Conference Speakers

Dr. Patrice Buckner Jackson, known in her community as Dr. PBJ, gives educators the strategies for accomplishing purposeful work without burnout. Dr. PBJ is an educator of almost 25 years and an Executive Coach for more than 10 years. She holds a doctoral degree in Education Administration, served in executive leadership at colleges and universities, and facilitated leadership training as a faculty member for the Center for Creative Leadership. Dr. Jackson worked in higher education at many levels, from student assistant to President’s Cabinet and is the recipient of several professional awards and accolades. Dr. Jackson founded EduCare Training and Consulting, LLC through a purpose of pouring in to those who pour out so much. Much of her work is specifically focused on equipping and refreshing educators. Compassionate work can carry a high price tag: your mind, body, spirit and relationships may be in distress as you serve the needs of others. Dr. Jackson leads her community to serve well without paying an ultimate price. Dr. PBJ is the creator and host of the Disrupting Burnout podcast as well as the author of the Amazon best-seller, Disrupting Burnout: The professional woman’s LIFELINE to finding purpose.

Dr. Stacy Roberts resides in Evans, Ga., with her family. She holds a Doctor of Business Administration from Liberty University, where she is also pursuing her PhD in Leadership. She is a lecturer in Augusta University’s Hull College of Business and a licensed minister at her church, New Life Worship Center. Stacy is a Certified Executive and Leadership Trainer and is the founder of SMR Leadership Solutions, LLC where she works with organizations to cultivate peaceful, productive, and profitable workplaces.

Along with teaching and training, Stacy is the author of "Donut Leads the Team", "Boomer, Be Nice" and "Roscoe’s Rescue," books that help teach key skills and valuable lessons to young children. She strives daily to allow people to see Jesus through her and positively impact each person she meets.

Angela Landers is the Leadership and Institutional Development Program Director at the University System of Georgia. She has a passion for providing professional development on leadership development, emotional intelligence, building team culture and community, employee wellness, and professional goal setting and attainment. Angela holds B.S. and M.S. degrees in Psychology from Georgia Southern University. Prior to joining the USG, Angela served as the Assistant Director of Outreach and Community Engagement at the Counseling Center at Georgia Southern University.

Retired U.S Army Colonel Eric Toler joined Augusta University in 2018 as Executive Director of the Georgia Cyber Innovation and Training Center (aka Georgia Cyber Center). Mr. Toler previously served in the U.S. Army as a Military Intelligence Officer, retiring with over 27 years of leadership and national security experience. In addition to seven combat tours in Afghanistan, Iraq, and the Balkans, Mr. Toler was a pioneer in leading and developing cyberspace operations capabilities for the Army and Department of Defense, serving in key positions within Army Cyber Command, U.S. Cyber Command, and the National Security Agency (NSA), to include serving as the Commander of NSA Georgia.

In his role as Executive Director of the Georgia Cyber Center, Mr. Toler is responsible for fulfilling the Center’s mission. That goal is to foster an ecosystem of collaboration among government, academia, and private industry partners that helps solve the state and nation’s most challenging cybersecurity problems through innovative education, training, research and development, and practical applications.

In addition to numerous military schools and training, Mr. Toler holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Henderson State University, a Master of Public Administration from the University of Kansas, and a Master of Science in National Security Strategy from the National Defense University. He is also enrolled in the inaugural cohort for the Intelligence, Defense, & Cybersecurity Policy PhD program at Augusta University.

Mr. Toler has several military awards and decorations, including the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, and two Bronze Star Medals. He is also a member of the US Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) Hall of Fame. In his current role, Mr. Toler has been three times named to Georgia Trend Magazine’s Georgia 500 most influential leaders and four times named in James Magazine as one of Georgia’s most influential men and women.

Za’Cuan McNeil is a native of Florence, SC. He moved to Augusta after graduating from Claflin University with his Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications in 2022. Upon graduation, Za’Cuan began teaching in the Richmond County School System. Working with middle grades students allowed Za’Cuan the opportunity to expand his skills and knowledge on building curriculum, leadership and facilitation.

With this growth in skillset, Za’Cuan joined the Office of Institutional Access, Success, and Belonging in January 2024. He serves as the Learning and Development Coordinator where his primary focus is the ASB Certificate Program. In this role, Za’Cuan is responsible for developing and facilitating courses for faculty and staff that promote belonging and encourage employees to cultivate a welcoming environment for the AU community.

Morgan holds a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and a Master’s in Integrative Health and Wellness. She is a National Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC) with a passion for helping others cut through the noise of wellness trends and build simple, sustainable habits. Originally from Augusta, she loves any excuse to travel to the mountains and is steadily working her way through a list of national parks to visit. In her free time, she’s learning to be more intentional with reading and practicing self-kindness.

Annie is a Double Jag, earning her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and her Master of Public Health, both from Augusta University. Annie is a dedicated advocate for health and wellness with a passion for community engagement. She is committed to fostering a supportive campus environment and connecting students with resources to enhance their overall wellbeing. While she is not at work, Annie can be found practicing gratitude, knitting, reading a book, or spending time with her family and pets.

Dr. Russell Keen joined Augusta University in 2015 and was named AU's President in 2024 upon the retirement of Dr. Brooks Keel. He received a bachelor’s degree in Finance, master’s degree in Higher Education Administration from Georgia Southern University, and Doctorate of Higher Education degree from the University of Georgia. He is a graduate of the 2016 Class of Leadership Columbia County and serves on the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Rotary Club of Augusta, and Georgia Chamber of Commerce.