As anti-DEI sentiment continues to grow, Dr. Edwards’s expertise is increasingly valuable as we work to support our colleagues in these spaces. Dr. Edwards is a consummate professional, always prepared and polished and willing to get in the weeds when facilitating conversations. Students loved his candor and humor, and still, Dr. Edwards remains evenhanded and diplomatic. 

– Estee Hernández, Ph.D. Assistant Professor, Higher Education Leadership (National Louis University)

Dr. Edwards was a mentor to me during my time at Florida State University considering graduate school options. As a Black first-generation college student from a low income background, Dr. Edwards helped me see my true potential. Throughout our meetings he provided ample guidance along with healthy challenge while giving me what I needed to succeed!  

– Jonathan Washington, Community Director (Georgetown University)

Our students, parents, faculty, and staff love Dr. Edwards! He presents in a way that is fun, exciting, and engaging. Whenever he is available, we make sure to snatch him up for our program. He is a great contributor to our program’s success.

– Senovia Williams, TRIO Program Director (Florida A&M University)

Dr. O’Juan Edwards joined my course as a guest lecturer for Equitable Wellness for Diverse Populations, shedding light on the critical issue of Black women’s sexual health in Higher Education. He didn’t just talk the talk; his passion for the topic was contagious, and students were completely engaged. Catching up with Dr. Edwards after almost two decades was a pleasure. We had an in-depth discussion about the urgent need for solid, evidence-based resources for underrepresented communities in health education. His knack for student engagement, both one-on-one and as a community, is admirable. I look forward to an opportunity for when our paths will cross again.  Dr. Edwards is amazing and his energy in the classroom is pure gold.

– Kathryn Rougeau, PhD, Assistant Professor, Wellness & Health Promotion (Oakland University)

In spring 2024, Dr. O’Juan Edwards was a guest lecturer in my Organizational Theory course. He focused on the anti-DEI movement in the U.S and efforts to defund DEI initiatives at higher education institutions. In his talk, he wove together both the facts and a call to action. During his lecture, he gave thought-provoking analysis on the current climate in the US especially relative to anti-woke and anti-DEI legislation. Dr. Edwards was a phenomenal speaker. He was knowledgeable, informative, and engaging. He brought a lot of energy to the talk such that there was never a dull moment. He spoke authoritatively about the hard hitting facts concerning the current climate in our nation with a sense of urgency compelling any listener to act. Dr. Edwards concluded with a sense of hope which enabled my students to consider their agency and capacity to influence change despite these dire circumstances.

– Tonisha Lane, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Higher Education (Virginia Tech University)