Terris is a native of New Orleans. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from Texas A&M University and an MBA from Saint Martin’s University in Lacey, Washington. Terris is an Army Veteran and an advocate for Veterans Rights. In the private sector, he worked for a Big Four Consulting Firm and two Healthcare Group Purchasing Organizations in New York specializing in Finance and Supply Chain.

Terris is the proud father of two young adults, a son and a daughter. He and his son are members of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated. Terris served two terms as President of the Pi Omicron Chapter. He teaches Africana History and Philosophy for the Kevin Carreathers Leadership Institute, a College Scholarship and Mentorship Program established by Pi Omicron Alumni to champion African American Students at Texas A&M. Terris is also developing an “Early Graduate School Preparation Program” for High School students in underserved communities.

Terris’ research interests include Ancient Kemetic (Egyptian) Philosophy, Ancient Kemetic Spiritual Texts (Pyramid Texts, Coffin Texts, & The Book of Coming Forth by Day), and Africana Conceptualizations of the Soul. In his first semester as a PhD Student, Terris was selected by Temple’s Office of Community Engagement to teach a Pan-African Studies Community Education Program (PASCEP) Course.