Visionary Leadership
Our board is a diverse assembly of professionals from legal, medical, and business sectors, all united by a profound dedication to the legacy of Mary E. Demps. Through their varied expertise and collective commitment, they work tirelessly to expand educational access and create transformative scholarship opportunities for the next generation of scholars.
Board of Directors
J. Vincent Demps
Chairman of the board
J. Vincent Demps serves as Chairman of the Board of the Mary E. Demps Scholarship Fund, which was established to honor the life and legacy of his mother, Mary E. Demps, and her commitment to education and service.
A graduate of Fisk University, Mr. Demps also earned a master’s degree in Contract Law from the University of Tennessee–Knoxville. His longstanding commitment to Fisk University includes service as former President of the Memphis Fisk Alumni Association and Treasurer of the Fisk University Class of 1991 Alumni.
As Chairman, Mr. Demps provides strategic leadership to the Fund and works with fellow Board members to expand its educational impact. He is actively involved in developing fundraising initiatives, cultivating corporate relationships and matching-gift opportunities, and identifying new ways to strengthen the organization’s ability to support students.
His leadership reflects a personal commitment to preserving Mary E. Demps’ legacy by creating educational opportunities for future generations.
Andrea S. Demps
BOARD MEMBER
Andrea Demps serves on the Board of Directors of the Mary E. Demps Scholarship Fund, bringing a strong combination of business education, organizational leadership, and attention to detail to the Fund’s governance.
Ms. Demps is a graduate of the University of Tennessee and holds a Master of Business Administration from Union University.
As a Board member, she contributes to organizational planning and helps maintain focus on the Fund’s priorities and objectives. She has also played an important role in establishing scholarship parameters and supporting the processes through which the Fund identifies and assists deserving students.
Her commitment to effective organization and responsible stewardship contributes to the Fund’s continued ability to advance its educational mission.
Calvin Capers
BOARD MEMBER
Calvin Capers, CPA, serves on the Board of Directors of the Mary E. Demps Scholarship Fund and brings significant financial and business expertise to the organization.
A former student-athlete and graduate of Fisk University, Mr. Capers earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting and later received his Master of Business Administration from the University of Memphis. He is also a Certified Public Accountant.
Mr. Capers contributes his financial knowledge and professional perspective to the Board while supporting the development of scholarship criteria, fundraising initiatives, and the responsible stewardship of charitable resources.
His combination of accounting expertise, business education, athletic experience, and commitment to service provides valuable perspective to the Fund’s governance and continued growth.
Dr. Ray Bennett
BOARD MEMBER
Dr. Ray Bennett serves on the Board of Directors of the Mary E. Demps Scholarship Fund and brings experience in healthcare, athletics, education, and community service to the organization.
A former student-athlete and graduate of Fisk University, Dr. Bennett continued his education at Meharry Medical College. He is the founder of Wingard Primary Care in Peachtree City, Georgia.
Dr. Bennett is a strong advocate for charitable service and community involvement. Through his service on the Board, he contributes professional insight and leadership to initiatives designed to expand educational opportunities and positively impact students and their communities.
His background as an athlete, physician, and community leader provides a valuable perspective as the Fund continues to develop programs supporting education, personal development, and student success.
Dr. Fredric Garner
BOARD MEMBER
Dr. Fredric Garner serves on the Board of Directors of the Mary E. Demps Scholarship Fund, contributing extensive experience in education, athletics, and student development.
A former Fisk University student-athlete, Dr. Garner earned his doctoral degree from the University of Memphis. His academic background and commitment to education provide valuable perspective to the Fund’s scholarship and student-support initiatives.
As a Board member, Dr. Garner assists in developing scholarship criteria and program parameters and contributes his time, expertise, and resources to the Fund’s fundraising and charitable activities.
His commitment to educational advancement helps ensure that the Fund’s programs remain focused on creating meaningful opportunities for students.
