BBB Mississippi scholarship selection committee

Dr. Rachel De Vaughan - Deputy Executive Director of Programs
Dr. Rachel De Vaughan currently heads the Programs division of MCCB in supporting and strengthening Mississippi's community colleges through their programmatic efforts in adult education, workforce, career, and technical training, curriculum development, e-learning and instructional technology, academic and student affairs, and student organizations.  Dr. De Vaughan joined MCCB after serving as Interim Executive Director for the State Workforce Investment Board under Governor Phil Bryant's leadership.  Prior to that role, Dr. De Vaughan enjoyed a distinguished career in teaching throughout numerous school districts in Mississippi, serving as instructor and lead teacher and curriculum trainer.  She was recognized as Teacher of the Year in 2012 by Phi Delta Kappa Education Honor Society and Congressman Stephen Palazzo for her work as an educator.  She was nominated for and participated in the Mississippi Community College Leadership Academy.  Dr. De Vaughan earned her Bachelor of Business Administration from Faulkner University, Master of Education from William Carey College, and her Doctor of Philosophy in Higher Education Administraction from William Carey University.  Outside of eduation, she has worked in leadership positions for over 20 years in the private sector, both nationally and abroad.  Dr. De Vaughan currently serves as Vice President of the board for the National Coalition for Literacy.  She also serves on the ValueUSA Board for Adult Learners and the Innovate MS Board.

Dr. Felicia Gavin - Chief of Operations and Financial Officer for the Mississippi Department of Education
Dr. Felicia Gavin's career includes over 30 years in the private and public sector as an administrator and financial executive.  In addition to her career at the Mississippi Department of Education, she holds a State of Mississippi 468 Career Level Administrator license.  She received her Doctor of Philosophy in Higher Education from Jackson State University.  Dr. Gavin attended Mississippi College and Louisiana Tech University where she obtained her Master of Business Administration and Bachelor's degree in accounting, respectively.  Dr. Gavin serves on various community boards and is a member of numerous professional and civic organizations where she serves in leadership positions.  At Anderson United Methodist church, she is the Chair of the Finance Committee, Women of Virtue Conference, and Vice-Chair of the United Methodist Church, Mississippi Conference, Council on Finance and Administration.  Dr. Gavin is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and the LeFleur's Bluff Chapter of the Links.  She also serves on the Community Foundation for Mississippi Board and the Clinton Public School District Board as Vice-President.

Mrs. Delana Harris - Executive Director of the Pearl River Comminty College Development Foudation and Alumni Services.
She has held this position since September 2021.  In her role within the Foundation, she engages with the community, provides alumni services, and raises funds for scholarships and special projects.  With 15 years of experience at PRCC, Delana has also served as an Instructor of Marketing, Director of Recruitment, and Director of Marketing and Commications.  Her efforts in recruitment and marketing contributed to PRCC being recognized as the fastet-growing college in the state.  In 2019, Delana became the Dean of Enrollment at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, where she oversaw admissions, enrollment services, recruitment, and scholarships.  Delana holds a degree from PRCC, the University of Southern Mississippi, and William Carey University.  She is currently pursuing her PhD in Community College Leadership from Mississippi State University.  Delena and her husband, Jared, reside in Wiggins with their two sons.  Outside of work, she enjoys attending her boy's baseball, football, and basketball games.  She and Jared are active members of the Stone Booster Clubs, Stone County Youth Sports, PTO, and attend Venture Church in Wiggins.

Dr. Ralph (Chip) Mason - Dean Emeritus of the Business School at Belhaven University
Dr. Mason teaches online graduate courses and chairs dissertation committees in the Doctorate in Business Administration program at Belhaven University.  With over 20 years teaching experience in Leadership, Management, and Organizational Behavior, Dr. Mason has designed and taught graduate level courses in team dynamics, coaching, mentoring, conflict resolution, and leadership development.  He earned his Ph.D. from University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill and did his undergraduate work at Duke University in Economics.  He has Masters Degrees in both Educational and Business Administration.  Dr. Mason has served on the Board of Directors and the Board of Commissioners for the International Accreditation Council of Business Education, which accredits over 200 business schools in 45 states and over 20 foreign countries.  He has served as a consultant to business schools in Latin America and Asia as well as numerous schools in the United States on how to produce the talent required by today's global employers.  In 2016 he was awarded the John L. Green Award for Excellence in Business Education.  Dr. Mason has provided training for corporate clients such as BASF and Raytheon on leadership development and team building.  His research interests include emotional intelligence, building organizational culture and synergy in the intergenerational workplace.  He has also served as the Chair of the Alumni Advisory Committee at Duke University in Central Mississippi.  His hobbies include birding, spending time with family, and international travel.  He is married to Sarah Joanna Mason, who is a Physician Assistant and former medical professor.  His family also includes two adult daughters, a British son-in-law and a new grandson.

Ms. Pam Pybus - Owner, Inspect It Like A Girl
Inspect It Like A Girl has been in business since 2003.  Her services include real estate and homeowner inspections, construction consultations, and expert witness services.  She is currently the co-host of the nationally ranked podcast Fix It 101.  Ms. Pybas served on the board of Better Business Bureau serving Mississippi for 6 years. 

Mrs. Fredrica Tyes - Chief Operating Officer of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society (PTK)
Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society's mission is to recognize academic achievement of college students and provide opportunities for its members to grow as scholars and leaders. She has worked at Phi Theta Kappa for 10 years where she began as a frontline Membership Associate.  She now provides leadership, supervision, and strategic planning for operational divisions of the Society including Membership, the PTK store and facilities with experience in customer service, project management, and logistic support.  Fredrica holds a Bachelor of Science from Jackson State University and an Executive MBA from Milsaps College and is active in her community as a member of Junior Auxiliary of Rankin County.  She is a wife and proud mother of three.  Her hobbies include listening to podcasts, attending football and baseball games, reading, and traveling.