accessibility.
Prairie View, TX
Dr. Andrea McDonald is an Assistant Professor of Health and current curriculum chair in the Department of Health and Kinesiology at Prairie View A&M University. She received a Ph.D. in Health Education from Texas A&M University, College Station, a Master of Science in Human Sciences concentration in Dietetics, and a Bachelor of Science in Dietetics, Foods, and Nutrition from Prairie View A&M University. She is a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) and credential in Effective College Instruction by the Association of College and University Educators and the American Council on Education (ACUE). Dr. McDonald research focus on health disparities among underserved minority adolescents, food preparation literacy, mental health and curriculum development specialized in backward design, accommodations, and accessibility.
Dr. Paula Montgomery
Immediate Past President
Emerita, University of Louisiana-Lafayette
Lafayette, LA
Dr. Paula Montgomery is the Immediate Past-President of RAMP and has served in the capacity as the first Vice President in 2009, President-Elect in 2011, President from 2013-2015, President-Elect again from 2017-2019, President once more from 2019-2023. She has been a member of RAMP since 2002. She received the 2016 Dr. Frank T. Hawkins Distinguished Scholar Award (RAMP). She's also received various honors, fellowships, awards, and recognitions throughout her career. Dr. Montgomery has been an educator in various capacities and grade levels for almost 4 decades. She has been a high school social studies teacher, a middle school guidance counselor, a middle school assistant principal, an elementary school principal, an assistant professor, an associate professor, a full professor and professor emerita. She presently came out of retirement to work as the Interim Dean of the College of Education and Human Development at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and serves on a number of boards on the college, university, state level and national levels. She has received the honor of being noted as an expert in School Culture by SREB and traveled extensively helping school leaders to understand the complexities and impact of cultivating a strong school culture. Her research interests include, but are not limited to, women in leadership, various anomalies in teaching and learning pedagogies, leadership styles, and African American women in leadership.
Lafayette, LA
Dr. Paula Montgomery is the Immediate Past-President of RAMP and has served in the capacity as the first Vice President in 2009, President-Elect in 2011, President from 2013-2015, President-Elect again from 2017-2019, President once more from 2019-2023. She has been a member of RAMP since 2002. She received the 2016 Dr. Frank T. Hawkins Distinguished Scholar Award (RAMP). She's also received various honors, fellowships, awards, and recognitions throughout her career. Dr. Montgomery has been an educator in various capacities and grade levels for almost 4 decades. She has been a high school social studies teacher, a middle school guidance counselor, a middle school assistant principal, an elementary school principal, an assistant professor, an associate professor, a full professor and professor emerita. She presently came out of retirement to work as the Interim Dean of the College of Education and Human Development at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and serves on a number of boards on the college, university, state level and national levels. She has received the honor of being noted as an expert in School Culture by SREB and traveled extensively helping school leaders to understand the complexities and impact of cultivating a strong school culture. Her research interests include, but are not limited to, women in leadership, various anomalies in teaching and learning pedagogies, leadership styles, and African American women in leadership.
Dr. Reginald Todd
Vice President
Texas Southern University
Houston, TX
Dr. Reginald Todd serves as Vice President of RAMP. Todd is an Associate Professor of Math Education at Texas Southern University, specializing in teacher care, student voice, and equity-focused pedagogy. His work centers on how caring teacher-student relationships and amplifying student perspectives can transform mathematics classrooms into inclusive, affirming spaces that address systemic inequities. Dr. Todd joined RAMP because of its dedication to advancing equitable research and have benefited greatly from its collaborative networks and platforms for sharing my scholarship. He actively engages with
K–12 educators to apply culturally responsive practices and student-centered strategies through professional development and participatory research. Outside of academia, he enjoys spending time with his family. To new RAMP members, he encourages them to seek mentorship and collaboration, pursue rigorous and meaningful research, and embrace authentic connections to grow professionally and make a lasting impact in the field.
Houston, TX
Dr. Reginald Todd serves as Vice President of RAMP. Todd is an Associate Professor of Math Education at Texas Southern University, specializing in teacher care, student voice, and equity-focused pedagogy. His work centers on how caring teacher-student relationships and amplifying student perspectives can transform mathematics classrooms into inclusive, affirming spaces that address systemic inequities. Dr. Todd joined RAMP because of its dedication to advancing equitable research and have benefited greatly from its collaborative networks and platforms for sharing my scholarship. He actively engages with
K–12 educators to apply culturally responsive practices and student-centered strategies through professional development and participatory research. Outside of academia, he enjoys spending time with his family. To new RAMP members, he encourages them to seek mentorship and collaboration, pursue rigorous and meaningful research, and embrace authentic connections to grow professionally and make a lasting impact in the field.
