Alumni Council Members
Learn more about our alumni council members.
Rhonda Allen-Lewis, a native of Jefferson City, Missouri, is a proud graduate of Jefferson City High School and Lincoln University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s in guidance and counseling. She also holds a master’s degree in educational administration from Grand Canyon University.
Allen-Lewis has 24 years of experience in education. She currently serves as principal of Belair Elementary School and previously worked as assistant principal at Lewis and Clark Middle School. She spent several years teaching second through fourth grades at East and Thorpe Gordon elementary schools and later served as a behavior interventionist. While at Thorpe Gordon, she led the district’s only elementary drama program for 10 years, helping students perform on stage.
Her achievements have been recognized through numerous honors, including Jefferson City School District Teacher of the Year (2017), Mother of the Year from the Masonic Lodge, and Zonta Woman of Achievement. She is a member of the Lincoln University Alumni Council and established “Ty” (Theater for Youth) to help children explore their talents and build confidence.
Allen-Lewis is also active in community service, serving 12 years as a Big Sister with Big Brothers Big Sisters and as a member of the American Legion Auxiliary. She enjoys singing, podcasts, staying active, and spending time with her husband, John, her two “bonus children,” Jamond and Aijah, and their Beagle, Winston.
Sharon A. Brown, Ph.D., a Kansas City, Missouri, native, attended Lincoln University from 1975 to 1979. During her time at Lincoln, she was active in student life, serving as freshman class secretary in the Student Government Association. She joined the Omega Pearls interest group and was later initiated into Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., holding treasurer positions in both organizations. As a senior, she was crowned Miss Lincoln University and continued her involvement in SGA. Brown also served on the University Student Disciplinary Board. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in oral communication disorders.
Lincoln University provided the foundation for her advanced studies. She earned a Master of Arts in speech and language pathology from The Ohio State University in 1980, followed by a Master of Arts in psychology and a Ph.D. in clinical neuropsychology from the University of Houston.
Brown’s career has focused on traumatic brain injury research and the development of neuropsychological programs, cognitive rehabilitation services, and assessments, including work related to dementia. She has published in professional journals and co-authored a book chapter. Her community involvement includes service through Delta Sigma Theta, participation on her HOA and MUD boards, and membership at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. She has also been active in the Houston Alumni Chapter–Lincoln University and the Houston HBCUA Association.
Ralph A. Butler, a 1981 graduate of Lincoln University, is a retired U.S. Army officer with extensive experience in strategic leadership and planning. Throughout his military career, he developed expertise in organizational leadership and operational decision-making.
Following his service, Butler continued his work as a human development professional. His areas of focus include team building, empowerment training and communications, with a commitment to helping individuals and organizations strengthen their effectiveness.
Butler represents the Washington, D.C., region on the Lincoln University Alumni Council.
“I am profoundly happy that I realized that my foundation of education and excellence was rooted in the theory that if I made it at Lincoln, I could make it anywhere… I want to continue to see Lincoln University move forward, to see continued growth and development. I want to be a part of the change makers for my Lincoln University.”
Florene Calvin Dawkins
BS Ed ’77
Donna J. Noble Cavitte is a 1973-74 graduate of Lincoln University and a proud resident of Jefferson City, home of the Blue Tigers. She arrived at Lincoln in 1969—initially not her first choice, but ultimately the place that shaped her life and career. Before earning her bachelor’s degree in journalism, she worked part-time as editor of the Missouri Commission on Human Rights’ monthly newsletter, Progress.
After graduation, Cavitte accepted a position as a Sickle Cell Anemia field representative with the Missouri Division of Health. When the role ended in 1976, she returned to the Missouri Commission on Human Rights to assemble a writing portfolio and pursue reporting opportunities. Instead, the commission hired her as an investigator—a decision that launched a nearly 35-year career in civil rights. She advanced through the organization and served as its executive director for 10 years. Cavitte became a certified human rights professional and devoted her career to enforcing anti-discrimination laws and advocating for equity across the state.
Lincoln University played a central role in her personal life as well. She pledged Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., met her husband, raised her son, and now celebrates having a granddaughter enrolled at LU. A dedicated supporter of her alma mater, she is honored to serve on the Lincoln University Alumni Council and hopes her service reflects her deep love for the university.
