Present Leader
Mary Beth White
Name: Mary Beth White
Chapter: Alpha Upsilon
Region: VII
DKG Member: 35 years
Educational Background: Mary Beth attended the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and received a degree of B.A. in Elementary Education in 1967. She has received additional certification from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in the areas of LD, EMH, and CC. Mary Beth is also certified in Primary and Grammar levels K-8.
Bio: Mary Beth is a retired teacher with thirty years of experience. She was a member of the Evaluation Team for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Mary Beth has held several chapter offices including chapter president from 1996-1998. She has been First Vice-President, Second Vice-President, Recording Secretary, Yearbook Chair, World Fellowship Chair, Communications Chair, Alpha Upsilon Update editor for 6 years, and Finance Chair. Mary Beth has been the NCDKG Headquarters Contact for eight years while serving on the NCDKG Headquarters Committee as a member for twelve years. She is also very involved in the United Methodist Women as an officer for many years and in other service organizations of many kinds. Mary Beth’s two daughters are both teachers. They are members of Alpha Upsilon Chapter and serve as officers.
Why she accepted membership into DKG: “I was presented a membership invitation by ladies who were great mentors and admired for their influence on education. It was a honor to be asked to join Delta Kappa Gamma Society International.”
Chapter: Alpha Upsilon
Region: VII
DKG Member: 35 years
Educational Background: Mary Beth attended the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and received a degree of B.A. in Elementary Education in 1967. She has received additional certification from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in the areas of LD, EMH, and CC. Mary Beth is also certified in Primary and Grammar levels K-8.
Bio: Mary Beth is a retired teacher with thirty years of experience. She was a member of the Evaluation Team for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Mary Beth has held several chapter offices including chapter president from 1996-1998. She has been First Vice-President, Second Vice-President, Recording Secretary, Yearbook Chair, World Fellowship Chair, Communications Chair, Alpha Upsilon Update editor for 6 years, and Finance Chair. Mary Beth has been the NCDKG Headquarters Contact for eight years while serving on the NCDKG Headquarters Committee as a member for twelve years. She is also very involved in the United Methodist Women as an officer for many years and in other service organizations of many kinds. Mary Beth’s two daughters are both teachers. They are members of Alpha Upsilon Chapter and serve as officers.
Why she accepted membership into DKG: “I was presented a membership invitation by ladies who were great mentors and admired for their influence on education. It was a honor to be asked to join Delta Kappa Gamma Society International.”
Archive-Present Leader
Phyllis J. Broughton, Ed.D.
Name: Phyllis J. Broughton, Ed.D.
Chapter: Beta Upsilon
Region: I
DKG Member: 7 years
Phyllis is active on the chapter, regional, state, and international levels. She is currently serving her second term as president of Beta Upsilon. She was also instrumental in developing her chapter’s website and receiving a “compliance” award for 2020-2022. She continues to publish in both the DKG International Journal and Collegial Exchange.
She has participated in the DKG Fine Arts Gallery for 2021-2022 with either one or two of her entries selected for both fall and spring galleries.
She is serving as the 2023 NC DKG Convention Chair to be held in Greenville, NC. She works with her regional director in scheduling and volunteer opportunities for eight chapters in her region. She continues to stay in communication with the chapter presidents and NC DKG officers.
Educational Background: Phyllis holds a BS Degree in English & Business from Atlantic Christian College (now Barton College) 1972; MAEd in Adult Education from East Carolina University 1990; Ed.D. Adult & Community College Education from North Carolina State University 1998. She served as a community college instructor for many years and retired as Dean of Academic Affairs and Student Services at Martin Community College, Williamston, NC. She currently teaches at East Carolina University in the College of Education, Adult Education Program as a Teaching Assistant Professor. She also provides training and workshops on teaching and learning activities.
