County Commissioner Cheryl Musgrave Calls for Data Mapping To Help Reduce City CrimeÂ
County Commissioner Cheryl Musgrave Calls for Data Mapping To Help Reduce City CrimeÂ
MAY 12, 2023
(The statewide conference draws top attendance to Evansville to discuss global information mapping)Â
EVANSVILLE, IND (May 11, 2023) — Vanderburgh County Board of Commissioners President Cheryl Musgrave gave the keynote address today at the statewide Indiana Geographic Information Council conference at the Old National Events Plaza, where she called for local officials to leverage the advances in GIS data in developing solutions to Evansville’s crime and gun-violence problems.Â
“Vanderburgh County has been a pioneer for Indiana over the years in leveraging GIS for everything from assessing property tax to identifying infrastructure and helping our farming communities,†said Musgrave. “And as the technology has advanced, policymakers and change agents in our community can now take greater advantage of GIS to help solve some of our most pressing and threatening problems.â€Â
Musgrave presented Vanderburgh County’s development of its GIS system, one of the first in the state. At the heart of her keynote address, Musgrave focused on how the power of GIS data mapping can, as one example, illustrate the murder locations within Evansville over the past 10 years, which can be vital in helping policymakers see the true picture and develop real solutions to address the rise in violent crime in the city.Â
“GIS changes the way we see our world by combining data with geography,†Musgrave explained. “The data show the way humans live, work, behave and, in this example, misbehave. Combining this data with a geographic location on a map creates a picture, and that picture creates new perceptions and sparks ideas for new solutions.â€Â
The IGIS conference attracted local-government participants from throughout Indiana, with attendance holding strong to attendance numbers from the last IGIS conference held in Evansville.
FOOTNOTE: Vanderburgh County Board of Commissioners President Cheryl Musgrave recently gave the keynote address at the statewide Indiana Geographic Information Council Conference, where she called for local officials to leverage the advances in GIS data in developing solutions to Evansville’s crime and gun violence problems.Â
DEFENDANT SENTENCED TO 51 YEARS FOR MURDER
DEFENDANT SENTENCED TO 51 YEARS FOR MURDER AFTER COURT VACATES HIS GUILTY VERDICT, BUT IS OVERTURNED
MAY 12, 2023
Evansville, IN – Prosecutor Diana Moers announces that on May 11, 2023, Defendant Elijah Parchman was finally sentenced after a years-long legal battle for murder and attempted murder he committed in 2019.
The State originally obtained a jury verdict of guilty in 2020 which was then overturned by the Vanderburgh County Circuit Court. The State appealed. The Court of Appeals disagreed with the trial court’s decision and sent the case back to Vanderburgh County in December 2022 for sentencing.
Defendant found guilty of murder and attempted murder, the court grants a motion for a new trial.
The Defendant was found guilty by a jury of his peers after the trial in November of 2020, but the verdict was overturned as described by the Indiana Court of Appeals below:
“Following the jury’s verdict, but before the sentencing hearing, the trial court conducted its own research and discovered that Minor had a 2008 juvenile delinquency adjudication . . . [T]he trial court appointed Parchman a new attorney to investigate the possibility of filing a motion to correct error based on [the failure to disclose the juvenile delinquency adjudication, and ultimately] issued a written order granting Parchman a new trial.â€
Indiana Court of Appeals sends the case back to Vanderburgh County But the Indiana Court of Appeals disagreed with the trial court’s ruling and found that the trial court abused its discretion in granting the Defendant’s motion to correct the error and request for a new trial. The Indiana Court of Appeals agreed with the State that the oversight of not providing the juvenile history of the victim-witness was not the best practice but was also not material and did not prejudice the Defendant:
“Here. . . in light of all the evidence presented at trial, Minor’s more than ten-year-old juvenile delinquency adjudication is negligible, at best. Specifically, our review of the evidence reveals that Minor’s testimony was cumulative of Detective Luecke’s testimony that Parchman was standing over one hundred feet away from the victims when he began shooting at them. Minor’s testimony was also cumulative of Dr. Kiefer’s testimony that Bobby had been shot on his backside and hospital records that revealed Minor had also been shot on his backside.â€State v. Parchman, 200 N.E.3d 499, 505 (Ind. Ct. App. 2022).
