Remembering Dr. Shikana Temille Porter

“I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: Marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well.” (Psalms 139:14 NKJV)

Dr. Shikana Temille Porter was born July 4, 1958 in Muskogee, Oklahoma and was the only daughter of Charles and Mazree (Walker) Porter. She attended and graduated from John Muir High School in Pasadena (class of 1976) and went on to receive her Bachelor’s degree at San Diego State University (class of 1980). Temille followed in the footsteps of her mother and became an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority on May 28, 1978. Furthering her education, she received her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology (CSPP)/Alliant University in 1986. She served as a private practice Licensed Clinical Psychologist in Southern California at Positive Action Counseling Services (PACSC) in 1989, and was a proud member of the Association of Black Psychologists (ABPsi) for many years, having presented at numerous ABPsi conferences throughout the years. Of her many scholastic achievements, she taught and held supervisory positions at the university level including San Diego State University, where she was a Director of Disability Services & Programs, the University of Southern California (USC) and also at California State University at Stanislaus.

She also held the position of the Director of Psychology Training at St John’s, in Santa Monica, then at Whittier College in Southern California. Temille most recently worked for seven years as Manager of Health, Wellness & Counseling at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. While teaching there, Dr. Porter made history by implementing the first observance in the United States of Nakumbuka Day, The Day of Remembrance of the African Holocaust, in conjunction with the Pan African Associations of America. In addition to teaching, Dr. Porter served in many management positions in higher education as well. In each and every position, Temille was held in high professional and personal esteem. She had a significant impact on the lives of thousands of students, faculty and staff around the globe.

Temille lived her life full of adventure, excitement and spiritual gratitude. During her early days, she was invited to perform as a dancer on the infamous Don Cornelius’ Soul Train and later was a performing member of San Diego State University Danny Scarborough’s Black Repertory Total Theatrical Experience ….Temille, created her blog Spoetry in Motion where she shared her beautiful and inspiring words as well as images, many of which were taken at the Red Sea, a wonderful natural refuge she found to be awe-inspiring and healing. Temille also used her talent to facilitate many workshops for inter-faith audiences, with a special focus on women and girls. Temille was a wonderful friend, full of genuine regard for others and had infinite compassion. She will certainly be remembered for her beautiful smile and those delightful dimples! Neither will we be able to forget how much she gave of her Christian spirit to all with whom she came in contact. In 2007 Dr. Porter joined the City of Refuge Ministries under the leadership of Bishop Noel Jones. She was one of the founding members of “sisters in the spirit” and while overseas stayed connected to the City of Refuge Via the Internet and received the word through Beth Moore’s “Believing God” Bible study.

Temille came to the end of life’s journey on May 8, 2015. She is survived by two brothers Tuck and Charles Jr.; two nieces Angela Michelle Porter Diaz and Simone Elise Porter; one great nephew, Evan Noah Jackson, many relatives and a multitude of friends and acquaintances.