2024 Lift Her Up Awardees

Dr. Dionne M. Rosser-Mims

Vice Chancellor of Troy University’s Phenix City Campus

Born and raised in a culturally diverse community, Dr. Dionne Rosser-Mims is a deep believer in inclusivity, social justice and the power of education to transform lives. She currently serves as vice chancellor of Troy University’s Phenix City campus, a position she has held since October 2020. Rosser-Mims is also a professor of adult education and global leadership at the university. Before her Phenix City appointment, she most recently served as dean of the university’s College of Education. 

Professionally, Dionne has over 25 years of experience in higher education, which includes work in collegiate teaching as well as in training and talent development. Rosser-Mims completed Harvard’s Women in Educational Leadership Institute and received the 2023 East Alabama Chamber Individual Leader of the Year Award, the 2023 Educator Award from the Phenix City Russell County NAACP, the 2023 Citizen of the Year from the Nu Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, the 2021 Women in Leadership Member Community Outstanding Senior Scholar award, Troy University’s 2013 Wallace D. Malone, Jr., Distinguished Faculty Award, was a 2016 Troy University Chancellor’s Fellow and was president of Troy University’s Faculty Senate for two consecutive years. 

Rosser-Mims has authored four books, the most recent of which is the 2020 co-edited Pathways into the Political Arena: The Perspectives of Global Women Leaders. She has also published over 15 articles and book chapters and presented at conferences at the regional, national, and international levels. She is the co-founder and former co-editor-in-chief of Dialogues in Social Justice: An Adult Education Journal, a peer-reviewed open-access journal. 

Rosser-Mims has been married to DeCarlton Mims for 22 years. Her daughter, Gabrielle, will be attending Troy University in the Fall.

Dr. Janet Sherrod

Phenix City School District Superintendent

A native of Pickens County, AL, Dr. Janet Sherrod holds a doctorate of philosophy in education from Hampton University, educational specialist in education administration from the University of Montevallo, a masters of education in mathematics education from the University of West Alabama and a bachelors of science degree in mathematics education from Tuskegee University. With over three decades in education, Sherrod became superintendent of the Phenix City School District in May 2023.

Today, Sherrod stands as a trailblazer in her role as the first African American and first female superintendent of Phenix City Schools. Her appointment to this historic position reflects her spirit and dedication to the cause of education. Sherrod has dedicated her life to achieving excellence in all her endeavors, leaving a mark on the educational landscape and the lives of countless students. Her influence continues to shape the future of education, and her commitment to students’ success remains unwavering.

– By CEL Staff