Huston-Tillotson University Appoints Two Esteemed Leaders to Board of Trustees
Friday Jun, 13 2025
AUSTIN, TX (June 13, 2025) – Huston-Tillotson University is pleased to announce the appointment of two distinguished professionals—Beverly Terry Bolden and Kim Cockrell—to its Board of Trustees. Their wealth of experience, commitment to service, and leadership across diverse sectors will be instrumental in advancing the University’s mission and strategic vision.
The appointments were officially approved during the University’s regular quarterly Board of Trustees meeting held on Friday, April 11.
“We are excited to welcome these accomplished individuals to the HT Board of Trustees,” said Dr. Melva K. Wallace, President and CEO of Huston-Tillotson University. “Their leadership, diverse perspectives, and unwavering dedication to academic excellence and student achievement will play a vital role in shaping the future of HT. We look forward to the meaningful contributions they will bring as we continue advancing the University’s mission.”
Meet the New Trustees
Beverly Terry Bolden
An accomplished Senior Project Manager and Oracle Software Independent Consultant, Beverly Terry Bolden brings over three decades of leadership in global IT systems implementation. As the founder of her own consulting firm, she has successfully aligned enterprise-level technology strategies with business goals across the U.S., Europe, Latin America, and Asia.
Bolden is a proud alumna of Huston-Tillotson University, where she earned her B.A. in Sociology in 1976. She also holds a degree in broadcasting from the Columbia School of Broadcasting in Los Angeles and maintains multiple Oracle software certifications.
Her deep commitment to education and service is reflected in her longstanding involvement with the Huston-Tillotson University Alumni Association—currently serving as President-Elect of the Dallas Chapter. Her service also extends to numerous boards and community programs including the Black Academy of Arts and Letters, Brite Divinity School’s Black Church Studies Advisory Board, and youth development initiatives like Upward Bound and INROADS.
Initiated into Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® through the Beta Kappa Chapter in 1973, Bolden has maintained a lifetime commitment to leadership and service. She and her husband of 43 years, Hervey Bolden, serve as co-chairs of the Marriage Ministry at Greater St. Stephen First Church in Fort Worth. They are the proud parents of Benjamin Bolden, a graduate of the University of Central Arkansas.
Kim Cockrell
Kim Cockrell serves as Senior Vice President, Chief Human Resources and Administrative Officer for Toyota Motor North America (TMNA), where she leads enterprise-level functions including Human Resources, Information Technology, Privacy & Governance, and Corporate Shared Services.
Cockrell joined Toyota in 2006 and has since held a wide range of leadership positions across Human Resources and service operations strategy. She previously held senior roles at Yahoo, First Data Corporation, BearingPoint Inc., and Lehman Brothers, where she began her career in recruiting, training, and curriculum development.
In addition to her corporate leadership, Cockrell is a dedicated community advocate. She currently serves on the Southern Regional Board for Step Up Women’s Network, the Board of the North Texas Food Bank, and the CHRO Board of the Institute for Corporate Productivity. She has been recognized in Who’s Who in Black Dallas in 2018 and 2019 and actively volunteers with the Life Group Ministry at Fellowship Dallas Bible Church.
Cockrell earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Emory University and her Master of Science in Counseling from Fordham University.
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About Huston-Tillotson University
Huston-Tillotson University, the first institution of higher education in Austin, Texas, has roots dating back to 1875. Huston-Tillotson University is an independent, church-related, historically Black, four-year liberal arts institution located on a 23-acre tree-lined campus near downtown in East Austin. Huston-Tillotson University’s mission is to nurture a legacy of leadership and excellence in education, connecting knowledge, power, passion, and values. The University offers associate and master’s degrees in addition to Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees in more than 19 areas of study. Huston-Tillotson University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
