Dorian L. McCoy, Ph.D.

Dorian L. McCoy lives out a lifelong commitment to equity, inclusion, and transformative leadership in higher education. His scholarly work and praxis focus on the experiences of People of Color in the academy, exploring how historically underrepresented students, faculty, and administrators access and are socialized within academic spaces. Grounded in critical race theory, social reproduction theory, and community cultural wealth, Dorian’s research challenges structural inequities and seeks to foster more inclusive and equitable educational environments. 

With over 30 years of experience spanning numerous institutions—including the University of Florida; Louisiana State University and A&M College; University of Vermont; University of Tennessee, Knoxville; and the University of South Carolina, Columbia—Dorian has held positions in student life, human resources, academic administration, and community engagement. His roles have consistently aimed at fostering inclusive, welcoming, and equitable educational spaces. 

Throughout his career, Dorian has made significant contributions to the field through leadership positions and active participation in professional organizations. He served as SACSA Faculty Liaison (2017-2019), contributed to the development of emerging scholars through his involvement in leadership institutes such as the SACSA/NASPA Region III NPI (New Professionals’ Institute) and MMI (Mid-Managers Institute). Dorian is an NPI alumni. He served on the editorial board of the College Student Affairs Journal and currently serves on the SACSA Foundation Board. Additionally, Dorian has mentored and continues to mentor students and early-career professional, guiding them to become culturally responsive practitioners and scholars committed to social justice. 

In addition to his scholarly achievements, Dorian is a Life Member of Phi Beta Sigma, Fraternity, Inc. and currently serves as the East Tennessee State Vice-Director, and as an advisor to the University of Tennessee, Knoxville chapter of the fraternity. 

He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Henderson State University (Arkadelphia, AR); a Master of Education in College Student Personnel from the University of Arkansas – Fayetteville, and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Educational Leadership and Policy from Louisiana State University and A&M College.