The Lincoln University Board of Trustees unanimously reelected Theresa R. Braswell, a 1984 Lincoln University graduate, to a second term as chairlady of the board. Braswell began her first term as board chair on July 1, 2017, and began her second term on July 1, 2019. The Board’s accomplishments during Braswell’s first term include the investigation and formation of a separate 501C-3 charitable foundation, ordering of a forensic audit of all donor funds, development of a Codes of Ethics policy and board membership eligibility, bylaws amendments, board professional development, annual retreats, and identification of new board priorities.
In her first two years as chairlady, Braswell tasked the board with addressing five key areas: improving administrative accountability, improving communications with all stakeholders, updating University policies and procedures, empowering the Board of Trustees to higher engagement, and increasing the University’s endowment.
Braswell was elected as an alumni trustee in 2014 by fellow members of the Alumni Association of Lincoln University.
Braswell, earned a Bachelor of Science in business administration with a concentration in accounting and finance from Lincoln University and went on to attend Concord Law School of Kaplan University (now Purdue University Global). She is the founder and principal of Robinson Braswell Consulting Services, a tax preparation and financial services company established in 1999. Prior to launching the consulting company, Braswell worked for the accounting firms KPMG; CW Amos & Company; and Thompson, Cobb, Bazilio & Associates, as well as for the Internal Revenue Service as a taxpayer advocate.
Braswell has been a champion and fierce advocate for Lincoln University since her graduation. She established the Lincoln Lions Chamber of Commerce, Greater Carolinas Chapter of the Alumni Association of Lincoln University and funded her own contribution to create the Chairlady Theresa R. Braswell Scholarship fund. In 2019, she was the recipient of the Alumni Medal of Distinction, the highest alumni honor given by Lincoln University.
Braswell is also a community and political activist. She was appointed by the Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners in North Carolina to serve on their inaugural Small Business and Entrepreneurship Advisory Board and was later elected chair of the board by her peers.
Braswell’s work extends beyond the county to Charlotte as she is a 2017 Cohort 1 alumna of the City of Charlotte Civic Leadership Academy. The academy is designed for residents who are ready to take the next step in being community leaders and improving the quality of life in all of Charlotte's neighborhoods. It provides participants the opportunity to grow in their leadership, analyze issues using data, connect with decision-makers and other Charlotte leaders, and make a difference in their communities. Braswell is also the immediate past membership chair of the Black Political Caucus of Charlotte Mecklenburg, one of the most influential political groups in Charlotte.
