A future-focused leader committed to creating spaces where all are seen, heard, and valued.

Dr. Candy S. McCorkle-Boughton stands as a pillar of visionary leadership and relentless advocacy in the domains of higher education, healthcare, and behavioral sciences. With a career spanning more than three decades, she has transformed institutions and communities through her integrative expertise in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), counseling, student development, and strategic academic administration. At the heart of her work lies a deeply held belief: that education must serve as a liberatory force—one that opens pathways, acknowledges identities, and fosters potential in every individual.

Born with an innate curiosity for human behavior, Dr. McCorkle-Boughton embarked on her academic journey at Wright State University, earning a B.A. in Psychology. She deepened her knowledge with an M.S. in Clinical Psychology from Eastern Michigan University and later attained her Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision from Western Michigan University. Her scholarly pursuit laid the foundation for a rich professional life rooted in critical inquiry, compassionate service, and systemic change.

Dr. McCorkle-Boughton’s leadership ascent began in clinical and educational roles, where she served as a substance abuse therapist and consultant. Her early work supporting Medicaid recipients and developing educational programs for underserved populations illustrated her keen ability to connect policy with people. These experiences would later inform her groundbreaking efforts as an academic administrator and DEI strategist.

At Spring Arbor University, she distinguished herself as a tenured Associate Professor and Director of the Master of Arts in Counseling Program, where she oversaw curriculum development and managed a network of over 100 adjunct faculty. Her leadership guided the program through operational expansion across two states and laid the groundwork for national accreditation efforts. Her influence extended to Jackson College, where she held multiple administrative positions—including Assistant Dean of the Honors Program and Director of Adjunct Faculty—designing academic frameworks, advising faculty, and spearheading initiatives to support diverse learners and staff.

Perhaps most defining is Dr. McCorkle-Boughton’s transformative tenure as Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion at Western Michigan University, a role she has held since 2018. Here, she has architected a comprehensive DEI strategy, aligning institutional policies with principles of equity, belonging, and cultural competence. Her leadership has facilitated systemic campus-wide shifts—managing a $2.5 million budget, chairing the University-Wide Diversity Committee, and coordinating the implementation of racial justice recommendations. She has also cultivated vital community partnerships, engaged stakeholders at all levels, and represented the institution at national and international DEI forums.

An accomplished speaker and prolific contributor to professional discourse, Dr. McCorkle-Boughton has delivered keynotes and workshops across the U.S. and abroad. From addressing implicit bias at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to lecturing in Moscow on addiction counseling, her global influence is both intellectual and practical. Her voice resonates at the intersection of lived experience, academic rigor, and visionary thought leadership.

Her publication record reflects the depth and scope of her interests—ranging from first-generation student experiences to the systemic challenges facing Black farmers in the U.S. She has contributed to policy research on DEI competencies and authored chapters on pre-college programming and identity development. As a certified instructional facilitator, her pedagogy bridges multicultural counseling, substance abuse treatment, and family systems theory, seamlessly integrating academic insight with real-world application.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Dr. McCorkle-Boughton is an active community leader. Her board service spans educational, religious, and historical organizations, including Communities in Schools of Kalamazoo and the Society for History and Racial Equity. Her volunteer work reflects a life committed to justice, youth empowerment, and civic engagement. Whether mentoring student-athletes, advising on local planning commissions, or facilitating national DEI summits, she leads with compassion, courage, and conviction.

In all she does, Dr. McCorkle-Boughton embodies a leadership philosophy grounded in integrity, empathy, and strategic foresight. Her legacy is not simply one of positions held or programs created, but of lives changed and systems transformed. She brings to every boardroom and classroom a wealth of knowledge, a depth of experience, and a vision for a more equitable and empowered future.

As she seeks new board opportunities in healthcare and education, Dr. McCorkle-Boughton offers a rare blend of operational acumen, cultural intelligence, and a deeply human approach to leadership. She thrives in complex environments and welcomes the challenge of shaping inclusive cultures within organizations of any size or scope.

Character:

Dr. McCorkle-Boughton is guided by an unwavering ethical compass, placing the dignity and potential of every person at the center of her work. Her empathy, integrity, and resilience have allowed her to lead courageously through change, conflict, and transformation.

Knowledge:

With over 30 years of experience spanning education, behavioral health, and institutional leadership, she offers comprehensive insight into human development, strategic planning, and organizational systems. Her scholarly achievements and real-world application form a rare and powerful combination.

Strategic:

Dr. McCorkle-Boughton excels at designing and executing initiatives that drive measurable results and long-term impact. Her strategic thinking has not only shaped policy and practice but has also created sustainable frameworks for equity and excellence across multiple sectors.

Communication:

A gifted speaker and thoughtful writer, she bridges diverse perspectives with clarity and grace. Whether facilitating workshops, publishing research, or delivering keynote addresses, she uses communication as a vehicle for connection, empowerment, and change.