Faculty School: The Labry School of Science, Technology, and Business

JEAN EDWARDS

Back to All Faculty
Adjunct Instructor of Engineering Management
Work Email: jedwards@cumberland.edu
Category: Adjunct Faculty
School: The Labry School of Science, Technology, and Business
Degrees:
B.A., Emporia State University
B.S., Emporia State University
B.S., University of Miami
A.L.M., Harvard University
J.D., University of Miami
Bio:

Jean Edwards joined the faculty of Cumberland University in summer 2024 as an Adjunct Professor teaching intellectual property (patents, trademarks, copyright) and business law. Jean is a patent attorney of almost 30 years experience, and is Managing Member of an intellectual property (IP) boutique law firm based in Gallatin, TN. Jean graduated from University of Miami Law School (Honors), and initially settled in the Washington D.C. area where she practiced IP law, starting out at law firms Sughrue Mion, Pepper Hamilton and Sonnenschein (now Dentons), before heading up IP departments at major law firms including Dickinson Wright and Akerman Senterfitt.

Jean has a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from University of Miami, FL, and a B.S. in Physics and a B.A. in French (Honors) from Emporia State University, KS. After graduating from university, Jean was a mechanical engineer and Project Manager with Cordis Corporation (now part of Johnson and Johnson), Miami, FL, and then a Manufacturing Manager for Elexis Corporation, Miami, FL, a consumer electronics company. Jean joined the U.S. federal government for a number of years in the intelligence field, before starting her career as a patent attorney. Jean completed her Master’s (Dean’s List) from Harvard University (Ext.) in the History of Science Technology and Medicine, and recently completed a Certificate in International Security from Harvard. Jean is licensed to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, and is a member of the TN, VA, DC, MD, and FL Bars.

LATOYA MCBRIDE

Back to All Faculty
Adjunct Instructor of Engineering Management
Work Email: lmcbride@cumberland.edu
Category: Adjunct Faculty
School: The Labry School of Science, Technology, and Business
Degrees:
B.S., Tennessee State University
M.B.A., Union University
Ph.D., Capella University
Bio:

Dr. LaToya McBride brings over 20 years of experience in the areas of Engineering and Project
Management to her role as adjunct instructor. Her professional career has allowed her to build
expertise in the areas of operations management, process improvement, change management,
and employee training. She currently holds the position of Senior Engineering Project Manager
at Schneider Electric. Dr. McBride previously volunteered as the Assistant Director for the New
Direction Community Development Corporation; a non-profit organization geared toward
improving the lives of families in the community. During her five years with the organization,
she was responsible for planning large scale outreach events, fundraising, and volunteer
engagement. Dr. McBride earned her Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from
Tennessee State University, M.B.A. from Union University, and Ph.D. in Organization and
Management from Capella University.

MICHAEL MOIFOLLEY

Back to All Faculty
Adjunct Instructor of Information Technology
Work Email: mmoifolley@cumberland.edu
Category: Adjunct Faculty
School: The Labry School of Science, Technology, and Business
Degrees:
A.S., Tarrant County College
B.S., University of Texas
M.S., Dallas Baptist University
M.S., Dallas Baptist University
D.I.T., Capella University
Bio:

Professor Moifolley’s esteemed career in information technology and business management spans over two decades, featuring pivotal leadership, consulting, and entrepreneurship roles. He holds a Doctor of Information Technology degree from Capella University, a testament to his deep expertise and scholarly achievements. His impressive career highlights include pivotal roles at prominent companies, such as Time Warner Cable, where he significantly improved operational efficiencies by implementing innovative solutions. His track record of international collaborations with organizations like the World Bank Group, the VA, Bell Helicopter, and Teladoc Health demonstrates his skill in promoting technological progress in a wide range of fields.

Professor Moifolley’s time spent serving in the United States Marine Corps was formative. The strong leadership, discipline, resilience, and teamwork he experienced during this time significantly impacted his professional ethos and laid the foundation for his future success in operations and strategic acumen. These qualities, which have been crucial in all of his many roles, have greatly improved his leadership and problem-solving abilities.

A number of prestigious credentials attest to Professor Moifolley’s dedication to information technology. These include Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Information Systems Security Manager (CISM), Cisco, CompTIA, and ITILv4. These certifications show his commitment to lifelong learning and proficiency in a wide range of IT fields.

Professor Moifolley has made significant contributions to academia through his work as a dissertation chair and as an instructor at various US universities and technical institutions, where he has shared his expertise in the industry. Here, he mentors doctoral candidates, helping them navigate the maze of dissertation research while stressing the need for theoretical grounding and practical application. To help his students succeed in the ever-changing IT industry, he teaches in a way that connects theory with practice.

Reading, soccer, and walking are some of Professor Moifolley’s favorite ways to relax and recharge outside work and school. His interests highlight his commitment to lifelong learning, collaboration, and health. His unwavering commitment to his loved ones mirrors the enthusiasm and selflessness he brings to his work and studies; they are the center of his universe.

Due to his extensive background and dedication to teaching, mentoring, and leadership, Professor Moifolley is well-respected in the academic and professional IT communities.

