Dr. Hunter also serves as a Professor of Special Education at the University of Memphis. Prior to working in higher education, Dr. Hunter worked as an administrator, special education teacher, and children's mental health intervention specialist in several school districts in Ohio and Kentucky. His research interests include classroom management strategies, evidenced based instructional practices in inclusive and self-contained classrooms, positive behavior supports, hip-hop based education and culturally responsive teaching. Dr. Hunter has served as PI or Co-PI on projects funded by the State of Tennessee and the U.S. Department of Education. A frequent presenter at national conferences, Dr. Hunter has published articles in numerous publications, including the Journal of International Special Needs Education, Journal of Evidence-Based Practices for Schools and Beyond Behavior. He received his EdD in Special Education from the University of Cincinnati.

Dr. Kendale M. White is currently an assistant principal within Memphis Shelby County Schools. He spent 8 years as a special education teacher, one year teaching gifted and talented students, 13 as a special education administrator and 6 as a general education administrator. He has served as an adjunct professor at the University of Memphis and has presented on the local, state, and national levels regarding co-teaching, inclusion, reflective practice and differentiated instruction. His research interests include special education leadership, principal leadership, and inclusion. Dr. White received his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in business from Tennessee Technological University. He received his Educational Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership from Union University and his Master of Arts in Teaching and Doctor of Education Degree with an emphasis in Leadership and Policy Studies from The University of Memphis. 

Brian Scurlock has been employed in the field of Information Technology for 28 years. He has worked in the healthcare, Retail, & Federal Government sectors. In the past he has worked for companies such as AutoZone Inc, Saks Fifth Avenue, & Baptist Memorial Health Care Corp. He is currently employed as a Cybersecurity Technical Advisor at the US Department of the Treasury.  Brian Scurlock is a Member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated. In the past he has volunteered for organizations such as the Boy Scouts of America, Alpha Memphis Education Foundation, & The Memphis Grizzlies Charitable Foundation\Grizzlies Team Mentor. Mr. Scurlock is a graduate of the University of Memphis with a Bachelors of Business Administration with a Major in Management Information Systems. He is also a proud father of 2 children, Lauren & David Scurlock.

Felicia Knox currently serves as Director of the Bartlett Public Library in Bartlett, TN, a role she assumed in 2024. With experience that includes previous librarian positions- including Rhodes College- she brings a strong foundation in library services and community engagement to her leadership. In her role as Director, Knox oversees library operations, public programming, and community partnerships in Bartlett, helping to drive the library’s mission of accessible learning and engagement for all ages. Outside of her professional duties, she is recognized for her enthusiastic approach to literacy, outreach events, and making the library a hub of connection for Bartlett residents. Felicia is a 29-year member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, enjoys spending time with family and friends, and is an avid concert goer.

Dory Lerner earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Willamette University in Salem, Oregon and a Master of Arts in Museum Education from Tufts University in Boston, Massachusetts. For 20+ years, Dory has created engaging experiences in museums, schools, libraries, and community centers. As the Education Manager at the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, she develops programs and curricula to inspire learners of all ages to deeply connect with history and to actively participate in community building. Dory also worked at the Museum of Science and History (MoSH, formerly the Pink Palace Museum) and Lichterman Nature Center managing education programs. She previously served at the King Center in Atlanta, as well as the Field Museum and the DuSable Museum of African American History in Chicago. For Dory, growing up in Memphis, instilled a strong moral conscience for racial and economic inequities both historically and in modern context. Dory was a founding Board Member of Memphis Artists for Change, and she led a community garden project with local youth at Girls Inc. of Memphis, for over a decade. In 2023, Dory was published in a book entitled Illmatic Consequences: The Clapback to Opponents of ‘Critical Race Theory’ edited by Walter Greason and Danian Jerry. Her chapter focused on using innovative resources such as visual arts and hip-hop lyrics to reconcile hard history and inspire young activism. Dory is grateful to have adopted two incredible daughters and to raise them in her beloved hometown of Memphis.