Our Team
We are better together!
Jason Bryant, PhD
Director of Truman Pierce Institute
Dr. Jason C. Bryant is a Clinical Professor at Auburn University's College of Education, where he has served since January 2016 and currently directs the Truman Pierce Institute (TPI). With seventeen years of K-12 leadership experience as a science teacher, assistant principal, and principal at both middle and high school levels across Alabama, Dr. Bryant brings practical expertise to his work in educational leadership development. He has designed and delivered extensive professional development programming for educators, administrators, and educational stakeholders at all levels. Dr. Bryant's research and practice focus on leadership development, educational opportunity, and building effective school-university partnerships. Since 2018, he has published eight peer-reviewed articles and delivered over 60 professional presentations, establishing himself as a thought leader in educational leadership and professional learning.
Dr. Bryant is a past president and current board member for the Southern Regional Council on Educational Administration (SRCEA) and serves on the executive board of the Alabama Association of Professors of Educational Leadership (AAPEL) as past president and past Advisory Council Leader. He also serves the city of Opelika in various roles such as past president of the 20 Under 40 Alumni Board, former board member for the Museum of East Alabama, and past chair for the Opelika Chamber of Commerce.
Dr. Bryant is a three-time graduate of Troy University earning his Bachelor of Science in Education (1997), Master of Science in Education (1999) and Education Specialist in Administration (2009). Dr. Bryant received his doctorate from Auburn University (2015) in Administration of Elementary and Secondary Education. He has been recognized with a variety of awards and honors including Auburn University College of Education Outstanding Outreach Award (2025), Outstanding Service Award (2024), and Outstanding Administrator Alumni Award (2022). Dr. Bryant was recently awarded the Jack Greer Lifetime Contribution Award by the Southern Regional Council on Educational Administration and past recipient the Dr. Terry Peterson Leadership Award by the Alabama Communication Education Association (2024).
Sandy Resa, M.Ed.
Project Director
Sandy Resa is the Project Director for the Alabama Afterschool Quality Standards Project, a partnership between the Alabama Department of Human Resources and the Truman Pierce Institute within Auburn University’s College of Education. A retired Alabama middle school principal and educator, Sandy brings more than 30 years of experience in education, leadership, professional learning, and program development.
In her current role, Sandy develops and delivers professional development at the national, state, and local levels, translating research and evidence-based practices into practical strategies that educators and youth-serving professionals can implement immediately. Her work is grounded in extensive experience leading school teams through strategic planning, using data to strengthen programs and outcomes, building meaningful stakeholder relationships, and creating positive organizational cultures where both educators and students can thrive.
Sandy is an Emotional Poverty Certified Trainer and is passionate about strengthening relationships, fostering belonging, and creating environments that support the whole child. She holds both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Elementary Education and a Principal Professional Certificate from Auburn University.
Sandy is a member of the Alabama Community Education Association, an affiliate of the National Afterschool Association. She also serves on the Board of Directors for the Southern Disability Board, is a member of Chi Omega Sorority and Auburn United Methodist Church, and has participated in Leadership Lee County. Through her professional and community service, Sandy is committed to empowering educators and strengthening the educational experiences and opportunities available to children and youth.
Michelle Denney, M.Ed.
Professional Development Manager
Michelle Denney is the Professional Development Manager for the Alabama Afterschool Quality Standards Project at the Truman Pierce Institute, part of Auburn University’s College of Education. In this role, she designs and facilitates engaging professional learning experiences for educators across Alabama, including K–12 teachers and administrators and afterschool and childcare professionals, with a strong emphasis on practical strategies participants can apply immediately.
Michelle brings 24 years of classroom experience teaching preschool, elementary, and middle school students, including fifteen years as a middle school math and science teacher. Throughout her career, she served in a variety of school- and district-level leadership roles, including curriculum advisor and developer, mentor teacher, and Process Champion for Capturing Kids’ Hearts, an experience that continues to shape her strengths-based, relationship-centered approach to building positive school culture.
Her sessions blend research-based practices with real-world classroom experience. In her current role, she has been instrumental in facilitating the steady growth of the professional development program, which now provides over 100 virtual, in-person, and conference-based trainings annually. Her work focuses on improving school culture, implementing positive behavior supports, strengthening teams, integrating STEM, and creating safe, supportive learning environments for both children and educators. Michelle holds a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from Auburn University and a master’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Montevallo.
Erika Rucker, MPA
Truman Pierce Institute
Erika Rucker is the Director of GEAR UP Achieve, a U.S. Department of Education-funded initiative focused on increasing college readiness and success for underserved students. She brings over a decade of leadership in expanded learning and youth development, having previously served as the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) Coordinator for the Truman Pierce Institute (TPI) at Auburn University. Erika is a past President of the Alabama Community Education Association (ACEA) and currently serves on the Board of Directors for the National Afterschool Association (NAA), where she advocates for equitable access to high-quality out-of-school time programs nationwide. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Erika founded the Alabama Afterschool Task Force, organizing bi-weekly Zoom calls to support afterschool professionals navigating the challenges of remote learning and program disruption. Her work continues to empower educators, elevate youth voices, and expand opportunities for students across Alabama and beyond.
