Dr. Stephen Schoonmaker brings more than 30 years of experience in higher education to his leadership coach role at Achieving the Dream. He has served as adjunct faculty teaching developmental mathematics, sociology, psychology, business, and leadership, and as an educational administrator for public and private colleges and universities. After working in student services, Dr. Schoonmaker transitioned to academic affairs — eventually serving as vice president at two coastal community colleges, and serving two rural community colleges as President. He currently serves as an academic administrator in Southern California. Dr. Schoonmaker’s commitment to IDEA (inclusion, diversity, equity, antiracism/anti-bias) has been a core value, including serving as the Human Rights Analyst in Salem, OR. His work on cultural competency in organizations was honored nationally, and helped launch his IDEA training more than 25 years ago. Dr. Schoonmaker’s proudest professional achievements have been the thousands of student successes he has been privileged to witness and support on multiple college campuses.
Dr. Schoonmaker founded Libertas Training & Consulting, LLC in 2019. Libertas is a consulting firm specializing in leadership coaching, strategic planning, systems thinking, and leading sustainable change management.
Education
Ed.D. (Educational Administration, emphasis in community college leadership) | New Mexico State University
M.S. (College Student Personnel Administration) | Western Illinois University
B.A. (Sociology) | University of Vermont
Past Experience
President | College of the Siskiyous
President | College of the Ouachitas
Vice President of Instruction | Clatsop CC
Vice President of Instruction & Student Services | Southwestern Oregon Community College
Human Rights Analyst | City of Salem, OR