Bio: Phyllis served as chapter president from 2020-2022 and currently is serving a second term from 2022-2024. During 2020-2022, she assisted the Region 1 Director in setting up the Region 1 Leadership Academy with online presenters. She also presented a session for the Leadership Academy. She has also presented at past state conventions. She has attended international conventions. Currently, she is serving on the NC DKG Educational Foundation Board and is co-chair of the NC DKG Educational Foundation Grants Committee. She provides technical assistance with NC DKG Educational Foundation by developing/updating fill-in online forms and managing applications for review by the committee. She is also a member of the NC DKG Leadership Development Committee and provides leadership and support for the upcoming Leadership Development Seminar to be held in March 2023. Phyllis provides community service by supporting and presenting programs relevant to non-profit organizations. Phyllis has published several articles in both the DKG International Journal and the Collegial Exchange. In April 2021 and April 2022, Phyllis received the NC DKG President’s Chapter Award. In April 2021, she also received the NC DKG Rising Star Award.
Why she accepted membership into DKG: Phyllis accepted membership into Beta Upsilon chapter for the opportunity to work and collaborate with other educators to support and strengthen education.
Name: Phyllis J. Broughton, Ed.D.
Chapter: Beta Upsilon
Region: I
DKG Member: 7 years
Phyllis is active on the chapter, regional, state, and international levels. She is currently serving her second term as president of Beta Upsilon. She was also instrumental in developing her chapter’s website and receiving a “compliance” award for 2020-2022. She continues to publish in both the DKG International Journal and Collegial Exchange.
She has participated in the DKG Fine Arts Gallery for 2021-2022 with either one or two of her entries selected for both fall and spring galleries.
She is serving as the 2023 NC DKG Convention Chair to be held in Greenville, NC. She works with her regional director in scheduling and volunteer opportunities for eight chapters in her region. She continues to stay in communication with the chapter presidents and NC DKG officers.
Educational Background: Phyllis holds a BS Degree in English & Business from Atlantic Christian College (now Barton College) 1972; MAEd in Adult Education from East Carolina University 1990; Ed.D. Adult & Community College Education from North Carolina State University 1998. She served as a community college instructor for many years and retired as Dean of Academic Affairs and Student Services at Martin Community College, Williamston, NC. She currently teaches at East Carolina University in the College of Education, Adult Education Program as a Teaching Assistant Professor. She also provides training and workshops on teaching and learning activities.
Bio: Phyllis served as chapter president from 2020-2022 and currently is serving a second term from 2022-2024. During 2020-2022, she assisted the Region 1 Director in setting up the Region 1 Leadership Academy with online presenters. She also presented a session for the Leadership Academy. She has also presented at past state conventions. She has attended international conventions. Currently, she is serving on the NC DKG Educational Foundation Board and is co-chair of the NC DKG Educational Foundation Grants Committee. She provides technical assistance with NC DKG Educational Foundation by developing/updating fill-in online forms and managing applications for review by the committee. She is also a member of the NC DKG Leadership Development Committee and provides leadership and support for the upcoming Leadership Development Seminar to be held in March 2023. Phyllis provides community service by supporting and presenting programs relevant to non-profit organizations. Phyllis has published several articles in both the DKG International Journal and the Collegial Exchange. In April 2021 and April 2022, Phyllis received the NC DKG President’s Chapter Award. In April 2021, she also received the NC DKG Rising Star Award.
Why she accepted membership into DKG: Phyllis accepted membership into Beta Upsilon chapter for the opportunity to work and collaborate with other educators to support and strengthen education.
Dedra Davis
Name: Dedra Davis
Chapter: Alpha Iota
Region: XI
DKG Member: 16 years
Education and Profession:
Western Carolina University BS in Art education 1990
National Board Certification Early Adolescence- Young Adulthood Art 2002-2012
National Board Certification Early Adolescence- Young Adulthood Art 2012-2022
East Carolina University MAEd. in Instructional Technology 2013 (via DKG International scholarship)
About: Enthusiasm and passion for DKG have been evident throughout the progression of leadership roles Dedra has accepted during her membership in the Alpha Iota chapter of NC DKG. She believes in the importance of making real personal connections with members at all levels of her journey within DKG. Dedra demonstrates diligence, perseverance, and patience as she seeks creative solutions to overcome any obstacles along the way and turn them into stepping stones.
