Black History Month Luncheon

Alonza Allen Mitchell is an English professor in her ninth year at Texarkana College, where she also serves as a faculty advisor. She remains a Texas certified secondary English teacher, having previously served in that role for ten years. A proud army brat, she has lived in locations ranging from Frankfurt, Germany to Washington State, experiences that have shaped her global perspective on education and culture.

Alonza is a graduate of Ashdown High School in Ashdown, Arkansas, and holds degrees in Public Service, Political Science and Public Administration, a Master’s in Education with an emphasis in Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment, and is a Ph D award recipient. She is passionate about both learning and teaching and frequently serves as a professional development facilitator and early educator instructor.

Her scholarly and professional presentations have been delivered at institutions and conferences including Henderson State University, Texas Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics Conference, and the Texas Council of Teachers of English Language Arts. Her presentations include Using Curriculum to Build a Culturally Responsive Classroom; Beyond the Content: A Guide to Becoming an Effective Teacher; LIT-erature: Teaching Diversity through literature; STEM Capstone; and Nuts and Bolts: Building a Successful Classroom.
Alonza’s excellence in education has earned her numerous accolades. She was selected by the Texas Teachers Community College Teacher’s Association as a Faculty Fellow; a Four States Magazine 40 Under 40; bestowed the Oklahoma Governor Commendation for her work as the governor’s intern; one of only three people from the state of Arkansas selected as a Southern Regional Board of Education Doctoral Scholar, a program that spans over 15 states. She was a Texas High School Teacher of the Year Finalist; selected by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, ECET2 Conference Texas Selection, and a Putnam City North Teacher of the Year Finalist. Most recently, she was awarded the prestigious Endowed Chair for Teaching Excellence Award; the highest award a college or university can bestow their faculty. She is the first and only woman of color to receive this award.

In the community, Alonza is an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, and serves as President of the Las Amigas Social and Civic Club of Texarkana, which sponsors the Las Amigas Debutantes and has enriched the lives of young women for over 50 years. She is also a member of Freeman Chapel Methodist Church. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, reading, writing, and spending time with family. A guiding quote in her educational philosophy comes from Frederick Douglass, “It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.”

Joshua A. Wright was born on January 5, 2004, in Texarkana, Texas. He was raised in Hooks, TX before moving to Wake Village at the age of seven, growing up in a Christian, church-centered household where he was taught the importance of faith, family, and loving one’s neighbor. Joshua attended Wake Village Elementary School, completed sixth grade at Texas Middle School, and then transferred to Liberty-Eylau, where he attended seventh grade through high school graduation.

During his time at Liberty-Eylau High School, Joshua was actively involved in several extracurricular activities. He participated in football, powerlifting, track and field, and was a member of the marching band as a percussionist. Through the band, he competed at the semi-state level alongside other schools across Texas. Joshua graduated cum laude, demonstrating strong academic commitment alongside his athletic and artistic involvement.

Following high school, Joshua enrolled at Texarkana College, where he initially pursued nursing. He later graduated from the program with a 3.8 GPA, reflecting both academic excellence and dedication to his chosen field.

Joshua comes from a family deeply rooted in education and service. His father, Matthew Wright, was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, and later moved to Texas during his teenage years. He developed skills in carpentry, athletics, and academics, graduating from Liberty-Eylau High School and earning an associate degree in English from Texarkana College. He went on to serve as a teacher and coach at Liberty-Eylau Middle School. Joshua’s mother, Rachel Campbell, grew up in Hooks, Texas, graduated from Hooks High School, and earned her LVN license from Texarkana College.

Though naturally reserved, Joshua’s time at Texarkana College played a significant role in helping him step outside his comfort zone. During his first semester, he joined a small group called ACTIVATE, where he became one of its original members. Through ACTIVATE, Joshua participated in numerous community service initiatives, including food and turkey giveaways, community clean-ups, neighborhood restoration projects, and local outreach events. As older members graduated, Joshua took on a leadership role, mentoring new members and offering support during challenging times. This growth led him to further involvement with the Black Student Association (BSA) and the Student Government Association (SGA), including attending a state conference in Galveston.

Outside of academics and service, Joshua enjoys staying active, playing video games, watching anime, and reading manga. He also has a strong appreciation for music, particularly hip-hop and R&B, which has been a meaningful source of inspiration and reflection.

Joshua’s journey reflects resilience, leadership, and personal growth, values that align with the spirit of Black History Month and the continued impact of community, education, and service.

Lee Williams III is an accomplished educator, mentor, and advocate with 20 years of experience in higher education. As the Executive Director of Student Success, Retention, and TRIO-EOC at Texarkana College, he leads initiatives that support student success, retention, and access to post-secondary education. At a campus where nearly 70% of students identify as first-generation, Lee has implemented innovative strategies to increase student engagement, enhance completion rates, and secure funding for critical student support programs. His leadership has contributed to over 4,000 students enrolling in college and securing close to $1.5 million in scholarship funds.

Beyond his work at Texarkana College, Lee is dedicated to advancing equity in education. He currently serves as Co-Chair of the NASPA Mid-Level Administrators Conference (MLAC), where he helps shape conversations around leadership, diversity, and student success for emerging and established higher education professionals. He is also the President of the Northeast Texas Alliance of Black School Educators (NETABSE) and past president of the National Educational Opportunity Association (NEOCA).

Lee holds a bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Wilberforce University, the nation’s oldest private historically Black college, and a Master of Education in Leadership from the American College of Education. A dynamic speaker and thought leader, he has shared his insights nationwide, inspiring students and professionals alike.

Originally from Los Angeles, California, Lee’s journey has been shaped by resilience and determination. Having overcome a childhood speech impediment, he now uses his voice to champion access, opportunity, and student success. He currently resides in Texarkana, Texas, with his dog, Simba.