Thomas Preston Brown Jr.

A native of Russellville, Ala., Thomas Brown studied industrial supervision at Indiana State University. After working as a junior engineer at Anaconda Aluminum, he founded his own business, Brown Enterprises, specializing in retail, wholesale and real estate endeavors. From his earliest experiences in a one-room schoolhouse where he cut wood for the classroom stove, Brown has appreciated the combined value of enterprise and education. He understands how running a business can inspire a sense of independence and productivity in the human spirit. Brown recently retired from business after a 40-year career.

Jessie Campbell Brown

A native of Marion, Ala., Jessie Brown, Ed.D., is a retired educator. Specializing in early childhood education, Brown earned a bachelor’s degree from Northern Illinois University, a master’s degree from Indiana State University and a doctorate degree from Indiana University, Bloomington. Prior to joining the Coastal Carolina University education faculty in 1988, Brown was an elementary school teacher and principal. During her years at the University, she served as an early childhood professor, associate dean, and helped found the Community Spring Festival, an annual on-campus educational event for children and families.

Thomas “Preston” Brown III

The son of Thomas and Jessie Brown, Preston Brown is a graduate of Carolina Forest High School and Coastal Carolina University, where he graduated in 2005 with a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies. He received a master’s degree in 2008 in strategic communication and leadership from Seton Hall University and works in Virginia as a district sales manager for Brown Shoe Retail.