Leadership and Community Service: Leadership in DKG for Dedra began when she volunteered to create a website for her chapter. Soon after this, she became editor of the chapter newsletter and yearbook. She then served as 2nd VP, 1st VP and two terms as president. Dedra received the Annie Webb Blanton Scholarship from DKG International in 2011. In 2020 Dedra was awarded the Golden Key Award by NC DKG. Additional DKG involvement includes presenting at numerous regional, state and international conventions and conferences. The first international conference she attended was in New York. There, she presented her paper that was published during her graduate studies. She has also served on and chaired the state Communications and Marketing committee. She is now the NC Liaison to the International Fine Arts and Humanities Jury and the Region XI director. She continues to enjoy her editorial roles with Alpha Iota. Dedra has hosted many student teachers from WCU’s art education department. She also spent many years volunteering and serving as president for the cultural arts center in her community.
Why she accepted membership into DKG: “I was so honored to be invited to become a member of this group of amazing women educators. The fact that they reached out to me and were offering me the opportunity to belong to an international organization with a mission and vision that paralleled my beliefs was really humbling to me. It also did not hurt that the first meeting I was invited to attend was the annual Christmas Auction fundraiser- what a great hook! I was sold. “
Doris Ann Littlejohn
Name: Doris Ann Littlejohn
Chapter: Gamma Gamma
Region: VI
DKG Member: 34 years
Education and Profession: UNC Chapel Hill and UNC Pembroke; UNC Pembroke - Bachelor of Science Degree in Education
Master Teacher - Teacher Advancement Program (TAP), South Carolina Department of Education.
Honors and professional recognitions while teaching academics include District Teacher of the Year three times: once in North Carolina and twice in South Carolina. She was also nominated for Outstanding Young Educator and the Terry Sanford Award. Honors and recognitions received in music include superior rating in a National Show Choir Music Competition, Nashville, Tennessee, a performance at the Music Educator’s Convention, and a performance at the Brightleaf Institute of Music, Duke University.
Leadership and Community Service: Doris continues to be very active in Gamma Gamma Chapter where she has served as President and Recording Secretary. She has also been chair and member of various committees. During her reign as President, Doris worked tirelessly for her chapter to receive their first Chapter Achievement Award and Communications Award. She is currently serving a fourth term as Recording Secretary, editor of their chapter newsletter, and publisher for their chapter yearbook.
Previous services at the State level include chair of a State Convention, NC DKG Recording Secretary, and State Liaison for the Mentor Project. She has also served on the Membership/Expansion Committee and assisted in preparing the program booklet for the Ceremony of Remembrance while on that committee. Currently, Doris is serving on the Personnel Committee and is Region VI Director for 2022-2024. Doris is a member of the Givens Performing Arts Center Advisory Board at UNC Pembroke, NC. She is the choir director and musician at her church and is the founder of The DAL Music Ensemble.
Quote why she accepted membership in DKG: A Latin teacher from Scotland High School visited my church one Sunday morning, along with her guests from New York, and observed me doing the children’s church sermonette and observed me providing piano/organ music for the service. Once the service was over, the Latin teacher talked to me privately about DKG and stated she wanted to recommend me as a potential member. I agreed and was inducted into Gamma Gamma Chapter. A few years later, I was honored to provide the music for this Latin teacher’s funeral, and I have remained an active and dedicated member of Gamma Gamma in her honor
Elizabeth Miars
Name: Elizabeth Miars
Chapter: Theta
Region: IV
DKG Member: 30 years
About: Elizabeth has actively served in a number of DKG positions throughout the years. In Theta Chapter, Elizabeth has been President twice, Webmaster, as well as Chairperson and member of a wide variety of chapter committees. She also has served as Region IV Regional Director. In NC DKG, she has served as NC DKG Second Vice President, Membership Chair, and is currently our NC DKG Executive Secretary. Elizabeth has a BS degree in Secondary Mathematics Education from UNCG and Masters of Education degree in School Administration from UNCW. Elizabeth was born and raised in Goldsboro, NC. Upon graduation from UNCG, she moved to Wilmington, N.C. to teach. She began as a middle school mathematics teacher. She married and had 2 children. While teaching and raising her children, she completed her Masters of Education degree. She then moved into a series of assistant principalships at grade levels K-12, and completed her career in education as principal of an elementary school, where she was responsible for developing a new and very successful STEM program. Throughout her career she also remained active in her community and supported a number of organizations. Even after retirement from her job in education, she continues to support her community through volunteer work in a number of organizations.
