The Team

African University Foundation

William Agbor Baiyee, PhD,Chairman and Founder

Dr. William Agbor Baiyee emigrated from Cameroon to the United States after high school. He is an academic administrator at Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis. Faith and philanthropy are important to him. He enjoys reading and writing poetry. Dr. Baiyee is involved with several local and national civic and professional organizations including membership in the Rotary Club of Indianapolis.

 

David Williams Russell, Esq., Vice Chairman
David is a transactions and securities lawyer handling complex matters (including dispute resolution) in the U.S. and abroad at Harrison and Moberly. David also serves on the advisory board of the Supply Chain & Global Management Academy of the Kelley M.B.A. program at Indiana University, and holds a federal appointment as Chairman of the Indiana District Export Counsel.

Fun Fact: David is a published poet.

Cathy Davis, Treasurer

Cathy Davis is a Staff Accountant at the Central Indiana Community Foundation. Cathy also serves on the Board of Directors of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women Board of Directors and is actively involved with several civic organizations. Cathy sees African University as an excellent opportunity to provide students in Africa an opportunity to acquire an integrated experiential education to become leaders.

Schmidt Associates Team

Wayne Schmidt, Hon. D., FAIA

On July 4, 1976, Wayne celebrated his own “Independence Day” by opening a one-man architectural office. Armed with his undergraduate degree and $800 in savings, he launched into the world of business. Today, he serves as CEO/Principal of that firm—now one of the largest full-service architectural/engineering firms in the state. He is a member of the Rotary Club of Indianapolis.

Fun Fact: Known for his red hat and distinctive ties

Sarah Hempstead, AIA, LEED AP

Although Sarah considered engineering in college, the creativity of architecture was a stronger draw. As a Principal and architect, she leads both the university and urban environment studios. Whether it’s on a college campus or in a downtown setting, she recognizes that architecture makes a strong impact, presenting the opportunity to enrich people’s lives. She is a member of the Rotary Club of Indianapolis.

Fun Fact: Backpacked from Egypt to Ireland in 1997

Corrie Meyer, AICP, RLA, LEED AP

As an Urban Planner and Landscape Architect, Corrie enjoys working with motivated communities to turn their world around physically, economically, and emotionally. She believes that planning is a tool that successfully leads us into the future. The key is to plan for necessity, comfort, and the environment.

Fun Fact: Climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Africa in 2005

Martin Sams, LEEP AP

Milwaukee, WI is where Martin's love for architecture was fueled by living a mile from Santiago Calatrava’s iconic art museum pavilion. Seeing how forms from nature can be incorporated into the built environment has greatly influenced the way Martin approaches design.

Fun Facts: Enjoys reading and ancient Roman and Greek literature. Also, he thinks the word ‘waffle’ is the most fun to say.