2026
Convocation DELAWARE STATE UNIVERSITY
135 Years
of Excellence
Tuesday, September 15, 2026 11 a.m. Memorial Hall Gymnasium
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Convocation D E L AWA R E S TAT E U N I V E R S I T Y
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Convocation D E L AWA R E S TAT E U N I V E R S I T Y
PROGRAM WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE PLATFORM PARTY Patrice Gilliam, Ph.D., Provost and Chief Academic Officer
INVOCATION Terrell Holmes, Ed.D., Senior Associate Vice President, Strategic Initiatives NATIONAL ANTHEM & LIFT EVERY VOICE AND SING (Please stand) Delaware State University Approaching Storm Marching Band and Choir
INTRODUCTION OF CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES Patrice Gilliam, Ph.D.
WELCOME FROM THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES Mr. John Ridgeway ’75, Chairman, Board of Trustees
THE OCCASION Tony Allen, Ph.D., President
INSPIRATION Miya M. Jackson, D.Soc.Sci. ’02, ’13, National Chaplain, DSU Alumni Association Ms. Teresa Awung ’27, President, Student Government Association
INTRODUCTION OF CONVOCATION SPEAKER Tony Allen, Ph.D.
CONVOCATION ADDRESS Asya Johnson, Ed.D. ’03, Creator and Founding Principal, HBCU Early College Prep High School
PINNING CEREMONY Mr. James Overton, Vice President, Student Affairs
ALMA MATER Audience, Band and Choir (Lyrics are on page 6 of the program.)
CLOSING REMARKS AND PROCLAMATION Patrice Gilliam, Ph.D.
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Convocation D E L AWA R E S TAT E U N I V E R S I T Y
CONVOCATION SPEAKER Asya Johnson, Ed.D. ’03 Principal HBCU Early College Prep High School
Dr. Asya Johnson is a transformative educational leader, scholarpractitioner, and systems innovator with over 20 years of experience advancing equity-centered school transformation, early college access, and culturally responsive leadership. She is the creator and founding principal of HBCU Early College Prep, the first HBCUfocused early college high school model in a major metropolitan district. Through a pioneering partnership with Delaware State University, scholars can earn a tuition-free associate degree while completing high school, creating direct pathways to college and HBCUs for historically underserved students. Dr. Johnson began her career as an educator in North Philadelphia and later served as principal of Longwood Preparatory Academy in the South Bronx, leading a comprehensive turnaround grounded in culturally responsive pedagogy. Drawing on Zaretta Hammond’s Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain, she guided the school to New York State Good Standing while strengthening instructional systems, school culture, and student outcomes. Her leadership also includes serving as a Harlem charter school principal and Director of Special Education Programs, where she developed innovative programming for incarcerated youth on Rikers Island. Dr. Johnson has built impactful partnerships addressing student needs, including a campus food pantry with the Food Bank of New York, initiatives addressing library debt, and creative arts and wellness spaces featuring a recording studio centered on Hip-Hop Therapy. She earned a Doctorate in Education Management and Leadership from Drexel University, where she serves as an Alumni Mentor and Coach and was named a 2025 Alumni Award recipient. She also holds degrees from Bank Street College, Holy Family University, and Delaware State University. Dr. Johnson is an adjunct professor at New York University and has contributed to educational policy through New York City’s Diversity Advisory Group and national equity initiatives. Her honors include the Legendary Leader Award, Bank Street College Alumni Recognition Award, Cahn Fellowship for Distinguished Principals, Gray Fellowship for Principal Excellence, and Cambiar Catalyst Fellowship. She has also served as a Master Principal and member of the NYC Chancellor’s Principal Advisory Board. Through her work, Dr. Johnson continues to build sustainable pathways connecting K–12 education, higher education, and community leadership to expand opportunity and transform outcomes for future generations.
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Convocation D E L AWA R E S TAT E U N I V E R S I T Y BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Mr. John Ridgeway ’75, Chair Debbie Harrington, Ed.D., 1st Vice Chair Ms. Bernadette Dorsey Whatley, 2nd Vice Chair Mr. Chip Rossi, Treasurer Ms. Tamara Stoner, M.B.A., Secretary Mr. Marcus Beal Mr. William W. Collick, M.Ed. Mr. James L. Collins, M.S.
Norman D. Griffiths, J.D. Wilma Mishoe, Ed.D. Janice E. Nevin, M.D.
Marlene A. Saunders, D.S.W. ’67 Leroy A. Tice, J.D. ’02 Tetra S. Shockley, J.D. ’04 Mr. Joshua Twilley, M.B.A. Ms. Jocelyn Stewart
EX-OFFICIO The Honorable Matt Meyer Governor of the State of Delaware Tony Allen, Ph.D. President, Delaware State University
TRUSTEE EMERITI A. Richard Barros, J.D., Ed.D. Claibourne D. Smith, Ph.D.