Deborah "Debbie" Dryden
Name: Deborah “Debbie” Dryden
Chapter: Kappa
Region: VIII
DKG Member: 21 years
Educational Background: Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education at University of North Carolina - Charlotte, 1971 and Master of Arts degree in Education at University of North Carolina - Charlotte, 1986
About: Debbie has been very involved not only with Kappa chapter, but with Region VIII and state NC DKG committees. She has served her chapter as president for two consecutive terms and is actively involved in sponsoring beginning teachers. As a force within Kappa in every discussion and decision, Debbie is a knowledgeable resource for chapter management. Debbie served as Regional Director for Region VIII, has been a member of the State Scholarship Committee and the State Rules Committee and also served as registrar for the State convention. She was a formerly “Eta State” World Fellowship Representative and is presently a NC DKG US Forum Representative. Within the community, Debbie presently serves on the Charlotte Zoning Board of Adjustment as Vice-Chairman.
Why she accepted membership into DKG: “DKG offered me an opportunity to further my passion for education surrounded by dedicated teachers. I was excited to join a group in DKG of fellow women educators.”
Nancy A. Tunstall
Name: Nancy A. Tunstall
Chapter: Gamma Chi
Region: III
DKG Member: 22 years
Educational Background: Wake Forest University, B.S. in Mathematics, magna cum laude with honors; Wake Forest University, M.A. in math education
About: In Gamma Chi, Nancy has served two terms as president. She has been the editor of the newsletter since 2006 and webmaster since 2011. In 2012, she received the first ever Region III Golden Key award. She served as the Region III Director from 2012 – 2014. She was appointed as a member of the NC DKG Communications committee for 2013-2017 (chair from 2015-2017) and is currently serving during the 2021-2023 biennium. In 2018, she was awarded the Star of the Southeast for North Carolina.
Why she accepted membership into DKG: I joined DKG because I felt that it was a great honor to be asked to join a group of key women educators.
Debbie Merritt
Name: Debbie Merritt
Chapter: Delta Psi
Region: IX
DKG Member: 9 years
About: Debbie Merritt is the current President of Delta Psi and a nominee for the Golden Key Award. She has been a member of Delta Kappa Gamma for 9 Years. As a former member and Past President of Alpha Theta, she was instrumental in helping to charter Delta Psi, our newest chapter in NC DKG, in Stokes County. Debbie is an excellent leader who works hard to promote women in education in her chapter and community. Although currently retired, she is a former Adjunct Instructor & Supervisor of Student Teachers: Lees-McRae College, Supervisor of Student Teachers: East Carolina University, Online Instructor Teacher Education: Surry Community College, Asst. Superintendent: Stokes County Schools, Director of Elementary Education & Federal Programs, and Principal/ Asst.Principal/Teacher: Stokes County Schools.
Chapter: Delta Psi
Region: IX
DKG Member: 9 years
About: Debbie Merritt is the current President of Delta Psi and a nominee for the Golden Key Award. She has been a member of Delta Kappa Gamma for 9 Years. As a former member and Past President of Alpha Theta, she was instrumental in helping to charter Delta Psi, our newest chapter in NC DKG, in Stokes County. Debbie is an excellent leader who works hard to promote women in education in her chapter and community. Although currently retired, she is a former Adjunct Instructor & Supervisor of Student Teachers: Lees-McRae College, Supervisor of Student Teachers: East Carolina University, Online Instructor Teacher Education: Surry Community College, Asst. Superintendent: Stokes County Schools, Director of Elementary Education & Federal Programs, and Principal/ Asst.Principal/Teacher: Stokes County Schools.
