“We are delighted to welcome these four gifted professionals, each with unique expertise and perspectives, to join us in guiding the future of Christian Brothers University,” CBU President Jack Shannon stated. “They truly embody our Lasallian values of faith, service and community.”
Dr. Jason C. Chandler is a 1994 graduate of CBU with a BS in Electrical Engineering. He went on to pursue a career in medicine and attended the University of Tennessee School of Medicine, receiving his Medical Degree in 2003. Dr. Chandler is currently an oncologist at West Cancer Center in Germantown and is affiliated with multiple hospitals in the Memphis area, including Baptist Memorial Hospital and Methodist Hospitals of Memphis. His specialties are hematologic malignancies, myeloma, lymphoma, and leukemia. Dr. Chandler also completed his postdoctoral training in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics at the University of Tennessee School of Medicine. He completed a fellowship in Medical Oncology at Ohio State University in 2009 and is certified in Internal Medicine and Medical Oncology. Dr. Chandler’s wife Amy is also a CBU alumna, having earned her MBA in 1995.
Bert Nappier is the Executive Vice President of Treasurer, Tax and Corporate Development at FedEx. He played key roles on a corporate team that planned the integration of TNT Express into FedEx Express, after FedEx announced the $4.9 billion purchase of the Europe-based delivery company. Nappier then served as President of FedEx Express Europe and CEO of TNT in Hoofddorp, The Netherlands until taking his current role. He graduated from the University of Mississippi, where he received his Bachelor of Accountancy and Master of Taxation. He and his family, wife Suzanne and two children live in Memphis and are members of Christ United Methodist Church (where he also serves as Chairman of the Board). In 2012, Bert was recognized as one of “Memphis’ Finest” young professionals by the Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Foundation of West Tennessee and received the “Breath of Life Award” for his fundraising efforts for the CF Foundation.
Beverly Robertson is a successful entrepreneur, a seasoned corporate executive, a strategic nonprofit leader, and is the current President & CEO of the Greater Memphis Chamber. She began her career at the corporate offices of Holiday Inn Worldwide, where she gained a wealth of knowledge and expertise in a diverse range of business fields and worked her way through the ranks to become acting Vice President of Marketing Communications. She was also President of the National Civil Rights Museum from 1997 to 2014. While at the National Civil Rights Museum, she raised $43 million over her tenure, which included the completion of an expansion of the Museum ($11 million) and a capital and endowment campaign ($32 million) that elevated the museum to world class status. Robertson has a solid reputation as a focus group facilitator, having led numerous groups for Fortune 500 companies. She is respected for her common-sense approach to complex business and communications issues.
Dr. Altha Stewart grew up in South Memphis and was among the first class of women admitted to what is now Christian Brothers University, graduating in 1973 with a bachelor’s degree in Biology. She earned her medical degree at Temple University. She has dedicated her life to public medicine and in the process has become a nationally and internationally recognized expert in minority issues in mental health care and in the effects of trauma and violence on children. Dr. Stewart is an Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Chief of Social and Community Psychiatry at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. She served as President of the American Psychiatric Association from 2018 to 2019, the first African American elected to lead the 38,000-member organization since its start in 1844. She has also served as President of the Association of Women Psychiatrists and the Black Psychiatrists of America. Dr. Stewart served as Executive Director of the Just Care Family Network, a federally funded program in Memphis for children with serious emotional disorders and their families. Additionally, she has served as Director of Systems of Care for the Shelby County Office of the Public Defender and Executive Director of the National Leadership Council on African-American Behavioral Health. Dr. Stewart is also the Founder and Director of the Center for Health in Justice Involved Youth, which aims to reduce the number of young people in the juvenile justice system by addressing the trauma and exposure to violence that contribute to the mental health and behavioral issues that land them there.
“We are very fortunate to have Jason, Bert, Beverly, and Altha join us on the Board of Trustees,” said Board Chair Bo Allen. “They bring a wealth of knowledge, talent, and energy that will serve our students, faculty, staff, and alumni well.”
The members of the Board of Trustees constitute the legal Directors of Christian Brothers University with general responsibility for management of the University in keeping with its philosophy and purposes. The Board sustains the mission of the University within the traditions of the Christian Brothers, selects the President, approves the budget and the educational program, confers honorary degrees, and institutes and promotes major fundraising efforts of the University.