Dr. Rondell Bailey
Treasurer
RB Learning and Development Consultant
Houston, TX
Dr. Rondell Bailey serves as the current Treasurer of RAMP. His role is to oversee and safeguard the association's financial health and management. Dr. Bailey has been a loyal RAMP Member for 32 years. During his tenure in RAMP, he has served in multiple leadership roles as President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Financial Secretary. Dr. Bailey was also the 3rd Recipient of the prestigious Dr. Frank T. Hawkins Distinguished Scholar Award (2010). He received his Doctorate in Higher Education Administration, Master of Business Administration, and Bachelor of Business Administration from Texas Southern University in Houston, Texas. Dr Bailey's professional work spans more than twenty-five years in the public healthcare and nonprofit sectors with a focus on learning and development as pivotal components for maintaining a skilled and competent workforce. His areas of experience/expertise include leadership and staff development, learning and talent development, new employee onboarding and orientation, and power (soft) skills training.
Houston, TX
Dr. Rondell Bailey serves as the current Treasurer of RAMP. His role is to oversee and safeguard the association's financial health and management. Dr. Bailey has been a loyal RAMP Member for 32 years. During his tenure in RAMP, he has served in multiple leadership roles as President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Financial Secretary. Dr. Bailey was also the 3rd Recipient of the prestigious Dr. Frank T. Hawkins Distinguished Scholar Award (2010). He received his Doctorate in Higher Education Administration, Master of Business Administration, and Bachelor of Business Administration from Texas Southern University in Houston, Texas. Dr Bailey's professional work spans more than twenty-five years in the public healthcare and nonprofit sectors with a focus on learning and development as pivotal components for maintaining a skilled and competent workforce. His areas of experience/expertise include leadership and staff development, learning and talent development, new employee onboarding and orientation, and power (soft) skills training.
Dr. Pamela T. Barber-Freeman
Financial Secretary
Prairie View A&M University
Prairie View, TX
Prairie View, TX
Dr. Pamela Barber-Freeman currently serves as a Professor in the Department of Educational Leadership & Counseling in the Whitlowe R. Green College of Education at Prairie View A&M University. She has taught ethnically diverse mathematics students at various educational levels (grades 6-12; community college and university) since 1972; and served as a counselor and educational leader in the public school, community college, and higher education. Dr. Barber-Freeman earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Langston University; and her Master Degree and Ph.D. from the University of Oklahoma. In 1994, she was selected one of 60 professors nationwide to participate in the NSF-funded Teacher Education Equity Project whose goal was to increase females' relatively low level of participation in mathematics, science, and technology where she became a certified consultant for Gender Equity in Math, Science and Technology. She was also certified as a national evaluator by NSF in 1996. During March 2002, she was selected as one of 60 professors from around the world to participate in GLOBE training that was held in Washington D.C. From this training, she received certification to be a GLOBE Trainer. In 2003, she was one of 60 professors invited to participate in the Congressional Children’s Caucus Members’ Briefing: Closing the Achievement Gap in Washington D. C. She has been a member of RAMP since February 1995.
Mrs. Abbi Jones Pruitt
Recording/Corresponding Secretary
Texas Southern University
Houston, TX
Mrs. Abbi Jones Pruitt is a Licensed Psychotherapist in Texas and Louisiana with over 22 years of experience in the mental health and social services field. She resides in Houston, Texas, where she maintains private practice and is currently entering her fourth year in the Counselor Education doctoral program at Texas Southern University. Abbi was introduced to the Research Association of Minority Professors (RAMP) during her second year of doctoral study and attended the 41st Annual Conference in Washington, D.C., themed “Challenging the Weaponization of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.” She presented her research, “Equity in Education: The Critical Role of Early Parent Intervention for Low Socioeconomic Students,” which deepened her passion for educational equity and engagement with RAMP. With extensive experience in organization and record keeping, including four years as Recording Secretary for a local graduate chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Abbi is honored to serve as RAMP’s 2025–2027 Recording/Corresponding Secretary.
Houston, TX
Mrs. Abbi Jones Pruitt is a Licensed Psychotherapist in Texas and Louisiana with over 22 years of experience in the mental health and social services field. She resides in Houston, Texas, where she maintains private practice and is currently entering her fourth year in the Counselor Education doctoral program at Texas Southern University. Abbi was introduced to the Research Association of Minority Professors (RAMP) during her second year of doctoral study and attended the 41st Annual Conference in Washington, D.C., themed “Challenging the Weaponization of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.” She presented her research, “Equity in Education: The Critical Role of Early Parent Intervention for Low Socioeconomic Students,” which deepened her passion for educational equity and engagement with RAMP. With extensive experience in organization and record keeping, including four years as Recording Secretary for a local graduate chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Abbi is honored to serve as RAMP’s 2025–2027 Recording/Corresponding Secretary.