Dr. Michelle Tuck Thomas
Name: Dr. Michelle Tuck Thomas
Chapter: Beta Kappa
Region: V
DKG Member: 7 years
Educational Background: North Carolina Central University (NCCU) 1996 - BS in Mathematics [Concentration-Secondary Education]; NCCU 1998 - BA in Middle Grades Education with a Minor in History; University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 2004 - MSA; High Point University, 2019 - Doctorate in Educational Leadership with Superintendent’s Licensure
About: Michelle has served as both Beta Kappa Chapter President and Region V Director since 2019. As a member of the NC DKG planning committee, she co-presented a workshop on strategic planning. Michelle was instrumental in establishing and maintaining the chapter’s website. Michelle has artwork accepted into the DKG Gallery of Fine Arts. As chapter president, she led a collaboration with her members and a community partner. Over 700 Person County educators were impacted as a result of the partnership. Michelle is currently the Testing and Accountability Specialist in the department for Research and Accountability. At her church, Michelle oversees the technical aspects of worship.
Why she accepted membership into DKG: “I accepted membership into DKG because it is the premier organization where I am able to bond with other educators with a common purpose. I believe that as a member of DKG, I am able to contribute to advancing the education profession by networking, learning, and leading on the local, state, and national levels. DKG is the vehicle that allows me to help other educators to become contributing members of society.
Chapter: Beta Kappa
Region: V
DKG Member: 7 years
Educational Background: North Carolina Central University (NCCU) 1996 - BS in Mathematics [Concentration-Secondary Education]; NCCU 1998 - BA in Middle Grades Education with a Minor in History; University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 2004 - MSA; High Point University, 2019 - Doctorate in Educational Leadership with Superintendent’s Licensure
About: Michelle has served as both Beta Kappa Chapter President and Region V Director since 2019. As a member of the NC DKG planning committee, she co-presented a workshop on strategic planning. Michelle was instrumental in establishing and maintaining the chapter’s website. Michelle has artwork accepted into the DKG Gallery of Fine Arts. As chapter president, she led a collaboration with her members and a community partner. Over 700 Person County educators were impacted as a result of the partnership. Michelle is currently the Testing and Accountability Specialist in the department for Research and Accountability. At her church, Michelle oversees the technical aspects of worship.
Why she accepted membership into DKG: “I accepted membership into DKG because it is the premier organization where I am able to bond with other educators with a common purpose. I believe that as a member of DKG, I am able to contribute to advancing the education profession by networking, learning, and leading on the local, state, and national levels. DKG is the vehicle that allows me to help other educators to become contributing members of society.
Julia Yamaoka Thorne
Name: Julia Yamaoka Thorn
Chapter: Gamma Zeta
Total Years in DKG: 18
Educational Background: Stanford University, BS and M.Ed. in English Education 1975; Northwest University, Graduate Speech and Debate Fellow, 1977; East Carolina University, M.Ed. School Administration, 2008; National Board Certification in English Language Arts, 2019
Short Professional Bio: Julia has taken on several roles at East Carteret High School in Beaufort, NC. Those roles include teacher of English I, English II, English IV, Speech & Debate. She also sponsored several teams for the North Carolina High School Mock Trial. The hard work of her teams resulted in three national titles, two state titles and regional titles.
Julia’s list of work experiences includes teaching positions in Hiroshima, Japan; Whidbey island, WA.; Saratoga, CA; Honolulu, HI. She has taught at the middle school, high school and college level. Along with her membership in many organizations, Julie has had six articles published. Two of her published entries include, “Heart of the Rose,” in the Summer 2020 issue of Delta Kappa Gamma Collegial Exchange Delta Kappa Gamma Collegial Exchange and Heart of the Rose, Power from Faith, Won’t You DKG with Me?, Delta Kappa Gamma International Art Gallery, 2019, 2021
Short quote from this person on why she accepted membership into DKG:
“When local teaching legends Annie Salter, Ginny Temple, and Bonnie Ferneau came to my school to invite me to DKG, I was taken aback. How could there be any time to do something like this? Their gentle persistence melted me, however, and I am grateful that it did. Teaching is such an isolating experience, but to have a fellowship of respected and personable professionals became mesmerizing. When my personal life fell to pieces in divorce, my DKG sisters came to my aid, bringing me clothes and food to the women’s shelter, and love and help in time of need. Now I want to do anything I can for this worthy and noble heart-driven endeavor of Delta Kappa Gamma. I belong!”
