Millennium Magazine_2ndEd

488 MILLENNIUM-SECOND EDITION L eo Joseph Polk’s early exposure to musical legends Ray Charles, B.B. King, Bobby Bland, Buddy Ace and Texas Johnny Brown set the stage for what would be his life’s work as a jazz musician. While accompanying his mother, a seasoned gospel singer, to sessions at the legendary Duke/Peacock Records studio, Mr. Polk knew he would eventually share his gift with the world. With a voice akin to those of Louis Armstrong and Luther Vandross, this father of two has been performing and serving as the lead vocalist for five bands for weddings, bar mitzvahs and quinceañeras for 26 years at the helm of Polk Entertainment. Mr. Polk is also the band leader for the Polk Street Jazz Band, whose current single, “I Got the Blues Tonight in New Orleans,” was released in 2016. In his five decades of performing for and entertaining others, Mr. Polk is proud to have met four living U.S. presidents, including Barack Obama, performed at LeToya Luckett’s birthday party, and played in the backup bands for Patrice Rushen and Stevie Wonder. Looking ahead, he hopes to tour Canada and record a second Christmas album. OWNER, BAND LEADER Polk Entertainment Houston, TX LEO JOSEPH POLK U tilizing four decades of experience, Dr. Patricia L. Pike has enjoyed a successful career in psychology education and academic administration. Currently a professor in the Rosemead School of Psychology and the associate provost at Biola University since 2008 and 2013, respectively, she formerly served the institution as a vice provost, dean of the Rosemead School, and an associate professor and assistant professor. She was also a staff psychologist at the Biola Counseling Center for over 20 years. She commenced her career as a lecturer at the University of Hawaii. Dr. Pike holds a BA, MA and PhD in psychology from the University of Hawaii at Honolulu. After gaining valuable experience in the field, she attended the California School of Professional Psychology, where she completed postgraduate coursework. A licensed psychologist in the state of California, she was the editor of the Journal of Psychology and Theology for over a decade and has contributed articles to peer- reviewed journals. Having become involved in her profession to assist in children’s growth within an ever-changing world, Dr. Pike intends to continue mentoring in the future. ASSOCIATE PROVOST Biola University La Mirada, CA PATRICIA L. PIKE, PHD