Dr. Arthur C. Evans, III
Director of Publicity
Georgia Piedmont Technical College
Clarkston, GA
Dr. Arthur C. Evans, III serves as the Director of Publicity for the Research Association of Minority Professors. He currently is the Dean of the School of Industrial Technologies and Legal Studies at Georgia Piedmont Technical College. He has been an educator in the 2-year technical college setting for over 10 years. Dr. Evans obtained his doctorate in Higher Education Leadership from Clark Atlanta University where his dissertation focused on the impact of faculty professional development on student success. He also has a Master of Science in Education Leadership, with a focus on Teaching and Learning from Keiser University. His Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering Technology from Kennesaw State University.
Clarkston, GA
Dr. Arthur C. Evans, III serves as the Director of Publicity for the Research Association of Minority Professors. He currently is the Dean of the School of Industrial Technologies and Legal Studies at Georgia Piedmont Technical College. He has been an educator in the 2-year technical college setting for over 10 years. Dr. Evans obtained his doctorate in Higher Education Leadership from Clark Atlanta University where his dissertation focused on the impact of faculty professional development on student success. He also has a Master of Science in Education Leadership, with a focus on Teaching and Learning from Keiser University. His Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering Technology from Kennesaw State University.
Dr. Candy H. Ratliff
Parliamentarian
Texas Southern University
Houston, TX
Dr. Candy H. Ratliff is an associate professor and interim chair in the Department of Counseling at Texas Southern University. Dr. Ratliff has held a variety of positions in the elementary, secondary, and higher education systems over the past 38 years, including department chair in secondary education and assistant dean in higher education. She was awarded the Presidential Award for Lifetime Achievement. Dr. Ratliff has promoted clinical mental health through consultation, publications, and the presentation of research findings at local, national, and international conferences, in addition to her work in schools, her research interests include body image, trauma, women's issues, and end-of-life care.
Houston, TX
Dr. Candy H. Ratliff is an associate professor and interim chair in the Department of Counseling at Texas Southern University. Dr. Ratliff has held a variety of positions in the elementary, secondary, and higher education systems over the past 38 years, including department chair in secondary education and assistant dean in higher education. She was awarded the Presidential Award for Lifetime Achievement. Dr. Ratliff has promoted clinical mental health through consultation, publications, and the presentation of research findings at local, national, and international conferences, in addition to her work in schools, her research interests include body image, trauma, women's issues, and end-of-life care.
Dr. Stella Smith
JRAMP Editor
Prairie View A&M University
Prairie View, TX
Dr. Stella L. Smith is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Educational Leadership and Counseling at Prairie View A&M University. As a passionate qualitative researcher, she focuses on amplifying the voices and experiences of faculty and administrators of color, highlighting the leadership journeys of African American women, and expanding access and inclusion for underserved populations in higher education. Her work also explores P–20 educational pipeline alignment, always with the goal of creating asset-based pathways that help students thrive. She also has a growing research interest in how artificial intelligence can be used as a tool to provide equitable education for all. Recognized for her impact, Dr. Smith received the 2014 Dissertation Award from the American Association of Blacks in Higher Education and was named one of Diverse: Issues in Higher Education’s “35 Outstanding Women Leaders in Higher Education” in Higher Education” in 2019. She currently serves as Editor of the RAMP Journal (JRAMP), Associate Editor of the Journal of Family Strengths, and previously served as Managing Editor for the Journal for Minority Achievement, Creativity, and Leadership. Dr. Smith earned her PhD in Educational Administration with a portfolio in Women and Gender Studies from The University of Texas at Austin.
Prairie View, TX
Dr. Stella L. Smith is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Educational Leadership and Counseling at Prairie View A&M University. As a passionate qualitative researcher, she focuses on amplifying the voices and experiences of faculty and administrators of color, highlighting the leadership journeys of African American women, and expanding access and inclusion for underserved populations in higher education. Her work also explores P–20 educational pipeline alignment, always with the goal of creating asset-based pathways that help students thrive. She also has a growing research interest in how artificial intelligence can be used as a tool to provide equitable education for all. Recognized for her impact, Dr. Smith received the 2014 Dissertation Award from the American Association of Blacks in Higher Education and was named one of Diverse: Issues in Higher Education’s “35 Outstanding Women Leaders in Higher Education” in Higher Education” in 2019. She currently serves as Editor of the RAMP Journal (JRAMP), Associate Editor of the Journal of Family Strengths, and previously served as Managing Editor for the Journal for Minority Achievement, Creativity, and Leadership. Dr. Smith earned her PhD in Educational Administration with a portfolio in Women and Gender Studies from The University of Texas at Austin.
