THE VILLAGE "THIS IS US"

 Sonja O. Stills has been a respected, well-known staple within the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference for the past 19 years, and on Jan. 1, 2022, she took over as commissioner -- becoming the first female commissioner in the conference's history, as well as the first female commissioner of a Div. I HBCU conference.

With a proven track record of accountability, efficiency, and passion, Stills has risen through the ranks within the MEAC, beginning with her tenure at the conference in October 2002. Stills has made a name for herself among her peers and other industry professionals for her never-ending dedication to the conference and its student-athletes, ability to grow and innovate, organization, team-first mentality, and goal-achieving initiative.

In January 2021, Stills was promoted to Chief of Staff/Chief Operating Officer of the MEAC. In her new role, she ensures that the Commissioner is carrying out the strategic objectives of the Council of Chief Executive Officers and the Delegate Assembly. Stills remains the lead on all hiring, strategic and long-range planning, re-branding, and marketing, NCAA Name, Image and Likeness (NIL), conference budget, the renewal of the MEAC Basketball Tournament with the City of Norfolk, and all special events and activities. 

 Jerry Victor was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. He is a Software Developer with a nontraditional background - who grew up with a passion for football and dreamt of making it to the NFL. However, as he  grew older, Jerry realized that he wanted to make a difference in a different way, one that could help the next generation.

Jerry is a firm believer that success can come in many forms - not just through sports, but also through technology.. Jerry enjoys building skills and giving back to the community by making a positive impact on the youth." Football and technology are two of my biggest passions, and I'm always looking for ways to inspire and empower student-athletes".

Jerry is determined to give back to the community by getting involved with the HBCU Sports Summit. "My goal is to reach as many young people as possible and show them that there are endless possibilities for success in life, regardless of the path they choose".

 Shemar Bridges Bridges grew up in Jacksonville, Fl. and attended Potter's House Christian Academy. Bridges began his college football career at Tusculum. He redshirted his true freshman season and transferred to Fort Valley State after his redshirt freshman year. Bridges was named second team All-Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference as a redshirt sophomore after finishing the season with 51 receptions for 765 yards and four touchdowns. Bridges signed with the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted free agent on May 7, 2022. He is the Ambassador  for the HBCU Sports Summit Football Program, sharing his knowledge and love for the game.  Teaching the student athletes how to use your talents and skills on the field.  

  Ms. Arrington has a long career as a financial aid professional. For over twenty years she served as Corporate Director of Financial Aid and Title IV Compliance for Strayer University (“Strategic Education- STRA”), during which time the University grew from two to nearly sixty campuses. Ms. Arrington has been an active member in student financial aid professional organizations for many years. She is Past President of the District of Columbia Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, past member of the Executive Council of the Eastern Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, and has been a member of the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, the Southern Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, and the Virginia Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators where she served as Co-Chair of VASFAA's Minority Affairs Committee. On May 27, 2010, she was inducted in the Washington DC College Bound, Inc. Hall of Fame. The award is given by The Board of Directors, College Bound, Inc. to salute individuals, and/or community groups that have demonstrated on-going support for the mission and services of College Bound, Inc. Ms. Arrington performed as a Senior Adviser of Higher Education Services at Cooley PLLC. She assisted attorneys in the firm's higher education services practice to provide client institutions and organizations with expert assistance, technical analysis and guidance in the management and evaluation of student financial assistance services, with a particular emphasis on the Title IV student financial assistance programs. Currently, Ms. Arrington serves as the Director of Financial Aid for Office of Financial in the Enrollment Management and Student Affairs Division at Coppin State University, Baltimore, Maryland. She received her B. A. degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.  

 My name is Arielle Dickerson I am from Baltimore County, Maryland born and raised! As a current Morgan State University student majoring in Strategic Communications, I'm passionate about the world of creative expression. My interests span across various facets of the industry, including Creative Directing, Cinematography, Producing, Social Media Management, and Content Creating.  I look forward to sharing my creative journey and connecting with you all. Together, we can explore the realm of visual arts and dive into the magic of storytelling.