The North Carolina Delta Kappa Gamma Educational Foundation
Board of Directors
Board of Directors
NC DKG Educational Foundation Board of Directors, 2024-2025
Front row: Phyllis Broughton, Betty Marshall, Sharon Frazier, Hilda Parlér
Back row: Maxine McCall, Dr. Sherry Willis, Sheila Groves, Beth Winstead, Louise Lomick, Dr. Judith Carlson, Connie Savell.
Not pictured: Dr. Barbara Perry-Sheldon, Dr. Mary Cauley.
Front row: Phyllis Broughton, Betty Marshall, Sharon Frazier, Hilda Parlér
Back row: Maxine McCall, Dr. Sherry Willis, Sheila Groves, Beth Winstead, Louise Lomick, Dr. Judith Carlson, Connie Savell.
Not pictured: Dr. Barbara Perry-Sheldon, Dr. Mary Cauley.
Entrusted with full control and management of the business, property, and programs of the Foundation is a board of no fewer than eight (8) directors, including the Foundation officers. All members of the board are members of NC DKG.
In addition to those elected directors, the president of North Carolina Delta Kappa Gamma serves as an ex-officio, voting member of the board. The second vice president of NC DKG serves as an ex-officio, non-voting member of the board.
In addition to those elected directors, the president of North Carolina Delta Kappa Gamma serves as an ex-officio, voting member of the board. The second vice president of NC DKG serves as an ex-officio, non-voting member of the board.
Sharon Frazier, Chair
Sharon Frazier is a retired media specialist with the Halifax County School System. She is presently serving as chairman of the NC DKG Educational Foundation Board. A member of Alpha Kappa Chapter in Region I, Sharon has been a member of DKG for 30 years. She is presently serving as President of her chapter. She has served as the Editor of the Alpha Kappa newsletter for 26 years. Sharon was Region I Director from 2009-2011 and was NC DKG Second Vice President from 2015-2017. She has also served as the Convention Chair in Rocky Mount (2010), has chaired the State Leadership Committee and the Awards Committee. She has been a member of the Communications and the Membership Committees. She volunteers in the media center and at the elementary school of her grandchildren.
Sharon Frazier is a retired media specialist with the Halifax County School System. She is presently serving as chairman of the NC DKG Educational Foundation Board. A member of Alpha Kappa Chapter in Region I, Sharon has been a member of DKG for 30 years. She is presently serving as President of her chapter. She has served as the Editor of the Alpha Kappa newsletter for 26 years. Sharon was Region I Director from 2009-2011 and was NC DKG Second Vice President from 2015-2017. She has also served as the Convention Chair in Rocky Mount (2010), has chaired the State Leadership Committee and the Awards Committee. She has been a member of the Communications and the Membership Committees. She volunteers in the media center and at the elementary school of her grandchildren.
Sheila Groves, Vice Chair
A North Carolina educator, Sheila Groves was employed by the Guilford County School System as a Reading Recovery and elementary education teacher. She represented local educators as president of the Greater Guilford County Association for Childhood Education International. Prior to retirement, she was an adjunct instructor and supervised elementary interns in the School of Education at UNC Greensboro. Sheila received the UNCG School of Education Distinguished Career Award.
As a member of several professional organizations, Sheila has made significant contributions at local, state, and national levels. She served as president of the NC State Organization of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society International and chaired the 2009-2011 ad hoc Committee for Planned Giving, beginning the inquiry into the creation of the NC DKG Educational Foundation. She chaired the Foundation Board of Directors 2019-2023. Sheila received the 2023 NC Delta Kappa Gamma Founders Award in recognition of outstanding contributions to improving the quality of life for NC students, educators, and DKG members through her leadership at the local, state, and international levels.
A North Carolina educator, Sheila Groves was employed by the Guilford County School System as a Reading Recovery and elementary education teacher. She represented local educators as president of the Greater Guilford County Association for Childhood Education International. Prior to retirement, she was an adjunct instructor and supervised elementary interns in the School of Education at UNC Greensboro. Sheila received the UNCG School of Education Distinguished Career Award.
