Welcome to the Faculty and Staff Page of Ebed-Melech University
At Ebed-Melech University, our faculty and staff are more than educators—they are mentors, researchers, leaders, and support personnel dedicated to fostering an environment where faith and learning intersect. Our diverse team includes not only accomplished scholars and professionals but also essential support staff, all working together to ensure that every student receives a holistic education grounded in Christian values and academic excellence. This collaborative approach helps nurture the spiritual, intellectual, and personal growth of our students, preparing them for meaningful careers and lives.
Edward Ajayi, Ph.D.
Professor
Dr. Edward Ajayi is a public health educator, early-career researcher, and humanitarian leader with a strong background in health promotion, global health, and noncommunicable disease prevention. He serves as an Assistant Professor at Ebed-Melech University, where he teaches courses in public health education, primary health care, and community-based health interventions.
Dr. Ajayi earned his Ph.D. in Public Health Education and Promotion from Ahmadu Bello University and holds a diploma in Environmental Health from the Environmental Health Officer Registration Council of Nigeria. He brings more than five years of experience in the nonprofit sector, implementing school and community-based health programs, HIV/AIDS care and support services, and reproductive health initiatives funded by international donors.
His research interests include the operations and challenges of non-governmental organizations, family planning delivery models, and the design of evidence-based strategies to combat noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). He is also committed to the intersection of faith and public health, currently serving as National Coordinator of the Nehemiah Centre for Mission and Social Welfare—a faith-based organization addressing health and social needs in underserved communities.
In addition to his role at Ebed-Melech University, Dr. Ajayi serves as Provost of African Oasis College of Health Technology and teaches at The ICT University and Institut Supérieur Bilingue Libre du Togo (IBLT). His work reflects a passion for advancing equitable health access, empowering communities, and shaping future health leaders through education and advocacy.
Tamara Collins, M.S.
Assistant Professor
Professor Tamara Collins is a versatile educator, curriculum developer, and health science professional with over a decade of experience in higher education, instructional design, and nutrition-focused program development. She currently serves as an Assistant Professor at Ebed-Melech University, where she teaches and develops courses in food science, public health, and learning strategy.
Professor Collins holds a Master of Science in Food Science from Alabama A&M University and a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Lincoln University. Her extensive background spans academic advising, student retention, quality assurance in food production, and course development aligned with industry certifications and adult learning principles.
In previous roles, she contributed to compliance standards in nutrition and quality assurance and supported student success as a Retention and Admissions Specialist at Alabama A&M University.
Professor Collins is passionate about student-centered learning, instructional innovation, and equipping future professionals in STEM, food safety, and public wellness with real-world knowledge and confidence. Her work is grounded in faith, compassion, and a commitment to academic and personal growth.
Mahnaz Derakhshan, M.D., Ph.D.
Professor
Dr. Mahnaz Derakhshan is a physician, researcher, and global scholar with expertise in dermatology, metabolomics, proteomics, and cancer research. She brings over 15 years of clinical and academic experience to Ebed-Melech University, where she serves as Professor of Biomedical Research and Clinical Sciences.
Dr. Derakhshan earned her Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) from Tehran University of Medical Sciences and holds a Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences from Kumamoto University in Japan. She also holds a Master of Engineering and Postgraduate Diplomas in Dermatology from the University of London and Queen Mary University of London. Her interdisciplinary expertise bridges clinical practice with biomedical research.
As a Clinical Research Scholar at Harvard Medical School since 2021, Dr. Derakhshan has contributed to pioneering work in clinical research, proteomics, and translational medicine. She previously held a postdoctoral fellowship with the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, where her work focused on oncology and molecular science.
Dr. Derakhshan is passionate about integrating science, global health, and education to advance knowledge and improve patient care. She is deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of researchers and healthcare professionals with a spirit of excellence and innovation.
Connie Lapadat, M.D., MSN-FNP, BSN
Professor
Dr. Connie Lapadat is a distinguished physician, nurse practitioner, educator, and global medical consultant with over two decades of experience across family medicine, urgent care, gynecology, hospitalist care, and international health. She serves as an Adjunct Professor at Ebed-Melech University, where she contributes to curriculum and instruction in clinical medicine, global missions, and holistic care.
Dr. Lapadat began her career as a registered nurse, later earning her BSN and MSN-FNP with honors from the University of British Columbia, followed by her M.D. with a diploma in International Medicine from the University of Science and Technology. Her career spans clinical practice, medical writing, and legal consulting. She is the founder of CML Medical Consulting, LLC, where she offers medico-legal expertise, clinical consulting, and leadership for international medical mission work.
