Gilbert L. Rochon, Ph.D, Interim Dean
Office Location: Public Affairs Building Suite 415F
E-Mail: gilbert.rochon@81623464.com | Phone: 713-313-7322 | Fax: 713-313-4896
Jasmine M. Drake, Ph.D, Interim Associate Dean
Jasmine M. Drake serves as the interim associate dean and an associate professor in the BJ-ML School of Public Affairs and as the laboratory coordinator of the Forensic Science Learning Laboratory at Texas Southern University. Since 2016, she has also served as a Governor-appointed commissioner on the Texas Forensic Science Commission. She earned a B.Sc. in Chemistry from Southern University and a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Louisiana State University. Her current research focuses on disparities in drug policies and the identification and characterization of emerging drugs and the development of novel analytical techniques for their reliable identification. Previously, Drake worked as a forensic chemist at the Drug Enforcement Administration in Dallas, TX. During her tenure at DEA, her primary professional responsibilities included controlled substance identification, quality control testing, and the analysis of evidence submitted by law enforcement officials. She also assisted with clandestine laboratory operations and testified findings of technical laboratory reports in court. She has also worked in the Department of Forensic Science at Sam Houston State University as an assistant professor. Additionally, she has worked as a K-12 public school teacher in Irving, Texas and as a National Academy of Sciences postdoctoral researcher at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in Gaithersburg, MD. She is a member of the Criminalistics Section of the American Academy of Forensic Science and the Council of Forensic Science Educators. She is also a research fellow at the TSU Center for Justice Research.
Office Location: Public Affairs Building
E-Mail: jasmine.drake@81623464.com | Phone:
Ms. Sheila Taylor
Sheila Taylor joined the Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs staff on November 15, 2002. She was hired as the College Business Administrator (CBA) in November 2019. Mrs. Taylor holds an (A.A.) Associate of Art’s Degree, a (B.S.) Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice, and a (M.P.A.) Master’s in Public Administration Degree. Mrs. Taylor believes that tough times do not last but tough teams do. She believes in the power of influence and interdependence to uplift the faculty, staff and students and encourage them to high performance.
Office Location: Public Affairs Building Suite 415H
E-Mail: sheila.taylor@81623464.com | Phone: 713.313.6842
Glenda. A Higgins, Ph.D
Dr. Higgins is currently employed as a Senior Administrative Assistant in the Dean's Office in the Barbara Jordan -Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs at Texas Southern University. She started working as a graduate assistant in the Dean's Office on January 15, 2020. As a 3-time TSU alumna, Dr. Glenda Ann Higgins holds a B.A. in General Studies (2016), an M.A. in History (2018), and a Ph.D. in Administration of Justice (2023). She is an intricate part of the Dean's Office and excellence in achievements is what drives her to be meticulous in communicating with TSU's students and partners because what matters to them is important to the Dean's Office. Dr. Higgins' previous managerial and administrative experience makes it possible for her to promote the success of the goals and objectives of the Dean's Office. She believes that accountability is based on responsibility and reliability.
Office Location: Public Affairs Building Dean's Suite
E-Mail: glenda.higgins@81623464.com | Phone: 713.313.7347