Neidra C. Butler, Ed.D
Board Member
Neidra C. Butler, Ed.D., was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri. Since a young age, she has
always had a passion for helping others. Neidra matriculated through the Saint Louis Public
School system, where she was involved in several extracurricular activities and community
service. In May 2009, she received a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Harris-Stowe State
University. She completed a Master of Business Administration with an emphasis in Finance
from Webster University in May 2012. She earned her Doctorate of Higher Education
Leadership from Maryville University in May 2022. Neidra is currently employed with HarrisStowe State University and serves as the Director of Title III & Finance Compliance Officer.
Some of her functions are to oversee the preparation of Title III operations and budgets in
alignment with the university’s strategic plan and the president’s initiatives and provide project
leadership and supervision to ensure project objectives are completed. Neidra believes she must
assist students with matriculating, persisting, and graduating. She works alongside students and
staff to help them obtain the necessary resources to succeed at all levels and always looks for
opportunities for professional development for herself and those around her so that they continue
diversifying their skill sets to advance the population they serve. She consistently builds
relationships centered on trust and transparency and challenges those around her to think outside
the box and foster an innovative environment.
Palissa Hall
Board Member
Stephon Jackson
Board Member
Stephon Jackson is a Product Owner/Systems & Data Analyst for Boeing Finance Systems Information Technology who has over 13 years of industry experience, including project leadership for Cost Management, Enterprise Planning and for Systems Environment and Infrastructure charged with managing the architecture for a number of critical Finance Systems IT applications in Business Supply Chain Systems. Stephon has also worked as a project manager for a number of Finance Systems IT initiatives. He holds degrees of Bachelors of Science in Information Science and Computer Technology, a Masters of Art in Information Technology Management, and a Masters of Business Administration from Webster University. His hobbies include traveling with his family and playing basketball. He also volunteers with a men’s mentoring organization and enjoys coaching tee ball and basketball in the community.
Val Joyner
Board Member
Val Joyner is a seasoned communications strategist with a proven track record in diverse fields, including law enforcement, entertainment, healthcare, social services, and the nonprofit sector. As the current Director of Communications for a prominent social service organization, she leads impactful community engagement and public relations initiatives.
Prior to her current role, Val broke new ground as the first civilian Public Information Officer for both the St. Charles County Police Department and the Greater St. Louis Major Case Squad. Her expertise in crisis communication and media relations has been instrumental in shaping public perception and building trust within these critical communities.
Val’s academic background is equally impressive. She holds a Master of Legal Studies from Washington University in St. Louis, a Master of Arts in Communication from the University of Missouri-St. Louis, and a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication from Xavier University of Louisiana. Currently, Val is pursuing a Doctorate in Business Administration at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, further deepening her understanding of strategic communication and leadership.
Kiara Weber
Board Member
Kiara Webber, a St. Louis native has her hands in many things. Ms. Webber was selected as the President-Elect of Saint Louis University’s Black Alumni Association. She formerly served as the Vice President of the Urban League Young Professionals of Metropolitan St. Louis. She serves as a mentor with The Sophia Project. Ms. Webber has a Master’s of Sports Management from Missouri Baptist University and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Saint Louis University. She has paid off her student loan debt and is an advocate for living a debt free life and hopes to encourage others to do the same. Ms. Webber loves to travel, bake, go on adventures, and read in her free time. She is also a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.