President and Chief Executive Officer
Gina S. Brown, Ph.D., MSA, RN, FAAN, FNAP, FADLN serves as the 12th president of Oakwood University in Huntsville, AL. Dr. Brown brings more than 30 years of distinguished leadership in healthcare, higher education, and international administration to her role as president of Oakwood University. An accomplished educator, nurse, administrator, and visionary, Dr. Brown has served institutions across North America, Asia, and Africa with a track record of innovation, excellence, and transformation.
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Dr. Brown is a proud alumna of Oakwood University, where she earned undergraduate degrees in both biology and nursing. She later completed her Master of Science in Health Services Administration from Central Michigan University and a Ph.D. in Administration—with a focus in nursing, policy, and ethics—from George Mason University.
Her professional career spans a wide range of leadership roles including hospital supervisor, nurse recruiter, cancer research liaison, and Chief Operating Officer of GROW Healthcare, a subsidiary of Adventist HealthCare. In this capacity, she oversaw nurse recruitment operations across the globe, notably in the Philippines, and helped shape operational policies across multiple healthcare systems. She also served on the Board of Trustees for Shady Grove Hospital.
In higher education, Dr. Brown has been a pioneering leader. She became the founding dean of the School of Graduate and Professional Studies at Columbia Union College (now Washington Adventist University), where she launched and administered numerous graduate and undergraduate programs. She later served as Dean of the School of Health Professions, Science and Wellness at WAU for over a decade, while also sitting on the board of Loma Linda University Health—a system of 14 hospitals.
Dr. Brown went on to serve as the academic leader for the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at Loma Linda University before being appointed Dean of the College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences at Howard University. At Howard, she managed a multimillion-dollar budget, directed more than 100 faculty and staff, and ensured the academic success of over 1,500 students.
Recognized internationally for her expertise in nursing education, policy, and interdisciplinary care models, Dr. Brown has secured major grant funding, developed academic programs across all degree levels, and published widely in both scholarly and faith-based journals. She is a Fellow in the American Academy of Nursing (FAAN), the National Academies of Practice (FNAP), and the Academy of Diversity Leaders in Nursing (FADLN).
As president of Oakwood University, Dr. Brown brings a bold, student-focused vision for the future—grounded in faith, driven by data, and supported by decades of experience. Her leadership is marked by excellence, innovation, and a deep commitment to preparing the next generation of leaders for service in a global society.
Provost and Senior Vice President
Dr. James Mbyirukira serves as Provost and Senior Vice President. He holds a Ph.D. in Education from the University of Iowa. He has dedicated over 30 years to teaching and academic leadership including the roles as Dean of Education and Social Sciences and Chair of the Department of Education. Prior to joining Oakwood University, he served as Deputy Vice Chancellor and Provost at the University of Eastern Africa, Baraton, Kenya.
As SACSCOC Liaison, Dr. Mbyirukira led successfully Oakwood University reaffirmation by SACSCOC and the reaccreditation of Adventist Accrediting Association (AAA). He has a strong background in curriculum development, and student learning assessment. His work emphasis is continuous improvement of effective curriculum and assessment strategies.
Vice President
University Advancement
Ava Willis-Barksdale, M.A., B.S., serves as Vice President of University Advancement. She has over 30 years of experience in education, healthcare, and philanthropy. Her philanthropic leadership spans five institutions, focusing on fundraising, donor relations, and grant acquisition. She also served as Operational Vice President and Interim President at Girard College before returning to higher education advancement.
Dr. James Doggette, Jr. is a higher education leader and public servant with a robust background in ministry and a strong commitment to spiritual formation, organizational leadership, and student success. Over the course of his career, he has provided pastoral leadership to 11 congregations in Alabama, Texas, Florida, and Illinois. His ministry has also included public service as Pastoral Liaison and Field Representative in the United States Congress for Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee in Texas’s 18th Congressional District. In addition to his ecclesiastical and civic work, Dr. Doggette serves in the United States Air Force as a First Lieutenant Chaplain. Most recently he served as the Director of Young Adult Ministries for the Lake Region Conference. Dr. Doggette is an alumnus of Oakwood University and was named MVP of the Ambassadors’ 2008 USCAA National Championship basketball team. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Ministerial Theology and Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies from Oakwood University, as well as a Doctorate in Strategic Leadership from Southeastern University.
Vice President for Finance and Chief Financial Officer
Jermaine K. Jackson is a seasoned finance executive with a strong commitment to operational excellence and mission-centered stewardship. His career includes serving as Chief Financial Officer/Treasurer of the Allegheny West Conference, CFO/Vice President of Adventist Risk Management (ARM) and Corporate Treasurer of Gencon Insurance Company of Vermont (GICV). In these roles, he directed domestic and international financial operations, across the United States, Brazil and Gibraltar, strengthening financial systems, governance, and long-term sustainability. Most recently, Jackson served as Associate Treasurer and Stewardship Director for the Lake Union Conference in Berrien Springs, Michigan, where he led the Lake Union Revolving Fund, enhancing the Fund’s investment strategy and implemented a robust online member interface. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Oakwood University, a Master of Business Administration from Baker University, and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Business Administration.
Interim Vice President for Student Life & Mission
Dr. Shirley-Ann Thomas serves as Vice President for Student Life and Mission at Oakwood University. With nearly 25 years of experience in teaching and administration across New York, California, and Alabama, she brings a deep commitment to student success and holistic education.
Since joining Oakwood, she has held a variety of leadership roles, including Assistant Professor of Education, Director of the Center for Student Success, QEP Director, Dean of the Center for Student Success, Assistant Vice President for Enrollment Services, and Interim Vice President for Student Life and Mission.
Dr. Thomas earned her Ph.D. in Instructional Leadership from La Sierra University. A strong advocate for Seventh-day Adventist education, she is also the proud mother of two sons currently attending Oakwood University.
Dr. Howard Weems, Ph.D. has served as a Seventh-day Adventist minister and academician for over twenty-nine years. He is an organizational psychologist, professor, and ordained minister. He has pastored several churches in the Northeastern Conference. His educational background consists of communications, theology, and psychology. He completed an Associate Degree in Communications and a B.A. Degree in Theology at Oakwood University.