ΒιΆΉΣ³»­

Baccalaureate Speaker

Dr. Michaela O’Neal Farmer

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Dr. Michaela O’Neal Farmer, β€˜96 headshot

Dr. Michaela O’Neal Farmer (affectionately known as β€œShayla”), an esteemed alumna of ΒιΆΉΣ³»­, accomplished her Bachelor of Arts in History in 1996. From introducing the Former First Lady of the United States, Barbara Bush, as a 17-year-old, to delivering highly inspirational and engaging messages to congregations and corporate audiences for over 20 years, Dr. Farmer demonstrates her ability to leverage her God-given talents and gifts regardless of the audience.

While a student at ΒιΆΉΣ³»­, she held various positions, including Freshman Class President, Choir Director for the R.W. Johnson Gospel Choir, and ΒιΆΉΣ³»­ Concert Choir member. Additionally, she joined the Gamma Lambda Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (FL ’93) and was crowned Miss ΒιΆΉΣ³»­ ’95-β€˜96.

Her post-ΒιΆΉΣ³»­ journey began in Kaiserslautern, Germany where she started her professional career as a Field Representative for the University of Maryland Global Campus Europe (formerly UM in Europe) and later with the Department of Defense. These roles not only gave Dr. Farmer a global perspective that she would use throughout her career, but they also laid the foundation for subsequent transitions to government and corporate Human Resources positions upon returning to the USA after spending six years abroad.

Dr. Farmer has honed her HR expertise while holding key roles in renowned companies, including MTI, Inc (now BAE Systems), Northrop Grumman, Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, the primary Department of Energy contractor responsible for producing and protecting our nation’s nuclear material, Textron Corporation, and currently, Kimberly-Clark Corporation, where she serves as the Plant Strategic HR Leader charged with creating a high-performance culture.Μύ

In addition to her secular career, Dr. Farmer has dedicated much of her life to serving in the ministry. She received her call to the ministry during her first year at ΒιΆΉΣ³»­ and spent 22 years working closely with ministry leadership, touching the lives of many through her compassion, guidance, and spiritual support.

She holds a Master of Public Administration from Bowie State University and a Doctorate in Christian Humanities (Honoris Causa) from the School of the Great Commission Theological Seminary. Dr. Farmer is a Certified Leadership Coach and Consultant focusing on β€œIntentional Leadership,” owner of Pinpoint Consulting, and the author ofΜύβ€œWhen the Church Preys: Finding the Courage to Walk Away & Trust Again.”ΜύAdditionally, she is a national member of the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.Μύ

A native of Fort Washington, Maryland, Dr. Farmer is married to her husband, Terrance, and they are the parents of two young adult sons, Kameron, and Jaden.