Board Members
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- Acting as the appellate agency for LMA student expulsions.
- Adopting bylaws and policies governing the operation of LMA.
- Adopting the LMA annual budget.
- Adopting the LMA school calendar.
- Consulting with the Executive Director on his or her recommendations and acting upon them.
- Exercising control of LMA in accordance with the State and Federal Constitution, and applicable laws and regulations.
- Participation in the adopted complaint procedures contained in LMA policy.
- Providing adequate housing, equipment, supplies and other facilities for the operation of LMA.
- Hearing communications, written and/or oral from citizens and organizations on matters of administration, finance, organization, policy and program.
Dr. Wendel Tucker, Board President
Term: 7/1/2027
At the time of his election to the Leadership Military Academy Board of Directors, Dr. Tucker's professional experience included serving as a board member of Riverside County Board of Education, teaching and working as a school principal. He also served as the assistant superintendent for operational services and as superintendent in the Alvord Unified School District in California. Tucker obtained a B.A. and an M.A. from Pacific Union College. He earned a Ph.D. in educational leadership from Miami University in Ohio.
Robert C. Harris, Board Vice President
Term: 7/1/2028
Robert C. Harris is a parent and grandparent of LMA students. He is a Retired State of California Peace Officer. He started his career in Law Enforcement with the Riverside County Juvenile Probation Department as a Senior Group Counselor . He also worked as a Group Supervisor at the California Youth Training School (YTS) in Chino Ca. He has a Bachelor’s of Science in Sociology and Urban Studies from the University of California at Riverside (1983) Mr. Harris is a Retired Substitute Teacher for Riverside Unified School District. He was the Project Director for Riverside Urban League's “Project S.T.A.R Sports, Tutoring, Arts and Recreation", a program to promote self-esteem in a supervised environment. He is the Current Director of the Pathfinder Program, a Seventh Day Adventist Youth program with focus on character development through service, learning and outdoor activities. Mr. Harris is a founding Board member of the Bobby Bonds Day Sports and Youth Festival event held each summer in Riverside California.
Dr. Michael Francis, Board Chief Financial Officer
Term: 07/01/2028
Dr. Michael Francis earned his Ph.D. from Drexel University, where his doctoral studies focused on psychology and the scientific understanding of human behavior. Following his doctoral studies, Dr. Francis has pursued advanced education through several of the nation’s leading universities. His continuing education includes brain sciences at Johns Hopkins University, neuroscience and religious studies at Duke University, neuroscience at Yale University, biosciences at Rice University, legal studies at Penn State University, and environmental science at Dartmouth College. His multidisciplinary studies reflect a commitment to understanding the complex relationships between science, education, law, ethics, and human development. Professionally, Dr. Francis has devoted much of his work to education, psychology, leadership, and community service. He has collaborated with schools, nonprofit organizations, faith-based institutions, and community leaders to support students, strengthen families, and promote educational excellence. His interests include neuroscience, child and adolescent development, educational leadership, public policy, family systems, and the practical application of scientific research to improve learning and community outcomes. Dr. Francis is an author and researcher whose writing explores psychology, leadership, education, resilience, and personal responsibility. His work is guided by the belief that meaningful leadership begins with service and that education should remain a lifelong pursuit. He continues to study emerging developments across multiple disciplines, seeking practical ways to apply evidence-based knowledge in service to students, families, educators, and the communities they call home.
Robert Tipton, Board Secretary
Term: 7/1/2028
Robert Tipton is General Manager of IDS communications company overseeing the daily operation of the company. Mr. Tipton is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps, a member of the American Legion, Son of the American Legion, and Veteran of Foreign Wars. His experience brings a military and leadership perspective to the Leadership Military Academy. He has been Commander of the American Legion Post 422 and has served as the finance officer for seven years and is still the finance officer for the Sons of the American Legion Squadron 422.
