Behind the polished surfaces of test scores, school rankings, and policy reforms lies a more complex truth: too many students struggle to find a sense of belonging in educational systems not built with them in mind. In this timely and provocative lecture, Dr. Terrell Strayhorn—internationally recognized scholar, author, and public speaker—pulls back the curtain on systemic issues that shape educational opportunities and outcomes for today’s students. Drawing on cutting-edge research, lived experiences, and community narratives, Dr. Strayhorn explores what it means to truly belong in schools, colleges, and society—and why it matters. This talk will challenge attendees to rethink the role of educators, leaders, and community members in transforming education into a more just, human-centered enterprise that meets the needs of all learners. A call to action for students, faculty, policymakers, and the public alike.
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 14 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 forEntrepreneur, All Business, Thrive Global, and leads the “BelongingMatters” blog forPsychology Today. Strayhorn currently serves as Professor of Education and Psychology at Virginia Union University, where he also works in the Office of the Provost, in the Center for the Study of Historically Black Colleges and Universities(HBCUs) as Director of Research, Director of the Center for Transcendent Leadership, and Principal Investigator of The Belonging Matters Lab. He teaches courses, designs curricula, and/or supervises doctoral committees at several universities across the globe. A leading voice with subject matter expertise in data analytics, human-centered design, and strategic planning, Strayhorn earned a bachelors degree from theUniversity 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 underserved, vulnerable, and system-impacted backgrounds. He is a member of AlphaPhi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated and serves on several non-profit boards including Rainbow Labs, Career Analysis Organization of America,Oregon Outreach Inc., MEN Inc. Houston, and Psychologists of Color, Inc., to name a few. He is Co-Editor of Belonging Journal (Sage),Associate Editor of the Journal of Minority Achievement, Creativity &Leadership, and Specialty Chief Editor of Frontiers in Education. He co-hosts the weekly #DoGoodWork podcast.