Black Staff and Faculty Council

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Last Updated: Apr 23, 2026, 02:33 PM

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Welcome to the Black Staff and Faculty Council's website.

Our mission is to promote a positive community and recognize the role and historical context of persons of African /Black descent. It is deemed necessary to develop this organization to promote shared interests, identity and the pursuit of excellence. As a result, we hereby establish the Southern Illinois University Black Staff and Faculty Council (BSFC) for the purposes outlined in the Constitution and By-Laws, which manifest our commitment to the well-being of the University.

About the Black Staff and Faculty Council

Goals

The Council’s goals are to:

  • Advocate for the equitable treatment of Black Students, Civil Service, Administrative Professional Staff and Faculty
  • Identify and assess historical and other barriers which impede the professional advancements and achievements of excellence by the Black Civil Service, Administrative Professional Staff and Faculty
  • Articulate concerns which exist within the ranks of the Black Civil Service, Administrative Professional Staff and Faculty with respect to employment, to include hiring, working conditions, leadership, advancement and compensation
  • Enhance the quality of the institution by improving the overall climate of the institution for Black Civil Service, Administrative Professional Staff, Faculty and Students
  • Identify the impediments to the recruitment, retention, and achievement of excellence by Black Students
  • Create a sense of community among Black Civil Service, Administrative Professional Staff and Faculty through mentoring and networking
  • Actively participate in the recruitment and retention of Black Civil Service, Administrative Professional Staff and Faculty

Officers

2025-2026 Officers:

  • Staff President-Jacari Henderson
  • Faculty President-Pamela Smoot
  • Vice-President-Bethnay Peppers
  • Secretary-Darrius Yancy
  • Treasurer-Jariah Henderson
  • Historian-Dr. Marquitta Bowman
  • Parliamentarian-Arianne Smith

Committees

Standing Committees:

Standing Committees shall be, but are not limited to:

 Executive Committee Governing Body shall uphold and enforce said Articles of the By-Laws and Constitution for the BSFC.

Membership Committee Shall assist in recruitment, recording, and maintaining information related to membership.

      Members: Darrius Yancy & Jariah Henderson-Chairs, Naishon Patterson, Arianne Smith and Dennis Galloway

Budget and Finance Committee. Shall maintain financial records, sign checks and develop and coordinate fundraising initiatives to be carried out by members of the BSFC.

      Members:  Jariah Henderson-Chair, Arianne Smith,  LeMark Russell.

Professional Welfare and Development Committee Shall recommend and implement educational and professional recruitment and retention activities on behalf of the BSFC.

     Members: Jacari Henderson & Pamela Smoot-Chairs,  Kristopher Marshall

Political and Social Action Committee Shall plan and coordinate on- and off- campus civic, social and cultural networking opportunities for all BSFC members.

      Members: Bethany Peppers-Chair,  Yolonda Dean, Jacari Henderson, and Charah McKinzie.

 

Get Involved

Ways to Get Involved:

  • Attend Meetings. The BSFC meetings are open and held via zoom for the foreseeable future. Join us and bring a friend!
  • Hold an office or join a committee. Each year, we will ask for volunteers to serve as officer or committee members. You involvement is critical and keeps us moving forward.
  • Share your ideas. We want to hear from you. Voice your ideas and concerns to the appropriate committee or officer.