Wheaton College Alumni Association Board of Directors

Barbara Bates Alexander ’77, Annandale, Virginia

Barbara is a Senior Advisor of Homeland Security and Intelligence at General Dynamics Information Technology, one of the world’s foremost defense and intelligence government contractors. She lives in Annandale, Virginia, and is married to Jim ’76. As a student, Barbara majored in political science, sang in the Concert Choir, and worked as a student assistant. She served on the Wheaton College Leadership Council from 2014 to 2017 with other alumni leaders who advised the College on better preparing students for work life after graduation. Barbara enjoys singing in church choirs, a symphonic masterworks chorale, and as a soloist; reading (especially military history and books on leadership); and watching Washington Capitals hockey. The Alexanders have two children, Scott (Amanda) and Ian (Elena), and two grandchildren.

Mary Ashley Miller ’69, Wheaton, Illinois

Before her retirement, Mary was a language teacher (German, English, Spanish) and also taught grades 3-4 at a missionary boarding school in the Congo for two years. She received her master’s in computers in education from National Louis University. While at Wheaton, Mary was involved in urban tutoring at the Elm LaSalle Church (Chicago) and the Concert Band. She and her husband, Marr, have two children: Jed ’03 (Lindsay Vowels Miller ’03) and Nate (Crystal Molenhouse Miller ’05), and six grandchildren. In her spare time, Mary likes to read, go on walks with Marr, and travel.

Leigh Naraine Pylman ’08, Chicago, Illinois

Leigh received her master’s in public policy from the University of Chicago’s Harris School of Public Policy Studies in 2011 and subsequently worked in the consulting field for six years. She served as a deacon at Lincoln Square Presbyterian Church and often volunteers at the Lincoln Square Friendship Center. Leigh is currently a stay-at-home-parent and a licensed foster parent in Illinois. While at Wheaton, she participated in intramural crew and the Wheaton in the Holy Lands summer program, served as the class secretary in 2005-06, and was the India Culture Club’s secretary. In her free time she likes to read, play tennis, bike along the lakefront, and explore the Chicago restaurant scene. Leigh and her husband, Daniel ’06, currently live in Chicago with their two young children, Mary and Anne.

Manette Galván Turner ’92, M.A. ’98, Wheaton, Illinois

Manette received her undergraduate degree from Wheaton in 1992, a master’s in clinical psychology in 1998, and has since served as a therapist and group lab leader for the Wheaton College Graduate School’s Clinical and Mental Health Counseling program. She is currently a bilingual psychotherapist and Registered Play Therapist supervisor at Maudlin & Associates. She serves as a small group leader for the youth group at Wheaton Bible Church and is also a board member at the Amable Foundation. While at Wheaton, she served on the Christian Service Council, was a drill team member, and tutored elementary school children in Chicago. Manette and her husband, Scott, have three children: Simeon, Milcah, and Levi. In her spare time, she enjoys exercising, reading, and spending time with her children.

Jim Wilkes ’79, Oak Park, Illinois

After graduating from Wheaton, Jim received his master’s in theology from Fuller Theological Seminary and a master’s in social work from the University of Chicago. Jim is the principal of Cornerstone Academy in Chicago and also serves as a lay catechist and church council member at Cornerstone Anglican Church. While at Wheaton, he served in youth ministries at the Church of the Open Road on Jewell Road. During his spare time, he enjoys playing the guitar, mandolin, and piano; swimming; and participating in a book club, where he enjoys reading literature and theology. He and his wife, Cheryl, have three adult children: Katie, Lauren ’18, and Emily.

Jerard Woods ’12, Bolingbrook, Illinois

Jerard lives in Bolingbrook, Illinois, with his wife, Kaitana Allen Woods ’12, and is a Compliance Officer at Brookstone Capital Management, LLC. He also plays piano professionally and serves as the Youth Minister and Musical Director at Christian Heritage Training Center in Chicago. While a student at Wheaton, he was active in a variety of extracurricular activities, including Gospel Choir, Phonathon, Chapel Band, the William Osbourne Society, the B.R.I.D.G.E. program, and playing on intramural basketball and softball teams. In his spare time, Jerard enjoys spending time with his family, immersing himself in music, exercising, and watching and participating in sports.

Current Board Members