Dr. David Weems Sr.

Dr. David B. Whaley-Weems Sr. embodies the SHLB Coalition's "to and through" broadband vision as Technology Director for Pecos-Barstow-Toyah Independent School District, where he leverages anchor institution connectivity to serve one of Texas's most underserved rural regions. With a PhD in Rhetoric and Communication Informational Design from Clemson University, he brings unique expertise bridging technical infrastructure and digital equity policy advocacy. His district serves over 2,900 students across multiple counties, with 90% minority enrollment and 57% economically disadvantaged - precisely the communities SHLB champions. Drawing from his petroleum engineering background with companies like Halliburton, he applies strategic technical thinking to maximize federal broadband funding opportunities including E-rate and BEAD programs. As a technology educator/petroleum engineer with over 20 years of adjunct experience at Odessa College, he understands both K-12 and higher education connectivity challenges. His work demonstrates how rural anchor institutions can become catalysts for community-wide digital equity, making him a compelling voice on transforming federal policy into real-world solutions that close the digital divide one anchor institution at a time.