Our Advisory Board

Karyta is a native of Savannah, Georgia that has been in the field of Education for 30 years. She has a Bachelors’ of Science degree in Accounting from Savannah State College (University), a Master’s degree in Administration and Supervision from Georgia Southern University and an Education Specialist Degree from Lincoln University. She has served in several roles in education from a Classroom Math Teacher to a Middle School Principal. She has also served in Human Resources as the Certified Staffing Coordinator.  She has served as Pastoral Administrator at Overcoming by Faith Ministries where she currently serves as an Elder. She is President and CEO of True Choice Procurement Management Group, LLC.  She serves on the DYD Youth Development Board as the Treasurer. She is the wife of Vernon Byers (33 years) and they have one daughter, Imani.

Dr. Dandy retired in December 2006, as a tenured Professor of Education and former Interim Dean of the College of Education at Armstrong State University (ASU), Savannah, Georgia She was Director of ASU’s Pathways to Teaching Program, a grant that provided scholarships and support activities for paraprofessionals, substitute teachers and secretaries, primarily minority males, so that they could become certified teachers in urban schools. This Program is winner of Harvard University’s 1997 Innovations in American Government Award and the 1998 Georgia Regents Award for Teaching Excellence.

Dr. Dandy holds degrees in elementary education/Spanish, language arts and reading/linguistics from Millersville University, Temple University and the University of South Carolina. She has taught at the elementary, middle school and college levels and in inner city as well as suburban schools. On three separate occasions she received the award of outstanding faculty at ASU. Dr. Dandy was named Georgia 2002 Professor of the Year by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and the Council for the Support and Advancement of Teaching

At Thankful Missionary Baptist Church Dr. Dandy served as Director of the Christian Education Ministry and Sunday School teacher for 27 years. She is a graduate of the Sunday School Publishing Board’s COP Program and has earned credentials to serve as a Dean for her church’s Christian Leadership School, accredited through the Sunday School Publishing Board (SSPB) of the National Baptist Convention, Inc.,USA. She is a certified instructor for the SSPB and teaches courses in the local and state Christian Leadership Schools.

Dr. Dandy is married to Dr. J. Alphonso Dandy, a retired optometrist, and they are parents to twin sons— Ronald and Russell—eye surgeons—who own practices and Savannah and Statesboro. Their daughter Ronlyn serves as Regional Technology Coordinator for Prince Georges County Schools. They have four grandchildren—one girl and three boys—and a great grandson.

A Savannah native, Brian Dawsey is a 1997 graduate of A. E. Beach High school. Brian attended Armstrong Atlantic State University where he earned a Bachelor of General Studies with a minor in Sociology and a Master of Education, Adult Education in 2003 and 2005. Brian currently serves as the Director of Admissions at Savannah State University. He is a member of Cornwall St. Church of God where he serves as a Deacon and Adult Sunday School teacher. In addition to being a board member of the Dandy Youth Development Corporation, he also hold affiliations with several organizations to include:

• MLK Observance Day Association (Education Committee)
• Hungary Club Forum of Savannah
• Tau Beta Sigma Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc.
• Mt. Moriah #15 Prince Hall Masons
• Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order of the Noble Mystic Shrine, PHA
• 100 Black Men of Savannah

Kevin L. Foard is a native of Savannah, Georgia and the 1999 graduate of Armstrong Atlantic State University. Kevin holds a B.S in Early Childhood Education, a Master of Education from Cambridge College, an Educational Specialist degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Nova Southeastern University, and all but dissertation completed in a Doctorate in Educational Leadership. He is currently the program Coordinator of 21st Century Community Learning Centers for the Savannah Chatham County Public School System. Kevin is a member of the 100 Black Men of Savannah and a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. Kevin is a mentor, a counselor, a father, and an advocate for at risk youth here in Chatham County.

Kevin served as a scholarship recipient for Pathways to Teaching under the leadership of Dr. Evelyn Dandy. This program made it possible for paraprofessionals, nutrition workers, custodians, and other staff in the school system gain a teacher education certification in any area.

Mr. Foard’s mission is to see all at risk youth develop a passion for education and matriculate through a college, university, technical school, or military. Mr. Foard serves on the advisory board for the Dandy Youth Development Center and will continue to increase the productivity of our youth.

LaWanda Ransom retired from the local public school system after over 30 years of service. Her work with the school district included classroom teacher, resource teacher, magnet program coordinator, school administrator and program director. She has a Bachelor’s of Science degree from Savannah State College (University); a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Armstrong (Atlantic) State  University; and an Education Specialist degree in Educational Leadership from Georgia Southern University . Her dream to become an educator was made possible through supportive family, positive influences of educators and others in the faith community.

LaWanda has been a presenter at local, state and national conferences focusing on educational issues. She has had the opportunity to serve on several advisory boards related to providing opportunities for children and youth.   She has served as a Sunday School teacher for over 20 years and serves in other ministries in her church.  LaWanda continues to be hopeful for the future of young people and is blessed to serve in capacities to be an advocate for them. She and her husband are the parents of two adult married children.

LaSaundra Colson Wade earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from Savannah State University, and a master’s degree in educational leadership from the University of Central Arkansas. A seasoned educator with 17 years of teaching experience in the areas of biology, physical science department, at Alfred Ely Beach High School, in Savannah, since 2008.

Known as an energetic and enthusiastic educator, Mrs. Colson Wade earned certification in biology and chemistry for grades 6-12 from Armstrong Atlantic University. She also has a gifted endorsement from the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System, and certification in advance placement biology, and is licensed for school leadership. By employing her unique combination of educational experiences and exceptional classroom management skills, she aims to bring science students into the 21st century, and cultivate in them, a lifelong love of learning.

Mrs. Colson Wade is affiliated with the National Association of Science Teachers and the American Federation of Teachers. A dedicated alumnae of Savannah State and member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. and Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc., she is a life member of the SSU National Alumni Association.

Mrs. Colson Wade served several school districts as a consultant in classroom management, ice breakers test taking skills, and tips for student behaviors. She continues to serve as a teacher and coach. Presently she teaches 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th graders biology and other sciences.

Mrs. Colson Wade has traveled extensively to places like Hawaii, Grand Canyon, San Juan, Dominican Republic, and St. Thomas, Virgin Islands. Her talents are very well developed in designing, Christianity, education and travel experiences.

Mr. Elijah West Jr. is a 1976 graduate of Savannah High School, 1981 graduate of Savannah State University earning a B.S. in Electrical Engineering Technology, and a 2007 graduate of the University of Central Arkansas earning a Masters in School Administration. He is most proud to be a 1994 graduate of the “Pathways To Teaching Careers Program” at Armstrong State University under the directorship of Dr. Evelyn B. Dandy.
As an educator, he has distinguished himself as a teacher at Esther F. Garrison Elementary, Myers Middle School, and the Upward Bound Program at Savannah State University. Upon entering school administration, he has served as an assistant principal at Sol C. Johnson High School and Pooler Elementary School where he later became principal. Mr. West currently serves as principal at East Broad K-8 School.