Dr. Shakeer Abdullah

Dr. Shakeer Abdullah is the Founder and Principal Consultant for Practical Diversity Associates. Shakeer has spent more than 20 years working in diversity, inclusion, equity, and belonging. He spent the last decade in higher ed in senior leadership roles as a Vice President at Clayton State University and as an Assistant Vice President at the University of Minnesota.Dr. Abdullah earned a PhD from Auburn University with a focus on multicultural competence, and has expertise in culturally responsive leadership, identity development theory, anti-racism, intersectionality, Implicit Bias, Muslim life, and DEI coaching. His 2012 book, Baptism By FireAn Investigation of the Experiences and Multicultural Competence of Diversity Staff in higher Education is still in print.

Dr. Abdullah is a highly respected voice in the DIEB and leadership space. He draws on his experiences as a first-generation college graduate and a collegiate athlete to bring a unique perspective to the field.