Thursday Afternoon Speaker
Dr. Mordecai Ian Brownlee
President of Community College of Aurora
Dr. Mordecai Ian Brownlee is the sixth President of the Community College of Aurora in Colorado. Recognized for his workforce development and community transformation leadership, President Brownlee serves on national, regional, and local boards focused on advancing credential attainment and economic mobility for diverse populations.
A columnist and author of several works, Dr. Mordecai frequently publishes on educational innovation, policy, and leadership topics, including Diverse: Issues in Higher Education. He has received numerous awards and recognitions, including the NASPA Pillar of the Profession and the “Man of the Year” Award from the Aurora Chamber of Commerce.
Through his leadership, keynotes, and publications, Dr. Mordecai is committed to transforming lives, fostering opportunities, removing barriers to educational attainment, and preparing the next generation of leaders to advance America.
ItsDrMordecai.com - Official Website of Dr. Mordecai Ian Brownlee
Friday Morning Speaker
Dr. Manya Whitaker
President of Colorado College
Dr. Manya Whitaker is the 15th President of Colorado College. Initially appointed to a two-year interim presidency on July 1, 2024, Whitaker earned the confidence of students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community partners through her transparent leadership, keen understanding of the College’s mission, and steady guidance. During her initial year as Interim President, she advanced several critical institutional priorities, including securing the new Research Colleges and Universities distinction from Carnegie, surpassing fundraising goals, and overseeing a pivotal year in College history. She was officially appointed President by the Board of Trustees in June 2025.
Dr. Whitaker previously served as Executive Vice President and Chief of Staff, acting as the President’s principal aide and strategic advisor. In that role, she managed sensitive and confidential matters, oversaw cross-divisional initiatives, and provided leadership on key institutional priorities, including the college’s antiracism commitment.
Dr. Whitaker is also a Professor of Education at Colorado College, and prior to moving into administration, she taught classes on social and political issues in education. She is a developmental educational psychologist with expertise in adolescent identity formation and motivation. She has authored four books and more than 20 book chapters and articles focused on her research, including “Public School Equity: Educational Leadership for Justice,” “Schooling Multicultural Teachers: A Guide for Program Assessment and Professional Development,” “Learning from the Inside-Out: Child Development and School Choice,” and “Counternarratives from Women of Color Academics: Bravery, Vulnerability, and Resistance” (co-editor).
Over 14 years at Colorado College, her roles have also included Interim Director of the Butler Center, Director of the Crown Faculty Center, and Director of Graduate Studies and Chair of Education.
Dr. Whitaker received her doctorate in developmental psychology from Vanderbilt University and her B.A. in educational psychology from Dartmouth College. In addition to her position at Colorado College, she has worked as an independent educational consultant since 2009. She established Blueprint Educational Strategies in 2013, working with minoritized and marginalized families on educational advocacy and partnering with school districts and state departments of education to support teachers and administrators in delivering high quality experiences to all learners and their families.
Entertainment
The Music Experience by Mission Upbeat LLC,
brought to you by Going Merry
Join us Thursday night for an entertainment event like no other. Together we will celebrate our opportunity to network together while celebrating our favorite music and music videos. We'll play the most rocking form of bingo, sing, dance, and share the stories of nostalgia that music often brings to us. You'll want to bring your charged mobile device to participate. Yes, there will be a cash bar and prizes!