Leadership

Professional Staff

Director of the Afro-American Cultural Center and Assistant Dean of Yale College: Timeica E. Bethel ‘11

While Timeica E. Bethel (she/her) began her tenure as Director of the Afro-American Cultural Center at Yale in August 2022, her leadership within The House and Black Yale communities spans sixteen years. From 2007 to 2011, when she was a student in Yale College, she took on an executive board role with the Black Student Alliance at Yale (BSAY) weeks after arriving as a first-year student, and she served on the BSAY board until she graduated. Throughout her four years, she was a leader of multiple House organizations, including the Black Church at Yale (BCAY), the Dominican Students Association (DSA), and the Urban Improvement Corps (UIC). For her high level of engagement, she was awarded the inaugural Caroline Jackson Smith House Leadership Award. As an alumna, Bethel volunteered to lead the planning of the 50th Anniversary Celebration of the Afro-American Cultural Center as an alumni co-chair. 

For three years prior to returning to Yale, Bethel was a Program Director at LINK Unlimited Scholars, a robust fellowship that illuminates the path to-and-through college for Black middle and high school students in the Chicagoland area. She also brings experience as a previous Teach For America (TFA) corps member/teacher in her hometown of Chicago. After teaching for four years, Bethel joined TFA’s staff, serving as a Manager of Teacher Leadership Development and Recruitment Director for four years. She brings her leadership experiences as a student, alumna, teacher, and counselor with her as she proudly returns to Yale. 

Bethel is a Fellow of Davenport College, a Trustee of Johnathan Edwards College, and a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. She is a lifelong learner and educator, and lives by her high school’s slogan, “everything to help; nothing to hinder.” She is passionate about educational equity and providing people with the opportunities and resources necessary to be successful. Dean Bethel earned her B.A. in Sociology from Yale College.

Assistant Director of the Afro-American Cultural Center: Byron Brooks

Byron D. Brooks (he/him) is a highly passionate higher education professional dedicated to promoting Equity, Social Justice, and Inclusive Excellence within the field. Hailing from Detroit, Michigan, Byron’s journey exemplifies resilience and triumph over adversity.

Born during his mother’s incarceration, Byron was raised by his great-grandparents, Roscoe and JoEsther Corner. He faced homelessness at the start of his collegiate journey as a first-generation college student. Despite these challenges, he now holds several degrees and certifications, namely a B.S. from Ferris State University and a M.A. in Diversity and Social Justice in Higher Education from the University of Michigan.

His experience within academia includes serving as a Community Engagement Coordinator, Anti-Racist Program Facilitator & Instructor at the University of Michigan, and Assistant Director of Residential Life at the College of Wooster. Byron is an active member in several organizations, including Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., U.S. Black Chambers, Inc., Detroit Branch of the NAACP, The Change Collective Inaugural Cohort, From The Hood For The Hood, Apple Developers Academy Inaugural Cohort and Delta Sigma Pi Professional Fraternity. In 2023, he had the honor of being a recipient of The Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award from President Joseph Biden for his commitment to service and grassroots activism across the nation. He embodies the Zulu Proverb Ubuntu, recognizing the interconnectedness of humanity:   “I am because WE Are!”