Meet the
VUUNAA 2025 - 2027
Candidates!
Virginia Union University
National Alumni Association, Inc.
P.O. Box 26177
Richmond, VA 23260-6177
Candidate for President
Elise GreenDr. Elise Green is a Contract Team Lead for the Federal Government, bringing 20 years of contracting experience. She collaborates with her senior leadership team to foster a Quality Assurance-focused environment that meets the needs of the American people. A member of the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW), she is also the CEO of R.E.A.C.H for Our Youth Mentoring Program, which aims to guide youth in the juvenile system towards becoming law-abiding citizens while helping them achieve exceptional goals. A proud four-time graduate of HBCUs, Dr. Green is a dedicated alumna of Virginia Union University (VUU). As a servant leader, she currently serves as the Necrologist for the Virginia Union University National Alumni Association (VUUNAA) under President AńJou White, a role she has held for the past four years. Understanding that servant leadership often requires versatility, Dr. Green has also chaired the Homecoming Worship Experience for three consecutive years and led initiatives like Welcome Home, which provides care packages to incoming freshmen while also acting as chaplain when requested. Dr. Green believes true leadership stems from a commitment to be present. As president, her vision includes driving strategic growth and innovation by building a robust alumni community that enhances engagement and networking opportunities, increases alumni membership, fosters mentorships bridging current students and alumni, and welcomes a diverse network aligned with the goals of Virginia Union University.
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Candidate for First Vice-President
Timothy M. BrownTimothy M. Brown is a proud 1989 graduate of Virginia Union University. He obtained a B.S. in Business Administration from the Sydney Lewis School of Business. Born in Danville, Virginia, to the late Nathaniel Brown and the late Rosa Brown, he married Robin Brown, and they have been blessed with four amazing children: Valerie, Joshua, Timothy Jr., and Robert. They are the grandparents of the fun bunch Nadia, Gizelle, King, Imani, and Joshua Jr. Timothy is a member of Moore Street Missionary Baptist Church (Richmond, Va.) and served on the Board of Trustee Ministry at Moore Street Missionary Baptist Church. He is also a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. and was initiated at Zeta Chapter (Virginia Union University). He is an active member of the Upsilon Nu graduate chapter of Omega Psi Phi (Richmond, VA). He has completed graduate-level coursework at Virginia State University in Educational Administration & Supervision and at Central Michigan University in Educational Leadership. He has been employed at Richmond Public Schools for 33 years. He has had numerous positions: Classroom Teacher, Violence Prevention Specialist, Interim Administrator, Transitional Resource Facilitator (Dean of Students), Custodial Manager, Student Intervention Liaison, and currently, I serve as the Student Support Specialist for the Richmond Public Schools Alternative Education Program for middle and high school students. He is a member of the John W. Barco Alumni Chapter and has served as its first Vice President and President. He currently serves on the Board of the Richmond Chapter of the Urban League. I have also served as a member of other community-based organizations in the past and am a licensed realtor with Plentura Realty LLC. My motto is I serve to repay the community for the many Blessings I have received. Thy hallowed grounds and dear old walls,
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Candidate for Second Vice-President
Melody Smithers WiseMelody Smithers Wise, a legacy of a 1953 Virginia Union University graduate, developed a deep love for Virginia Union University from an early age. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics, graduating magna cum laude in 1987. During her time at VUU, she served in various student leadership capacities, including President of the Student Government Association and the Beta Epsilon Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated. Melody has continued her dedication to her alma mater through numerous roles within the Alumni Association, including two-term board Financial Secretary, Chairperson of Special Events, and inaugural group of VUUNAA alumni mentors. In prior years, she served on the Membership Committee, contributing to the development of initiatives that strengthened engagement and retention. She has contributed significantly to several other committees, including Finance and Bylaws. Locally, she is a member of the John W. Barco Alumni Chapter. Professionally, Melody brings years of experience in technology and project management within Fortune 500 financial institutions. Her extensive expertise in leveraging innovative tools to streamline operations and enhance communication aligns directly with the oversight responsibilities of the Membership and Alumni Recruitment, Communications and Marketing, and Technology Committees. Melody's goals as Second Vice President include:
With a lifelong commitment to Virginia Union University, Melody Smithers Wise is dedicated to ensuring the Alumni Association remains vibrant, connected, and forward-thinking.