The Court took into account several victim impact statements from both the Defendant’s family and friends as well as the family and friends of the victims- including the mother of the deceased victim and injured victim, who were brothers who lived in Illinois. The State argued for the felony firearm enhancement since a gun was used in the murder and the State argued that the sentences on the murder and attempted murder should run concurrently due to the life-long impact on the living victim and the family.
Murder carries a possible sentence of 45-65 years with an advisory sentence of 55 years; Attempted murder carries a possible sentence of 20-40 years with an advisory sentence of 30 years. A felony firearm enhancement carries a minimum sentence of 5 years and a max of 20 years.
The Honorable Judge David Kiely sentenced the Defendant to a total of 51 years, running the two counts concurrently with 46 years for Count 1, murder, 20 years for Count 2, attempted murder, and an additional 5 years since a firearm was used. The defendant will serve the sentence at the Indiana Department of Correction.
Prosecutor Moers stated, “The Defendant’s actions have taken a life and altered permanently the life of the other victim who was shot in the back and also lost his brother on that day; their mother now grieves for her sons and I commend her brave testimony in Court today at sentencing. The Defendant clearly has not only negatively impacted the lives of the victim’s family, but also his own family and himself.â€
Prosecutor Moers thanked her deputies John Bober and Josh Hutcheson for their dauntless efforts and Evansville Police Department Detectives Phil Leucke, and Jackie Lowe for their hard work and dedication to this case. Moers also sends condolences to the victims’ family and friends and thanks to a victim advocate Robyn Mastison for her efforts in guiding the family through the litigation process.
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University of Evansville to Launch Master of Science in Education Program
University of Evansville to Launch Master of Science in Education Program
MAY 12, 2023
EVANSVILLE, IND. (05/11/2023) The University of Evansville (UE) has launched an accelerated Master of Science in Education: Educational Administration degree after receiving approval from the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE). The program is housed in UE’s School of Education, and applications are now open for entry.
UE’s School of Education looks to establish a pipeline of strong candidates for administrative positions. This degree program will provide students with the academic coursework, mentoring, and internship experiences necessary to become highly effective school administrators. The program is designed to meet all Indiana Department of Education requirements and prepare students for the state licensure exam.
The Master of Science in Education program provides the path to obtaining a Building Level Administrative Licensure. Each course will incorporate a specific amount of observation/internship hours with principal mentors. This 12-month, 30-credit hour program supports candidates on their path to becoming highly effective school leaders. The program is 100 percent online and offers accelerated 5-week courses. This advanced degree program is designed for working professionals seeking to enhance their knowledge and skills in building level administration.
“Obtaining a Master of Science in Education degree can provide educators with a deeper understanding of educational theory and practice, enhanced leadership skills, and increased opportunities for career advancement,” said Dr. Shari Millikan, Co-Department Chair / Assistant Professor of Education and Assessment Coordinator. “It can also lead to greater job satisfaction, as educators are better equipped to meet the diverse needs of their students and contribute to the overall improvement of the education system.”
Applicants are required to have a Bachelor’s degree, transcript, letter of recommendation, resume, and personal statement. The program does not require any application fees or GRE scores.
For information about UE’s Master of Science in Education: Educational Administration degree, please visit this page to learn more and apply.
FOOTNOTE: The University of Evansville is a private, comprehensive university located in the southwestern region of Indiana. Established in 1854, UE is recognized across the globe for its rich tradition of innovative, academic excellence and vibrant campus community of changemakers.
Home of the Purple Aces, UE offers over 75 majors, 17 Division I sports, and a unique study abroad experience at Harlaxton College, a Victorian manor located in the countryside of the United Kingdom. For more information, please visit evansville.edu.
Purdue Edges out IU in Tiebreaker Year for Annual Food Drive Competition
Purdue Edges out IU in Tiebreaker Year for Annual Food Drive Competition, Keeps Possession of the Evansville Oaken Bucket
MAY 11, 2023
The Purdue Alumni Club of Evansville (PACE) and Indiana University Alumni Association Chapter of Greater Evansville (IUAA) hosted their 7th annual Red and Black Give Back food drive competition at the six Schnucks locations in Evansville and Newburgh this past weekend, in partnership with Tri-State Food Bank. The winner was determined by which club collected the most food and monetary donations. The teams were not only competing for a worthy cause, but bragging rights and possession of the Evansville Oaken Bucket as well. They were neck-and-neck throughout this year’s Red & Black Give Back, with Purdue closely edging out IU to win the competition and maintain possession of the bucket.
