Jere’l D. Hough
Executive Director and Founder
jerel.hough@stateofsuccess.org
Jere’l Hough currently serves as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy JAG Corps. Jere’l Hough is a native of Union County; born and bred in Monroe, North Carolina.
After graduating from Monroe High School, Jere’l attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Jere’l graduated from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2009 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and a Minor in Religious Studies. If you ask him, Jere’l will tell you that it is always, “A good day to be a Tar Heel.”
Jere’l graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill in 2009 and spent a year as a substitute teacher in the Union County public school system. In 2010, Jere’l went on to pursue his law degree at The North Carolina Central University School of Law.
Jere’l graduated from NCCU-School of Law in 2013 and went on to work as An Assistant District Attorney in the Union County District Attorney’s Office. Jere’l thoroughly enjoyed his work as an Assistant District Attorney. Jere’l became an Assistant District Attorney out of the love for his hometown and community. He strongly believes in always standing on the right side of justice and constantly strives to make his community a safer place for the citizens of Union County.
Jere’l is the Executive Director and Founder of State of Success, Inc. State of Success focuses on providing the youth with the necessary tools to achieve success. State of Success strives to unlock the potential in young students allowing them to achieve at a level higher than they could have envisioned. In 2016 State of Success was featured on WBTV’s “Morning Break.” To date, State of Success has serviced over 1,000 elementary and high school students.
Taylor Trull, MA, LCMHCA, NCC
Administrative Coordinator
taylor.watkins@stateofsuccess.org
Taylor moved to Monroe, NC in 2013 and quickly made it her home. She is currently a licensed clinical mental health therapist associate for children. She is a supervisor for a team of qualified professionals who assist her in meeting all client’s needs to the best of their abilities by providing psycho-education, interventions and education for the child and the child’s family. Taylor prides herself on creating a safe and inviting environment for client’s and strangers alike.
Taylor received her Master’s of Arts in Counseling from Wake Forest University in 2020 and has pursued further education by participating in continuing education, trainings and certification programs. Taylor enjoys dedicating her free time to giving back to her community and volunteering.
Dr. Portia Newman
Education Director
portia.newman@stateofsuccess.org
Dr. Portia Newman is a native of Wilson, NC and proud to represent Eastern North Carolina. Having lived and worked in many states, being from the 252 is special. Portia has 12+ years of experience and is a life-long learner and believes in the power of education.
As the Founder & Education Consultant of PN Consulting, Portia is committed to addressing issues of diversity, equity, inclusion, and opportunity through a racial equity lens. Portia focuses on both people and impact as the Associate Partner at a healthcare advisory firm. Professionally she merges her experience as an educator, technology leader and now healthcare consultant to facilitate change within ourselves, our professional spaces and for our kids.
Portia earned her BA in Education from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, before earning her M.Ed in Instructional Leadership and Education Policy from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Dr. Portia earned her Ph.D. in Educational Leadership, Policy, and Justice from Virginia Commonwealth University with honors. Portia also serves as the Student of Success Scholarship Committee Chair.