After being nominated by an unknown colleague, Debra Woodfork, associate professor of communications, was selected for Ebony Magazine’s “30 Leaders of the Future.” The article appeared in the April 2005 issue and featured 30 individuals under 30 years of age that have demonstrated leadership ability in their lives and careers.

Woodfork was unaware of her nomination until she received a letter from Ebony Magazine that asked for a picture and bio.

“I felt very honored,” Woodfork said. Since having an opportunity to read the article, she is even more grateful for her selection. “I felt very privileged to be with these other great African-Americans who are progressing in their careers,” Woodfork said. A wide range of individuals was chosen for the article, including a 20-year-old millionaire.

Although Woodfork still does not know who nominated her, she is confident that it was someone from Xavier University, where she did her undergraduate work as an art major. She wanted to thank this mystery individual, along with all who have shown support after the article came out. She has received numerous e-mails congratulating her selection. Most have come from colleagues, but some have had unusual origins.

Some e-mails have come from around the country, inquiring about a possible relation. She has also received fan mail from the incarcerated community. Most of these letters sought more information about her, but Woodfork spoke of one from a young man seeking encouragement in his situation.

After receiving her art degree from Xavier and her master’s degree from Savannah College of Art and Design, Woodfork came home to New Orleans in the summer of 2001 to work at Loyola.She now teaches Layout and Design and is manager of the Donnelley Center, which allows students to help nonprofit organizations with advertising and promotions. She also assists the ad team, which will be competing at the national level in June, as a creative adviser.

Chris Liuzza can be reached at [email protected].