“On behalf of the Purdue Alumni Club of Evansville, we are incredibly humbled by our alumni and friends in their support of the Tri-State Food Bank.â€, says PACE representative Nate Hahn. “For the first time in the 7-year history of the Evansville Oaken bucket, one school will hold the bucket in back-to-back years. We are proud it will be the Boilermakers. We want to thank the IU Alumni Association of Greater Evansville for another great year, hard-fought, and incredibly close competition. It is great to come together with our rivals for such a great cause. As always, the real winners are those that the Tri-State Food Bank serves.â€
Representing IUAA, Brad Colvert commented “It is a pleasure to serve the Tri-State Food Bank and our community! The IUAA Greater Evansville Chapter is humbled to volunteer alongside the Purdue Alumni Club of Evansville. A deep congratulations on their victory with the real winners being the Tri-State Food Bank. We look forward to taking back the bucket next year and raising the bar even higher from this year’s event. Go Hoosiers!â€
The collaborative effort of the two alumni groups resulted in a record-breaking year for monetary donations for the fund drive – raising nearly $10,000, which is $3,000 more than the previous record set in 2019. In addition, over 1,400 pounds of food were collected during the drive. The Red & Black Give Back food drive is a partnership with Tri-State Food Bank, who in turn will be able to provide nearly 43,000 meals to Tri-State families and individuals who face hunger.
Over the course of its 7-year history, the amount of food collected now exceeds 12,000 pounds, and the money collected is over $35,000. Therefore, as an overall result of the Red & Black Give Back food drive, the equivalent of over 157,000 meals has been generated to help fight hunger throughout the Tri-State.
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About Tri-State Food Bank
Tri-State Food Bank was established in 1982 and is a 501(c)(3) dedicated to feeding the hungry by soliciting marketable surplus foods and distributing the foods to non-profit agencies, which serve the needy in a 33-county area of the Tri-State. It is also the Tri-State Food Bank’s mission to aid in assisting member agencies in the various programs they sponsor and overseeing their success by serving as a channel for donors to be assured of good warehousing practices, accountability and equitable distribution within the network of collaborating organizations that are served while educating the public about the problems of hunger. Visit www.tristatefoodbank.org, find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
USI Softball captures first-ever OVC Tournament win Thursday against Tennessee State
OXFORD, Ala. – Following an overnight suspension of play, University of Southern Indiana Softball began its Ohio Valley Conference Tournament journey with a 9-1 win against Tennessee State University Thursday morning, as the Screaming Eagles earned their first-ever OVC Tournament victory.
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#3 Southern Indiana matched up against #6 Tennessee State after the Tigers defeated #7 Lindenwood University, 3-2, in 10 innings in the tournament’s opening game on Wednesday. USI and TSU started their game Wednesday afternoon before rain interrupted play.
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Tennessee State scored in its first at-bats of the game, scoring on a sacrifice fly following a leadoff triple in the top of the first inning. The Screaming Eagles were unbothered, as senior designated player Allie Goodin (Evansville, Indiana) crushed a two-run home run out of the ballpark to put USI ahead, 2-1, after one.
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The Screaming Eagles’ offense continued to click in the bottom of the second inning, thanks to production from three of the seniors. Senior outfielder Emma Tucher (New Palestine, Indiana) reached with a single, and two batters later, senior infielder Jordan Rager (Fishers, Indiana) brought Tucher home with an RBI single. Then Rager scored all the way from first on Goodin’s second extra-base hit of the game, an RBI double. USI led 4-1 after four innings.
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Meanwhile, sophomore pitcher Josie Newman (Indianapolis, Indiana) was in solid form, inducing a good balance of groundouts and high popouts.
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In the bottom of the fifth, senior infielder Rachel Martinez (Chicago, Illinois) joined the rest of her senior class on the offensive fun. With two runners in scoring position and one out, Martinez doubled home a run. The next batter, junior catcher Sammie Kihega (Greenfield, Indiana), cashed in with a two-run home run. By the end of the fifth frame, Southern Indiana led 8-1.