“LU embraced me, engaged me and gave me the confidence I could be a high achiever… I know LU continues to transform the lives of the students I have known and worked with over these many years…I believe I can bring insights and perspectives that can assist the Council and LU in the quest to engage and motivate alumni to give back to LU.”
Hardy Dorsey Sr.
BS Ed ’69
Hardy K. Dorsey Sr. is a proud graduate of Lincoln University in Missouri with a bachelor’s degree in education and a master’s degree in education administration from Southern Illinois University.
He was inducted into the National Black College Hall of Fame for his community service work and support for HBCUs throughout the country. He is a recipient of numerous awards including the Thurgood Marshall Service Award. He was inducted into the Lincoln University Hall of Fame and the Beaumont High School Hall of Fame (St. Louis), his high school alma mater.
He is a former teacher and school administrator in the St. Louis Public School System. He left the school system to help develop a new program to support minority students for business and engineering opportunities in corporate America. That program, Inroads, Inc., has become nationally regarded throughout the country. He is a former IBM marketing executive, spending 17 years with that organization. He later formed his own management consulting practice called the Dorsey Management Group. LLC, focused on serving Fortune 500 companies in the areas of leadership, developing high-performing organizations, and diversity and inclusion.
He has served on numerous boards, including a member of the board the Urban League of Orlando, Fla., and chairman of the Inroads Atlanta board for five years. He has held numerous roles with the 100 Black Men of America and the 100 Black Men of Atlanta for nearly 30 years, with half those years serving on their board of directors. He was commissioner for the Georgia Residential Finance Authority, appointed by Governor Joe Frank Harris, for seven years, and he served on the Thurgood Marshall College Fund Board, tallying eight years as the TMCF national alumni association president.
A past Lincoln University National Alumni President for six years, he currently serves as president of the 62nd and 65th Regiments Legacy Foundation, Inc. and chairs the Human Resources Committee for the International Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
Dorsey currently serves on the Development Authority in Sandy Springs, Ga. Appointed by the mayor and approved by the city council in 2022, he is serving a second term, 2025-2028. He has also been appointed and serves on Lincoln University’s Alumni Advisory Council for the University president, John Moseley.
Dorsey is an avid golfer and enjoys studying history and politics. He and his wife Wanda, married for 53 years, enjoy living in Sandy Springs, Georgia. They have two children, six grandchildren, and one great-grandson, which keeps their family very active.
“I am still just as proud of Lincoln now as I was when I first stepped foot on campus in August 1975. I would like to serve on the council as a catalyst for change and resolution. I hope to become an advocate to drive any and all key initiatives to help support the University.”
Belinda Farrington
BS ’79
Pastor Quincy C. Hobbs, Jr., is a native of Stuttgart, Arkansas, and resides in Voorhees, New Jersey, with his wife of 57 years, the former Arnetta L. Knox of Kansas City, Missouri.
Hobbs described high school as a joyful time and said he dreamed of attending college, though his family could not afford it. A counselor at his school secured an academic scholarship for him to attend Lincoln University. He had not applied anywhere else, and Lincoln became what he described as his lifeline.
Coming from the segregated South, Hobbs said Lincoln University opened his eyes and mind to a world he had only imagined. It was there that he discovered who he was and what he could become. He credited Lincoln with providing a safe, nurturing environment guided by compassionate, committed and no-nonsense faculty and staff members who pushed him to excel and envision a future shaped by his own aspirations.
During his time at Lincoln, Hobbs was actively involved on and off campus. He served for three years as a dorm counselor; president of the Student Activities Organization; second vice president of the National Pan-Hellenic Council; a member of the Eta Sigma Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.; and a participant in the Army ROTC scholarship program. He graduated in 1969 with a Bachelor of Science in business.
Upon graduation, Hobbs was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Army, where he served for 30 years, retiring in 2000 with the rank of colonel. During his military career, he continued his education and earned a master’s degree in contracts and acquisition management.
After retiring from the Army, Hobbs transitioned into corporate America, working as a program manager, business developer and independent consultant. In 2002, he answered the call to ministry, was ordained in 2006 and currently serves as senior pastor of Zion Hill Baptist Church.
Hobbs also serves on two community development corporation boards and is a member of the Lincoln University Alumni Council. His service on the council allows him to give back to Lincoln beyond financial contributions by offering professional insight, mentorship and support to help engage fellow alumni and advance the university’s mission for future generations.