As a member of several professional organizations, Sheila has made significant contributions at local, state, and national levels. She served as president of the NC State Organization of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society International and chaired the 2009-2011 ad hoc Committee for Planned Giving, beginning the inquiry into the creation of the NC DKG Educational Foundation. She chaired the Foundation Board of Directors 2019-2023. Sheila received the 2023 NC Delta Kappa Gamma Founders Award in recognition of outstanding contributions to improving the quality of life for NC students, educators, and DKG members through her leadership at the local, state, and international levels.
Connie Phifer Savell, Secretary
A retired National Board-Certified educator, Connie taught third grade at North Elementary School in Kings Mountain. She earned her Master’s in Reading from Appalachian State University in 1980. In 1988-1989 Connie was a Fulbright teacher at the Firs Elementary School in Sale, Cheshire, England.
Connie was initiated in The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International in 1980 and has served as chapter president in both Beta Epsilon and Delta Tau. She has been recording secretary, second vice president, first vice president and president of Eta State/NC DKG. In 2010, she was a member of the Golden Gift Leadership Management Seminar in Austin Texas. She has served on the international level on the Membership Committee and World Fellowship Committee where she is the chair for 2024-2026.
Connie has served as secretary, vice president, president of Kings Mountain Association of Educators as well as in the merged Cleveland County Association of Educators. She has served on the NCAE Board of Directors. She has served as the vice president and president of the Cleveland County Retired School Personnel. Ms. Savell has attended over 18 National Education Association Conventions. Connie served for two years on the Cleveland County School Board and is on the Board of Trustees for Bonclarken Conference Center in Hendersonville, NC.
A retired National Board-Certified educator, Connie taught third grade at North Elementary School in Kings Mountain. She earned her Master’s in Reading from Appalachian State University in 1980. In 1988-1989 Connie was a Fulbright teacher at the Firs Elementary School in Sale, Cheshire, England.
Connie was initiated in The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International in 1980 and has served as chapter president in both Beta Epsilon and Delta Tau. She has been recording secretary, second vice president, first vice president and president of Eta State/NC DKG. In 2010, she was a member of the Golden Gift Leadership Management Seminar in Austin Texas. She has served on the international level on the Membership Committee and World Fellowship Committee where she is the chair for 2024-2026.
Connie has served as secretary, vice president, president of Kings Mountain Association of Educators as well as in the merged Cleveland County Association of Educators. She has served on the NCAE Board of Directors. She has served as the vice president and president of the Cleveland County Retired School Personnel. Ms. Savell has attended over 18 National Education Association Conventions. Connie served for two years on the Cleveland County School Board and is on the Board of Trustees for Bonclarken Conference Center in Hendersonville, NC.
Betty Marshall, Treasurer, R.P.
A retired National Board Certified educator, Betty taught mathematics in private and public schools in Virginia and North Carolina to middle school, high school, and community college students. She is a former Teacher of the Year for Wilson County, NC. She served as president and treasurer of the Wilson County chapter of the NC Association of Educators and treasurer of the Lee County NCAE. As president of Wilson's chapter of the American Association of University Women (AAUW), she organized a Career Day for middle school girls. In Delta Kappa Gamma, she chaired the state Finance Committee for two biennia and served 4 years on the DKG International Society's Finance Committee. She has served as president of two local DKG chapters as well as the NC state organization. As state president she initiated convention fundraising activities to generate non-dues revenue. She appointed the first of several ad hoc committees to study establishing a DKG Educational Foundation in North Carolina. She is also a Registered Parliamentarian, having served as the state DKG parliamentarian.
A retired National Board Certified educator, Betty taught mathematics in private and public schools in Virginia and North Carolina to middle school, high school, and community college students. She is a former Teacher of the Year for Wilson County, NC. She served as president and treasurer of the Wilson County chapter of the NC Association of Educators and treasurer of the Lee County NCAE. As president of Wilson's chapter of the American Association of University Women (AAUW), she organized a Career Day for middle school girls. In Delta Kappa Gamma, she chaired the state Finance Committee for two biennia and served 4 years on the DKG International Society's Finance Committee. She has served as president of two local DKG chapters as well as the NC state organization. As state president she initiated convention fundraising activities to generate non-dues revenue. She appointed the first of several ad hoc committees to study establishing a DKG Educational Foundation in North Carolina. She is also a Registered Parliamentarian, having served as the state DKG parliamentarian.
