Dr. Watkins

Interim Director AUC Data Science Initiative

Dr. Watkins brings extensive expertise in education, student engagement, research, and strategic collaboration, making him an excellent choice to guide the Initiative during this transitional period. He brings leadership and engagement experiences from the academy as well as industry.

As interim Senior Director, Dr. Watkins will continue to drive the DSI’s mission to meet the growing need for a diverse workforce with data science skills. His efforts will advance our key outcomes of fostering educational excellence, enhancing student success, increasing research impact, supporting community engagement, and ensuring program sustainability.

His efforts will advance our key outcomes of fostering educational excellence, enhancing student success, increasing research impact, supporting community engagement, and ensuring program sustainability. Dr. Watkins is an assistant professor of Computer Science at Morehouse College. He has previously served on the Atlanta University Center Data Science Faculty Council.

KENZY SCOTT

PROGRAM COORDINATOR FOR CAREER DEVELOPMENT, 

DATA SCIENCE INITIATIVE

Kenzy Scott is originally from Boston, Massachusetts and received her Bachelor’s in Political Science from the University of Massachusetts Lowell. During her time at UMass Lowell, Ms. Scott held internships at the Sindhi American Political Action Committee in Washington D.C and Representative Hank Johnson’s Office on Capitol Hill. Additionally, she served as the President of the Black Student Union and was awarded the Chancellor Medal for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in 2022.

While pursuing her Master’s in Public Administration at Clark Atlanta University, Kenzy Scott worked in the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the University of Michigan. She also served as a career and development coordinator for Clark Atlanta University in their Career and Professional Development Office. While at Clark Atlanta, she researched Perceptions of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Programs at the University of Michigan. She gained insights into predominantly white institutions in higher education.

Kenzy Scott is not new to the AUC Data Science Initiative. In the summer of 2023, she took advantage of DSI workshops. She obtained certificates and badges in Data Science: R Basics, Data Science Initiative R Academy II Badge, Library Data Analysis with Carpentries Badge, Teaching and Learning with SAS badge, and Getting Started with SAS studio badge. She was interested in working for the AUC Data Science Initiative to be a part of groundbreaking work introducing data science skills, career development, and career opportunities across HBCUs..

JAMAL WARE

PROGRAM COORDINATOR for STUDENT DEVELOPMENT, 

DATA SCIENCE INITIATIVE

Jamal Ware is our data brings over six years of invaluable expertise in logistics planning and the seamless execution of events and programs to our esteemed team. Having collaborated with renowned brands such as The Gates Foundation, Microsoft, Google, USDOJ, and the Department of Homeland Security, Jamal has facilitated the connection of students with crucial people and resources, fostering academic and post-collegiate success.

Driven by an unwavering passion for cultivating meaningful connections, Jamal has finely tuned his skills and tools to significantly elevate event production and engagement. His dedicated commitment to empowering individuals underscores his mission to equip them with the necessary tools and resources for both personal and professional growth, thereby ensuring success in all endeavors.

Beyond the professional sphere, Jamal thrives on social engagements with friends, continually seeking out novel and enriching opportunities to bring people together in the pursuit of exchanging knowledge and experiences. Additionally, he finds solace and joy in outdoor activities such as fishing and grilling with his family.

Dr. EBONI DOTSON

Assistant Director of HBCU Engagement AUC Data Science Initiative

In this role, Dr. Dotson brings extensive experience and dedication to advancing data science education and professional development within HBCUs. Having been an integral part of the Data Science Initiative for several years, she is well-equipped to lead in this capacity.

Dr. Dotson drives strategic planning and oversees the successful execution of faculty development and student enrichment initiatives at AUCC member schools and other HBCUs. She focuses on building capacity in data science, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and preparing students for success in data-intensive fields.

As a lifelong scholar and proactive professional, Dr. Dotson has engaged in ongoing professional development by earning multiple post-graduate certificates from universities including, John Hopkins, Stanford, and Harvard. Her recent credentials include education in COVID19-related competencies, global health safety, and health equity.

Recognizing the importance of balance, Dr. Dotson finds equal fulfillment and enjoyment through volunteering in her community. Dr. Dotson is actively involved in the Georgia Association of Healthcare Quality (GaAHQ) Board of Directors, LATech4Good Leadership Council, and Clayton State University Alumni Board of Advisors.

