Team Members

Dr. Travis C. Smith

Founder

Dr. Travis C. Smith (Dr. Tee) earned a Ph.D in Educational Leadership in Higher Education at Clemson University. As a critical scholar, he chooses to focus on inquiry, practice, and pedagogy that helps disrupt oppressive systems in order to support racially minoritized students.

Jesse Ford Ph.D

Research Partner

My research foci center the voices and experiences students and faculty of color on college campuses. More specifically, my program of scholarship is focused on race, oppressive environments, and historical influences on the educational landscape for people of color.

Austin McDonald

Research Partner

Austin McDonald is a doctoral candidate and soon to be graduate of Clemson University in Clemson, South Carolina. Born and raised in Huntsville, AL, Austin is a proud HBCU graduate of Stillman College (Tuscaloosa, AL) where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in English (Secondary Education) in 2013.

Ashley Isreal Ph.D

Research Partner

Dr. Ashley L. Isreal is the Interim Special Assistant to the Vice President for Student Affairs at Winthrop University. Reporting directly to the Vice President, Dr. Isreal serves as one of the key members of the Division for Student Affairs.

Dion T. Harry

Research Partner

Dion is a doctoral student at North Carolina State University, pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy in the Higher Education Opportunity, Equity, and Justice concentration of their Educational Leadership, Policy, and Human Development program.

Keneisha Harrington

Research Partner

Keneisha L. Harrington is an advanced qualitative researcher and Assistant Professor at Kennesaw State University. She received her Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from Clemson University.

Cherese Fine Ph.D

Research Partner

Dr. Cherese F. Fine is a scholar and educator whose career is dedicated to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion. She has developed and coordinated several programs centered on college access and readiness, retention, and success among students of color.

Byron M. Lowens Ph.D

Research Partner

Byron Lowens is a research scientist in the School of Information at the University of Michigan. His research uses a mixed-methods approach while utilizing a combination of computer science, design, and psychology to evaluate the cooperative relationship between humans and computational technologies.