F.J. Talley
Director of DeSousa-Brent Scholars Program
F. J. Talley came to St. Mary’s College of Maryland in 2014, bringing with him over 30 years of administrative and teaching experience. He has served as dean of students at Bryant University, associate provost at Rowan University, dean at Defiance College, vice president and dean at the College of Southern Maryland, and president at Olivet College and Frederick Community College. Talley holds a doctorate in student personnel and higher education administration from Ohio University, and a master’s degree in college student personnel from Bowling Green State University.
He is an avid sailor and recently published his first novel, Twin Worlds.
Jennifer Platts “JP”
Associate Director of DeSousa-Brent Scholars Program
JP came to St. Mary’s College of Maryland in 2018. She loves her role working with the DB scholars and helping to create a tight knit community of support within St. Mary’s. JP believes that students who participate in DB develop a significant sense of belonging that allows them to thrive in the classroom and become influential leaders on campus. As a first generation college student herself, JP is aware of how challenging it can be to navigate around certain obsticles in higher education. Her goal is to make sure that DB students have all the assistance they need so that they can focus on academic success rather than stress.
José R. Ballesteros
Associate-Director of DeSousa-Brent Scholars Program
José has been at St. Mary’s College since 2002 as faculty member in the Department of International Languages and Cultures. He’s a distinguished professor and has published work that ranges from academic to literary to professional. He has served DB since its inception as either an administrator or faculty member. José is passionate about leveling the academic playing field for underserved and underrepresented populations and sees the DB Program as foundational in College’s public mission for excellence.