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Then Mother Nature intervened at the top of the sixth inning Wednesday evening. Heavy rainfall brought the game to a halt. As both teams waited out the weather, it was determined to suspend play and resume the game Thursday morning at 9 a.m.
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In the resumption of play in the top of the sixth, sophomore Hailey Gotshall (Lucerne, Indiana) moved from third base into the pitching circle. Gotshall pitched around a couple of baserunners, which included inducing a double play. In the bottom of the sixth and with the bases loaded for USI, Gotshall ended the game with an RBI single, giving USI a 9-1 victory and its first-ever Ohio Valley Conference Tournament win.
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At the plate, USI had two-hit games from Rager, Goodin, Gotshall, and junior first baseman Lexi Fair (Greenwood, Indiana). Rager scored three runs, and Goodin tallied three RBIs.
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Newman picked up her 16th win in the pitching decision. The right-hander went the first five innings with one run allowed and a pair of strikeouts.
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Tennessee State’s freshman pitcher Holly Ayala suffered the loss after going 1.2 innings with four runs – three earned – surrendered. Sophomore pitcher Caitlyn Manus tossed the last 3.2 innings with five runs – four earned – allowed.
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The Screaming Eagles will return to action at the OVC Championship Tournament Thursday at approximately 12:30 p.m. against the No. 2 seed Eastern Illinois from Choccolocco Park. Championship tournament coverage from Oxford, Alabama can be seen with a subscription to ESPN+.  USI Softball radio coverage can be heard on The Spin 95.7 FM. Additional coverage links are on the USI Softball schedule page on usiscreamingeagles.com.
Gov. Beshear: Kentucky Counterdrug Program Helps Save 28.9 Million People from Fentanyl Overdose
Partners work to destroy the supply of illicit drugs in the commonwealth; Governor signs the fiscal year 2024 counterdrug activities plan
FRANKFORT, Ky. (May 11, 2023) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear joined representatives of Kentucky’s Counterdrug Program to praise them for supporting the seizure of 142 pounds of fentanyl over seven months that could have caused almost certain death for more than 28.9 million people.
The Governor then moved to continue the team’s work of disrupting the supply of illicit drugs in the commonwealth by signing the fiscal year 2024 State Drug Interdiction and Counterdrug Activities Plan. Support is provided to multiple state, local and federal agencies in the plan’s team, including Kentucky State Police (KSP), Kentucky National Guard, Appalachian High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, Homeland Security Investigations and Drug Enforcement Agency.
From Oct. 1, 2022, to May 1, 2023, the team also supported law enforcement in the seizure of 88,253 fentanyl pills, which is a significant increase from the 2022 fiscal year, when 5,100 fentanyl pills were seized. In 2023, the team also supported the seizure of 432 pounds of methamphetamine, 179 pounds of cocaine and 5.8 pounds of heroin.
“This team is out there on the front lines in our communities, taking drugs off the streets and saving lives. I am proud to support them each and every day for their lifesaving work,â€Â Gov. Beshear said. “I also commend our Kentucky State Police officers who work with multiple agencies to remove dangerous drugs from our communities. One of those is the Kentucky National Guard, which is instrumental in supporting the counterdrug program here in Kentucky as well as supporting local law enforcement on our Southwest Border.â€
The Governor added that in April, the Kentucky Counterdrug Program supported the disposal of 14,500 pounds of unneeded medication as part of the statewide Drug Takeback Day.
The Counterdrug Program is federally funded through the Secretary of Defense to states whose Governor submits a Drug Interdiction and Counterdrug Activities Plan.
The Governor said today’s news follows last month’s positive announcement that drug overdose deaths declined in 2022 by 5% compared with 2021, marking the first decline since 2018.
KSP Commissioner Phillip Burnett Jr. added that the federal Drug Enforcement Agency recently released a staggering statistic: Fentanyl is involved in more deaths of Americans under 50 than any cause of death, including heart disease, cancer, homicide, suicide or other accidents. Just 2 milligrams of fentanyl can cause sudden death. Statewide last year, KSP, local and federal partners seized 11,700 grams of fentanyl.
“Not only is fentanyl a danger to our fellow citizens, but it is a threat to our fellow law enforcement officers, their K-9 counterparts and other first responders,â€Â Commissioner Burnett said. “That is why we are working to keep fentanyl off our streets as well as having all our troopers and officers carry naloxone, a medication designed to reverse an opioid overdose rapidly.â€
Last year, KSP also seized 18,600 grams of methamphetamine – and since 2018, their efforts accounted for 1,612 drug seizures along the Interstate Highway 75 corridor.