Currently based in California and Florida, Dr. Lapadat also serves as adjunct faculty in the School of Medicine at USC and the School of Nursing at the University of Northern BC. She is the Chief OSCE Examiner for nurse practitioner licensing through BCCNM and has published in peer-reviewed journals such as The Journal of Nurse Practitioners.
Her passion for underserved communities has led her to practice in seven countries, including multiple medical missions to Africa. A dedicated Christian, educator, and servant-leader, Dr. Lapadat’s work reflects a lifelong calling to heal, teach, and serve with compassion.
Mark LeGault, D.B.A.
Professor
Dr. Mark LeGault is an experienced educator, corporate trainer, and curriculum designer with a diverse background in business operations, online learning, and educational leadership. He currently serves as an Adjunct Professor at Ebed-Melech University, where he teaches courses in business administration, organizational leadership, and professional development.
Dr. LeGault holds a Doctor of Business Administration (D.B.A.) from Touro University Worldwide, graduating Summa Cum Laude. He also earned a Master of Music in Conducting from Sam Houston State University and a Bachelor of Music Education from Tarleton State University, blending strong analytical, creative, and instructional skills across disciplines.
He brings extensive experience from his role as an E-Learning Instructor at U-Haul International’s corporate headquarters, where he develops training curricula, compliance programs, and HTML-coded e-learning content for field employees. His leadership background also includes managing multi-site operations as a General Manager and overseeing large-scale educational programs within Judson Independent School District.
Known for his commitment to excellence, innovation, and student success, Dr. LeGault is passionate about empowering learners in both corporate and academic environments to lead with integrity and vision.
Le’Marqunita Lowe, Ph.D., M.Ed.
Professor
Dr. Le’Marqunita Lowe is an educator, scholar, and founder specializing in educational leadership and inclusive learning environments. She currently serves as Assistant Professor at Ebed-Melech University and is the Founder and CEO of LDL Magazine, a digital and print publication celebrating educators, entrepreneurs, and community changemakers.
With a diverse background that includes teaching in correctional facilities through the USC Prison Education Project and serving as a Student Academic Success Specialist at San Jose State University, Dr. Lowe brings a strong focus on student empowerment, emotional intelligence, and culturally responsive pedagogy. Her academic journey includes a Ph.D. in Leadership and Change from Antioch University (in progress), an M.Ed. from USC Rossier School of Education, and extensive experience in curriculum development, coaching, and publishing.
Known for her passion for storytelling, equity in education, and holistic development, Dr. Lowe is committed to shaping transformative learning spaces that uplift and inspire.
Christopher M. Jr., DBA, MBA, ITIL
Professor & Senior Advisor for Doctoral Impact Initiatives
Dr. Christopher McDonald is the Senior Advisor for Doctoral Impact Initiatives at Ebed-Melech University, where he focuses on enhancing the effectiveness of doctoral programs. He also serves on the Curricular Innovation and Approval Committee, helping to keep academic programs aligned with industry needs.With experience as a Professor of Business and previous roles as an Adjunct Professor at EC-Council University and Bryant & Stratton College, Dr. Christopher brings extensive expertise in business education. He holds a Doctorate in Business Administration from National University and an MBA from Saint Leo University. Additionally, he is an active member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and ForbesBLK.
Dustin Mays, MSW
Assistant Professor
Professor Dustin Mays is a licensed mental health counselor and clinical supervisor with over a decade of experience in private practice and community-based mental health. At Ebed-Melech University, he serves as an Adjunct Professor, where he teaches courses in counseling, trauma recovery, and faith-integrated mental health.
He is the founder of Mays Healing, a private practice dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based counseling to individuals navigating emotional, relational, and spiritual challenges. Professor Mays also serves as a Clinical Supervisor at KA Health Services, where he mentors early-career clinicians in ethical practice and therapeutic technique.
Professor Mays holds a Master of Social Work (MSW) from Northwest Nazarene University and a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from The College of Idaho. His teaching and counseling philosophy centers on the belief that every individual is born with the capacity to grow and heal. He creates safe, supportive environments where clients and students alike are empowered to explore, overcome, and thrive.
Samirah Merritt-Myrick, DBA, MBA
Professor
Dr. Samirah Merritt-Myrick brings over a decade of experience in healthcare leadership and higher education, with a focus on student-centered learning, online instruction, and operational excellence. She is passionate about supporting at-risk learners through structured, engaging teaching and timely, meaningful feedback.
