Dr. Belinda Starkey and William McDonald
May 22, 2026
Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, Tennessee, recently elected alumna Belinda Starkey, OD and William McDonald to its Board of Trustees. Both bring an abundance of knowledge in organizational management and oversight to the college, ensuring it remains a top educational institution for current and future students, as well as community members receiving care at its associated clinics.
“Throughout their careers, Dr. Starkey and William have demonstrated a strong commitment to institutional advancement and high-quality leadership, making them perfect additions to SCO’s board,” said Lewis Reich, OD, president of SCO. “With their guidance, we look forward to the ways we’ll continue to advance our school’s reputation, educational standards and community involvement.”
ABOUT THE NEW MEMBERS
Starkey is a partner at Parenti-Morris Eyecare in Rogers, Arkansas, where she has practiced since 2017. She is a diplomate of the American Board of Optometry and a past president of the Arkansas Optometric Association and Optometry Cares – The AOA Foundation. Additionally, she’s a former member of the American Optometric Association Board of Trustees. Among several other honors and recognitions, she received the AOA Optometrist of the Year award in 2021. Starkey earned her Doctor of Optometry degree from SCO in 2004.
McDonald, a native Memphian, is the senior regional vice president of Pacific Life, overseeing operations in West Tennessee, North Mississippi and Arkansas. He has a longstanding career in financial services, having previously held roles at Morgan Keegan, ING and AIG. McDonald was awarded Pacific Life’s #1 Wholesaler of the Year in 2024. He is also repeatedly noted as a “Leader of the Pac,” which recognizes the top 10% producers within his organization. McDonald is a graduate of the University of Mississippi.
Starkey and McDonald join 13 other trustees, who oversee the management of SCO. Together, the board continues to maintain the college’s excellence in the fields of optometric education and care.