Joseph James, B.S. B.A. ’69, is a native of St. Louis, Missouri, he was the only male among six sisters and attended Blewett Elementary School and Vashon High School. During high school, he participated in baseball and football while working throughout his school years and graduated with a 3.11 GPA. He is the father of four sons and grandfather of 11 grandchildren and currently resides in Houston, Texas.
He chose to attend Lincoln University for its affordability, proximity to home and the presence of several friends already attending the university. He majored in business administration and remained active on campus as a four-year ROTC cadet, a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and a member of the student disciplinary council. He also worked in the Roads and Grounds Department as a work-study student.
After earning a Bachelor of Arts degree from Lincoln University, he served as a captain in the military before attending the Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University and completing post-law studies at University of Missouri-Kansas City.
While working for the Mid-America Regional Council, he helped advocate for the implementation of the 911 emergency system in the Kansas City area. His career also included work on legislation supporting fair housing and fair lending enforcement.
He said his purpose for serving on the council is to ensure alumni issues and concerns are presented to the university in a timely, constructive and respectful manner while fostering an environment in which all alumni feel welcomed and included in the affairs of Lincoln University.
Eugene Lock '65 is from Loose Creek, Missouri, approximately 15 miles from Lincoln University. He was the recipient of a Lincoln University Curators Scholarship, which made attending college possible. He said attending Lincoln provided opportunities he would not have otherwise had. He recalls that in his eighth-grade class of 13 students, he was the only one who went to college. His late wife, Susan, a member of the Lincoln University Class of 1966, also received a Curators Scholarship. Serving on the Lincoln University Alumni Council allows him to give back for what was afforded to both him and his wife.
Lock graduated from Lincoln University in 1965 with a major in journalism. While at Lincoln, he served as editor of the LU Clarion and was a member of the French Club. After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force rather than being drafted into the Army. He served a combined 30 years of active and reserve duty in the Air Force and flew 113 combat missions in Vietnam. He retired as a colonel in 1995. He and his late wife owned and operated an advertising agency based in Sacramento, California. Early in their careers, they founded the Lock Heinen Scholarship at Lincoln University, which provides annual support for students. Lincoln University is named as a beneficiary in his estate plan.
He currently resides in Sacramento, California, and is past president of the Placer County SPCA. Because there are no alumni chapters in his region, serving on the Lincoln University Alumni Council provides him an opportunity to stay active in the university’s growth and strength. It also allows him to help raise awareness and support among what he refers to as “commuter students,” highlighting the many ways alumni can support their alma mater.
Debra Maxie, affectionately known on campus as “Hamburger,” is a native of Chicago and resides in San Diego, California. She is the widow of fellow Lincoln University alumnus Leo O. Maxie, Class of 1970, and is the mother of two sons and grandmother of three.
Maxie refers to Lincoln as “the Gem on the Hill” and said she has never regretted her decision to attend the university.
As a first-generation college student, Maxie said her path to Lincoln was made possible through the encouragement and support of a high school friend’s family and financial assistance through the National Defense Loan Program. She attended Lincoln University from 1968 to 1973, earning a Bachelor of Education in health and physical education, with a minor in psychology, in 1972, followed by a Master of Education in guidance and counseling in 1973.
After relocating to San Diego in 1979, Maxie earned an administrative credential from San Diego State University and went on to serve as a high school administrator. She retired in 2017 after a 44-year career in education.
While at Lincoln, Maxie was active in campus life as a member of the university choir, a Blue Tiger cheerleader, Freshman Class Attendant to Miss LU and a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc..
In retirement, Maxie continues to substitute teach and remains active in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She also is a member of National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Inc. and serves on the California Student Aid Commission.
Inspired by the absence of a local alumni chapter in the San Diego area, Maxie applied to join the Alumni Council, where she continues to support her alma mater. She said the journey reflects her lifelong commitment to education, service and community.
Joyce A. McClellan, a native of Tulsa, Oklahoma, graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in 1975. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Lincoln University in 1979. While at Lincoln, she was a four-year member of the cheer squad and served as captain for two years. She was also a runner-up for Miss Lincoln, participated in the Student Government Association and served as a peer counselor. In fall 1978, she was initiated into Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. McClellan has said her time at Lincoln University was transformative and inspired her commitment to ensuring future generations of students have access to similar opportunities and resources.
Ex officio member: Curator Tina Shannon