Cheryl P. Talley, PhD is a retired Professor of Psychology at Virginia State University, USA and served as Director of the Analytic Hub for the HBCU STEM Undergraduate Success Research Center. Her work focused on scaling and sustaining student success through protective learning ecosystems at HBCUs. She continues to write, coach, and mentor scholars.

Rihana S. Mason, PhD is the co-founder of the Academic Pipeline Project, LLC. The Academic Pipeline Project is affiliated with the HBCU Stem Undergraduate Success Research Center. She is also a research scientist at the Urban Child Study Center in the College of Education and Human Development at Georgia State University, USA. Dr. Mason conducts culturally relevant psychological research and program evaluation.

Jon E. Grahe, PhD is currently living a second career exploring the world of sales while continuing to engage in personally relevant research projects. He conducts his research, editorial, and author consulting work through Grahe Matters, LLC and is a Professor Emeritus, Psychology from Pacific Lutheran University, USA.