Leslie Black
Leslie retired after 30 years in Lincoln County Schools as a teacher and Media Coordinator and Catawba County Schools as a Media Coordinator, Technology Facilitator and Director of Digital Teaching, Learning and Media. Leslie received her bachelor’s degree from Appalachian State University and Master of Library Science from North Carolina Central University.
Leslie was inducted into Nu Chapter in Catawba County in 2008 and has served many chapter committee positions, Treasurer, Vice President, and President. At the NC DKG level, Leslie has served on many committees, Treasurer from 2019-2025 and currently serving as First Vice President. From 2022-2024, she served on the International Educators Book Award Committee. She is currently serving on the NC DKG Education Foundation Grants committee.
Leslie retired after 30 years in Lincoln County Schools as a teacher and Media Coordinator and Catawba County Schools as a Media Coordinator, Technology Facilitator and Director of Digital Teaching, Learning and Media. Leslie received her bachelor’s degree from Appalachian State University and Master of Library Science from North Carolina Central University.
Leslie was inducted into Nu Chapter in Catawba County in 2008 and has served many chapter committee positions, Treasurer, Vice President, and President. At the NC DKG level, Leslie has served on many committees, Treasurer from 2019-2025 and currently serving as First Vice President. From 2022-2024, she served on the International Educators Book Award Committee. She is currently serving on the NC DKG Education Foundation Grants committee.
Dr. Phyllis Broughton, co-chair of NC DKGEF Grants Committee
Phyllis Broughton is a retired Academic and Student Affairs Dean with Martin Community College, Wilson, NC. She is currently serving as co-chair of the NC DKGEF Grants Committee. A member of Beta Upsilon in Region 1, Phyllis has been a member for 10 years. She is currently serving as Region 1 director and chapter president. She has served as Beta Upsilon chapter president for three bienniums. She has also been editor of their newsletter, Chit Chat, for seven years and developed and maintained the chapter webpage for 2022-2024. She also served as Convention Chair in Greenville in 2023. In 2022-2024, she served as Leadership Development chair. She continues to teach at East Carolina University in the Interdisciplinary Professions Department. In 2025, she was selected to the East Carolina University College of Education, Educators Hall of Fame.
Phyllis Broughton is a retired Academic and Student Affairs Dean with Martin Community College, Wilson, NC. She is currently serving as co-chair of the NC DKGEF Grants Committee. A member of Beta Upsilon in Region 1, Phyllis has been a member for 10 years. She is currently serving as Region 1 director and chapter president. She has served as Beta Upsilon chapter president for three bienniums. She has also been editor of their newsletter, Chit Chat, for seven years and developed and maintained the chapter webpage for 2022-2024. She also served as Convention Chair in Greenville in 2023. In 2022-2024, she served as Leadership Development chair. She continues to teach at East Carolina University in the Interdisciplinary Professions Department. In 2025, she was selected to the East Carolina University College of Education, Educators Hall of Fame.
Dot Carter
Dorothy (Dot) Carter is a retired high school and community college English teacher and
community college dean and a 57-year member of DKG. She is a member of Omicron Chapter,
has served DKG as chapter president, regional director, several state committee chairs, state
president, and international committee chair. For the Foundation, Dot served several years as
chair of the Grants Committee and remains on the committee. Though she resisted the
formation of this Foundation, Dot now strongly supports the Foundation for its support of
educators in North Carolina.
Dorothy (Dot) Carter is a retired high school and community college English teacher and
community college dean and a 57-year member of DKG. She is a member of Omicron Chapter,
has served DKG as chapter president, regional director, several state committee chairs, state
president, and international committee chair. For the Foundation, Dot served several years as
chair of the Grants Committee and remains on the committee. Though she resisted the
formation of this Foundation, Dot now strongly supports the Foundation for its support of
educators in North Carolina.