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Candidate for Third Vice-President
Vanessa Y. JohnsonVanessa Y. Johnson is a native of Bronx, NY, holding a Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction and a bachelor’s degree in Social Work. She is a proud parent of two Richmond Public Schools (RPS) alums. She serves as an RPS Dropout Prevention Specialist with the Office of Engagement. She has served in the human services profession for over 20 years and has an expansive portfolio. She contributes to creative and effective youth development programs and services by establishing interagency, family, and community stakeholder relationships to improve youth and family transition outcomes. Ms. Johnson has been a proud champion of restorative justice, educational advocacy, voter rights, and political engagement. This is exemplified in the various organizations she commits her service to. She is an active member of Trinity Baptist Church. She is also active with the following: Virginia Union University National Alumni Association (Life Member, Student Recruitment Chair, Homecoming Planning Committee), 2024-2025 VUU Votes Coalition, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc®., Rho Eta Omega Chapter, NPHC of Metro Richmond (Social Action Chair), NAACP Richmond Branch, National Council of Negro Women Richmond Section, Healthy Families Richmond Advisory Board, Richmond Association of Black Social Workers, and #WeGiveBecauseWeCare #365Days, Inc. (CEO) to name a few.
Ms. Johnson is seeking nomination for the 3rd Vice President. As the current Student Recruitment Chair, her goal is to increase the number of trained and active alumni to support the growth of the VUU student body in a unified, informed, and professional manner. As chair, Ms. Johnson fostered positive working relationships with the Office of Admissions for Undergrad and Graduate Studies. Ms. Johnson is determined to expand this success to the Pre-Alumni Council and Professional Development Committees by building supportive working relationships with VUU leadership, providing oversight in these areas by accessing needs and implementing strategic engagement opportunities.
Candidate for Treasurer
Kelvin CampbellKelvin Campbell, Bachelor of Science, Accounting, 1985 is a Retired Internal Auditor II from Prince George’s County Public School System, husband of Arlene Campbell and father of Moriah Campbell. He currently serves as the VUUNAA Financial Secretary. Professional Certifications: CGAP – Certified Government Auditing Professional, CICA – Certified Internal Control Auditor, CRMA– Certification in Risk Management Assurance, and CCS– Certified Controls Specialist Kelvins affiliations include: Supervisory Committee for Educational Systems Federal Credit Union, a Retired member of the Deacon Board - Zion Church of Largo, MD, the Treasurer of Virginia Union University Maryland Alumni Chapter, and Lifetime member of the Burning Sands Alumni Football Foundation.
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Candidate for Financial Secretary
Earlisa K. RobertsEarlisa Kim Roberts is a proud 1982 graduate of Virginia Union University with a Bachelor of Science in Special Education. She then received a Master of Science degree in Speech Pathology from the University of the District of Columbia in 1995. After graduating from VUU in 1982, Earlisa worked for the Drug Enforcement Administration as a contractor for many years before becoming a government employee. Currently, Earlisa is a retired Program Analyst. Earlisa currently serves as the Treasurer for the McKinley Tech High School Alumni Association Inc., a 501(c)(3) organization. In this role, Earlisa manages accounts totaling over $100,000 annually. She manages all deposits, writes all checks, prepares monthly reports, and ensures the yearly tax forms are filed. She has held this elected position for the past 10 years. She is the co-chair of the annual Holiday Gala drawing in over 1,000 attendees and raises over $15,000 annually for scholarships for graduating seniors. Earlisa is running for the position of Financial Secretary for the Virginia Union National Alumni Association. She is one of the earliest alumni to become a Lifetime Member of the association. She served eight years as the Treasurer for the VUUNAA between 2005 and 2013 under two administrations and is currently the Treasurer. She also worked as part of the team that helped establish the VUUNAA as a nonprofit organization. She has also served as past president and treasurer for the DC Alumni Chapter. Earlisa’s goal is to maintain a high level of integrity when handling the financial activities of the VUUNAA organization and preparing timely financing reports.
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