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    Meet Trustee Grant

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    VALERIE S. GRANT, CFA

    Board Member

    Board of Trustees

    • Morehouse College, Board Member
    • Nuveen, LLC – a TIAA Company
      Portfolio Manager and Managing Director
    Education

    University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School

    Bachelor of Science

    Harvard Business School

    Master of Business Administration

    In Conversation...

    WHY HAVE YOU CHOSEN TO SERVE ON THE MOREHOUSE COLLEGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES?

    The mission of Morehouse College—to develop men with disciplined minds who lead lives of leadership and service—deeply resonates with me. I firmly believe that equipping Black men for leadership and service creates a “multiplier effect” that benefits not only African Americans but society as a whole. The extraordinary accomplishments of Morehouse alumni throughout the College’s history clearly demonstrate this impact. Although no one in my family attended Morehouse, I hold immense respect for the transformative role historically Black colleges and universities play in advancing the lives of Black people. My parents, born and raised in Savannah, Georgia, were the first in their families to attend college. They earned mathematics degrees from Savannah State University in the 1950s, an achievement that changed the trajectory of their lives and profoundly shaped the lives of their children.

     
    WHO FROM THE MOREHOUSE COMMUNITY HAS IMPRESSED OR IMPACTED YOUR LIFE OR WORK?

    The late Rev. Dr. Calvin O. Butts, III, a proud Morehouse alumnus, had a profound impact on my life. As my pastor at Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem for over two decades, Rev. Butts embodied a commitment to faith, education, and social activism. He taught me that faith in God empowers us to transform our surroundings and that we are called to pursue change even when faced with resistance or adversity.

    Dr. David Thomas, the College’s 12th President, has also played a pivotal role in my life. I’ve known him for more than 30 years, and he recruited me to the Morehouse Board of Trustees, an invitation for which I will always be grateful. Dr. Thomas was my professor at Harvard Business School and has been a mentor and friend throughout my career. His exemplary leadership as a college president, scholar, and corporate director has paved pathways for me and countless others to excel in leadership.


    AS A TRUSTEE, HOW DO YOU HOPE TO IMPACT MOREHOUSE COLLEGE?

    As a trustee, I serve on the compensation, audit, and capital infrastructure committees. I aim to contribute a unique perspective on issues Morehouse faces, particularly in sustainability, strategic planning, and risk management. Additionally, I actively support the capital campaign and Project ACCLAIM, an initiative that provides Morehouse students with hands-on experience managing an investment fund and exploring careers in investment management.


    WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE BOOK, MOVIE AND/OR TV SHOW OF ALL TIME?

    My favorite movie of all time is Lady Sings the Blues. I’ve watched it more than 20 times and continue to enjoy Billie Holiday’s music, her compelling life story, and the outstanding performances by Diana Ross and Billy Dee Williams. My favorite book is I Always Knew by artist, sculptor, and author Barbara Chase-Riboud. Her memoir is a beautiful testament to the power of talent and perseverance, demonstrating how rising above others’ expectations can lead to greatness.