Dr. Angela Kern
Emily Lucas
Emily is a former middle grades math teacher and school principal. She spent the last eleven years if her thirty-one years with Lee County Schools as the district Director of Accountability and Middle Grades Instruction. In retirement, she served as an associate with The Leadership Group of the Carolinas providing services across the state.
Emily is a member of Delta Rho Chapter and has been a member of Delta Kappa Gamma since 1986. She has served as president and parliamentarian for her chapter and on various committees at the local level. She currently serves as the chapter website and Facebook page administrator. At the state level, she has served as a regional director and on the Membership, Education, Law and Policy, Communication, Awards, Nominations, and chair of the Rules committees. She is currently serving on the NC DKG Education Foundation Legacy committee and on the Grants committee. She received the Eta State Golden Key Award in 2016.
Emily is a former middle grades math teacher and school principal. She spent the last eleven years if her thirty-one years with Lee County Schools as the district Director of Accountability and Middle Grades Instruction. In retirement, she served as an associate with The Leadership Group of the Carolinas providing services across the state.
Emily is a member of Delta Rho Chapter and has been a member of Delta Kappa Gamma since 1986. She has served as president and parliamentarian for her chapter and on various committees at the local level. She currently serves as the chapter website and Facebook page administrator. At the state level, she has served as a regional director and on the Membership, Education, Law and Policy, Communication, Awards, Nominations, and chair of the Rules committees. She is currently serving on the NC DKG Education Foundation Legacy committee and on the Grants committee. She received the Eta State Golden Key Award in 2016.
Dr. Barbara Perry-Sheldon
Dr. Barbara Perry-Sheldon spent most of her teaching career at North Carolina Wesleyan College (now University) where she directed the teacher education program. She was the Jefferson Pilot Distinguished Professor for 1996-97 at Wesleyan. Retiring from Wesleyan after 24 years she moved to her home community near Boone and worked at Appalachian State for five years.
Active in many professional organizations, she served as president of the NC Reading Association (2005-06) and as president of the NC Association of Teacher Educators (1992-94). For some 20 years she was a lecturer for Phi Delta Kappa visiting chapters in many states, Puerto Rico and Canada. She’s presented numerous workshops at state, national and international conferences including ones in Australia, China, Sweden and Hungary. She chaired the NC Professional Practices Commission when it developed the Code of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct. She stays engaged in her community where she serves on the local library board and in Hearts, a support group for the local homeless shelter.
She was invited to DKG membership by Mu Chapter and was president for two biennia. She is a member of Alpha Gamma Chapter. She’s chaired many NC DKG committees, served as first and second vice president, and was the executive secretary for seven years. In 1999 she attended the Golden Gift Leadership Management Seminar. She served on two International committees, Educators Award and Scholarship Committee, and on the editorial board for eight years. She chairs the NC DKGEF Legacy Committee.
Dr. Barbara Perry-Sheldon spent most of her teaching career at North Carolina Wesleyan College (now University) where she directed the teacher education program. She was the Jefferson Pilot Distinguished Professor for 1996-97 at Wesleyan. Retiring from Wesleyan after 24 years she moved to her home community near Boone and worked at Appalachian State for five years.
Active in many professional organizations, she served as president of the NC Reading Association (2005-06) and as president of the NC Association of Teacher Educators (1992-94). For some 20 years she was a lecturer for Phi Delta Kappa visiting chapters in many states, Puerto Rico and Canada. She’s presented numerous workshops at state, national and international conferences including ones in Australia, China, Sweden and Hungary. She chaired the NC Professional Practices Commission when it developed the Code of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct. She stays engaged in her community where she serves on the local library board and in Hearts, a support group for the local homeless shelter.
She was invited to DKG membership by Mu Chapter and was president for two biennia. She is a member of Alpha Gamma Chapter. She’s chaired many NC DKG committees, served as first and second vice president, and was the executive secretary for seven years. In 1999 she attended the Golden Gift Leadership Management Seminar. She served on two International committees, Educators Award and Scholarship Committee, and on the editorial board for eight years. She chairs the NC DKGEF Legacy Committee.
Victoria "Vicky" A. Rogers
Vicky Rogers is a retired School Counselor and been a member of Gamma Chapter since 2003. She worked as an Elementary School Counselor and as a High School counselor with the Buncombe County School System. She was also Buncombe County Schools Coordinator for School Counseling programs.
