First Speaker is University of Massachusetts Boston Chancellor Emeritus J. Keith Motley
Clarkson University is launching a new Presidential Speaker Series, designed to bring eminent scholars and thought leaders from across the country and around the world to help members of our community tackle perennial and emerging challenges such as racism, colonialism, sexism, poverty, climate change and the cost of higher education, among others.
On September 22, J. Keith Motley, Chancellor Emeritus and Distinguished Professor at the University of Massachusetts Boston will be the inaugural speaker in the series. Motley will present his lecture titled “Unlocking the Promise of Clarkson University in Global Age: Preparation Now for a Lifetime of Contributions” in the Student Center MPR’s (#41 on this map) from 11:00 am-12:30 pm for Clarkson Community members. The event will also be held via Zoom. To register click here. After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
“By drawing on the expertise, knowledge and wisdom from within and outside the University community, we can and will address these challenges, systemically and sustainably, said Clarkson President Tony Collins. “We are asking our Golden Knight community to support, listen to and learn from each other every day to impact change, without prompting by national news and global events that only put a temporary spotlight on issues.”
Motley served as chancellor of the University of Massachusetts Boston between 2007 and 2017. He is currently Chancellor Emeritus and a Distinguished Professor in UMass Boston’s College of Management. Prior to being appointed Chancellor, he served as Vice President of Business, Marketing and Public Affairs for the University of Massachusetts System President’s Office. Before joining the President’s Office, he was Interim Chancellor of the University of Massachusetts Boston. Motley previously served as Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, following more than 30 years in higher education administration that included 10 years as Dean of Student Services at Northeastern University. Currently Dr. Motley serves as Consultant President and CEO of the Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts.
Dr. Motley is a founder of the Roxbury Preparatory Charter School and Chair Emeritus of the school’s Board of Trustees. He is also the founder and education chair of Concerned Black Men of Massachusetts, Inc., and the Paul Robeson Institute for Positive Self-Development, an academic and social enrichment program for school-aged children of color. He also serves on numerous boards of community organizations with local, regional, and national reach including Chairman Carney Hospital, Compensation Chair The Boston Foundation, Eastern Bank, and Vice-Chair of The Sports Museum. Dr. Motley also chairs the Boston Committee for the “Do the Write Thing Challenge,” an initiative of the National Campaign to Stop Violence. Over the years Dr. Motley was chosen by The Boston Globe as one of a dozen local leaders who have promoted diversity for its “Diversity Boston” list.
A product of the Pittsburgh public schools, he is also a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh Upward Bound Program. Dr. Motley holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Northeastern University and a doctor of philosophy from Boston College. He has been awarded honorary degrees from Northeastern University, Robert Morris University, Pine Manor College, and Stonehill College. He has also received the President’s Award for Distinguished Civic Leadership from Emerson College.
The ongoing Presidential Speaker Series continues Clarkson’s legacy of innovation, experimentation, and self-invention in order to better prepare the next generation of leaders and global citizens to address society’s vexing challenges. It is sponsored by the Office of the President and the Office of the Provost.
The series is designed to enrich the intellectual life of the University and its community through stimulating and sustained conversations on a wide range of topics. In addition to delivering speeches/lectures that are recorded and available to the university and its community the speakers, while on campus, will also engage in interactions with various stakeholders, including faculty, students, staff, administrators and members of the Board of Trustees.