Meet

Terrell Strayhorn

Terrell Strayhorn

Education

Terrell Strayhorn graduated with honors from Kempsville High School. He earned a bachelor’s degree in music and religious studies from the University of Virginia (UVA), a master’s degree in education policy from UVA’s top-ranked School of Education, a 2nd master’s degree (MS) in Psychology from Indiana Tech, and a doctoral degree in higher education from Virginia Tech.

Terrell’s academic success led to many achievements and awards, including a Jefferson Cup at UVA, the Curry School’s Outstanding Alumni Higher Education Faculty Award, and both the Graduate Student of the Year Award and Don G. Creamer Outstanding Alumni Award at Virginia Tech.

Consulting & Speaking Engagements

Now seeking opportunities!

Do you have a business or upcoming event that could use Terrell Strayhorn’s expertise? Follow the steps outlined below to get in touch.

"Empowering employees and helping others (especially students who benefit from such help is another major motivator. I derive much joy and satisfaction from coaching, mentoring, and teaching others how to achieve their goals, pursue their passion, and be successful. This happens in the classroom, on the (speaking) stage, and in the company. I can help others identify their passion or what drives them toward specific goals despite difficulty, their purpose or the reason why they exist (usually different from one’s job or vocation), and their plan for achieving life goals. And I can do this for my students, proteges, but also my staff team in a way that empowers them to be leaders in their respective areas of the company."

-Terrell Strayhorn on what keeps him motivated

Career

Terrell Strayhorn has worked in education for over 17 years. He began as an Assistant Professor at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) in 2005 and was promoted to Associate Professor in 2008, when he became founding director of the UTK Center for Higher Education Research & Policy (CHERP). In 2010, Terrell began working at The Ohio State University (OSU) as an Associate Professor and founded the Center for Inclusion, Diversity & Academic Success (iDEAS) within the College of Education and Human Ecology. In 2014, he became a full Professor and the Director of the Center for Higher Education Enterprise (CHEE). In 2018, Terrell joined LeMoyne-Owen College as the Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs and Professor of Urban Education. In 2020, he joined Virginia Union University and served as Associate Provost before being promoted to Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs; Professor of Urban Education, and Director of the Center for the Study of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). He currently serves as Professor of Higher Education and Women’s, Gender & Sexuality Studies at Illinois State University, where he also directs the PhD program.

Do Good Work Educational Consulting LLC

Do Good Work LLC is an educational consulting firm, launched in Ohio. Since 2016, Do Good Work’s team has provided research, training, and technical assistance to clients, businesses, and institutions. As President/ CEO, Terrell is leading a team working to redefine student success and change lives.