Dr. Tanya Smith Brice is an Associate Professor of Social Work in Abilene Christian University's School of Social Work.  She has earned a Bachelors of Social Work degree from South Carolina State University, a Masters degree of Social Work from the University of South Carolina, and a PhD in Social Work from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Dr. Brice's research focuses on adolescent sexual decision making, female delinquency, African American girls, social welfare history, and program evaluation.  She is an active member of the National Association of Social Workers, the National Association of Black Social Workers, and the Council on Social Work Education.  Dr. Brice serves on several statewide and national boards.  Dr. Brice and her family relocated to Abilene from South Carolina to develop the Masters of Science in Social Work program at ACU.  Dr. Brice is married to Boston Brice, III.  They have two children, daughter, Tyler Alexis, and son, Boston IV.

Mary Island has worked in the education field for 45 years and has served on numerous boards. Ms. Island has received many honorary awards including Pathfinder of the Year for Education, Distinguished Abilenian from Hardin Simmons University and the Humanitarian Award from the Texas State Teachers Association. Ms. Island’s education includes a BS from Prairie View A&M, Master of Education from Hardin Simmons University, post graduate work at Abilene Christian University, University of Texas at Austin and Harvard University. She has also completed a Requisite Residence at Oxford University. During her 45-year career, she has served as a teacher, counselor, supervisor, principal, and director. Her last assignment was that of Assistant Superintendent in charge of Education Operations for the Abilene Independent School District. Ms. Island was instrumental in the development of Carver Plaza Apartments, which assist elderly and disabled individuals. Ms. Island continues to serve on the Volunteer of America Board overseeing the property.

Cyndi Horton is the proud wife of Matthew Horton and a mother of two sons, Edward and Ashton. While a resident of Public Housing, Cyndi has successfully earned an Associates of Arts from Cisco Jr. College and several hours of technical training at Texas State Technical College Abilene while studying Computer Information Technology. She is currently a graduating senior at Abilene Christian University majoring in Liberal Arts with concentrations in political science, sociology, and family studies. Cyndi is a member of the Alpha Chi Honor Society. She is also a McNair Scholar researching how voting behavior among Latino populations differs from "traditional" behaviors of majority and minority populations in the United States. Cyndi also actively participates in many civic and social responsibilities throughout the community.