Advanced Leadership Institute (ALI)
A native of Galveston Texas, Charles E. Williams II’s brief life served as an example to all who seek betterment for themselves and their communities. Charles’ competitiveness and desire for continued self-improvement even in the face of adversity has left a legacy that his family and friends will continuously learn from. That legacy is to find purpose and vision in life, to assist others without regard to personal gain, to maintain an enduring sense of faith, and to allow one’s behavior to be an inspiring example of becoming a true leader.
Established in 1999, the Charles E. Williams II Advanced Leadership Institute (ALI) provides opportunities for exemplary student leaders to engage in an in-depth experience that will prepare them to be transformational leaders on their respective campuses and in their communities. ALI will assist participants in improving leadership skills through various learning tools such as facilitated dialogue, case studies, and experimental learning. ALI activities will run concurrently with SBSLC general workshop sessions.
Keeper of the Flame/ 2025 Facilitator of Advanced Leadership Institute
Facilitator of Advanced Leadership Institute
The Charles E. Williams II Advanced Leadership Institute was established in 1999 and renamed in 2001. The 2025 Facilitator of the Advanced Leadership Institute is Dr. Tammie Preston-Phillips.
Dr. Preston-Phillips has over twenty-years’ experience as a trainer/educator/program developer working with high school students and college students. She has taught courses and conducted training focused on the intersectionality of leadership, socially constructed identities such as racial and gender identity, and leader identity, community engagement, interpersonal relations, life-long learning, and global competency. Her research agenda focuses on the intersectionality of multiple socially-constructed identities and the impact on self-concept and performance of leadership.
Throughout her, over fifteen-year tenure in student affairs as Assistant Director of Student Activities in the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life, she has worked consistently with students of color and was instrumental in developing programs that improved persistence and graduation. She has led a global experience in Greece for the last nine years to examine leadership in an international context.
Her expertise and experience include training students in strategic planning, personal and organizational leadership development, improving self-confidence and self- esteem, and the connection to academic efficacy and positive self-concept. Dr. Preston-Cunningham earned her doctorate at Texas A&M University in Agriculture Leadership Education and Communication, a Master of Science in Higher Education Administration, and a Bachelor of Science in Poultry Science.
Dr. Preston-Phillips is an Instructional Associate Professor in the Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communications at Texas A&M University.
Dr. Tammie Preston-Phillips