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Leadership, Professional Development & Awards

I am deeply committed to fostering environments where everyone feels valued and respected. Through my various projects and initiatives, I strive to create meaningful connections and dialogues that celebrate our differences and encourage mutual understanding.


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2022-Present


  • Special Advisor on Belonging, Dean of College of Arts & Sciences, UT Tyler, 2023-

  • Member, Council on Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI), UT Tyler, 2022

  • Member, Archer Fellowship Program Selection Advisory Committee, UT Tyler, 2022-


  • National Conference on Diversity, Race & Learning, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 2024

  • ACUE Course in Effective Teaching Practices, The Association of College and University Educators and the American Council on Education, 2023

  • Microcredential Innovator Course, The University of Texas System, 2022



2020-2021



As part of my commitment to promoting a welcoming and inclusive environment on campus, I took on the role of chairing a newly formed committee within the UT Tyler athletics department. Our goal was to educate student-athletes, coaches, and staff on the importance of understanding and respecting differences among members of our community. To this end, we organized the impactful Social Justice & Equity Awareness Week, which aimed to raise awareness about timely and relevant issues. As part of this initiative, I created a comprehensive glossary of terms to facilitate more meaningful conversations and understanding among members of our community. Throughout the week, we organized a range of engaging and informative activities, including panel discussions featuring students and coaches, which were very well received by participants. The contributions of student-athlete leadership were particularly notable, as they played an integral role in facilitating these activities and helping to create a sense of belonging for all members of our community. Through these efforts, we have made significant progress towards creating a more welcoming and inclusive environment on campus. I am proud to have played a pivotal role in this ongoing journey towards greater understanding and mutual respect among members of our community.



  • QPR Suicide Prevention Training, 2021

  • The Mis-Education of Intersectionality: Understanding Power, Oppression, and Identity, University of Texas at Tyler, 2021

  • “Race & Ethnicity and Higher Education in America.” The American Democracy Project at Stephen F. Austin State University, 2018


  • Member, UT Tyler President’s Taskforce on Diversity & Inclusion, 2021

  • Chair, Patriot Athletics Committee on Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion, 2020-2021


2018-2019



  • Prestige Impact Award, UT Tyler College of Arts and Sciences, 2019

  • New Faculty Grant, The University of Texas at Tyler Office of Research and Scholarship, 2019


2016-2017



  • Panelist, Office of Graduate Studies’ Colleagues to Campus Forum, 2016

  • Panelist, Office of Graduate Studies’ ACE Fellows Forum, 2016


  • “Expanding the Borders of Protest: How Collaboration Informs Graduate Student Research.” Annual Meeting of the Black Doctoral Network, Atlanta, GA, 2016


2014-2015


  • President, Graduate Student Association, 2014-2016

  • Inductee, The Rollins Society, MU Graduate Professional Council, 2015

  • Co-founder, MU Policy Now, 2015

  • Co-founder, The Forum on Graduate Rights, 2015

  • Member, Chancellor’s Graduate Student Experience Task Force, 2015

  • Organizer, Artists for Justice Event in Peace Park, 2014

  • Representative, Graduate Professional Council, 2014

  • Representative, Graduate Student Association, 2014


  • “Dichotomized Paths of Black Political Efficacy: The Radical and The Respectable.” Black Studies Conference, University of Missouri, 2015

  • RESPOND: Partnering for Campus Mental Health, MU Counseling Center, University of Missouri, 2015


  • Dean L. Yarwood Scholarship for Excellence in American Policy Research, Department of Political Science, 2015

  • Travel Grant, Department of Political Science, University of Missouri, 2015

  • The Bryan L. Forbis Scholarship, Department of Political Science, 2014


2013-Earlier


  • Faith & Focus: Findings Report, Women’s Center of Rhode Island,2011


  • Panelist, McNair Scholars University Visit, 2013-2016

  • Facilitator, Men’s Leadership and Activities Network, 2013-2014

  • Representative, Mizzou Adventures in Education, 2013-2014

  • Facilitator, Men’s Leadership and Activities Network, 2013-2014

  • Treasurer, Association of Black Graduate and Professional Students, 2013

  • Facilitator, Young Men’s Work Curriculum Facilitator’s Training, 2011-2012

  • Mentor, WSU Visions Mentoring Program, Wright State University, Dayton, OH, 2008

  • Mentor, Cincinnati Youth Collaborative, Cincinnati, OH, 2008-2009

  • Tutor, PLS 336 “Images of the Black Male”, Dayton, Ohio, 2007


  • Green Dot Conference, Relationship and Sexual Violence Prevention (RSVP), University of Missouri, 2012

  • GLSEN Northeast Ohio Training of Trainers, Cleveland, OH, 2012


  • Men’s Initiative Coordinator, AmeriCorps VISTA/Women’s Center of Rhode Island/DELTA, Providence, RI, 2010-2011


In my role as Men’s Initiative Coordinator, I was responsible for spearheading efforts to engage men in the conversation and prevention of domestic violence within the greater Providence area. I authored a comprehensive needs assessment for the Men's Initiative and conducted a community-based survey to gauge men's perspectives on domestic violence issues. Additionally, I led 20 hours of facilitator training for the Young Men's Work Curriculum, empowering adult men to mentor and educate young men on healthy relationships and domestic violence prevention.


I organized and conducted 15 focus groups, termed “Faith & Focus,” with men from various faith communities across Rhode Island to gather insights and foster dialogue on domestic violence. Using the empirical data collected from these focus groups, I compiled and authored a resource guide for local domestic violence agencies.


Furthermore, I instructed “Passports to Manhood,” a 10-week course designed for disadvantaged high school students, focusing on character development and positive male role models. I also facilitated primary prevention educational workshops for local schools and community organizations, promoting awareness and proactive strategies to combat domestic violence. Through these initiatives, I effectively engaged and educated men in the community, fostering a collaborative approach to addressing and preventing domestic violence.


  • Civil Rights and Social Action, Domestic Violence & Child Advocacy Center, 2012

  • Best Practices with Muslim Communities, Healthy Family Initiatives, 2011

  • Making Change: Community Organizing 101, Elizabeth Buffman Chase Center, 2011

  • Young Men’s Work Curriculum Facilitator’s Training, Women’s Center of Rhode Island, 2011

  • A Call to Men Conference, A Call to Men, 2011

  • Advancing a Critical Analysis: Incorporating Consciousness in Prevention Efforts, Prevent Connect, 2011

  • DELTA State Steering Committee, Providence, RI, 2010

  • Teen Dating Violence Awareness Campaign Advisory Committee, Warwick, RI, 2011

  • Domestic Violence Awareness Month Public Awareness Group, Warwick, RI, 2010

  • Greater Cincinnati Gay & Lesbian Community Center, Cincinnati, OH, 2009- 2010

  • Cincinnati Youth Collaborative, Cincinnati, OH, 2008-2009


  • Segal Education Award, AmeriCorps VISTA, 2012

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