MLK Scholarship Breakfast

ORDER OF EVENTS

Breakfast

Emcee
Dr. Jocelyn Vickers
Director, Public Service, AU Outreach

Opening Remarks
Dr. Hollie Cost
Asst. VP for Outreach and Public Service, AU Outreach

Invocation
Pastor Mark Xavier Lee
Bell Missionary Baptist Church, Auburn

Welcome from City of Auburn/Community
Mr. Ron Anders, Jr.
Mayor of Auburn

Welcome from Auburn University
Dr. Christopher Roberts
President, Auburn University

Occasion
Ms. Ashley Simpson
President, NFBPA
East Central Alabama Chapter

Panel Moderator
Dr. Mark Wilson
Director
Caroline Marshall Draughon Center for the Arts & Humanities @ Pebble Hill

Distinguished Panel
Mr. Jason Louder, actor, past educator, and mentor
   
Dr. Carl Cunningham, dean of students, Bishop State Community College
   
Dr. Kamia Slaughter, assistant professor, Alabama State University and Auburn University graduate
   
Dr. Bill Sauser, professor emeritus of management, Harbert College of Business, Auburn University

Performances
True Deliverance Holiness Church Choir

Video Presentation

Scholarship Recipients:
Mr. AJ Harvis
Opelika High School

Ms. Denise Oliver
Loachapoka High School

Ms. Faith Sanford
Auburn High School

Mr. Jalen Boynton
Auburn University

Awards Presentation
Mr. Steven G. Hicks
Treasurer, NFBPA
East Central Alabama Chapter
   
Ms. Ashley Simpson
President, NFBPA
East Central Alabama Chapter
   
Dr. Jocelyn Vickers
Vice President, Committee Chair, NFBPA
Director, Office of Public Service
Auburn University Outreach

Awards:
Community Service Award
The Curtis House
   
Educator of the Year
Audrey Marshall, Auburn High School
   
Closing Remarks
Dr. Taffye Clayton
Vice President & Associate Provost

Dr. Kamia F Slaughter

Assistant Professor · Alabama State University

Educational Researcher and Analyst

Kamia F. Slaughter, Ph.D. is a native of Loachapoka, AL and a three-time graduate of Auburn University with a B.S. in Elementary Education (Class of ‘18), an M.Ed. in Elementary Education (Class of ’19), and a Ph.D. in Administration of Higher Education (Class of ’24). Dr. Slaughter is an Assistant Professor of Educational Leadership, Policy, and Law at Alabama State University. Her research, teaching, and service center college access and student success efforts in rural communities.

As a researcher, she investigates (1) the hidden and complex work of college administrators and practitioners, local community members, and other stakeholders in Black, rural communities; (2) the role of discourse in shaping ideas about Black, rural students; and (3) the ways that Black, rural places are reflected in or erased by postsecondary policies and practices.

As an educator, she teaches doctoral-level courses on academic and public scholarship, qualitative methodologies, and curriculum planning. Throughout her career, she has worked in P-20 education to teach students across a range of ages, in federal government to collaborate on high-risk multi-billion-dollar projects, and in non-profit organizations like the United Negro College Fund to co-manage and implement seven-figure research portfolios.

Dr. Slaughter also values service-mindedness and volunteerism, which she enacts via her role as an Advisor for Girls’ STEPS, Inc., as a Sunday School teacher at Ebenezer C.M.E. Church, and throughout other community-engaged activities. She leads with love and care, and she takes great pride in being a good colleague and mentor.

Dr. Bill Sauser

Professor Emeritus of Management ·

Auburn University Harbert College of Business

Licensed psychologist specializing in organizational psychology

Commissioned pastor of the Union Springs Presbyterian Church

Dr. William Sauser is professor emeritus of management at Auburn University, retiring in 2015 after a 40-year career in higher education. Licensed to practice psychology in Alabama with a focus on organizational psychology, he also serves as a commissioned pastor at Union Springs Presbyterian Church (USA), a role he has held for 28 years.

Sauser earned his BS in management and MS and PhD from Georgia Tech, an MA in business ethics from the University of Wales–Trinity Saint David, and a Certificate in Lay Preaching from Columbia Theological Seminary.

Joining Auburn’s faculty in 1977, he served in leadership roles on both Auburn and AUM campuses. In 1988, he was appointed associate vice president for Outreach and later associate dean in the College of Business, overseeing non-credit professional training programs. He chaired the Auburn University Senate in 2012 and later served as faculty advisor to the Board of Trustees.

Professionally active, Sauser served as international president of the Society for Advancement of Management, earning two of its highest service awards. He has an extensive record of scholarly publications and authored Learning from The Lord, a collection of sermons drawn from his ministry.

Dr. Sauser came of age in Atlanta during the midst of the Civil Rights struggle and believes in organizational strength through diversity and pluralism.

Dr. Carl G. Cunningham Jr.

