Ronald S. Rochon, Ph.D.

Dean
School of Education
Buffalo State College
Buffalo, NY

Dr. Ronald S. Rochon, a native of Chicago’s south side, currently serves as the Dean of the School of Education and Associate Vice President for Teacher Education at Buffalo State College in Buffalo, New York. He obtained a Bachelor’s of Science in Animal Sciences from Tuskegee University and Master of Science in Reproductive Physiology and a Doctorate in Educational Policy Studies from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Dr. Rochon’s primary areas of interests center on the recruitment, retention, and successful matriculation of culturally, linguistically, and racially diverse students. His research and teaching addresses the historical and contemporary perspectives surrounding the politics of race and culture within American society; trends among African Americans with respect to their feelings, attitudes, and perspectives towards ethnic and national identity; and the current educational controversy regarding the role of public schools in examining multiculturalism and addressing ethnic identity.

He works extensively with stakeholders in PK-12 settings and community to develop systemic community building and empowering relationships. Dr. Rochon has secured private, state, and federal grant funding exceeding $5 million to establish educational programming and workshops, long-term scholarships for underserved populations and exchange programs with universities in Ghana and China.

 

Joseph Siano, Ph.D.

Superintendent
Norman Public Schools
Norman, OK

Dr. Joseph Siano became Superintendent of the Norman Public Schools in August 2000. He took this position after serving as an Assistant Superintendent in the Oklahoma City Public Schools. He has also held the following positions in the Putnam City Public Schools: Assistant Superintendent, Director of Elementary Education, Elementary Principal, and Elementary Assistant Principal.

Dr. Siano received his Bachelor of Science Degree in 1976 from Oklahoma City University, his Master of Science in 1979 from the University of Central Oklahoma, and his Doctor of Philosophy in 1985 from the University of Oklahoma. He is certified in guidance and counseling, elementary education, elementary administration, and holds a Standard Superintendent Certificate.

Dr. Siano was named the 2003 Superintendent of the Year by the Oklahoma Alliance for Arts Education (OAAE). He received the 2004 Excellence in Educational Leadership Award from the University Council of Educational Administration (UCEA). Dr. Siano was selected the 2005 Administrator of the Year by the Oklahoma Music Educators Association (OMEA), the 2005 Administrator of the Year by the Oklahoma Association of School Administrators (OASA) District #7, as well as the 2006 Oklahoma Administrator of the Year by the Oklahoma Association of School Administrators (OASA).

 

Clifton L. Taulbert

President and Founder
The Building Community Institute
Tulsa, Oklahoma

Clifton L. Taulbert is the President and Founder of the Building Community Institute, one of America’s leading thought-leaders on the “Power of Community.” He was chosen by CNN at the turn of the millennium to represent one of the voices of “community.” He is a Pulitzer-nominated author, born in the Mississippi Delta, the wellspring setting for his stories and books. He has authored ten books including the internationally acclaimed, Once Upon A Time When We Were Colored.

Mr. Taulbert’s college career began in the United States Air Force and was completed at Oral Roberts University with a degree in History and Sociology. He is a member of Phi Beta Kappa and a Trustee of the University of Tulsa.

Mr. Taulbert has been recognized by Time Magazine as one of the nation’s Outstanding Entrepreneurs. He has participated in the start-up of many companies, including being a member of the initial team that introduced Stair Master Exercise Systems to the world. He is also a former banker and advisory board member for Bank One, now J.P. Morgan Chase and currently serves as a Board member for ONB Bank and Trust in Tulsa, Oklahoma.