Dr. Michael Ford

Vice President, Chief of Staff, Chief Diversity Officer and Asst. Secretary to the Board of Trustees, Roosevelt University

Dr. Michael Ford has 25 years of experience in higher education including more than 14 years as a senior administrator. Dr. Ford is a visionary and inspirational thought leader having worked with many organizations and colleges as a speaker, strategist, educator, and social impact leader. In addition to numerous leadership awards, in 2016, Dr. Ford was awarded the coveted “Game Changer Award” from Mayor Rahm Emanuel for innovation and positive social impact for the city of Chicago. Throughout Dr. Ford’s career, his passion has been leading successful growth initiatives at institutions with a particular focus on student access, equity, and persistence. He has worked for public, private, and for-profit institutions. His experience includes finance, marketing, enrollment management, student services, academic affairs, program expansion, international partnership development, accreditation and compliance, and institutional governance.

In his role as Chief of Staff, Chief Diversity Officer and Assistant Secretary to the Board of Trustees, Dr. Ford oversees strategic planning and partnerships, campus facilities, the Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging, the Office of University Events and Special Programs, and the President’s Office. Dr. Ford served as a member of the senior leadership that managed the acquisition and integration of Robert Morris University, and managed the launch and design of the 32-story vertical campus in downtown Chicago and the College of Pharmacy buildout at the Schaumburg Campus. He founded the Black Male Leadership Academy (BMLA), and established partnerships to create the Faculty Equity Teaching Academy, the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisory Council, and the Women’s Leadership Council.

Prior to joining Roosevelt University, Dr. Ford worked at St. Louis University, Indiana University, and was a Principal for Chicago Public Schools. Dr. Ford earned his doctorate in Education Leadership & Organizational Change from Roosevelt University, his Masters of Science in Higher Education & Student Affairs from Indiana University, and his Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Southern Illinois University.

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