President's Message

It is my honor and privilege to lead this organization in providing opportunities for women in higher education to engage in efforts which cultivate their personal and professional potential.

Founded in 1980, WHET is committed to providing professional development for women working in higher education in the state of Tennessee and promoting women in leadership roles. WHET also seeks opportunities to support underprivileged girls across the state.

We engage with our membership throughout the year through monthly professional development opportunities, regional workshops, WHET Day on the Hill, and an annual fall conference. Normally our events are held in person. However, the pandemic has necessitated that we meet virtually. We hope to return to face-to-face activities later in the year. I look forward to the great things WHET will execute during 2021!

Your continued support is always appreciated. With the assistance of our Executive Board, we will continue to provide professional development opportunities for women in higher education in Tennessee as they prepare for advancement into leadership roles!

I want to hear from you. Feel free to contact us if you have questions, comments or suggestions. Thanks you for your continued support!

Patricia Burks-Jelks, MS
Director for Human Resources, Equity & Diversity Officer, and Compliance Officer 
UT Space Institute

2020-21
Executive Board Members

WHET is guided by a 14-member Executive Board comprised of elected and appointed positions. Contact us, if you have questions or suggestions!
President: Ms. Patricia Burks-Jelks

Immediate Past President/
ACE State Chair:  Dr. Tachaka Hollins

1st Vice President: Dr. Elizabeth White

2nd Vice President: Dr. Crystal Banks 

Secretary: Dr. Bethany Wilkes

Treasurer: Dr. Yolanda Allen

Communications Coordinator:  
Ms. Jennifer Thompson

Asst. Communications Coordinator: 
Ms. Angelica Dotson

Historian: Dr. Phyllis Adams
Membership Coordinator: 
Dr. Tachaka Hollins

Graduate Student Representatives: 
Dr. Christy Martin &
Ms. Kimberly Bracey

East TN Regional Representative:  
Dr. Alice Camuti

Middle TN Regional Representative:  
Ms. Jamica Hines

West TN Regional Representative:
Ms. Chastity Pegues

Photographers:  
Ms. Laura Horton &
Ms. Ramona Wiggins
2020 Year in Review
Please extend a warm welcome to these individuals who have chosen to join our organization for the first time or renew their membership.
We look forward to seeing everyone in person SOON!
Dr. Yolanda Allen
WHET Treasurer

Dr. Crystal Banks
Director of Development
General Board of Higher Education and Ministry

Dr. Debbie Byrd
Dean of Gatton College of Pharmacy
East Tennessee State University

Dr. Cynthia Chambers
Professor, Educational Foundations & Special Education
East Tennessee State University

Yvette Clark
Executive Director of IT
Tennessee Tech

Adrianna Guram
Associate Director
Housing & Residence Life
East Tennessee State University

Ms. Blaire Jefferson
Graduate Student
Christian Brothers University

Dr. Amy Johnson
Director
Center for Teaching Excellence 
East Tennessee State University
Dr. Brandi Eveland-Sayers
Program Coordinator
Physical Education, Exercise Science Concentration
East Tennessee State University

Christina Graham
Vice President for Finance & Administration
Lincoln Memorial University

Dr. Lori Maxwell
Professor and Chair
Sociology and Political Science
Tennessee Tech

Suzi Miley
Director-Assistant Professor, M.Ed. Literacy & English as a Second Language
Freed-Hardeman University

Valerie Rutledge
Dean, College of Health
Education and Professional Studies
University of Tennessee Chattanooga

Kim Rymer
Practical Nursing Coordinator
Tennessee College of Applied Technology - Shelbyville

Marcia White
SAILS Field Coordinator, Shelby County
Tennessee Board of Regents





2020-21 Institutional Members

The following institutions
have renewed membership.

  • Austin Peay State University
  • Columbia State Community College
  • East Tennessee State University
  • Fisk University
  • Jackson State Community College
  • Maryville College
  • Motlow State Community College
  • Nashville State Community College
  • Tennessee Board of Regents
  • Tennessee College of Applied Technology - Memphis
  • Tennessee State University
  • Tennessee Tech
  • University of Tennessee Space Institute
  • Western Governors University

There are three (3) different tiers of Institutional Membership available.

  • Tier I ($200): Includes membership for a designated primary WHET liaison and four (4) additional individual representative memberships (for a total of 5 individual memberships in addition to the Institution's membership).
  • Tier II ($425): Includes membership for a primary WHET liaison and nine (9) additional individual representative memberships for a total of 10 individual memberships in addition to the Institution's membership).
  • Tier III ($650): Includes membership for a primary WHET liaison and fourteen (14) additional individual representative memberships (for a total of 15 individual memberships in addition to the Institution's membership).

To learn more about WHET membership options, visit our website. To become an institutional member, complete the form here.

Off-the-Shelf: Book Review
by Dr. Tassany Henderson
Sheryl Sandberg is Facebook's Chief Operating Officer and the first woman elected to its board. Prior to joining Facebook, Sandberg had a successful career at Google.

In "Lean In," Sandberg shares her thoughts on the many different roles women play in the family, at school, and in the workplace, compared to men. The essence of the book discusses how women can be their own roadblock to upward career progression. She provides several suggestions to resolve the lack of female leadership.

Key Takeaways

Believe in yourself, and apply for high-profile positions.


Map out your goals and the best route to take. Don’t forget to reflect, recalculate and get going.


Leverage relationships with male colleagues to increase your visibility within the workplace.


This book has many helpful tips and suggestions. In my opinion, there are a few blind spots related to racism and sexism, but still much to gain from reading it.

Overall, it's a great read and worthy of being on your shelf.




#WHETWednesdays Are Back . . .
Better Than Ever!
We've got a terrific lineup of professional development webinars scheduled for you in the upcoming months.

Look for details and registration information via email.
In the meantime, add these sessions to your calendar!

Feb. 24
Rewriting the Narrative on Imposter Syndrome:
From Stumbling Block to Secret Power
Dr. Melanie Tucker, Presenter

Mar. 10
The Power of Strengthening Connections
Ms. Chandria Harris, Presenter

Mar. 24
Crush the Chatter . . . in Order to Become a Better Leader
& Advance Your Career
Dr. Barbara Scales, Presenter

Apr. 14
Introverted Women Leaders
Dr. Bethany Wilkes, Presenter

Apr. 28
The Basics of Salary Negotiation for Women
Ms. Mary W. Mahoney, Presenter

May 12
2021 Check-in: Leadership Strategies During a Time of Disruption
Dr. Alice Camuti, Presenter

May 26
Women Building Effective Campus Climates
in Traditional Male Programs
Ms. Kim McPherson, Presenter

Celebrating Black History Month

African American Read-in
February 24
8:15 a.m. - 4:15 p.m.
Join Motlow State Community College for a celebration of African American voices, stories, journeys, dramatic interpretations, songs, music, poetry readings, open dialogue and discussions.

Connect via Zoom throughout the day on February 24 to hear 15-minute segments from students, faculty, staff, administrators, and the community.