Sincere Richards, Esq.
BOARD MEMBER
Sincere Richards, Esq. serves as a voting member of the Board of Directors of the Mary E. Demps Scholarship Fund, bringing legal experience, strategic insight, and a strong commitment to community service to the organization.
Mr. Richards is a graduate of Tennessee State University and a founding member of Richards and Colburn Law Group. He practices law in Tennessee and Georgia.
As a Board member, Mr. Richards participates in the governance and strategic oversight of the Fund, including matters involving organizational policies, charitable programs, partnerships, and long-term growth. His legal background provides an additional perspective as the Board evaluates opportunities and works to ensure responsible stewardship of the Fund’s resources.
Mr. Richards also supports the Fund’s efforts to expand charitable giving, strengthen community and institutional partnerships, and increase educational opportunities for students attending colleges and universities.
His combination of legal experience, governance leadership, and commitment to service contributes to the Board’s mission of preserving the legacy of Mary E. Demps while expanding the Fund’s impact on students and the communities it serves.
Jacqueline Watkins
EVENT COORDINATOR
Jacqueline Watkins serves as Event Coordinator for the Mary E. Demps Scholarship Fund and plays an important role in supporting the organization’s fundraising, community engagement, and special-event initiatives.
Ms. Watkins brings a strong commitment to charitable service and volunteerism to her work with the Fund. She assists with the planning and coordination of events designed to increase community participation, strengthen donor relationships, and generate resources supporting the Fund’s educational mission.
Through her dedication, organization, and commitment to service, Ms. Watkins helps create meaningful experiences that connect supporters with the students and communities served by the Mary E. Demps Scholarship Fund.
Tracey Thedford
BOARD MEMBER
Tracey M. Thedford serves on the Board of Directors of the Mary E. Demps Scholarship Fund and brings experience in athletics, marketing, education advocacy, and community engagement.
A former student-athlete and graduate of Fisk University, Mr. Thedford earned a master’s degree in Marketing from DePaul University. He is a strong advocate for Historically Black Colleges and Universities and the educational opportunities they provide.
As a Board member, Mr. Thedford contributes to the development of scholarship criteria and assists with fundraising and donor engagement efforts. His background in marketing also provides valuable perspective as the Fund works to increase awareness of its mission and expand its reach.
His commitment to HBCUs and student advancement supports the Fund’s goal of helping students overcome financial barriers to educational success.
Darryl Washington
BOARD MEMBER
Darryl Washington serves on the Board of Directors of the Mary E. Demps Scholarship Fund, bringing experience in athletics, public administration, and community service.
A former student-athlete and graduate of Fisk University, Mr. Washington earned a Master of Public Administration from Texas Southern University.
Mr. Washington is a strong advocate for supporting Historically Black Colleges and Universities and expanding opportunities for students pursuing higher education.
As a Board member, he contributes to scholarship program development, assists with establishing award criteria, and supports fundraising and donor-development activities. His public-administration background and commitment to service contribute to the Fund’s governance and community-focused mission.
Kevin Waters
BOARD MEMBER
Kevin Waters serves on the Board of Directors of the Mary E. Demps Scholarship Fund and brings experience in athletics, business management, entrepreneurship, and community engagement.
A former Fisk University student-athlete and graduate of Edward Waters University, Mr. Waters holds a degree in Business Management. He is an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and owner of the Jacksonville 95ers professional basketball organization in Jacksonville, Florida.
As a Board member, Mr. Waters contributes to scholarship program development, fundraising efforts, and initiatives designed to expand opportunities for students and student-athletes.
His experience in professional sports and business provides valuable perspective as the Fund develops partnerships connecting education, athletics, mentorship, personal development, and community service.
The Power of Our Collective Impact
Through strategic leadership, our board has assisted several college students and close to hundred youths by supporting fellow organizations with through financial assistance and support ensuring that structural barriers do not stand in the way of academic potential.