The Peayple's Speakers
The Peayple's Dialogue brings together diverse voices to engage the Austin Peay community
in meaningful conversations on pressing topics. Our speakers promote free expression,
civil dialogue, and mutual understanding, creating brave spaces for active learning
and innovative discussions. Through their expertise and insights, these thought leaders
contribute to an inclusive environment where ideas are explored openly, fostering
intellectual growth and unity across our campus. Discover the speakers driving our
mission to engage in critical conversations that matter.
So Now What? Belongingness Post-Election
Date: Wednesday, November 13, 2024
Time: 3:00 p.m.
Location: MUC Ballroom
The results of a national election can leave communities feeling divided, hopeful,
or uncertain about the future. In the aftermath, exploring how these outcomes impact
our sense of belonging—within our nation, our communities, and our campus is critical..
Dr. Terrell Strayhorn is a leading authority in the fields of education, psychology,
and leadership, internationally-known for his ground-breaking research and scholarship
on sense of belonging. He has authored over 12 books and more than 200 academic publications
in highly-regarded peer-reviewed journals and volumes, plus dozens of widely-circulated
op-Eds, letters, and blogs. He is a contributing writer for Entrepreneur, AllBusiness,
Thrive Global, and leads the “Belonging Matters” blog for Psychology Today.
Strayhorn currently serves as Professor of Education and Psychology at Virginia Union
University, where he also works as Vice Provost, Interim Dean of the School of Arts
and Sciences, Director of Research in the Center for the Study of Historically Black
Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Principal Investigator of The Belonging Lab.
He teaches courses, designs curricula, and/or supervises doctoral committees at several
universities across the globe. A leading DEI expert with subject matter expertise
in Lean Six Sigma (black belt) and strategic planning, Strayhorn earned a bachelors
degree from the University of Virginia (UVA), masters in education from UVA, masters
in psychology from Indiana Tech, and doctorate (PhD) from Virginia Tech.
Driven by a genuine passion for helping others, Dr. Strayhorn has dedicated his career
to working with individuals from diverse, vulnerable, and system-impacted backgrounds.
He is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated and serves on several non-profit
boards including Rainbow Labs, Career Analysis Organization of America, Oregon Outreach
Inc., and Psychologists of Color, Inc.
Dr. Dlynn Williams is recently joined Austin Peay State University as the Dean of
the College of Behavioral & Health Sciences. Prior to that appointment she served
as the Head of the Political Science & International Affairs department at the University
of North Georgia (UNG). Dr. Williams has received awards in both teaching and scholarship.
She has been recognized for her efforts in international education nationally. Due
to her strong interest in internationalization she served as the founding Director
of UNG’s Center for Global Engagement (CGE). Her academic work has focused over the
years on the study of East Asian politics, foreign policy, international security
and public diplomacy. Her most recent publication is a low-cost textbook for introductory
international relations courses entitled Global Politics which she co-edited with Dr. Raluca Viman-Miller published by the University of North
Georgia Press.
Richard Lebron is a student-athlete on the Men’s Cross-Country team. He began his
college journey at Daytona State College in Florida before transferring to Austin
Peay State University to challenge himself and grow beyond his comfort zone. Currently,
he’s pursuing a degree in Leadership & Marketing, with aspirations to one day launch
a business that positively impacts communities. Richard is committed to embracing
challenges and continuously building the skills and knowledge needed to make a meaningful
difference.
What's on the Ballot? Political Polarization in America
Date: Wednesday, October 30, 2024
Time: 3:00 p.m.
Location: MUC Ballroom
As the election approaches, many first-time voters, students, and faculty are navigating
the complexities of political polarization in America. This dialogue will focus on
what’s at stake during this election cycle and provide a space to explore the issues
on the ballot that matter most to our community.
Common Ground: Free Expression and Bridging Differences
Date: Wednesday, October 2, 2024
Time: 3:00 p.m.
Location(s): Zoom Webinar & MUC 307
In an era of heightened division, it can be challenging to navigate conversations
where opinions clash.This session, invites participants to explore how we can engage
in meaningful dialogue while embracing the principles of free expression and inclusivity.
With a dynamic career, Dr. Clarke brings over 16 years of higher education experience and more specifically cultivating
the belonging and success of underrepresented populations on college campuses. Dr.
Clarke joins us from the University of Miami where he currently serves as Assistant
Dean & Adjunct Professor in the School of Law. In this role, he leads efforts to provide
academic, social, and cultural support for students from historically underrepresented
populations in legal education. Before that role, Dr. Clarke served as Director for
the Office of Multicultural Affairs at the same institution. In addition to serving
as a principal investigator for over $500k in grants and sponsorships, Dr. Clarke
previously led offices at the University of Chicago and the University of Illinois
at Chicago.