Dr. IVIS RENEE KING

DEPUTY DIRECTOR, 

DATA SCIENCE INITIATIVE

Dr. Ivis Renne King is an Assistant Professor of Social Work at Clark Atlanta University and the Deputy Director of the Atlanta University Consortium Data Science Initiative (DSI).

Additionally, Dr. King serves on the AUC Data Science Education Working Group; has led efforts to introduce data science into Social Work courses and research programs, and is an Instructor for the AUC PreFreshman Experience (PFx) summer data science program that engages incoming students in data science research. Dr. King has integrated data science in her Issues in Child Welfare course, co-designed and taught the Data and African Diaspora undergraduate course, and developed a Data Science in Child Welfare graduate course. She served as Instructor for the DSI Pre-Freshmen Summer Experience where she led student research teams on Using Data to Advocate for Health Justice: Exploring Health-Related Data for Children in Foster Care, and Keeping Communities Safe Through Data: Keeping Children Safe after Child Welfare Intervention.

She serves as faculty mentor for the CAU Provost’s Summer Data Science Education Research Program, and the National African American Child and Family Research Center’s Undergraduate Emerging Scholars Program. She co-designed the Data and African Diaspora course for Clark Atlanta University and serves on the DSI Faculty Advisory Board. Dr. King is a certified Carpentries Instructor for the core curriculum of the Data Carpentry, and Software Carpentry trainings. Dr. King earned her PhD from Clark Atlanta University, her MSW from Georgia State University, and her BA in Psychology from Fort Valley State University.  

Dr. EMMANUEL LITTLE

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR of INDUSTRY ENGAGEMENT, 

DATA SCIENCE INITIATIVE

Dr. C. Emmanuel Little joined the Data Science Initiative in June 2024 as its first Assistant Director of Industry Engagement. In this role, Dr. Little will lead efforts to strengthen connections between data science industry leaders and HBCUs, as well as help expand pathways to data science careers. He is a multi-talented scholar, creative and family man from Macon, Georgia. Dr. Little is a doctoral graduate of the University of Georgia (PhD, Higher Education – Dec. 2018). He also holds degrees from Georgia College (B.A. in Mass Communications ’07, Masters in Public Administration 2010).

Dr. Little is extremely passionate about issues affecting historically marginalized communities, particularly Black people; this passion informs his professional work and scholarship in the nonprofit and education sectors. He has presented his work at numerous national and statewide conferences and was recognized by ProvenBase in 2023 as a “Top 100 DEI Leader” for his transformational work within the realm of diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging and justice.

Outside of his day jobs, Dr. Little is a nature nerd and music lover. In his spare time, he also thrives as a voiceover professional and podcaster while dabbling in music and poetry as creative outlets. As someone always interested in using his voice to help others, Dr. Little applies this approach to his work with DSI on a daily basis to implement key initiatives and make important, inclusive connections. He lives in central Georgia with his brilliant daughter, Camryn, and wonderful wife Crystal, who is also a leader within the education field.

ADRIENNE L. AVERY

PROGRAM COORDINATOR for FACULTY and STAFF DEVELOPMENT, 

DATA SCIENCE INITIATIVE

Adrienne Avery serves as the Program Coordinator for Faculty and Staff Development at the AUC Data Science Initiative. Adrienne Avery is a Southern Belle with Yankee sensibilities, born and raised in North Carolina. She holds degrees from Western Carolina University and UNC-Greensboro, and has a Master’s degree in Communication Studies. Additionally, she earned a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Kennesaw State University.

After completing her studies, Adrienne spent eight transformative years living and working in New York City. Her time in the Big Apple was marked by a deep appreciation for its diverse opportunities and the tenacity needed to thrive in such a dynamic environment, fully understanding the adage, “If you can make it there, you can make it anywhere.” In 2019, Adrienne made Atlanta, Georgia, her forever home.

Professionally, Adrienne brings her rich background as an educational administrator and project manager, having held leadership roles such as Senior Director of Student Engagement and Assistant Principal. Her expertise in strategic program development, operational management, and data-driven decision-making is complemented by her ability to lead multifaceted teams and manage complex, multi-year projects effectively. She is committed to excellence in quality assurance and strategic planning, leveraging data analysis to align educational and operational objectives.

When she’s not empowering HBCU educators with strategic data science programs, she delights in exploring Atlanta and surrounding areas. Weekends often find her thrift shopping or enjoying the latest movie releases. Among her simple pleasures are savoring a stack of good pancakes and indulging in a Golden Girls marathon.