He has authored 12 books, including the award-winning College Students’ Sense of Belonging and over 200+ peer-reviewed journal articles and academic publications. His research has been cited, endorsed or financially supported by over $10 million from the most premiere agencies in the world including Lumina Foundation, Annie E. Casey Foundation, National Science Foundation and others.
One of his core passions is translating research-to-practice in ways which improves the material conditions and lived experiences of vulnerable populations. He has given more than 2,000 public talks, distinguished lectures and keynotes across the globe. Strayhorn’s research has been cited in many outlets including The Washington Post, The Chronicle of Higher Education, Huffington Post, Essence, and Diverse: Issues in Higher Education. Additionally, he’s a contributing writer for Entrepreneur, Thrive Global, AllBusiness and Psychology Today where he leads the “Belonging Matters” blog.
He also serves as president and CEO of the educational consulting firm Do Good Work. The minority-owned business partners with hundreds of colleges, universities, corporations and agencies to enhance culture, build inclusive environments and boost belonging in ways that raise morale, increase retention, improve people’s journey and help organizations hit their bottom line.
Strayhorn is professor of education and psychology; director of the Center for the Study of HBCUs and principal investigator of The Belonging Lab at Virginia Union University. He is Diversity Scholar-in-Residence at Harrisburg Area Community College and fellow of the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges’ Institute for Leadership & Governance. He is also a board member for several non-profits including Rainbow Labs, Oregon Outreach Inc., Career Analysis Academy, Psychologists of Color Inc. and the Dr. Melvin C. Terrell Educational Foundation. Additionally, he is a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated.
Georgia Southern University, a public Carnegie Doctoral/R2 institution founded in 1906, offers approximately 155 different degree programs serving more than 26,100 students through 10 colleges on three campuses in Statesboro, Savannah, Hinesville and online instruction. A leader in higher education in southeast Georgia with expert faculty, the University is focused on public impact research and engaging learning opportunities through knowledge and know-how that prepare our students to take ownership of their lives, careers and communities. Visit GeorgiaSouthern.edu.