BRIAN WILLIAMS

Back to All Faculty
Adjunct Instructor of Information Technology
Work Email: bowilliams@cumberland.edu
Category: Adjunct Faculty
School: The Labry School of Science, Technology, and Business
Degrees:
B.S., University of Wales
M.S., Stratford University
D.I.T., Capella University
Bio:
Dr. Brian O. Williams is a .NET developer with over 11 years of experience in enterprise software development. With a strong foundation in .NET technologies, he has honed his skills in designing and implementing robust software solutions tailored to meet the diverse needs of large-scale organizations.
Dr. Williams has demonstrated a knack for tackling complex challenges and delivering high-quality results. His expertise spans various aspects of software development, including architecture design, database management, and system integration.
Dr. Williams has a keen interest in emerging technology and business process re-engineering. In his role as an Adjunct Professor, Dr. Williams is committed to inspiring the next generation of technologists. Through dynamic teaching methods and real-world examples, he encourages students to explore the intersection of technology and business, fostering critical thinking and creativity.

ECKTON CHINYANGA

Back to All Faculty
Assistant Professor of Accounting
Work Email: echinyanga@cumberland.edu
Work Phone: 615-547-1388
Location: Labry Hall, Room 230
Category: Faculty
School: The Labry School of Science, Technology, and Business
Degrees:
B.A., African Bible College, (Malawi Southeast Africa)
B.B.A., Cumberland University
B.B.A., Tennessee State University
M.B.A., Tennessee State University
Ed.D., Tennessee State University
Bio:

Eckton C. Chinyanga, Ed.D., MBA, serves as an assistant professor of accounting in the Labry School of Science, Technology, and Business (Department of Accounting) at the Cumberland University. He previously served as an instructor of accounting in the Department of Retailing at the University of South Carolina for approximately two years. After graduating from Tennessee State University, Chinyanga started his career with
TSU in the College of Business (Accounting and Business Law department) as an adjunct accounting instructor where he spent seven years teaching principles of accounting, managerial accounting, cost accounting, and international business. He also worked as the financial analyst in the Finance and Accounting department.  Eckton has more than 20 years of career experience focusing on accounting and teaching.

His prior accounting and finance work history includes:

  • General ledger accounting, accounts receivable experience and tax preparation
  • Audit experience researching issues pertaining to GAAP and SOX compliance
  • Tax internship during busy season with Nashville-based CPA firm
  • Industry experience, including education, manufacturing and supply chain, public accounting, and healthcare

Chinyanga has been overseeing tutoring of accounting students for more than 11 years.

JASON SPEARS

Back to All Faculty
Adjunct Instructor of Information Technology Management
Work Email: jspears@cumberland.edu
Category: Adjunct Faculty
School: The Labry School of Science, Technology, and Business
Degrees:
A.S., Marshall University
B.A., Marshall University
J.D., Florida Coastal University

ANIL K. PALLA

Back to All Faculty
Adjunct Instructor of Information Technology Management
Work Email: akpalla@cumberland.edu
Category: Adjunct Faculty
School: The Labry School of Science, Technology, and Business
Degrees:
B.M., Rajiv Gandhi University (India)
M.I.B., University of Wollongong (Australia)
M.B.A., Sullivan University
Ph.D., Sullivan University
Ph.D., University of the Cumberlands
Bio:

Anil Kumar Palla joined the Cumberland University as an adjunct faculty member in the fall of 2023. In addition to teaching, he is the Managing Partner in Palla Infotech, a diversified organization with operations in both the United States and India as well as Vesta Technology Solutions.

Courses taught by Dr. Palla include Team Management, Negotiations and Conflict Resolution in Management, Managing Information Systems, Project Management, and Marketing. He is certified in Project Management, Medical Billing, and Professional Coding.

Dr. Palla has published in the International Journal of Business and Commerce, American International Journal of Social Science, International Journal of Social Science and Business, Journal of Education and Social Development, International Journal of Business and Economic Development, and the Journal of Business and Technology. Additionally, he has presented at a number of international conferences, and is a member of several professional organizations.

CATHERINE WILLIAMS

Back to All Faculty
Adjunct Lecturer of Mathematics
Work Email: cjwilliams@cumberland.edu
Category: Adjunct Faculty
School: The Labry School of Science, Technology, and Business
Degrees:
A.A., University of Florida
B.A., University of South Florida, Tampa
Bio:

Catherine J Williams is a Florida native who has lived and worked in Tennessee for the last 35 years.  She joined Cumberland University as an adjunct lecturer in Mathematics during summer 2023.  Prior to this she taught middle and high school mathematics for 21 years in Wilson County, TN, Metropolitan Nashville Davidson County School System, TN and in Tampa, FL. In addition to these teaching experiences, she worked for Vanderbilt’s Peabody College supervising Secondary Math Education majors during their teaching practicums and taught high school mathematics in a homeschool tutorial.

She is the mother of two daughters, one a Music Therapist and the other a college student.  She is very active in the music ministries of First Baptist Church Nashville where she accompanies a children’s choir, sings in the adult choir, plays in the adult handbell group and each year teaches Vacation Bible School and Music Arts Camp.  She is the wife of an Electrical Engineer who practices in the Nashville area.

 

MICHAEL DILLON

Back to All Faculty
Adjunct Instructor of Project Management
Work Email: mdillon@cumberland.edu
Category: Adjunct Faculty
School: The Labry School of Science, Technology, and Business
Degrees:
B.B.A., Purdue University
M.B.A., Grand Valley State University
Bio:

Mike Dillon is a long-time business executive having worked for Fortune Five Hundred companies such as Tractor Supply Company, Land O’Lakes, Cracker Barrel and United Airlines. Mike is originally from Indianapolis; Indiana and his career specialization is in negotiations and project management. In his career, Mr. Dillon, a two-time buyer of the year, has led several high performing teams on both the retail buying and sourcing sides of the business.

In addition to buying, Mike has is experienced in retail operations and supply chain. Mike has taught since the fall of 2023.

Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 … Page 7