Talladega College is pleased to announce the appointment of six distinguished leaders to its Board of Trustees, further strengthening the College’s commitment to academic excellence, strategic growth, and institutional advancement. The newly appointed trustees bring a wealth of experience across healthcare, public policy, energy, technology, finance, and corporate leadership.
The new members of the Board of Trustees are Angela Davis Jarrett, Donald H. Taylor, Jr., Ph.D., James W. Bowden, Margie R. Vela, Ph.D., Michael Madison, and Pamela Cook.
Angela Davis Jarrett serves as Vice President of Claims and Customer Benefit Administration at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama, where she oversees a division of more than 600 associates and leads operations related to claims processing, customer benefits, analytics, and quality assurance. With nearly two decades of experience at the organization, she is recognized for her leadership in operational efficiency and large-scale healthcare initiatives. Jarrett holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from the University of Alabama and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She is actively involved in civic and professional organizations, including the Women’s Foundation of Alabama and Red Mountain Theatre.
Donald H. Taylor, Jr., Ph.D., is a Professor of Public Policy at Duke University, with additional appointments in the schools of nursing and medicine. A nationally recognized scholar in health policy, his work focuses on healthcare costs, Medicare, and palliative care. Dr. Taylor has held key leadership roles at Duke, including Director of the Social Science Research Institute and Chair of the Academic Council. He earned his bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in health policy and public administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
James W. Bowden is a seasoned energy executive with more than forty years of experience in electric power system operations, construction, and management. During his tenure at Duke Energy, he held senior leadership roles including Vice President of Distribution and General Manager of Transmission Field Operations. Bowden is widely recognized for his leadership in safety performance, operational excellence, and workforce development. He holds associate degrees in Electronic and Industrial Technology from Denmark Technical College and has pursued studies in business management at Benedict College.
Margie R. Vela, Ph.D., serves with Amazon Web Services as a strategic partnership leader focused on advancing artificial intelligence and machine learning education through academic collaborations. She has led national initiatives supporting Historically Black Colleges and Universities and expanding pathways into the technology workforce. Dr. Vela brings extensive experience in higher education leadership, including prior roles at New Mexico State University and service as a Regent. She holds a Ph.D. in Water Sciences and Management, as well as an MBA and a bachelor’s degree in business.
Michael Madison is a Financial Representative with Primerica, providing guidance on investments, insurance, and long-term financial planning. He works with individuals and families across multiple states to develop customized strategies for financial security, including retirement planning, income protection, and debt management. Madison is committed to empowering clients through financial education and personalized service.
Pamela Cook serves as Corporate Director of Community and Stakeholder Engagement at Coca Cola Bottling Company UNITED, where she leads strategic initiatives that strengthen community partnerships and advance corporate engagement across multiple states. A graduate of Talladega College, she holds both a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Management and a Master of Business Administration. Cook is recognized for her leadership in building impactful coalitions and advancing programs that support education, workforce development, and economic empowerment.
Rica Lewis-Payton, Chair of the Talladega College Board of Trustees, expressed enthusiasm about the appointments, stating, “We are proud to welcome these exceptional leaders to the Board of Trustees. Each brings a unique perspective and depth of expertise that will help guide Talladega College as we continue to build on our historic legacy and position the institution for a strong and sustainable future.”
Dr. Willie L. Todd, Jr., President of Talladega College, added, “The addition of these accomplished professionals to our Board reflects the momentum and vision driving Talladega College forward. Their collective experience will be invaluable as we expand opportunities for our students, strengthen partnerships, and continue our commitment to academic excellence and innovation.”
The appointment of these six trustees marks a significant step in advancing Talladega College’s mission to educate and empower the next generation of leaders while honoring its longstanding tradition of excellence.