Her background includes leading cross-functional healthcare teams, enhancing billing operations, and driving strategic initiatives in virtual education. She has published peer-reviewed research on student engagement and belongingness in online environments.
Dr. Merritt-Myrick holds a Doctor of Business Administration in Healthcare Administration, an MBA in International Business, and is currently pursuing a Master of Education in Advanced Teaching. She is a recipient of teaching excellence awards and multiple summa cum laude honors.
Rooted in her faith in Jesus Christ, she leads with integrity and purpose. In her personal time, she enjoys home improvement projects and marathon running—reflecting her commitment to discipline and growth.
Bayo Olushola Omoyiola, Ph.D., MBA, B.Tech
Professor
Dr. Bayo Olushola Omoyiola, a Fellow of the IAP (UK) and IIM Africa, is a Professor at Ebed-Melech University. With over 20 years of experience, he holds a Doctorate in Information Technology (Distinction) from Walden University, USA, an MBA from the University of Sunderland, UK, and degrees in Electronic/Electrical Engineering and Information Technology. Dr. Omoyiola is a highly skilled professional with extensive expertise in technology and business, holding over 22 internationally recognized IT certifications from bodies like ISACA, ISC2, EC-Council, and PMI. He is known for his strong leadership, strategic vision, and ability to connect with diverse stakeholders, including senior management, auditors, and government regulators.
Vassiki Sanogo, Ph.D.
Professor
Dr. Vassiki Sanogo is a globally recognized health economist, data scientist, and educator with extensive experience in real-world evidence, health outcomes research, and data-driven decision-making. He currently serves as an Adjunct Professor at Ebed-Melech University, where he teaches courses in health economics, predictive modeling, and applied data analytics.
Dr. Sanogo holds a Ph.D. in Economics from Université Côte d’Azur, a Master of Science in Data Science from Northcentral University, and completed postdoctoral work in Health Economics at the University of Florida. His professional experience includes impactful roles with Pfizer, Otsuka Pharmaceutical Companies, and US Tech Solutions, where he has applied his expertise in data science to inform healthcare policy and improve clinical outcomes.
As Co-Founder of Integrity Anlytics, Dr. Sanogo develops forecasting models and strategic frameworks that drive efficiency and innovation in both public and private sectors. He has also authored industry insights and contributed to global health forums, specializing in cost-effectiveness analysis, predictive modeling, and real-world data interpretation.
Fluent in multiple languages and known for his strategic thinking, Dr. Sanogo brings a deep commitment to excellence, interdisciplinary collaboration, and equipping students with the tools to lead in a data-driven world. He is also an active volunteer with the American Red Cross and Leon County Public Library, reflecting his commitment to service and community impact.
Brent Tabor, EJD, CPA, MBA, MTAX
Professor
Dr. Brent Tabor, EJD is an Assistant Professor at Ebed-Melech University with a strong background in law, accounting, and management. He holds an Executive Juris Doctor (EJD) with Honors from Purdue Global Law School, an MBA, a Master of Taxation, and a Graduate Certificate in Project Management.With over 20 years of experience as a CPA, Brent excels in strategic planning, financial management, and project leadership. He is known for his ability to negotiate partnerships and drive organizational growth. At Ebed-Melech University, Brent integrates real-world business insights into his teaching, preparing students for careers in business, law, and finance. His commitment to mentorship fosters a learning environment that develops critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Bernadette Washington, M.A.
Assistant Professor
Professor Bernadette Washington is a seasoned educator, coach, and faith-based entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in higher education and personal development. She serves as an Adjunct Professor at Ebed-Melech University, teaching courses in leadership, coaching, and spiritual development.
She is the founder and CEO of Brilliance And Royalty Group, LLC, which includes Destiny Enhancers Ministries International (DEMI), Lifework Professionals Group (LPG), and BernadetteWashington.org. Her work has been recognized in Daughters of a King Magazine for outstanding service and impact.
Professor Washington holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a master’s in Human Resource Development. A licensed minister, she is currently pursuing her Doctor of Education in Leadership and Innovation at Purdue University Global.
Through her Dare To Dream Coaching program, she empowers individuals to overcome fear, clarify their purpose, and thrive through biblically grounded coaching. Her teaching and mentoring reflect a deep commitment to authenticity, faith, and transformation.