Janelle is a lover of life, lover of people, lover of laughter, and lover of love, and she considers herself a distributor of southern hospitality and charm.  A native of Kosciusko, MS, she credits her rural upbringing with instilling in her a sense of community, resilience, and a belief in celebrating life’s simple pleasures and incremental victories.

Janelle is a fervent believer in the power of human connection.  She attempts in every aspect of her life as a daughter, wife, mother, sister, friend, teacher, and mentor to make others feel seen and valued.  She is dedicated to the pursuit of education for all and attempts daily to deepen her understanding of the world and those who inhabit it.

With a heart that beats to the rhythm of compassion, Janelle has used her voice to speak up for historically excluded people, as well as advocate for institutions that service and educate. A believer in the power of collective action, Janelle is devoted to building networks and alliances aimed at redefining the higher education landscape. A proud graduate of Jackson State University, Janelle is specifically dedicated to the legacy and empowerment of Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

Janelle is an avid lover of all genres of music, which include R&B and southern hip hop/rap, and she especially enjoys and sings gospel music in her church choir. Her spirituality and connection to a higher power keep her grounded and primed to continue to agitate for change.  In her free time, she enjoys stand-up comedy.  Her favorite artists are Karlous Miller and Ali Saddiq.