School Board

The Universal Academy School Board consists of members who serve without compensation. Operating within the legal parameters of the state and federal constitutions, statutes, courts and administrative agencies, the board members are charged with the responsibility of providing the finest educational program possible for the students at Universal Academy.The Universal Academy School Board makes all final decisions regarding school priorities, policies, personnel, student issues, textbooks, expenditures, and growth management. Board members adopt a budget which is necessary to maintain the operations of the schools. The board employs and evaluates the superintendent of schools and selects and supervises the internal auditor.

Contacting the Board

All school board members may be reached by voice mail, email, and U.S.

mail. Voice mail numbers and email addresses are listed on the website with

corresponding photos.

To send a message via U.S. mail, write to:

Universal Academy School Board Members

Administration Office

2616 N. MacArthur Blvd

Irving, Tx 75062

Questions, Comment, or Compliments ?

Phone: 972-255-1800

Mrs. Janice Blackmon

Board President

Ms. Janice Blackmon is a founding member, current Chief Educational Officer, and Chief Operations Officer of Universal Academy. She is a graduate of Northwestern University, where she earned her B.A. in Business. Prior to joining the charter school movement, Ms. Blackmon owned and operated a garment manufacturing business that extended from Houston, Texas to Franklin, Louisiana. She also worked in corporate banking for several years.

Ms. Blackmon used her extensive banking and operations knowledge to lead Universal Academy in project development and innovative educational software design. Ms. Blackmon continues to raise the bar for Universal Academy students with her recent development of the Universal Academy Equestrian Program and the Learn as We Grow Agriculture Program. Ms. Blackmon has been instrumental in creating a strong academic foundation and legacy for all Universal Academy students.

Dr. Dana J. Jobe

Board Member

Dr. Jobe has been with Universal Academy in some compacity since its inception 24 years ago, starting as a Kindergarten Teacher. She has been in education for over 30 years. She completed her undergraduate studies at The University of Texas at Dallas. She received an M.Ed. in Education and a M.S. in K-16 Reading from Texas A&M University-Commerce. Dr. Jobe completed her doctoral degree at Texas A&M University-Commerce studying Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in K-16 Reading Instruction, Early Childhood, with a special interest in urban schools and working with minority students.

Prior to returning to Universal Academy, Dr. Jobe served as the Education Department Chair and Director of the Alternative Certification Program at Dallas Christian College in Carrollton, Tx and as a Reading Language Arts Facilitator in Garland ISD. Dr. Jobe has continued her studies at Harvard University in Cambridge, MA, presented at the Oxford Roundtable in Oxford, England and the World Reading Conference in Mons, Belgium. Dr. Jobe believes that ALL students have a right to an EXCELLENT education. As the superintendent of Universal Academy, Dr. Jobe’s focus is to continue the legacy of the late Transformation Architect Educator and Founder of Universal Academy, Mrs. Diane Harris, by educating students well.

Mrs. Diane Moshier

Board Member

Diane Moshier is a native of Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania. She graduated from Clarion University of Pennsylvania in Clarion, PA, with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, concentrating on Math and Science. During her time at Clarion, she played the clarinet in both the Marching and Concert Bands and was an active member of her social sorority.

Diane has taught various pre-school and elementary grades in Pennsylvania, New York, and Texas before joining the staff of Universal Academy as a Kindergarten teacher. She then took on additional administrative responsibilities before becoming the Principal of the Universal Academy Coppell campus. Diane worked at Universal Academy for 16 years and holds certifications in the State of Texas for Pre-School through 8th grade.

Diane and her husband, Mark, have been married for 46 years and are now retired. They have two grown children and four grandchildren. She enjoys singing in the church choir and working on other committees. Diane and her husband now travel in their RV and spend time at their vacation home on the lake in Granbury, TX.

Ms. Yolanda Brown

Board Member

Yolanda Brown has been an active and involved parent at Universal Academy for over 20 years, serving as a homeroom parent. She is the mother of a son who attended Universal Academy and graduated in 2013. Professionally, Yolanda works for Sedgwick Claims Management Services, where she holds the position of Director of Claims. With more than 20 years of management experience, she oversees the adjudication of casualty claims across the United States and Puerto Rico. Her educational background includes an Associate’s degree in Applied Science – Business Management, an Associate in Claims and Insurance Services designation, and professional insurance licenses in 31 states.

Passionate about Universal Academy, its students, teachers, and staff, Yolanda is dedicated to advocating for educational excellence.

Dr. Sharon Greggs

Board Member

Dr. Sharon E. Greggs is an exceptional example of dedication and service in the medical field. With her extensive experience as an obstetrician-gynecologist and her alma mater being the prestigious Baylor College of Medicine, she brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her practice. Despite retiring from her traditional practice, her commitment to medicine remains unwavering as she now channels her skills into serving communities in need through travel assistance. This unique approach allows Dr. Greggs to offer her medical services wherever they are required, ensuring that individuals in various locations receive quality healthcare. Her willingness to travel demonstrates a deep sense of compassion and a desire to make a difference in the lives of others, regardless of geographical barriers.

Dr. Greggs' dedication to continuing her medical practice through travel assistance is admirable and undoubtedly makes a significant impact on the communities she serves.

Ms. Sandra Hall

Board Member

Sandra Hall, a native of Bryan, Texas, has a rich professional background encompassing leadership roles and retail positions. She is also a licensed claims examiner. Since 2009, Sandra has been deeply involved with Universal Academy as an active parent, dedicating her volunteer efforts to a wide range of activities, including dance, theater, band, cheerleading, volleyball, track, and UIL Academics.

As the proud parent of five daughters, Sandra has seen her youngest daughter attend Universal Academy for 14 years, culminating in her graduation as Valedictorian in 2023. Sandra's advocacy for students extends beyond the classroom; she is dedicated to fostering their academic and athletic success. She is committed to bridging gaps that hinder student success, demonstrating her unwavering support for both their educational and extracurricular achievements.

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