“To teach is not to transfer knowledge but to create the possibilities for the production or construction of knowledge.” – Paulo Freire
Dr. Cameron C. Beatty is a nationally recognized scholar, educator, and advocate for equity-driven leadership learning. He currently serves as an Associate Professor in the Educational Leadership and Policy Studies Department at Florida State University, where he also coordinates the Higher Education graduate program. In this role, Dr. Beatty is deeply involved in teaching, research, and mentorship, focusing on cultivating inclusive educational environments and advancing leadership education through critical, culturally relevant pedagogies.
At the heart of Dr. Beatty’s work is a commitment to deconstructing systemic barriers and amplifying marginalized voices in higher education. His research interests include the intersections of race and gender in leadership education, racial battle fatigue among Black and Latinx students, and the leadership identity development of Students of Color at historically white institutions. He is a sought-after speaker and thought leader in the fields of higher education, student affairs, and leadership studies, often called upon to present at national and international conferences.
Dr. Beatty’s scholarly contributions are extensive. He is the co-author of Engaging in the Leadership Process: Identity, Capacity, and Efficacy for College Students and Operationalizing Culturally Relevant Leadership Learning, both of which are widely used resources among leadership educators. Most recently, he co-edited Engaging Black Men in College Through Leadership Learning, a timely and necessary exploration of how liberatory pedagogies can support the development of Black male leaders. His scholarship not only addresses theory but offers practical tools and models for educators and institutions aiming to foster equity and inclusion.
An educator at heart, Dr. Beatty’s teaching philosophy draws from Paulo Freire’s critical pedagogy, centering co-learning, reflection, and systemic inquiry. His classrooms are transformative spaces where students are encouraged to challenge dominant narratives and consider their roles as change agents. He teaches a range of undergraduate and graduate courses at FSU, including Black Male Leadership, Leadership and Complexity, Diversity in Higher Education, and Social Justice in Higher Education.
Dr. Beatty’s academic journey is rooted in a profound commitment to social justice. He earned his Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from Iowa State University, with a concentration in Social Justice, and holds M.S. and B.A. degrees from Indiana University Bloomington in Higher Education Student Affairs and Sociology with African American and African Diaspora Studies, respectively. His doctoral research explored the leadership identity development of Students of Color at a selective liberal arts college.
His career path includes key academic and student affairs roles at Iowa State University, Salem State University, and Indiana University. Notably, Dr. Beatty served as a Lecturer and Coordinator of the Leadership Studies Program at Iowa State, where he also led a Global Leadership Study Abroad Program to Sweden. These experiences have shaped his global perspective on education and his understanding of leadership development across diverse cultural contexts.
Beyond his faculty role, Dr. Beatty is a Senior Research Associate at WhitworthKee Consulting, where he contributes to qualitative research projects focused on equity in education. He is also a longtime board member of Leadership Trainer, an organization dedicated to enhancing training and facilitation practices in leadership development. In these roles, he leverages his expertise to support organizations seeking to embed equity and justice into their leadership programs and cultures.
Dr. Beatty has received multiple awards recognizing his scholarship, teaching, and service, including the 2024 ACPA Diamond Honoree Award, the NASPA Inclusive Teaching and Mentoring Award, and the Dr. Susan R. Komives Research Award. His contributions have been further acknowledged by fellowships such as the McKnight Junior Faculty Development Fellowship and his current fellowship with the University of California’s National Center for Free Speech and Civic Engagement.
A dynamic communicator, Dr. Beatty is also the co-host of Scholar Tea, a podcast that brings a witty and critical lens to current issues in higher education. Through this platform, he and co-host Dr. Shawna Patterson-Stephens offer accessible scholarship and commentary aimed at supporting faculty, practitioners, and students committed to equity work.
Dr. Beatty’s leadership is informed by empathy, intellectual curiosity, and a resolute belief in the transformative power of education. He continues to serve as a mentor to graduate and undergraduate students alike, as well as an advisor on numerous doctoral committees. His impact is felt not only through his published work and classroom teaching but also in the communities he builds, the conversations he shapes, and the movements he champions in higher education.
Character:
Dr. Beatty is grounded in values of justice, empathy, and integrity, consistently modeling inclusive leadership. His authenticity and collaborative spirit make him a trusted colleague, mentor, and advocate.
Knowledge:
A prolific scholar and experienced practitioner, he brings deep expertise in leadership education, student development, and equity. His interdisciplinary knowledge informs innovative approaches to teaching and research.
Strategic:
Dr. Beatty effectively bridges theory and practice, designing impactful programs and research initiatives that influence institutional change. His strategic lens allows him to scale educational innovations and guide systemic transformation.
Communication:
A skilled communicator, he translates complex ideas into accessible dialogue through teaching, writing, public speaking, and podcasting. His clarity, warmth, and critical insight resonate across academic, professional, and public platforms.
Personal Link:
https://www.drcameroncbeatty.com
Scholar Tea Podcast:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/scholar-tea/id1367161013
Authored Books:
