Who We Are

Dr. Michelle John 
Vice President for Research and Innovation
Research Security Officer
Dr. Michelle John was appointed as Texas Southern University’s Research Security Officer (RSO) on August 28, 2025.
Research Security Office
Hannah Hall, Room 310-G
Email:  michelle.john@tsu.edu
Phone: 713-313-7477
 

Dr. Zuri Dale 
Assistant Vice President of Research and Innovation Initiatives 
Email:  zuri.dale@tsu.edu
Phone: 713-313-7554

Dr. Ivy Poon 
Assistant Vice President of Faculty Development 
Email:  ivy.poon@tsu.edu
Phone: 713-313-4400
 

Dr. Veronica Ajewole
Assistant Vice President of Clinical Translational Research & Community Engagement 
Email:  veronica.ajewole@tsu.edu
Phone: 713-313-1217
 

Mrs. Maria White
Executive Director of Research Infrastructure & Development 
Email:  maria.white@tsu.edu
Phone: 713-313-4301

Dr. Karen Stewart
Executive Director of Graduate and Undergraduate Education
Email:  karen.stewart@tsu.edu

Dr. Linda Gardiner

Director of Research Enhancement & Compliance Services

Email:  linda.gardiner@tsu.edu
Phone: 713-313-7208

Ms. Kimbler Lofton
Office Administrator, Division of Research & Innovation
Email:  kimbler.lofton@tsu.edu
Phone: 713-313-4245

Mrs. Lakuita Bess - Hardy
Senior Animal Care Technician 
Email:  lakuita.bess@tsu.edu
Phone: 713-313-1226

Mrs. Diane Lewis
Director, Research Financial & Compliance Services 
Email:  diane.lewis@tsu.edu
Phone: 713-313-7876

Ms. Minnie Wolridge
Sr. Grant Accountant, Research Financial & Compliance Services
Email: minnie.wolridge@tsu.edu
Phone: 713-313-7874

Mrs. Joanna Simmons
Office Administrator, Research Financial & Compliance Services 
Email:  joanna.simmons@tsu.edu
Phone: 713-313-7020

Ms. Kathleen Calhoun
Sr. Grant Accountant, Research Financial & Compliance Services
Email: kathleen.calhoun@tsu.edu
Phone: 713-313-7875

Mr. Dantes Davis
Sr. Grant Accountant, Research Financial & Compliance Services
Email: dantes.davis@tsu.edu

Ms. Adana Brown
Program Coordinator II, Pre-Award Services 
Email:  adana.brown@tsu.edu
Phone: 713-313-7457

Ms. Kelly Morris
Public Health Nurse
Email:  kelly.morris@tsu.edu

Ms. Vicky Davis
Community Health Worker
Email:  vicky.davis@tsu.edu
Phone: 713-313-5099

Ms. Lena Bean
Director, Center for Aging and Intergenerational Resources
Email:  lena.bean@tsu.edu
Phone: 713-313-5099

Ms. Deborah Allen
Administrative Assistant, Center for Aging and Intergenerational Resources
Email: deborah.allen@tsu.edu

Ms. Susan Davis
Program Assistant, Center for Aging and Intergenerational Resources
Email:  susan.davis@tsu.edu

Ms. Gretchen Jean
Program Assistant, Center for Aging and Intergenerational Resources
Email:  gretchen.jean@tsu.edu

Ms. Robin Green
Program Assistant, Center for Aging and Intergenerational Resources
Email:  robin.green@tsu.edu