Episode 23: Dr. Javan Reed on Loss and Higher Education

Dr. Javan Reed is a dynamic and visionary leader whose steadfast commitment to student success has driven transformative change in higher education. His career is marked by a passion for empowering students, fostering inclusive learning environments, and ensuring institutions deliver meaningful and lasting educational experiences.

As the former Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs at Simmons College, Dr. Reed prioritized student-centered strategies that expanded academic offerings and strengthened institutional sustainability. Under his leadership, Simmons College developed seven new academic programs, including its first graduate degree, generating over $12 million in tuition revenue and grant funding. His approach to higher education leadership has been deeply rooted in sustainability, faculty development, and ensuring students have the resources and support they need to thrive.

Dr. Reed’s dedication to education extends beyond the classroom. As the founder of J. Reed &Associates, he provides strategic consulting services to institutions striving for academic excellence. His innovative methods, which place student success at the core of institutional growth, have earned him national recognition from esteemed organizations such as the

Kentucky Association for Blacks in Higher Education, the John Gardner Institute, and the United Negro College Fund.

A scholar and advocate for social impact, Dr. Reed holds an Executive PhD in Urban Higher Education from Jackson State University. His groundbreaking dissertation, Factors Influencing Persistence Among Formerly Incarcerated Nontraditional Students through the Lens of Anti-Deficit Framework, explores how post-secondary education reduces recidivism and advances Black student achievement. His research has informed national conversations on education policy and student support, shaping initiatives that help students overcome barriers to success.

Recognized as a transformative leader, Dr. Reed successfully launched the Second Chance Pell Grant initiative at Simmons College, creating educational pathways for incarcerated individuals in Kentucky prisons. His expertise in developing student-focused programs has positioned him as a sought-after consultant for HBCUs nationwide, ensuring that education remains an

accessible and life-changing opportunity for all.

Beyond academia, Dr. Reed is deeply engaged in community service and the arts. He serves on the boards of the Home of the Innocents and Kentucky Shakespeare and has collaborated withPropel and Apple to integrate Arts and Entertainment into Simmons College’s curriculumthrough the Black Film and Media Studies concentration. These initiatives reflect his broadervision of enriching students’ educational experiences and expanding career pathways.