Akolade Omishope | President

Akolade Omishope served as an active member of the Mighty Marching Thorobreds (2003-2007) as a percussionist in the fall and clarinet or tenor saxophone in the spring. He is a member of the Iota Mu Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity.

Omishope serves as the President of the Henry A. Green Scholarship Foundation. As President, he presides over strategic planning for the Foundation, assuring that all books, reports, and certificates, as required by law, are properly kept or filed.

Omishope presides from Geneva, Switzerland. Outside of the Foundation, Akolade works in the Global Health Marketing & Communication space, helping to play a critical role in the field of antimalarial drug research & development, along with access product management.

When asked, “why do you serve the foundation,” Omishope stated, “I owe great gratitude to the Kentucky State University Band Program. Music performance gave me so many opportunities, allowing me to travel, bring people joy, and create lifelong bonds with friends that have become family. As band alumni, I believe we must give back, showing appreciation for the opportunities given to us through music. Therefore, I urge every single one of you to join me in lending a hand to the students in need, ensuring that the legacies we have left behind are carried out through the students who represent our beloved program today.”

DJuan Barnes | Vice President

DJuan Barnes, a man of many talents, served as a percussionist with the Mighty Marching Thorobreds (2002-2005). He is also a member of the Psi Psi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. During his time at Kentucky State University, he also participated in the Concert Choir and Student Government Association as Mister Kentucky State University. After earning his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, he expanded his formal education by acquiring a Master of Arts degree in Counseling from Prairie View A&M University.

Barnes serves as Vice President of the Henry A. Green Scholarship Foundation. As the Vice President, Barnes aids the President and fulfills the President’s roles if the President cannot complete their duties. Outside of working for the foundation, Barnes works as a highly qualified science teacher at the middle school level in Houston, Tx, serves as a community football and basketball coach, and the President of the Kentucky State University Houston Metro Area Alumni Chapter.

When asked, “why do you serve the foundation,” Barnes stated, “I recall that servitude is a priority and means to be a bridge that connects others despite the need.”

W. Marcus Sanders | Secretary

W. Marcus Sanders is a member and past President of the Iota Mu Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi. He is also a member and Past Polemarch of the Alpha Upsilon Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. Sanders initially served as a percussionist in the Mighty Marching Thorobreds but later became a media specialist. Sanders graduated from Kentucky State University in 2018 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications focus Public Relations. Sanders also holds a Master of Science degree In Communications from Walden University.

Sanders serves as the Secretary of the Henry A. Green Scholarship Foundation. As the Secretary, he is tasked with keeping the minutes and records of the Board and the Foundation. Outside of working for the foundation, Sanders serves as an Active Duty Soldier in the US Army. Sanders also owns and manages his own Communication Agency, Will Marcus and Company LLC.

When asked, “why do you serve the foundation,” Sanders stated, “ I‘ve always been a person who likes to lead from the front. No matter the capacity, there is always someone who needs assistance. I was once one of those students who needed guidance and assistance. Now that I can give back, I’ll find every opportunity to assist. ”

Bernard W. Geter II | Treasurer

Bernard W Geter is a founding member and Past President of the Iota Mu Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi Band Fraternity and a graduate of Kentucky State University. During his college matriculation, Bernard marched as a member of the Thorobred Express, now known as the Mighty Marching Thorobreds.

As Treasurer of the Henry A Green Scholarship Foundation, Bernard is tasked with overseeing the management and reporting of the Henry A Green’s financial Services, LLC Outside of being a part of the Henry A Green Scholarship Fund, Bernard is Brokerage Sales Manager and owner of his Financial Services Agency, Geter Financial Services, LLC.

When asked, “why serve the foundation,” Bernard stated, “I am my Brother’s Keeper.” Plus, the band has created so many lasting memories and great friendships, I would be remiss if I didn’t make sure those coming up behind me are not able to create those same memories and friendships.

Nekiessia R. Henderson | Financial Secretary

Nekiessia R. Henderson is a 2005 graduate of Kentucky State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology/Chemistry Pre-med. During her time at KSU, she was an active member of various organizations such as the University Women’s Track & Field team, Silkette in The Mighty Marching Thorobred Band program, and member & officer of the Zeta Rho Chapter of Tau Beta Sigma National Honorary Band Sorority. Nekiessia later went on to receive a Master of Arts in Education at Tennessee State University. Currently she works as a Quality Control Scientist for a private Forensic Laboratory in Nashville, TN, specializing in Drug Chemistry and Clinical testing in the Healthcare and Sports markets. 

Outside of her career, Nekiessia continues to actively support her KSU and Nashville communities as a member of the National KSU Alumni Association, charter member and past President of the Nashville Alumni Chapter of KSUNAA, Treasurer of the KSU Thorobred Alumni Band, active member and First Vice President of her local chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and a volunteer at community centers/food banks/shelters in Nashville, TN.

As the Financial Secretary for the Henry A. Green Foundation, Nekiessia is responsible for the accurate collection/receipt of all funds (payments, donations, sponsorships, etc.) that are submitted to the Foundation. 

When asked “why serve on the Foundation,” Nekiessia stated, “Why not? Working with this amazing group of people to ensure that students do not have to miss out on this critical experience of higher education was a no-brainer. It is our responsibility as a people who have had the opportunity to both receive a higher education and participate in one of the most influential campus programs (KSU Band Program) to constantly reach back and bring our students forward. It is this work that brings forth continued success of our community of students, who will lead and cultivate an even greater future for our beloved alma mater. The Henry A. Green Foundation is the perfect component to not only provide the opportunity to assist financially, but to show the recognition, support, and love to those that come after us for years to come.”