H. Ray
Keith

H. Ray Keith brings 25 years of professional experience in higher education, K–12, and nonprofit community-based organizations. At the core of his work is diversity, equity, and inclusion, while improving educational outcomes for students of color through practices that validate and affirm their cultures, identities, and lived experiences. His expertise includes leading institutional transformation, strategic planning, and advancing student success. As the associate dean of instructional intervention and support at a community college in Colorado, his department provided professional development and learning through a multi-pronged approach grounded in evidence/research-based and culturally responsive teaching and learning. Ray led the development of the college’s Center for Teaching and Learning in addition to establishing institutional initiatives and programs designed to eliminate equity gaps for the diverse student body at the college. Prior to joining higher education, he worked in K–12 as a high school administrator and college counselor. As an educational consultant, Ray provides comprehensive instructional professional development and learning services to higher education and secondary educational institutions. Ray has established a Community of Practice framework, Equity by Design Teaching Academies, a Department Chair Equity Academy, and an Equity by Design Leadership Academy at colleges in Colorado, Tennessee, and Minnesota.

How has education changed your life/your family?     

Earning a bachelor’s and master’s degree has provided me with the ability to reach back to my community in culturally meaningful ways. Additionally, I have contributed to the field of education in ways that uphold, value, and affirm communities, students, and families that have been historically marginalized within this system. I am honored to serve and champion those coming behind me in educational institutions and spaces.