GHAAC OFFICERS

Tawanna McInnis-Cole
GHAAC President
 

Tawanna McInnis-Cole is a two-time graduate of Alcorn State University. Receiving her Bachelor's degree in Biology in 1999 and her Bachelor's degree in Nursing in 2001, she was drawn to math and sciences during her matriculation "beneath the shade of giant trees". She has since gone on to complete her Master's degree in Medical Science from Hampton University and her Doctorate in Health Administration from the Medical University of South Carolina. In 1996 while at Alcorn, Tawanna was initiated into Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and she remains an active graduate member today. Professionally, Tawanna is the System Director of Infection Prevention for a major healthcare system in Houston, TX where she has been employed for the last 18 years. Personally she is the wife of Dr. Nicholas Cole, mother to 2 daughters (Zariah and Mackenzi) and guardian to her niece, Symari. 

 

Tawanna's passion about being an Alcornite stemmed after graduating from the university, and she was able to reflect back on all that she learned academically and the many lifelong lessons. Alcorn holds a special place in her heart as this was the place where friends became family as they all navigated different paths to becoming successful, professional adults who give back to this great institution. It's the place where knowledge and character matter and greatness springs forward. It is a privilege to serve as the President of this chapter as she aims to encourage students to experience the place where the grass is greener, the air is cleaner, and the water is a little bit sweeter. 

 

 
Mertha Morris
Chapter Secretary

Mertha Morris is a 1975 graduate of Alcorn State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.

 

After working over 35 years as an accountant in the Oil & Gas Industry,

Mertha retired in September of 2015 from General Electric Oil & Gas Company.

 

Mertha is the mother of three beautiful adult daughters as well as an adult bonus daughter.  She is the grandmother to five absolutely amazing grandchildren. 

 

Mertha is a member of the Church Without Walls, where she has served for over 20 years.  She currently serves at the Queenston location as the Facilitator of the Senior Adults Living Triumphantly (S.A.L.T.) Ministry.  She also serves as the secretary for the Social Justice Ministry at the Queenston location.

 

Mertha is passionate about serving the marginalized and underserved in our community. It is her desire with much passion and love to serve, support and give back to Alcorn State University.

Wil Kennedy
Treasurer

Wil was born to Ken and Barbara Kennedy and raised on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. He graduated from Moss Point High School with Honors and attended Alcorn State University on an Academic Scholarship.  After graduating from Alcorn '95, he started in public service at the State Attorney General’s office as an Investigator in the Consumer Protection Division.  He spent a Legislative session working at the State Capitol prior to joining Ainsworth-MacAllan and Associates(formerly Ainsowrth-Meany) and joining their Texas operations handling Marketing and Field Services for School Districts across the State of Texas.  He subsequently joined DeWitt-Lavaca Special Education Cooperative in Cuero, TX as School Health and Related Services Administrator and Network Manager.  While there, he earned his MBA from the University of Houston-Victoria.  Soon after completing his MBA, he joined Merrill Lynch as a Financial Advisor in their Edgewater Beach office prior to working for the Southeast Louisiana Council of the Boy Scouts of America.  After brief stints in those arenas, he found his calling in the Offshore Drilling arena working for almost 2 decades starting as a utility hand and mustering out as a Drilling Superintendent.  Wil currently serves as Mayor of the City of Iowa Colony and is an Enrolled Agent and operates a small Life Health Insurance Agency as well as an Adjunct Professor of Business.

Wil and his wife, Undrea, have twin sons: Willie and Amos and have been here Brazoria County since 2006 and in the Iowa Colony development of Meridiana since 2019.

LIFE MEMBER OF ASU ALUMNI FOUNDATION 

LIFE MEMBER OF OMEGA PSI PHI FRATERNITY, INC.

WINDSOR VILLAGE CHURCH FAMILY, Ministry Leader and Member

UNITED METHODIST MEN GOLDEN, UMC

Erskine Payne
Asst. Treasurer



Erskine Payne, a licensed CPA, is a 1983 graduate of Alcorn with a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting.   He is a dedicated member of the Greater Houston Alcorn Alumni Chapter and serves as Treasurer.  After years of working in the corporate sector, he launched Erskine Payne CPA, PLLC where he serves as Director and Owner.  He is a former President of the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA) and has served as an executive board member for the organization.  He remains an active member of the Houston Chapter of NABA.  When Erskine’s not working, the Philadelphia Mississippi native spends his spare time fishing and watching college football.     

Marsha Franklin
Parliamentarian


Marsha Franklin, a proud second-generation graduate of Alcorn State University, earned her Bachelor of Science in Mathematical Science in 1996. She later pursued further academic excellence by obtaining an MBA from Mercer University. During her time of matriculation at Alcorn, Marsha formed some of her most cherished memories and lifelong relationships, which continue to hold a special place in her heart. She is honored to give back by serving on the GHAAC board, contributing to the legacy of her alma mater that shaped so much of her journey.  

Tracy Perkins
GHAAC Chaplain

I am Tracy Perkins, a proud 1995 graduate of Alcorn State University from D'Lo, MS! Attending Alcorn was one of the best decisions made in my life. The education, the life-long friendships, the experiences, the sisterhood, the growth....I would not change a thing! Because of friendships created, I relocated to Houston in 1996 and never looked back. My education continued at Prairie View A&M University, receiving degrees in 2005 and 2006.
 
Professionally, I am employed by Alief ISD where I serve as an Assistant Principal. I am entering my 22nd year in Alief.  For the past 25 years, I have attended The Church Without Walls under the leadership of Pastor Ralph Douglas West, where I have served faithfully for 16 years in the media ministry.  
 
It is my great pleasure to serve GHAAC as chaplain. Thank you for trusting me with this responsibility. May God continue to shower our chapter with favor as we expose our community to our beloved, Alcorn State University and support its continued growth.

 

LB McGill
Historian