Lincoln University, PA – Lincoln University, the nation’s first degree-granting HBCU, proudly announces the appointment of five distinguished individuals to its Board of Trustees. The appointments were made during the recent Annual Meeting of the Board. These accomplished leaders bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the university, further enhancing its governance and strategic direction.
The new trustees include Dr. Tanya I. Garcia; the Honorable Lydia Y. Kirkland; Tamara May, MBA, PMP, CFE; John "JP" Petty, III; and Lorella Dicks. Each appointment is for four years, and they will officially commence their terms on July 1, 2024, and will serve until June 30, 2028.
Based in Washington, DC, Dr. Tanya I. Garcia is an innovative, strategic, and outcomes-oriented leader with over twenty-five years of experience across various sectors, including state government, national nonprofits, philanthropy, and higher education. She holds a PhD in Public Administration from American University. She has served in numerous leadership roles, including as Vice President at The Institute for College Access & Success (TICAS) and Deputy Secretary & Commissioner for Post Secondary & Higher Education at the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Dr. Garcia is committed to building equitable and inclusive organizational cultures and has a proven track record of driving positive change in the postsecondary sector.
The Honorable Lydia Y. Kirkland is a Senior Judge at the Philadelphia Municipal Court and a highly respected legal professional with a distinguished career spanning over three decades. A native of Philadelphia, Judge Kirkland earned her Juris Doctorate from Howard University and has since made significant contributions to the legal community. She has served as a judge of the Philadelphia Municipal Court since 1986. She has actively participated in various initiatives to promote equal access to justice and fairness within the legal system. Judge Kirkland's commitment to judicial education and advocacy for marginalized communities make her a valuable addition to the Lincoln University Board of Trustees.
Tamara May, MBA, PMP, CFE, is a dynamic and strategic business leader with a diverse operations management, finance, and project management background. She holds an MBA from Old Dominion University and has earned certifications in project management, fraud examination, and coaching. With extensive experience in healthcare and insurance sectors, including roles at Amida Care and EmblemHealth, Ms. May brings valuable insights into organizational transformation, financial management, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)strategies. Her expertise will be instrumental in guiding Lincoln University towards operational excellence and sustainable growth.
John "JP" Petty, III is an award-winning creative visionary and advertising executive known for his influential leadership and strategic thinking. With a Master of Science in Project Management from Drexel University and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Lincoln University, Mr. Petty brings a unique blend of creativity and business acumen to the Board of Trustees. He has held key leadership positions at renowned organizations such as Wieden+Kennedy and Translation, LLC. He has earned recognition as one of Business Insider's 40 Rising Stars of Madison Avenue and AdAge's 2021 CREATIVE OF THE YEAR. Mr. Petty's expertise in brand marketing and creative strategy will be invaluable to Lincoln University's efforts in enhancing its brand presence and engaging with diverse audiences.
Lorella Dicks is a native of Philadelphia, PA, who currently resides in Owings Mills, Maryland. She has had a diverse career as a teacher, counselor, executive director in non-profit organizations, and Special Programs Manager for the State of Maryland's Department of Labor/Workforce Development Division. Her efforts in developing a Strategic Plan for the Apprenticeship Program and addressing the Work Opportunity Tax Credit Program backlog have earned her recognition from the Secretary of Labor for the State of Maryland. Since 1990, Lorella has been a dedicated Life Member of the Alumni Association of Lincoln University, currently serving as the 2nd Vice President and the CIAA Representative for the Baltimore Metro Chapter of AALU. She has volunteered for student activities, AALU fundraisers, and contributed to Lincoln University's 1854 Promise and Dr. Brenda A. Allen's Need-Based Scholarships.
These appointments underscore Lincoln University's commitment to excellence, innovation, and diversity in its governance and leadership. The Board of Trustees looks forward to working closely with the new trustees to advance the university's mission and strategic priorities.
About Lincoln University
Lincoln University, the nation’s first degree-granting Historically Black College and University (HBCU), educates and empowers students to lead their communities and change the world. Lincoln offers a rigorous liberal arts education to a diverse student body of approximately 1,800 men and women in more than 34 undergraduate and graduate programs.