Dr. Clarke earned his bachelor of arts in educational studies from Concordia University –
Wisconsin followed by his master's of public administration from Roosevelt University.
He obtained a doctorate of education from the University of Miami. Dr. Clarke has
many notable honors including 40 under 40 – South Florida and is a member of the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA), National Association
of Diversity Officers in Higher Ed, and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Dr. Clarke will provide strategic oversight of the Adult, Non-Traditional, & Transfer
Student Center, Career Services, Latino Community Resource Center, and Wilbur N. Daniel
African American Cultural Center. He will also serve as the student affairs lead to
boost student engagement and success of underrepresented populations and lead goal
two of the division strategic plan.
Dr. Leonard Clemons joined Austin Peay State University as Vice President for Student
Affairs on July 10, 2023. A native of Chicago, Illinois, Clemons earned his doctorate
in higher education from the University of Miami and his Master of Science in adult
and higher education from Northern Illinois University. He also holds a Bachelor of
Arts in liberal studies from Kentucky State University, serves on multiple national
academic associations, and has delivered several regional presentations on student
success strategies.
Dr. Clemons has more than 15 years of experience working within academic and student
affairs structures at multiple universities. He has served in leadership positions
that help drive student success and engagement and align with a curricular journey
to create thriving student experiences. Some of his previous roles include associate
vice provost for student success at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville; assistant
dean of students at the University of Chicago; and assistant dean for student services
at the University of Miami.
Dr. Clemons is passionate about higher education, engaging in many professional associations
including the National Association for Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) and
National Academic Advising Association (NACADA). His service spans the community with
time as a previous board member with the local United Way and American Red Cross in
Knoxville. Dr. Clemons also served as Regional President for Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity,
Inc. of which he is an active member.
With an impressive career, Dr. Gilmore brings 17 years of diversified higher education experience and a strong housing and
residence life background to this important role. She joins us from Bellarmine University
where she currently serves as Director for Housing & Residence Life in the Division
of Student Affairs. In this role she leads the housing and residence life operations,
strategy, and vision to promote student success and holistic development. Dr. Gilmore
has served as an institutional leader with many campus-wide efforts and prior to her
ascension at Bellarmine, she served as a retention administrator at Western Kentucky
University where she contributed to the development of new programs to boost retention
and persistence. She also served as a scholarship advisor, faculty advisor, and property
advisor for a chapter of Alpha Gamma Delta sorority for many years.
Dr. Gilmore earned her bachelor of science in business administration from Southern
Illinois University at Edwardsville, followed by earning two master degrees at Western
Kentucky University - a master of public administration and master of arts in education
for counseling and student affairs. She obtained a doctor of philosophy in higher
education leadership Bellarmine University. She’s an active member of the Southern
Association for College and Student Affairs (SACSA), Kentucky Association of Housing
Officers, and served as faculty for Stars College program of the Association of College
and University Housing Officers (ACUHO-I).
Dr. Gilmore will provide strategic oversight of Community Care & Standards, Community
Engagement & Sustainability, Housing & Residence Life, and Student Life & Engagement.
She will also lead campus-wide efforts on student engagement and student support intervention,
lead goal one of the division strategic plan, and co-chair the all new Govs care team.
Professor Ginsburg serves as the inaugural faculty director of the Forum for Free
Inquiry and Expression. Ginsburg attained his BA, JD, and PhD degrees from the University
of California at Berkeley. Prior to joining the University’s faculty in 2008, he held
myriad roles consulting and providing legal advice to numerous international organizations,
development agencies, and governments, including the Iran–United States Claims Tribunal.
In addition to his work at the University, he acts as co-director of the Comparative
Constitutions Project and is a research professor at the American Bar Foundation.
His publications have been broadly recognized with awards from the American Society
for International Law, the International Society of Constitutional Law, and the American
Political Science Association. Ginsburg is also a member of the American Academy of
Arts and Sciences. With his guidance, the Forum will expand and enhance the University’s
engagement across the constellation of issues related to free inquiry and expression,
in collaboration with faculty and the broader university community. Professor Ginsburg
brings to this role deep expertise in comparative and international law, with a particular
focus on how democracies and constitutions function and flourish.
Banout is the inaugural executive director of the University of Chicago’s Forum for
Free Inquiry and Expression and earned his PhD from the University’s Divinity School,
where he was a Martin Marty Center Junior Fellow and Provost Dissertation Fellow.
His career has spanned leadership in social sector organizations including healthcare
and community organizing, as well as academia. For over a decade, he served as the
senior vice president for Interfaith America, guiding a national civic organization
in the development of strategies and programs devoted to democratic discourse and
civil conversation across deep differences. He has spoken and published widely on
free expression, constructive engagement of difference, and the civic relevance of
religious diversity. A lifelong advocate for ideological diversity and inclusion in
academia, Banout serves as a board member of the Heterodox Academy.
