University Of Memphis: Hooks Institute Board Welcomes LaDonna R. Young And Steve Swain   

Press release from the University of Memphis:

July 28, 2021

About LaDonna R. Young  

LaDonna R. Young is the dean of Humanities, Social Sciences and Mathematics at Southwest
Tennessee Community College. She earned her BA from Christian Brothers University
and an MA in Teaching and EdD in Higher and Adult Education at the University of Memphis.
Young’s career has centered around two defining themes: 1) developing successful and
innovative programs for minoritized, underrepresented and historically marginalized
student populations and 2) developing, coaching and empowering the faculty and professionals
charged to educate them.  

“I am extremely honored to serve on the Hooks Institute Board to further the Institute’s
work to promote civil rights and social change through research, education and direct
intervention programs,” Young said. “I look forward to serving with such a phenomenal
group of servant leaders to mitigate disparities related to race, education, diversity
and inclusion and economic mobility through The Hooks African American Male Initiative
and A Seat at the Table programs.”  

About Steve Swain  

Steve Swain is a senior vice president and community lending manager at Pinnacle Financial
Partners. He leads the lending production office teams and partners with consumer,
mortgage and community development to deliver lending programs. Swain serves on Pinnacle's
Corporate Social Responsibility committee, Community Development committee and Retail
Credit committee. Swain is also a member of Pinnacle’s Corporate Social Responsibility,
Community Development and Retail Credit committee. Swain received his bachelor’s degree
in Mass Communications from the University of Montevallo in Alabama. He currently
serves as vice president of the Memphis CRA Association.  

“I am committed to serving the underserved community and advocating for those who
are limited or do not have a voice,” Swain said. “Serving on the Hooks Institute Board
aligns with this effort and provides an even greater opportunity to help make a difference
in the area of social change.”  

About the Benjamin L. Hooks Institute for Social Change   

The Benjamin L. Hooks Institute implements its mission of teaching, studying and promoting
civil rights and social change through research, education and direct intervention
programs. Institute programs include community outreach; funding faculty research
initiatives on community issues; implementing community service projects; hosting
conferences, symposiums and lectures; and promoting local and national scholarship
on civil and human rights. The Hooks Institute is an interdisciplinary center at the
University of Memphis. Contributed revenue for the Hooks Institute, including funding
from individuals, corporations and foundations, is administered through the University
of Memphis Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization. For more information, visit memphis.edu/benhooks. 

This press release was produced by the University of Memphis. The views expressed here are the author’s own.