Professional years included accepting the NC School Counselors Association President in 2002, as well as other officer positions in the organization.
After retirement she continued to volunteer for educational personnel issues through her involvement in NCAE Retired Division, last being the NCRSP Legislative Chair.
She earned her undergraduate degree at UNC-A, and an MA Ed in School Counseling through Western Carolina University. She added further studies in Educational Administration.
She lives in Waynesville. Her hobbies include the love of textiles for clothing and quilts. More recently she enjoys spinning and weaving natural fibers. Music is a part of her interests in piano studies and through some years of participation in FUMC Handbells Choir.
Vicky Rogers is a retired School Counselor and been a member of Gamma Chapter since 2003. She worked as an Elementary School Counselor and as a High School counselor with the Buncombe County School System. She was also Buncombe County Schools Coordinator for School Counseling programs.
Professional years included accepting the NC School Counselors Association President in 2002, as well as other officer positions in the organization.
After retirement she continued to volunteer for educational personnel issues through her involvement in NCAE Retired Division, last being the NCRSP Legislative Chair.
She earned her undergraduate degree at UNC-A, and an MA Ed in School Counseling through Western Carolina University. She added further studies in Educational Administration.
She lives in Waynesville. Her hobbies include the love of textiles for clothing and quilts. More recently she enjoys spinning and weaving natural fibers. Music is a part of her interests in piano studies and through some years of participation in FUMC Handbells Choir.
Patricia "Pat" H. Taylor
Patricia is a retired National Board Certified music educator. "Pat" taught music in all grades at various schools in the Greene County and Nash and Wilson County Schools. She is a former Teacher of the Year for Coopers Elementary in the Nash County Schools. Pat served as local President of the Nash County Association of Educators and was instrumental in helping to secure a 1% increase in supplement for Nash County educators. She served as District 12 President of the NC Music Educators Association. She has served as NC Delta Kappa Gamma Organization First Vice President and State President, NC Mu Chapter President for two consecutive terms, Delta Kappa Gamma Society International Music Representative, Southeast Regional Music Representative, and Chairperson of various NC DKG State Organization committees and Ad hoc committees. As State President, Pat appointed the first NC DKG Educational Foundation Board of Directors. She currently chairs the Talent Show Committee of the NC DKG Educational Foundation Fundraising Committee. Pat continues to serve as a church musician, something she has done for over fifty years.
Patricia is a retired National Board Certified music educator. "Pat" taught music in all grades at various schools in the Greene County and Nash and Wilson County Schools. She is a former Teacher of the Year for Coopers Elementary in the Nash County Schools. Pat served as local President of the Nash County Association of Educators and was instrumental in helping to secure a 1% increase in supplement for Nash County educators. She served as District 12 President of the NC Music Educators Association. She has served as NC Delta Kappa Gamma Organization First Vice President and State President, NC Mu Chapter President for two consecutive terms, Delta Kappa Gamma Society International Music Representative, Southeast Regional Music Representative, and Chairperson of various NC DKG State Organization committees and Ad hoc committees. As State President, Pat appointed the first NC DKG Educational Foundation Board of Directors. She currently chairs the Talent Show Committee of the NC DKG Educational Foundation Fundraising Committee. Pat continues to serve as a church musician, something she has done for over fifty years.
Dr. Sherry R. Willis
Retired educator after serving 19 years as a second/third grade teacher and kindergarten teacher in Burke County and 19 years as an administrator in Hickory Public Schools. She was twice recognized as Hickory’s Principal of the Year. Upon retirement in 2013 Sherry received the NC Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award for her service to education. Following her retirement Sherry worked with the NCDPI Office of Early Learning as an implementation specialist for the Kindergarten Entry Assessment initiative. Sherry supported school districts in regions V and VII as they worked to implement the new assessment process.
She has been a member of Alpha Nu Chapter of NC DKG since 1987, Sherry has served as president and vice-president of the chapter. She is currently chair of the Communication and Marketing committee and serves as the chapter’s newsletter editor and webmaster for the chapter’s web site.
