About SAEOPP

The Southeastern Association of Educational Opportunity Program Personnel [SAEOPP] is an eight-state southeast regional Association dedicated to the professional development and support of TRIO professionals and to the advocacy of the TRIO Movement. With membership, SAEOPP is your vehicle to become more involved in this important national effort.

The Mission of the Southeastern Association of Educational Opportunity Program Personnel, Inc. (SAEOPP) is to promote and support equal educational opportunity and access to postsecondary education. Through professional development, networking, research and advocacy, SAEOPP provides TRIO personnel and others with the necessary skills and techniques to assure that the least advantaged have equal access to higher education.

It's a Fact: SAEOPP Advocates For You, Your Programs, and the Individuals You Serve By:

• Engaging in national legislative and educational efforts to secure funding and to set an agenda to meet your & your participants' needs
• Aligning with our national advocacy organization [Council for Opportunity in Education] to enhance mutual professional development efforts for TRIO staff participants
• Collaborating with corporate partners in order to advance the implementation of the Association's Strategic Plan
• Facilitating state initiatives to increase the visibility and resources of TRIO Programs

SAEOPP is formed by eight states in the Southeast Region. These states are:

• Alabama
• Florida
• Georgia
• Kentucky
• Mississippi
• North Carolina
• South Carolina
• Tennessee

Past Leaders of SAEOPP Are:

• *Carson Lee (1972-1973)
• *Richard Pride (1973-1974)
• *Ella Fisher (1975-1976)
• *Clara Hewitt (1975-1976)
• *Dr. Ben McCune (1976-1977)
• *Ella Fisher (1977-1978)
• Irma Burks Daily (1977-1979)
• Tommy Swett (1979-1981)
• Dr. Harold Dickerson (1981-1983)
• Dr. Wanda Bingham (1983-1985)
• Dr. Ben McCune (1985-1987)
• Dr. Charlestine Fairley (1987-1989)
• Dr. Paul Beasley (1989-1991)
• Sue Hawkins (1991-1993)
• Bobby Olive (1993-1995)
• Dr. Dan Connell (1995-1997)
• Dorothy Yarborough (1997-1999)
• Doreatha Tyson (1999-2001)
• Joyce Daye Clayton (2001-2003)
• Dr. Ronnie Gross (2003-2005)
• Deborah Northcross (2005-2007)
• Camille Zeigler (2007-2009)
• Celeste Brooks (2009-2011)

* - Denotes Region IV Advisory Board

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