Co-Executive Directors Announce Leadership Appointments

Dec 30, 2025
4 min read

Updated: Jan 3

Scholar in the Middle is proud to announce the individuals that have been appointed by Co-Executive Directors Nicolas Snipes and Rev. Cameron Kuykindall to lead our organization forward, comprising "The Scholar Squad." These leaders are ready to execute excellence and further our goal to move scholars from middle to mastery.

Not only are they members of our squad, but academic weapons as well. All but one of our staff members are either enrolled or an alumni of Memphis-Shelby County Schools. Thirteen of our staff members, who are currently enrolled in an institution of higher learning pursuing their bachelors and/or masters degrees, have collectively obtained a 3.44 GPA during the Fall 2025 semester.

But, it doesn't stop there. Every member of our team is heavily involved in the community, being an active participant in several activities that range from sports teams to student government to advisory boards, and more! Six staff members are involved in Greek Life, five of which are members of the National Panhellenic Council (NPHC), also known as the Divine 9.

Read below about each member of our squad and the work they do to advance our organization's purpose and ensure every scholar can experience resounding success.

Office of Executive Leadership

Kennedé Smith

Executive Administrator

Kennedé serves by managing impact analysis, organization assessment and adaptation, and meeting administration and scheduling. She is a 2024 graduate of East High School and a student at The University of Alabama.

Department of Finance & Administration

Nia Tuggle

Senior Director of People & Culture

Nia, one of our three founders, serves by overseeing this department and managing staff recruitment and development. She is a 2024 graduate of Whitehaven High School and a student at Alabama State University.

Jayden Richardson

Director of Finance & Compliance

Jayden serves by managing accounting, budgeting, and compliance, working closely with the AD of Philanthropy. He is a 2023 graduate of East High School and a student at The University of Arkansas Pine Bluff.

DeAsia Freeman

Assistant Director of Community Engagement

DeAsia serves by managing community engagement, community service, and volunteer engagement. She is a 2024 graduate of Whitehaven High School and a student at The University of Memphis.

Kelcie Harris

Assistant Director of Events

Kelcie serves by managing team events, community events, and assessment + adaptation of the same. She is a 2023 graduate of East High School, a student at Alabama A&M University, and a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Derrick (DJ) Nathaniel

Assistant Director of Philanthropy

DJ serves by managing philanthropic strategy, philanthropic spirit, and assessment + adaptation of the same. He is a 2025 graduate of East High School and a student at The University of Tennessee at Martin.

Department of Learning Activities

Kathleen Sims

Director of Learning Activities

Kathleen serves by overseeing this department and managing activity operations, family & community engagement, and staff development. She is a graduate of Whitehaven High School, Mississippi Valley State University, and an educator at Robert R. Church Elementary School. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Tandi Mills

Assistant Director of Scholar Success

Tandi serves by managing academic instruction & support, student engagement, and assessment & adaptation. She is a graduate of Middle College High School, Lemoyne-Owen College, and an educator at Alcy Elementary School. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Khila Jones

Assistant Director of School Engagement

Khila serves by managing managing school engagement, relationship building, and volunteer engagement. She is a 2023 graduate of Whitehaven High School and a student at The University of Memphis. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Dailon Jackson

Success Coach of Learn through Line

Dailon serves by daily administration, compliance, and student and family engagement of Learn through Line. He is a 2021 graduate of Olive Branch High School and a student at The University of Memphis.

Latisha Vaughn

Success Coach of Summer Learning

Latisha serves by daily administration, compliance, and student and family engagement of summer learning. She is a 2023 graduate of Whitehaven High School and a student at East Tennessee State University. She is a member of the National Association of Colored Women's Clubs.

Department of Media Services

Renee Joplin

Director of Media Services

Renee serves by overseeing this department and managing branding and public relations. She is a 2024 graduate of Whitehaven High School and a student at Clark Atlanta University.

Kishania Fentress

Assistant Director of Creative Media Services

Kishania serves by managing creative communications (graphic design, social media) and digital advertising. She is a 2024 graduate of Middle College High School and a student at The University of Memphis. She is a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.

Kennadi Mansaw

Assistant Director of Digital Media Services

Kennadi serves by managing digital communications (email, text, and website). She is a 2025 graduate of Middle College High School and a student at Jackson State University.

Justin Richardson

Assistant Director of Visual Media Services

Justin serves by managing visual communications (photography, videography) and assisting with creative communications. He is a student at Southwind High School.

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Scholar in the Middle is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation, whose mission is to "propel students with average grades to achieve their fullest potential through learning activities."

admin@scholarinthemiddle.org

680 Hanley Street | Memphis, Tennessee 38114

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