Sherry previously served as the chair of NC DKG’s Beginning Teacher Support Committee and as Region X Director. Sherry serves as editor of the NC DKG Educational Foundation’s newsletter, In A Nutshell.
Retired educator after serving 19 years as a second/third grade teacher and kindergarten teacher in Burke County and 19 years as an administrator in Hickory Public Schools. She was twice recognized as Hickory’s Principal of the Year. Upon retirement in 2013 Sherry received the NC Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award for her service to education. Following her retirement Sherry worked with the NCDPI Office of Early Learning as an implementation specialist for the Kindergarten Entry Assessment initiative. Sherry supported school districts in regions V and VII as they worked to implement the new assessment process.
She has been a member of Alpha Nu Chapter of NC DKG since 1987, Sherry has served as president and vice-president of the chapter. She is currently chair of the Communication and Marketing committee and serves as the chapter’s newsletter editor and webmaster for the chapter’s web site.
Sherry previously served as the chair of NC DKG’s Beginning Teacher Support Committee and as Region X Director. Sherry serves as editor of the NC DKG Educational Foundation’s newsletter, In A Nutshell.
Beth Winstead
Janie Webb, NC DKG President, Ex Officio Member
A retired educator from Union County Public Schools (UCPS) with 31 years of service, Janie taught four years prior to UCPS in West Virginia for a total of 35 years in public education. She was an Exceptional Children’s (EC) teacher and Kindergarten teacher for 22 ½ years and spent 12 ½ years in the EC Central Office as an EC Program Specialist, Assistant EC Director and retired as the Director of EC Programs. Janie graduated from Marshall University in Huntington, WV in 1982 with a B.A. in Elementary Education with a specialization in Early Childhood Education. She completed her Master’s in Special Education with an emphasis in Specific Learning Disabilities and Intellectual Disabilities From Marshall University Graduate School in 1985. She completed the Add-on Licensure Program for School Administration (K-12) at Wingate University School of Graduate and Adult Education in 2010 and acquired additional certification in Educational Leadership: Administration and Supervision in 2016.
Janie was inducted into Alpha Zeta Chapter in Union County in April of 2012 and held various committee positions and served as Secretary, Vice President and President. She is presently serving a 2nd term as a co-president of Alpha Zeta Chapter. At the NC DKG state level she served as the Region VIII Regional Director from 2020-2022 during the height of Covid and served on the NC DKG Planning Committee. Elected NC DKG Second Vice President in May 2023, Janie was appointed as NC DKG First Vice President in September 2023 due to a resignation. She was elected in April 2025 as the NC DKG State President for the 2025-2027 biennium.
A retired educator from Union County Public Schools (UCPS) with 31 years of service, Janie taught four years prior to UCPS in West Virginia for a total of 35 years in public education. She was an Exceptional Children’s (EC) teacher and Kindergarten teacher for 22 ½ years and spent 12 ½ years in the EC Central Office as an EC Program Specialist, Assistant EC Director and retired as the Director of EC Programs. Janie graduated from Marshall University in Huntington, WV in 1982 with a B.A. in Elementary Education with a specialization in Early Childhood Education. She completed her Master’s in Special Education with an emphasis in Specific Learning Disabilities and Intellectual Disabilities From Marshall University Graduate School in 1985. She completed the Add-on Licensure Program for School Administration (K-12) at Wingate University School of Graduate and Adult Education in 2010 and acquired additional certification in Educational Leadership: Administration and Supervision in 2016.
Janie was inducted into Alpha Zeta Chapter in Union County in April of 2012 and held various committee positions and served as Secretary, Vice President and President. She is presently serving a 2nd term as a co-president of Alpha Zeta Chapter. At the NC DKG state level she served as the Region VIII Regional Director from 2020-2022 during the height of Covid and served on the NC DKG Planning Committee. Elected NC DKG Second Vice President in May 2023, Janie was appointed as NC DKG First Vice President in September 2023 due to a resignation. She was elected in April 2025 as the NC DKG State President for the 2025-2027 biennium.
Dr. Michelle Tuck Thomas, NC DKG Second Vice-President, Ex Officio Member