Advisory Board

Melvin Robinson currently serves as the Vice President of EYPD SERVICES. His experiences includes 25 years in K-12, Post-Secondary and Information Technology services.

My name is Schneika Stokes. I have over 14 years of experience as an educator in the public and private sectors. I received a BSBA in Business Administration from The University of Southern MS, a Masters in Business Education from Mississippi College, and became certified in Education Leadership from the University of Texas at Arlington.

In education, I’ve served as a classroom teacher, department chairperson, Assistant Principal, Director of Business Programs, and Academic Dean.

I enjoy providing training and professional development for teachers. It has become my passion to share my experience with others, to help better education around the state of Mississippi.

PATRICIA STANLEY’s professional experience includes serving as an English instructor for Jackson State University, Hinds Community College, and Alcorn State University. Selected course training includes Theory and Practice of Composition, Problems in English, Group Teaching Procedures, and Supervision of Instruction. 

PUBLICATIONS (Articles):
    •    “Due Season” (1997)
    •    “Whole Truth Magazine” (2000)
    •    Greenwood Commonwealth (2016)

DEGREES: 
    •    M.S., Educational Administration, Alcorn State University
    •    M.A., English, Alcorn State University 
    •    B.A., English, Alcorn State University

My name is Brandy Schruff, and I am a tenth grade English teacher and a French I, II, III, and IV teacher at Bay High School. I received my undergraduate degree and my Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction and French from Mississippi State University. At Bay High School, I am a member of the Faculty Senate, an eleventh grade class sponsor, and the French club sponsor. I am married and have two boys and a daughter. I am a much more empathetic and compassionate teacher from being a mother.

These skills have allowed me to truly connect with my students, and I believe the connections teachers make with their students is the ultimate key to a student’s success. I am passionate about educating our youth, and one of the most rewarding experiences as a teacher from a smaller high school is to be able to see maturity, self-confidence, and ability develop in a student over the course of their high school experience.

My name is Gwenda Purnell. I was born in Monroe, Louisiana, and lived in Pascagoula, Mississippi, for about 25 years. After Hurricane Katrina, I moved to Jackson-Metro area. I obtained my master’s degree from William Carey College in Secondary Math, grades 7-12 and a specialist degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Southern Mississippi. I have taught math to students in grades 7-college for the past 30 years in both face-to-face and online environments. I teach online courses for DeVry University, PBS TeacherLine, and MPB. My husband, James and I are co-owners of J and G Educational Services, LLC.

I served as the District Math Curriculum and Instruction Specialist for five years. One of my greatest accomplishments during this time was to attain National Board Certification in Mathematics. I also worked as a Special Assistant for the State Superintendent of Education before my retirement from public education in 2007. I managed several bureaus at the Mississippi State Department of Education which included the Mississippi Virtual Public School, E-Learning for Educators, Professional Development, and Educational Technology.
James, Chris and I reside in Madison. We have 6 children (1 in heaven) and 10 grandchildren.