Join CoopLew and Diverse: Issues In Higher Education for Part II of a national conversation about three big diversity-related questions in higher education resulting in the onset of COVID-19. The COVID-19 Pandemic has drastically and perhaps permanently changed the way higher education delivers instruction. This change will impact faculty, students, staff, and administrators. In this live conversation, higher education experts will provide answers to questions that affect issues like access, accessibility, and possibilities for the future. Our first conversation was so successful that we added a second session.
Dr. Sean L. Huddleston began his presidency as Martin University’s 5th president on March 25, 2019. Dr. Huddleston’s entire career in higher education has been focused on leading institutional efforts that create conditions of success for nontraditional students and those who have been historically underrepresented and underserved. Prior to joining Martin University, Dr. Huddleston served as the inaugural Vice President and Chief Equity & Inclusion Officer for the University of Indianapolis. In this role, Dr. Huddleston led system-wide efforts that enhanced institutional excellence through the design, implementation, and assessment of institutional diversity, inclusion, and equity initiatives.
Dr. Huddleston held similar roles at Framingham State University and Grand Valley State University and has taught various courses at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.
Dr. Huddleston's educational experiences have focused on non-traditional, adult learners in higher education. As a returning adult student, he earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree (B.A.) fromSiena Heights University. He later earned a Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree in Adult and Higher Education and an Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) in Leadership degree from Grand Valley University. Dr. Huddleston completed his doctorate in Community College Leadership at Ferris State University. Dr. Huddleston has also received professional certifications from Cornell University and Dartmouth College.
Dr. William T. Lewis, nationally recognized diversity and inclusion thought leader, entrepreneur and executive coach is co-founder of CoopLew, www.cooplew.com, a company dedicated to providing executive development and training to chief diversity officers. Lewis has authored several articles, most notably, he was one of three co-authors of the historic Standards ofProfessional Practice for the Chief Diversity Officers, published by the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education (NADOHE).
His thought leadership has appeared in regionally and nationally recognized media outlets such as New England Public Radio, FAST COMPANY, and INSIGHT Into Diversity. Throughout his career Lewis has provided administrative leadership for diversity and inclusion initiatives. He has been an advisor and consultant to university presidents, and corporate executives.
Lewis is a former Chief Diversity Officer, he has led diversity and inclusion efforts at three highly acclaimed colleges and universities-- Indiana University, Bridgewater State University and Virginia Tech University. Currently, Lewis is the Special Consultant to the President for Belonging, Equity and Inclusion at and Forsyth Technical Community College.
He has dedicated his entire professional to living the spirit of his social work background by “providing a voice for the voiceless and creating inclusive spaces for each person to reach their full potential.”
Dr. Lewis earned a doctoral degree from Indiana University, and a master’s degree and a bachelor’s degree from Indiana University Purdue University. Lewis proudly and honorably served his country for 8 years while in the United States Marine Corps Reserves.