Chapter: Gamma Zeta
Total Years in DKG: 18
Educational Background: Stanford University, BS and M.Ed. in English Education 1975; Northwest University, Graduate Speech and Debate Fellow, 1977; East Carolina University, M.Ed. School Administration, 2008; National Board Certification in English Language Arts, 2019
Short Professional Bio: Julia has taken on several roles at East Carteret High School in Beaufort, NC. Those roles include teacher of English I, English II, English IV, Speech & Debate. She also sponsored several teams for the North Carolina High School Mock Trial. The hard work of her teams resulted in three national titles, two state titles and regional titles.
Julia’s list of work experiences includes teaching positions in Hiroshima, Japan; Whidbey island, WA.; Saratoga, CA; Honolulu, HI. She has taught at the middle school, high school and college level. Along with her membership in many organizations, Julie has had six articles published. Two of her published entries include, “Heart of the Rose,” in the Summer 2020 issue of Delta Kappa Gamma Collegial Exchange Delta Kappa Gamma Collegial Exchange and Heart of the Rose, Power from Faith, Won’t You DKG with Me?, Delta Kappa Gamma International Art Gallery, 2019, 2021
Short quote from this person on why she accepted membership into DKG:
“When local teaching legends Annie Salter, Ginny Temple, and Bonnie Ferneau came to my school to invite me to DKG, I was taken aback. How could there be any time to do something like this? Their gentle persistence melted me, however, and I am grateful that it did. Teaching is such an isolating experience, but to have a fellowship of respected and personable professionals became mesmerizing. When my personal life fell to pieces in divorce, my DKG sisters came to my aid, bringing me clothes and food to the women’s shelter, and love and help in time of need. Now I want to do anything I can for this worthy and noble heart-driven endeavor of Delta Kappa Gamma. I belong!”
Dr. Sherry Richards Willis
Name: Dr. Sherry Richards Willis
Chapter: Alpha Nu
Region: X
DKG Member: 34 years
Educational Background: B. S. in early childhood education from WCU in 1975 M.A. in early Childhood education from WCU in 1984, and Ed. D. in educational leadership from WCU in 2010.
Professional accomplishments: Editor of Chapter Chat, chapter newsletter, and webmaster (both award-winning); board member of the NC DKG Educational Foundation
Bio: Next May 2022, Dr. Sherry Willis will celebrate her thirty-fifth year as a member of Delta Kappa Gamma. With that, one might think she would be content with having been active in Alpha Nu chapter, NC DKG, and DKG International. Whoever may think that would be wrong. At present, she is chair of Alpha Nu's communication and marketing committee, editor of its newsletter, webmaster, and administrator of its Facebook page, as well as a
member of the NC DKG Educational Foundation and editor of its newsletter. Dr. Willis is a "real and present" force in every level of DKG.
Chapter: Alpha Nu
Region: X
DKG Member: 34 years
Educational Background: B. S. in early childhood education from WCU in 1975 M.A. in early Childhood education from WCU in 1984, and Ed. D. in educational leadership from WCU in 2010.
Professional accomplishments: Editor of Chapter Chat, chapter newsletter, and webmaster (both award-winning); board member of the NC DKG Educational Foundation
Bio: Next May 2022, Dr. Sherry Willis will celebrate her thirty-fifth year as a member of Delta Kappa Gamma. With that, one might think she would be content with having been active in Alpha Nu chapter, NC DKG, and DKG International. Whoever may think that would be wrong. At present, she is chair of Alpha Nu's communication and marketing committee, editor of its newsletter, webmaster, and administrator of its Facebook page, as well as a
member of the NC DKG Educational Foundation and editor of its newsletter. Dr. Willis is a "real and present" force in every level of DKG.
