Alumni Spotlight: An Oxford family’s roots run deep

It all started when three siblings chose Oxford College in the 90s. Akin Tuboku-Metzger 96Ox 98B was first to attend, followed by sister Frances (Tuboku-Metzger) Smith 98Ox 00C, and later by their youngest sister Jennifer (Tuboku-Metzger) Blakely 99Ox 01C 03PH. New families were formed when Jennifer married Michael “M.J.” Blakely Jr. 00Ox 02C, and Akin married Tamu Tuboku-Metzger 98B. Though their careers have taken different paths in law, education, real estate, and banking within the public and private sectors, their roots continue to run Oxford-Emory deep.

A New Beginning

The Tuboku-Metzger siblings were inspired by the example of their parents who instilled in them a strong work ethic and value for education. Their father, Dr. Albert Tuboku-Metzger 84M was a former associate professor in the Department of Pediatrics who was actively involved in the education of Emory medical students. Fran recalls, “My brother Akin attended Oxford first and spoke so highly of it that I knew it had to be one of my top choices.”

M.J. found Oxford College while visiting the Atlanta campus. When he heard there was a smaller campus with a close-knit community of diverse students, he decided he needed to learn more. “Even though I didn’t know anyone at Oxford when I first visited, I immediately felt welcomed, and I was confident that Oxford College was the right place for me to start my college career.”

For all, fond campus recollections and connections are plentiful.

“I have so many wonderful memories of Oxford. I met my best friend, Sherita Starks 98Ox 00C, there who, funnily enough, was chosen as my freshman roommate by my brother Akin,” says Fran. “She happened to be visiting campus when my brother struck up a conversation with her and immediately decided, ‘I know who your roommate should be. My sister Fran.’”

Akin expressed deep appreciation for Oxford, crediting the institution for taking a chance on him as a late bloomer in high school. Oxford encouraged him to enroll in summer courses at Emory before beginning his first year, which helped prepare him for the rigorous course load at Oxford. The supportive, small-campus environment allowed him to flourish academically. He thrived in leadership roles and developed the confidence that shaped his future success. For Akin, the education and experiences gained at Oxford served as a powerful springboard for the rest of his life.

Jennifer met M.J. when he was moving into his dorm on Oxford’s campus in 1998. They participated in Oxford’s Dance Company together and got to know each other better through the Delta Psi Epsilon social service organization. Jennifer still treasures those memories of getting to know MJ and spending time with new friends.

Career growth for all stemmed from core lessons instilled at Oxford College and Emory University. M.J. has served and Jennifer currently serves on the Oxford College Alumni Board. This extended family group worked on Oxford reunion committees, and Jennifer returned to campus to inspire students about the career of an attorney. In addition, they have hosted Dinner with Twelve Strangers and other events.

Where Are They Now?

Jennifer, who is Chick-Fil-A’s Senior Director of Legal-Litigation, also volunteers within the community and is a Sunday School teacher at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. M.J. left a partnership at a prominent complex litigation law firm to found The Blakely Firm, where he continues to litigate complex personal injury, wrongful death, class action, and mass tort cases. He has enjoyed serving his community as a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and 100 Black Men of Atlanta.

As an educator at the Charles R. Drew Charter School, Fran has supported student growth through education and opportunity for the past 22 years. At Truist, Akin serves as the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for technology, operations, and corporate functions. In addition, he serves as a board member for Sheltering Arms Early Education and Family Centers. His wife Tamu is a real estate broker for Tamkin Property Management.

Senior Director of Advancement and Alumni Engagement Tammy Morton Camfield 89Ox 91C has been a long-time supporter and friend of the family. “It makes me deeply proud to realize just how many lives have been enriched by this Oxford family’s outreach on campus and in our communities,” Camfield says. “As engaged alumni, the story continues with their connections to our next and future generations of Oxford students.”

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