The Kentucky National Guard plays a key role in defeating the demand and destroying the supply of illicit drugs in the commonwealth by providing support to federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. As part of the Kentucky Counterdrug Program, the National Guard provides personnel, assets and capabilities as part of their unique military support.
The Kentucky National Guard also supports Customs Border Patrol along the Southwest Border. Last year, the 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade provided operational detection and monitoring support and was in command of Task Force Legion, which included 2,500 National Guardsmen mobilized in a Title 10 federal status from 16 states and territories. Currently, 125 Kentucky National Guardsmen are deployed to the border.
“I am incredibly proud of the men and women who serve in the Kentucky National Guard, especially those who support the Counterdrug Program here in Kentucky. They work alongside local law enforcement and play a key role in defeating the demand and destroying the supply of illicit drugs in our commonwealth,â€Â Brig. Gen. Brian Wertzler said.
In March, Gov. Beshear announced that Kentucky is also leading the way in providing treatment services to Kentuckians through the state’s Treatment Access Program, which allows those without health insurance to enter residential treatment, and by creating Recovery Ready Communities, expanding health care coverage and increasing treatment beds.
The state has also increased the number of treatment beds by 50% since the Governor took office in 2019. The administration is also in the process of seeking support and oversight of mobile crisis intervention service providers across the state, which further supports those facing addiction as well as those in need of suicide and crisis intervention.
This year, the Governor also signed legislation supporting recovery housing by setting requirements for certification, operation and oversight of these residences and legislation that ensures direct payments from health insurance to the facilities providing care.
Last year, Gov. Beshear announced a new searchable website to help people in recovery find housing, FindRecoveryHousingNowKY.org. There are currently 185 houses listed on the site.
Under the Governor’s leadership, more than $80.6 million is expected to be awarded by the state’s Office of Drug Control Policy to help support addiction treatment and prevention efforts across the commonwealth.
The Governor has continued to fight the state’s drug epidemic from his time as attorney general, when he led the nation in the number of individual opioid lawsuits filed by an attorney general.
He brought a total of nine lawsuits against pharmaceutical companies for allegedly flooding Kentucky communities with addictive prescription drugs. The lawsuit defendants include: Endo Pharmaceuticals; McKesson Corp.; Cardinal Health; AmerisourceBergen; Janssen Pharmaceuticals; Walgreens; Mallinckrodt; Teva Pharmaceuticals and Insys Therapeutics. Now, Gov. Beshear has made sure the hundreds of millions of dollars in settlement funds go to treatment and the communities impacted.
Treatment ResourcesÂ
Call the KY Help Call Center at 833-8KY-HELP (833-859-4357) to speak one-on-one with a specialist who can connect Kentuckians to treatment. Visit findhelpnowky.org to find information about available space in treatment programs and providers based on location, facility type and category of treatment needed.
Visit the KSP website to find one of KSP’s 16 posts where those suffering from addiction can be paired with a local officer who will assist with locating an appropriate treatment program. The Angel Initiative is completely voluntary, and individuals will not be arrested or charged with any violations if they agree to participate in treatment.
For a video from Gov. Beshear on available treatment and resources, and the importance of knowing how to respond to an overdose, click here.
House Bill 115
To further support law enforcement, on Thursday, the Governor ceremonially signed House Bill 115, sponsored by Rep. Bill Wesley of Ravenna, which adds the definition of “electronic detection dog†and “police dog†and adds them to the statute for assault on a service animal which is a Class D felony.
In 2021, KSP added the agency’s first electronic storage device detection K-9 and the second ESD K-9 was added in August 2022. The Governor was joined by Sgt. Leslie Strong and electronic detection K-9 May. Detective John Sims and K-9 Cam were out of town working today.
The Governor said May and Cam are among only 85 electronic storage device K-9s in the country. They work with police agencies and Internet Crimes Against Children task forces to assist with locating hidden electronic storage devices such as hard drives, USB drives and cell phones that may contain child sexual abuse material or other criminal activity. They assist with search warrants locating key pieces of electronic evidence.