Professor · Mentor · Youth Advocate

Dr. Carl Cunningham Jr. is a proud Mobile native and graduate of Murphy High School. He earned his Bachelor of Science from Jackson State University, where he was a trombone section leader in the Sonic Boom of the South. He later completed a Master’s in Geography and a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration at the University of Southern Mississippi, also serving as an adjunct geography instructor and NPHC Advisor.

Dr. Cunningham spent 13 years at the University of South Alabama in roles including Director of Multicultural Student Affairs, NPHC Advisor and System Coordinator, and Geography Instructor. In 2013, he became Vice President of Student Success and Enrollment Management at Alcorn State University. He later returned home to lead TRIO Student Support Services at Coastal Alabama Community College for seven years. He now serves as Dean of Students at Bishop State Community College.

A respected consultant in youth leadership development, Dr. Cunningham advises school systems and higher education institutions across the region. He serves on several boards, including Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Central Gulf Coast, the Murphy High School Alumni Association, the Alabama School of Math and Science, and the Mobile County Health Department Governing Council. He is President of the JSU National Alumni Association – Mobile Chapter and National President of the Sonic Boom Alumni Association.

A 29‑year member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., he has mentored nearly 450 young men through Guide Right and Kappa League programs and previously served as National Guide Right Vice-Chairman.

Dr. Cunningham is the author of A Kut Above: Results of Positive Male Mentoring. He is a lifelong Episcopalian and enjoys family time, playing the trombone, and supporting Jackson State football.

Mr. Jason C. Louder

Actor · Writer · Coach · Mentor

Jason C. Louder is a bold and magnetic presence in film, television, and theater—an actor and writer known for his depth, versatility, and purpose‑driven storytelling. An Atlanta native, he brings raw emotion, cultural authenticity, and spiritual intention to every role. His breakout performance as Remi Ransom in Seasons 2 and 3 of the STARZ series BMF earned him widespread attention and established him as a rising voice in the industry.

Jason’s career features standout roles such as Frank “2-Bits” Tanner in Black Lightning (CW) and Cressy in Wu-Tang: An American Saga (Hulu). His additional credits include NCIS: Los Angeles (CBS), The Wonder Years (ABC), and the Bollywood film Simran. He has also showcased his vocal talent in national campaigns, including Adidas’ “Sports Needs Creators.”

In 2025, Jason reached a major milestone with his debut at the Cannes Film Festival, further cementing his reputation as a global storyteller. His recent film work spans major platforms, including The Pass (ALLBLK), Scheme Queens 1 & 2 (BET+), Gerald’s Hands, Abiding, Preaching Lies (Tubi), Cinnamon (Hulu), P.I.G.S. (Amazon Prime), and the upcoming Dragon Born.

Beyond the screen, Jason is a dedicated educator and cultural griot. He has performed in more than 30 stage productions and 40 independent films, always centering truth and community. Through his beloved character “Babatunde the Griot,” he has inspired thousands of students across Georgia. His work as an acting coach at Nova House, resident teaching artist at Champion Middle School, and youth instructor with AGI Entertainment continues to shape emerging artists and leaders.

With every role, Jason C. Louder brings soul, urgency, and authenticity—committed to telling revolutionary stories that move people and create lasting impact.

2026 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship

• Three $1000 merit-based scholarships will be awarded to students attending college post-graduation in East Central Alabama.
• Minimum of 3.0 GPA; high school resume; personal video essay (no longer than 3 minutes) and a letter of recommendation from the high school counselor.

Students will need to turn in a copy of their transcript as well as complete a short essay video on – What do you consider to be the single most important societal problem? Why? How has this affected what your plan of study will be and how has this inspired your desire to give back to your community?

While this is a merit-based scholarship, all achievements and commitments and video essay submissions will be considered.

All information must be completed and in a sealed envelope returned to the counselor or emailed to: latricegkelley@gmail.com. You may post your video essay by forwarding the video by cell to (334) 444-8945 or YouTube using a privacy setting or share the channel/link by Friday, November 28, 2025.

Students awarded scholarships are required to join NFBPA as a student member prior to receiving their scholarship check ($60.00 will be deducted from the East Central Alabama scholarship which will pay NFBPA national and local chapter dues) Membership benefits includes all benefits offered to paid NFBPA members, including a direct link to other professional in the NFBPA membership network. Members are required to participate in chapter related events.

Mail official transcripts to:
NFBPA
PO Box 2884,
Auburn, AL 36831-2884

Tips and Guidelines for the Video Essay

• Be prepared – take time to plan your answers before recording.
• Speak for yourself – only you should be talking in the video.
• Be visible – make sure we can clearly see you.
• Use a laptop or smartphone camera for the best quality.
• Focus on your message – pay close attention to the content of your answers.
• Ensure clear audio and lighting so we can both hear and see you well.
• Practice makes perfect! Do a few test runs before recording.
• Keep it concise – your video should be no longer than three minutes.
• Start with an introduction – share your name, your plan of study, and the school you plan to attend.
• Smile! A friendly introduction goes a long way.
• Tell your story – include what inspires you and what you’re passionate about.
• Enjoy the process – relax, have fun, and let your authentic self, shine through!