Leadership

Board of Directors

The leadership of Next Generation Scholars includes committed community members and professionals who volunteer their time to mentor students and support the organization's mission.

Governing board

Board of Directors

Kelvin Robinson

Board Chair (CEO)

Kelvin Robinson serves as the Board Chair and Co-Founder of Next Generation Scholars. He is currently pursuing a degree in Middle Grades Education with endorsements in Applied Cultural Diversity Learning and ESOL, and aspirations to become a school leader. As Board Chair, he guides the organization's strategic direction while also leading daily operations and program development. Through Next Generation Scholars, Kelvin is committed to creating opportunities that empower students to grow academically and personally, and to become future leaders in their communities.

Joybora Robinson

Vice Chair (COO)

Joybora Robinson serves as the Vice Chair and Co-Founder of Next Generation Scholars. She is currently working toward her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and aspires to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). Joybora is passionate about mentorship, education, and empowering young people to reach their full potential. As Vice Chair, she supports the organization's strategic direction and board leadership while also volunteering as a mentor to help students grow academically and personally.

Tierra Reese

Treasurer (CFO)

Tierra Reese serves as the Treasurer of Next Generation Scholars and brings strong business and financial expertise from her experience as a business owner and licensed realtor. She owns the hair salon TS Studios. Tierra is passionate about helping others grow, leading by example, and supporting youth development through mentorship. As Treasurer, she helps manage the organization's financial health while also volunteering as a mentor to foster personal and academic growth.

Simone Douglas

Secretary (CS)

Simone Douglas serves as the organization's Secretary and is passionate about supporting youth through leadership, mentorship, and community involvement. As an educator, she brings experience in communication, collaboration, and student engagement, with a strong focus on creating positive and supportive spaces for young people to grow. Simone is committed to helping Next Generation Scholars make a meaningful impact within the community.

The team

Organizational Leadership

Kelvin Robinson

Executive Director | Co-Founder

Kelvin Robinson serves as the Executive Director and Co-Founder of Next Generation Scholars. He is currently pursuing a degree in Middle Grades Education with endorsements in Applied Cultural Diversity Learning and ESOL. As Executive Director, Kelvin leads the day-to-day operations of the organization, overseeing program development, partnerships, and implementation of initiatives that support student growth. He is committed to creating meaningful opportunities that empower young people through mentorship, leadership development, and academic support, while also serving as a mentor within the organization.

Joybora Robinson

Director of Programs and Communications | Co-Founder

Joybora Robinson serves as the Director of Programs & Community Engagement for Next Generation Scholars and is also a Co-Founder of the organization. She is currently enrolled at Georgia Southern University, working towards her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing, with plans to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. She helps oversee the development and coordination of student programs, including mentorship initiatives, leadership development opportunities, and community partnerships that support the organization's mission.

Jean Williams

Director of Mentorship & Student Development

Jean Williams serves as the Director of Mentorship & Student Development for Next Generation Scholars, where he helps coordinate the Youth Mentorship Program by supporting mentor recruitment, mentor training, and student engagement. In this role, he works to ensure students receive positive guidance and a supportive mentorship experience. Jean is currently pursuing his degree in elementary education at Georgia Southern University, with plans to continue his education in counseling as he works toward becoming a school guidance counselor. With a strong passion for mentorship and youth development, Jean is committed to creating environments where students feel seen, valued, and empowered to thrive academically and personally.

Raven Murphy

Director of Academic Support

Raven Murphy serves as the Director of Academic Support & Education Initiatives for Next Generation Scholars. She leads the Academic Success Program through tutoring, study workshops, and educational resources that strengthen students' academic skills and confidence in learning. Raven is an experienced educator with a Bachelor's degree in Early Elementary Education from Grand Canyon University, where she graduated with honors (summa cum laude). She has worked in the school system for 11 years, dedicating her career to supporting young learners during their foundational academic years. Her passion for education and student development helps create positive learning environments where students can grow academically, socially, and emotionally.

Rod Patterson

Director of Technology

Rodriquez "Rod" Patterson serves as the Director of Technology for Next Generation Scholars. He is the Founder and CEO of Glo Matrix, a Statesboro, Georgia-based technology company that builds AI-driven automation, custom software, and web platforms for businesses in logistics and professional services. A business owner since 2019 with more than a decade of experience in transportation and logistics, including port drayage operations at the Georgia Ports Authority's Garden City Terminal, Rod brings hands-on operational leadership and modern engineering to the organization. In his role, he oversees the organization's technology strategy and digital infrastructure, including its web platform, donor and program systems, and data practices, and he led the complete design and build of the organization's website. Rod is committed to using technology to expand opportunity for young people across southeast Georgia.

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