Sadly, of the eight law enforcement K-9s shot or stabbed to death in the U.S. so far this year, two were in service to Kentucky law enforcement agencies.
“This is very much needed legislation, and I am proud to sign it today,â€Â Gov. Beshear said. “Thank you to Sgt. Strong, May and Detective Sims and Cam for helping to protect our children and keep our street safe.â€
“Over the past few years, we’ve been working with local law enforcement and our K-9 units and this one is very dear to me because it protects our children,†said Rep. Wesley. “We only have two dogs in the state of Kentucky that specialize in this. I am grateful for the service and the work that they do.â€
“I was studying for the Sergeant’s exam when I noticed in the definition of service animal, our electronic detection K-9s weren’t included in that,†said Sgt. Leslie Strong. “These dogs protect our most vulnerable citizens of the commonwealth, which are our children. Personally, I am a little biased, but we I think we need as many of these dogs as we can get because they do very important work.â€
Dodie Dunson named UE Women’s Basketball Associate Head Coach
Dunson brings a wealth of experience to Purple Aces
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Evansville Head women’s basketball Coach Robyn Scherr-Wells has announced the hiring of Dodie Dunson as Associate Head Coach of the Purple Aces. Dunson officially joins the staff on May 11, 2023.
“I am ecstatic for Dodie Dunson to join our staff as our Associate Head Coach. I have admired Dodie and his work ethic since he was a young assistant at SIUE,†Scherr-Wells exclaimed. “Dodie has a warmth and energy about him that lights up a room. He is relationship driven and I know he will build strong connections with our student-athletes, within the Evansville community, and with our recruits.â€
“Beyond that, he has gained great basketball experience throughout his career and his experience within our conference this past season will help him hit the ground running,†she continued. “I know our program will continue to make great strides with his addition to our staff!â€
Dunson joins the Aces following a season as an assistant coach at UIC where he helped the Flames navigate the transition to the Missouri Valley Conference. His work at UIC came after a successful season as an assistant at Tulsa that saw the Golden Hurricane record two postseason victories along with an appearance in the second round of the WNIT.
From 2018-21, Dunson enjoyed a successful 3-year tenure on the staff at UAB. During his three seasons with the squad, the Blazers recorded 56 wins, including back-to-back 20+ win campaigns in his first two years. The 2018-19 season saw UAB post the second-highest win total in school history, going 26-7 on the way to an appearance in the WNIT Second Round. During his three seasons, UAB had six all-conference honorees.
“I am very excited and grateful to join Robyn Scherr-Wells’ staff. Coach Scherr-Wells is a proven winner and highly respected in our profession with limitless potential,†Dunson said. “I am a huge believer in the power of true relationships. I am excited and honored to have the privilege to serve alongside her helping to positively impact lives and elevate the Purple Aces women’s basketball program.â€
Prior to UAB, Dunson had a major footprint in the Midwest. From 2016 through 2018, he was an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at SIU-Edwardsville where he helped the Cougars earn 31 wins, make back-to-back Ohio Valley Conference tournament appearances and play in the 2018 Women’s Basketball Invitational. Dunson was also instrumental in coaching three all-conference selections.
Previously, Dunson served as the director of basketball operations for both the men’s and women’s teams at Western Illinois (2014-16), as the associate head coach at Wabash Valley College (2013-14), as the Bloomington High School boys varsity coach (2011-13) and as Team Illinois Educational AAU U16 boys associate director (2009-13).
Dunson played his freshman season at Iowa State (2006-07), where he played in all 31 games and averaged 5.2 points, scored 30 three-pointers, the fourth most for a Cyclone rookie, and shot 81.6-percent from the free throw line. Dunson transferred to Vincennes University for one season, helping the Trailblazers to a 28-6 record, and was named as the MVP of the National Junior College Association of American (NJCAA) District 3 Tournament. Dunson finished his career at Bradley University, playing the 2008-09 and 2010-11 seasons, after missing all but two games of the 2009-10 season due to injury. He tallied 692 points in 68 games for 10.1 points per game and was named a 2011 Lowe’s Senior CLASS Award finalist.
He established the Dodie Dunson II Foundation in 2019, which was created to inspire, motivate and provide resources for people in at risk youth communities. Dunson graduated from Bradley with a degree in social work in 2011 and earned his master’s degree in physical education and coaching pedagogy from SIUE in 2017.