Two Xavier University of Louisiana alumnae have been elected to the highest leadership positions of The Links, Incorporated, one of the nation's oldest and most distinguished organizations of professional Black women.

Shuana Tucker-Sims, Ph.D. ('90), has been elected the organization's 19th National President, while Sharon Dixon Gentry, Ed.D. ('91), will serve as National Vice President. Their election places two Xavier graduates at the helm of an international organization of more than 17,000 members dedicated to friendship, service and improving the quality of life in communities around the world.

Founded in 1946, The Links, Incorporated is an international, not-for-profit corporation committed to enriching, sustaining and ensuring the cultural and economic survival of African Americans and other people of African ancestry. Through nearly 300 chapters across the United States, the District of Columbia, the Bahamas and the United Kingdom, members lead initiatives focused on education, health, the arts, civic engagement and international trends and services.

For Tucker-Sims, the election represents the culmination of years of service within The Links. Before becoming national president, she served as national vice president and previously held several regional leadership roles, including Eastern Area director, Eastern Area vice director and Eastern Area secretary. Professionally, Tucker-Sims serves as Chief Talent Officer for the Connecticut State Department of Education, where she leads statewide efforts to recruit, develop and retain educators. During her more than 25-year career, she has held leadership positions in K-12 education, higher education and state government while championing educational excellence and workforce development.

Dixon Gentry likewise brings decades of distinguished leadership to her new national role. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Physics from Xavier before receiving both a master's degree in mechanical engineering and a Doctor of Education from Tennessee State University. She serves as Assistant Vice President for Education and Strategic Partnerships at HCA Healthcare and previously served for 16 years on the Metropolitan Nashville Board of Public Education, including as board chair. Before her election as national vice president, Dixon Gentry served as national recording secretary for The Links, further demonstrating her longstanding commitment to the organization.

Marcia J. Pecot, Ed.D. ('96), Xavier's director of alumni relations, said the election reflects the University's century-long commitment to preparing graduates for lives of leadership and service.

"To have two Xavierites simultaneously chosen to lead one of the nation's oldest and most prestigious Black women's service organizations is a powerful testament to the enduring legacy of Xavier University of Louisiana," Pecot said. "For over a century, Xavier has dedicated itself to preparing students to assume roles of leadership and service to help promote a more just and humane society."

She added that Tucker-Sims and Dixon Gentry embody this mission through their dedication, intellect and commitment to uplifting communities worldwide.

The election of Tucker-Sims and Dixon Gentry continues Xavier's proud tradition of producing graduates who lead in education, healthcare, public service, business and civic organizations while advancing positive change in their communities. The Xavier University community congratulates Dr. Shuana Tucker-Sims and Dr. Sharon Dixon Gentry on their election and wishes them continued success as they lead The Links, Incorporated.