PRESIDENT EMERITI Wilma Mishoe, Ed.D. Harry L. Williams, Ed.D.
UNIVERSITY LEADERSHIP Tony Allen, Ph.D., President Irene Chapman-Hawkins, Ed.D., ’14, ’19, Executive Vice President Mr. Anas Ben Addi, Senior Vice President of Finance/Chief Financial Officer Patrice Gilliam, Ph.D., Provost/Chief Academic Officer Stannis Smith, J.D., M.B.A., L.L.M., General Counsel and Vice President of Legal Affairs Kenisha Ringgold, J.D., Deputy General Counsel and Chief Risk Officer Kareem McLemore, Ed.D., ’24, Vice President of Strategic Enrollment and International Affairs Mr. Jonathan Starkey, Senior Advisor to the President and Chief External Relations Officer Ms. Tamara Stoner, M.B.A., Special Assistant to the President and University Secretary
ACADEMIC LEADERS AND DEANS Fareeda M. Griffith, Ph.D., Associate Provost for Academic and Student Success Michael H. Casson Jr., Ph.D., Dean, College of Business Adenike Davidson, Ph.D., Dean, College of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences Gwendolyn Scott-Jones, Ph.D., Dean, Wesley College of Health and Behavioral Sciences and School of Graduate, Adult and Extended Studies Cherese Winstead, Ph.D., Dean, College of Agriculture, Science and Technology
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Convocation D E L AWA R E S TAT E U N I V E R S I T Y ALMA MATER Hail Alma Mater! Thy Children greet Thee. Greet Thee with Loyalty, love, strength and truth; Here in thine ancient halls o’er Thy plains so verdant Thou art our guide in the pathways of youth. From the broad world without, come Thy sons and daughters, Bearing our laurels to lay at Thy shrine. E’er shall we heed Thy call; ne’er shall we fail Thee, Love Alma Mater, God bless Thee and Thine. --Pauline Williams LeCompte, 1926 --Music by Alexis Lvov, 1833
CONVOCATION Convocation (Latin ‘calling together,’ translating the Greek ecclesia) is a group of people formally assembled for a special purpose. The purpose of the ceremony is to honor the opening of the academic year and the unrelenting efforts to fulfill the mission of the University.
THE MISSION Rigorously leverage a proud HBCU legacy and commitment to excellence in every field of human endeavor to enhance the recruitment and preparation of talented professionals to contribute to a sustainable, global community.
THE VISION Delaware State University strives to become America’s most diverse, contemporary HBCU by expanding its capacity to provide a life-changing, high-quality, low-cost education to 10,000+ students; continuing our efforts to achieve R1 “very high research activity” status; and having a significant, measurable impact on the social, technological, and economic challenges that face our State, the nation, and the world.
DSU CORE VALUES Community | Integrity | Diversity | Contemporary | Scholarship | Outreach
THE MACE The mace, borne by the grand marshal, is a traditional symbol of authority which dates back to the Middle Ages. The use of ceremonial maces by educational institutions began in the 17th century when Cambridge and Oxford universities in England adopted the mace as an emblem to be carried on ceremonial occasions. In keeping with tradition of many colleges and universities in the United States that began using ceremonial maces in the 20th century, Delaware State University adopted the mace in 1963 as an emblem of authority to be used at especially significant University affairs. The Delaware State University mace was designed and constructed in 1963 by the late John McCollough, assistant professor of art education at the institution. At today’s Convocation ceremony, the entry of the grand marshal bearing the ceremonial mace heralds the arrival of the academic year.
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Convocation Convocation 2025 D E L ADelaware W A R E S T AState T E U University NIVERSITY
OATH After each statement is read, you will say I Do!
As a new student of Delaware State University, I declare my commitment in the pursuit of academic excellence, and a lifelong commitment to the University. I Do!
I will embrace the University’s commitment to my education and my personal growth. I am part of the HORNET family where diversity is a blessing, difference is expected, and each new experience is an opportunity for me to better myself. I Do!
I will follow the Student Code of Conduct while maintaining personal integrity, respect for others, respect for property, and respect for authority. I Do!
As a responsible member of the HORNET family, I accept the obligation of academic honesty by understanding that it is required to fulfill the fundamental goals of the University. I Do!
I accept the challenge of being a future graduate of Delaware State University and all of the responsibilities thereafter for the benefit of my family, my community, my alma mater, myself, and the world. I Do!
All together now – repeat after me: As a new student at Delaware State University, I accept my membership into the HORNET Family!
Please pin the person next to you.
Congratulations, Class of 2030!
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Convocation D E L AWA R E S TAT E U N I V E R S I T Y
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