Dr. Mary S. Hawkins
Charter Member
Retired Professor- Prairie View A&M University
Prairie View, TX
Dr. Mary Hawkins is a Charter Member of the Research Association of Minority Professors (RAMP). She is the wife of Founder, Dr. Frank T. Hawkins. Now a retired Professor from Prairie View A&M University, she first started her career as a teacher in the public school system of Texas for 8 years. Next, she lived in Prairie View, Texas to serve as a Professor & Researcher at Prairie View A&M University for 40 years! She has a Doctor of Education in Mathematics, a Master of Science in Mathematics, and a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics & Chemistry. Dr. Mary Hawkins is both a member and she has served on the Board for the National Association of Mathematicians. She is also a proud member and serves on the Journal editorial Board for the Mathematical Association of America. In addition to these triumphs in her career, Dr. Hawkins has conducted research for the U.S. Department of Transportation with PVAMU, College of Agriculture at PVAMU, and the College of Home Economics at PVAMU. She is enjoying living her retirement and visiting the RAMPsters each year at the annual conference. She is honored to have the Dr. Mary Hawkins Scholarship in her namesake for student research enhancement, and she proudly awards each recipient.
Prairie View, TX
Dr. Mary Hawkins is a Charter Member of the Research Association of Minority Professors (RAMP). She is the wife of Founder, Dr. Frank T. Hawkins. Now a retired Professor from Prairie View A&M University, she first started her career as a teacher in the public school system of Texas for 8 years. Next, she lived in Prairie View, Texas to serve as a Professor & Researcher at Prairie View A&M University for 40 years! She has a Doctor of Education in Mathematics, a Master of Science in Mathematics, and a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics & Chemistry. Dr. Mary Hawkins is both a member and she has served on the Board for the National Association of Mathematicians. She is also a proud member and serves on the Journal editorial Board for the Mathematical Association of America. In addition to these triumphs in her career, Dr. Hawkins has conducted research for the U.S. Department of Transportation with PVAMU, College of Agriculture at PVAMU, and the College of Home Economics at PVAMU. She is enjoying living her retirement and visiting the RAMPsters each year at the annual conference. She is honored to have the Dr. Mary Hawkins Scholarship in her namesake for student research enhancement, and she proudly awards each recipient.
Dr. Clara Young
Executive Director
Retired, Tennessee State University
Nashville, TN
Dr. Clara Young has recently served as the Assistant Vice-President of Academic Affairs before her retirement from 2020 - 2022 at Tennessee State University. At Tennessee State University, she held roles as Professor & Department Chairperson Teaching and Learning. Dr. Young became a Doctor of Education, Curriculum & Instruction in Education in 1994 from Illinois State University. Her most relevant achievements, accomplishments, professional triumphs are winning the Dr. Frank T. Hawkins Distinguished Scholar Award from RAMP, serving as the Editor of the Journal of RAMP (JRAMP), winning Professor of Eminence from Mortar Board, and Most Outstanding African American Woman in the Workplace. She was honored to have earned a fellowship with the Illinois Consortium for Educational Opportunities Program (ICEOP). Her previous roles in higher education have been Assistant Professor at MIssissippi State University from 1994-1999, Assistant Professor at Auburn University Montgomery from 1999-2004, and Associate Professor from 2009-2015. Her research interests include mentoring, student retention and academic success in higher education, and scholarly writing.
Nashville, TN
Dr. Clara Young has recently served as the Assistant Vice-President of Academic Affairs before her retirement from 2020 - 2022 at Tennessee State University. At Tennessee State University, she held roles as Professor & Department Chairperson Teaching and Learning. Dr. Young became a Doctor of Education, Curriculum & Instruction in Education in 1994 from Illinois State University. Her most relevant achievements, accomplishments, professional triumphs are winning the Dr. Frank T. Hawkins Distinguished Scholar Award from RAMP, serving as the Editor of the Journal of RAMP (JRAMP), winning Professor of Eminence from Mortar Board, and Most Outstanding African American Woman in the Workplace. She was honored to have earned a fellowship with the Illinois Consortium for Educational Opportunities Program (ICEOP). Her previous roles in higher education have been Assistant Professor at MIssissippi State University from 1994-1999, Assistant Professor at Auburn University Montgomery from 1999-2004, and Associate Professor from 2009-2015. Her research interests include mentoring, student retention and academic success in higher education, and scholarly writing.
