Board of Advisors

Originally from Talladega, Alabama, Valerie Pope Burnes earned her undergraduate degree in History and Literature from Judson College in Marion, AL, in 1999. After recruiting for Judson for two years, she then attended Auburn University where she earned a Master’s equivalent in Archival Studies and a Ph.D. in History. Her dissertation examined the lives of African Americans in Perry County from slavery, through the Civil Rights Movement, and into the 21st century. Now an Associate Professor of History at the University of West Alabama, Burnes teaches courses in Civil Rights History, Women’s History, Public History including Archival Studies and Historic Preservation, Alabama History, and the History of the New South. She served as Director of the Center for the Study of the Black Belt at UWA from 2008-2014, during which time she founded the Black Belt Archives, the Black Belt Hall of Fame, and the Black Belt Oral History Project. Her book, "Visions of the Black Belt: A Cultural Survey of the Heart of Alabama," in conjunction with photographer Robin McDonald, examines the complex history of the region from an outsider who developed a love for her adopted land. Burnes was a Bicentennial Scholar for the Alabama Humanities Foundation, and served as a Content Specialist for Bicentennial Workshops for 3-5 grade teachers in Selma. She also served as a Content Specialist for Alabama History Institutes through the Alabama Department of Archives and History. Burnes is president of the Sumter County Historical and Preservation Society, the Epes Barbecue Club, the Friends of the Ruby Pickens Tartt Library, and Regent of the BIgbee Valley DAR chapter. She is a past President of the Alabama Historical Association.

Anna Morris Shinbaum is a 2004 graduate of Judson College, where she earned a BA in Professional Writing. Anna serves her community as a crime analyst while earning her MS in Crime Analysis from Arizona State University. She is an Alabama native and resides in Birmingham with her husband, son, and two dogs. Anna enjoys traveling, fine arts, crafts, home renovations with her husband, and spending as much time as possible with her son.

Anna enjoys volunteering for non-profits in her spare time. She serves as a member of the Alabama Wildlife Center Board of Directors and as the treasurer of Magic City Performing Arts in addition to being an Always a Judson advisory board member.

Dr. Manda Spencer- Foster is a 2002 graduate of Judson College. While at Judson, Manda earned a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education and a minor in Religion. Manda relocated to Missouri in 2006 and has used the skills she learned at Judson in several classrooms in both Alabama and Missouri. Manda earned a Masters in Reading and Literacy from Capella University in 2009 and worked as a Reading Specialist. Manda completed an Educational Specialist degree from Northcentral University in the spring of 2020. This allowed Manda to shift her educational focus into administration and mentorship. In the fall of 2022, Manda completed her EdD in Educational Leadership with a focus in Education Administration from Northcentral University. Her dissertation focused on project-based learning and the impact on students with adverse childhood experiences. Her research related to modification within this specific population was published in January 2023. Currently, Manda serves as the Day Treatment Lead for a private day school focusing on helping students increase academic skills using trauma informed care. Manda has a passion for helping young women realize their potential while supporting women’s higher education. Through this passion she has become active within her community, church, the P.E.O. sisterhood, The National Society of Leaders and Success, and Kappa Delta Pi. In her spare time, Manda enjoys spending time with her husband and her two daughters.