Executive leadership Executive leadership

The University of Miami Black Alumni Association is led by a distinguished group of alumni, elected to guide, serve, and lead the society.

2021-2023 UMBAS Executive Board Officers

Astin Hayes, B.S.C. ’06

President

Key Account Manager, Remy Cointreau
Since the moment she walked onto the University of Miami campus, Astin Hayes has worked to push the agenda for Black student life through United Black Students, Delta Sigma Theta, Yellow Rose Society, Hurricane Productions, and a host of other activities and organizations. This motivation did not end once she graduated. Astin returns yearly for Homecoming and graduations, gives back to the University, and stays abreast of university news. Astin has served on the board for the last four years. Working alongside other board members to build a strong foundation for the black alumni society.

Jason Starr, B.B.A. '05

President-ELECT

Senior Strategist, Human Rights Campaign
Jason Starr has over 15 years of experience as an attorney, educator, and strategist in the fight for human rights. His practice is multi-dimensional and spans the public, nonprofit, and social entrepreneurship sectors - employing litigation, public policy advocacy, and organizing - and rooted in meaningful partnership with people and communities. Jason is the former and founding Director of Impact Litigation and current Senior Strategist at the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, the nation's largest LGBTQ+ civil rights membership organization, where he built a partnership hub for strategic collaborative pro-bono impact litigation with grassroots legal activists, private law firms, and mutual aid organizations. In this work, he is counsel in cases challenging laws that seek to eliminate legal protections for transgender Americans in healthcare and education. Notably, he is currently challenging discriminatory laws in Florida and Tennessee that prevent transgender girls from playing on girls’ sports teams and trans youth from using safe school restrooms, respectively. He also represents parties as “friend of the court” in cases addressing legal equality in state and federal court. Jason also manages Global LGBTQ+ Litigation Partnerships, identifying law reform support and partnership opportunities across the Global South.

Dr. Christopher Allen Clarke

Vice President 

Asst. Dean, Belonging & Inclusion - School of Law, University of Miami
Dr. Christopher Allen Clarke serves as the inaugural Assistant Dean for Belonging and Inclusion at the University of Miami School of Law where he is responsible for the development, implementation, and evaluation of a comprehensive plan that advances belonging and inclusion. Dr. Clarke brings over 16 years of higher education experience, most recently serving as the Director of the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs at the University of Miami from 2020-2023. Prior to joining the University of Miami, Dr. Clarke served as the inaugural Director of Diversity and Inclusion at the University of Chicago - Law School and has worked at the University of Michigan and the University of Illinois at Chicago in similar capacities. Dr. Clarke has been recognized twice as a 40 Under 40 Higher Administrator by the Congressional Black Caucus Health Braintrust and by Legacy Magazine Miami. He was also named the 2022 Administrator of the Year by the University of Miami Toppel Career Center and named the 2023 Patricia A. Whitely Unsung Hero by the University of Miami Undergraduate Student Government. He received his Doctor of Education in Higher Education Leadership from the School of Education and Human Development.

Alana Smith, B.S. ’05

Secretary

School Psychologist/Learning Strategist, Great Minds Virtual
Alana Smith is one of the biggest supporters of the U, whether it be as a student, employee, or alumna. She is always willing to stand in when needed for her alma mater. As a student on campus, she was involved in multiple organizations, including serving as a charter member of the Tau Rho Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Alana always gives her all. She is a dedicated educator having worked at LAUSD. Miami Dade County, Wake County and currently with Great Minds Virtual School. Her creative outlet lies in fashion production where she is co-founder of OnLaVe Signature Productions. She exemplifies promptness, organization, effective communication, and presentation skills which make her a superb fit as secretary of the UM Black Alumni Society.

Arthur Faison, B.B.A. '09

Treasurer

Business Leader, Honey Baked Ham
Arthur Faison's profound connection to the University of Miami amplifies his fit for the fundraising and treasurer role. A devoted husband and father of two future Hurricanes, he embodies family values and community spirit. His campus tenure was marked by influential leadership roles, including Polemarch of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity's Iota Chi Chapter and President of the National Pan-Hellenic Council. His prowess extended to the business sphere as Vice President of Delta Sigma Pi Business Fraternity. His impact was also felt through roles like Chair of a Week for Life and Co-Chair of the Student Orientation Committee. Arthur's dedication and leadership align perfectly with the UM Black Alumni Society's vision.

Dr. George Koonce, Jr., M.S. Ed. ’70, Ed.D. ’76

Executive at Large

Retired past-principal, district director, region superintendent and assistant superintendent of the Florida School System.
Dr. George Koonce has had excellent experiences in working with alumni associations. He is a life member, former chapter, and national president of the Fort Valley State University Fort Valley, Georgia. In 2013, George played a key role as vice-chair of the Class of 1963 50-year reunion, most notable for leading the generation of more than $60,000 for scholarships. In his work with non-profits, George chaired a national search committee that led to hiring a CEO for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). As president of FVSU Alumni, George also participated in selecting Dr. Cleveland Pettigrew as university president.

Patricia Dunac Morgan, B.S. '06

Immediate Past President

Founder/Owner, The Executive Learning Lab
Dr. Morgan (she/her) is an innovative and passionate leader with a heart for equity, access, inclusion, and social justice. She has conducted numerous studies and presentations on Culturally Responsive Organizations, Culturally Relevant Pedagogy, and access and barriers to STEM at local, national, and international conferences. She has also hosted several keynotes and plenary sessions for educational, nonprofit, and international organizations through her consulting agency, The Executive Learning Lab. In her spare time, Dr. Morgan serves as a board member for several educational organizations, binge watches comedies, and is an avid traveler and foodie. Follow her on Twitter and LinkedIn.