Austin McDonald

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.

His experiences as an educator include serving as a middle school reading teacher; he has also served as an administrator at Mercer University (Macon, GA) and Bethune-Cookman University (Daytona Beach, FL). Austin’s research focus is on HBCUs, specifically in the areas of student leadership, organizational development, and healthy student support systems for HBCU students and professionals. Through his research and experiences, Austin has been hired for consulting opportunities with Bethune-Cookman University, South Carolina State University, Alabama State University, Jackson State University, Florida A&M University, and Edward-Waters College. In the near future, Austin aspires to attain a faculty or administrative position at a notable research institution. As for long-term, Austin plans to continue a career in education eventually serving in chief administrative roles on college campuses.