Phenomenal Women of SU

Women’s History Month has began, and what better way to celebrate the history of women than to highlight some of the phenomenal women of Southern University. These women have made mass contributions to the campus from nutrition to guidance and even women’s health; overall serving as role models for our students. Four Louisiana natives are spotlighted for being phenomenal women. Phenomenal women we are.
Dr. Melanie Johnson, an Assistant Professor in the Political Science department has a M.S. in Political Science from Southern University and a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership, Research and Counseling from Louisiana State University at Baton Rouge and has worked at Southern University since 2005. Dr. Johnson is recognized by students for always having the students best interest while keeping a positive attitude. She is an advocate for empowering her students, the underserved and underrepresented. She hopes to continue as a faculty member because teaching, mentoring, research and servicing students is her passion.
Dr. Cynthia Stephens has worked in the Mass Communications department at Southern University for over 6 years. Dr. Stephens is recognized by students as a role model because no matter the situation, students can always look to her for advice. Her loving personality brings light to the room. Dr. Stephens received her first degree from Walden University where she majored in Human Services and Social Behavior Sciences then attended Southern University where she majored in Family and Consumer Sciences and Mass Communications. She hopes to continue to strengthen her relationship with her students, and attain a higher job role while expanding her professional knowledge and training.
Ellen McKnight graduated from Southern University with a Bachelors of Science in Human Nutrition & Food and a Masters in Public Administration with a Health Care Concentration.
Currently, she serves as the principal and founder of The Maxine Firm, a nutrition and wellness firm made up of a network of healthcare professionals whose primary objective is preventing chronic diseases related to nutrition practices. Ellen’s goal and passion is to continue to promote healthy lifestyle changes and provide urban communities with economic development opportunities by way of fresh food access.
Josie Alexander, a senior majoring in psychology at Southern University founded My Sister’s Keeper on campus. My Sister’s Keeper an initiative under the Black Women’s Health Imperative which addresses the health and reproductive rights of African American women. The purpose is to strengthen, engage and mobilize a network of young women and men around the importance of sexual health and reproductive justice along with promoting individuality through breakout sessions and formal/informal events with speakers and panelist that have expertise in those areas. Post-grad, Josie plans to earn her Juris Doctorate with an area focus in sexual assault and domestic violence survivors. Lastly, Ms. Alexander hopes to become a clinical psychologist with an area focus of African American children from ages 5-16 and veterans. She also plans to open up a community center for youth promoting individuality and intellect for African American Youth.
These four Phenomenal Women of SU were nominated by students of Southern University.