Alumni Profiles

Dr. Keith Lezama, Jr. '07

Dr. Keith Lezama '07 smiling in a suit and tie. Keith Lezama, Jr., Ed.D., '07 is Emmanuel College’s Associate Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer. Keith is a proud graduate of Emmanuel College where he studied in the School of Education. He also holds a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Simmons University and Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from Northeastern University. Keith comes to Emmanuel from the Brookline Public Schools where he has served most recently, as the Director of the METCO program. Keith is currently an adjunct faculty member in the School of Education at Emmanuel College and is the Co-founder of L&P Educational Services in Boston. He also serves as Emmanuel's Deputy Title IX Coordinator and Co-Chair of IDEAA Committee (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access Through Action).

The Office of Development & Alumni Relations sat down with Dr. Lezama to ask a few questions about his new role at Emmanuel College.

What brought you to this role as AVP of DEI?
Since I left Emmanuel in 2007, I have always called EC my home. Shortly after graduation, Sr. Karen invited me to come back and get involved in several initiatives within the School of Education. I developed a love for higher ed and wanted to work one day at college or university. When this job became available, I was excited to apply and was honored to be offered the Associate Vice President of DEI and Chief Diversity Officer position.

What do you hope to accomplish or what excites you most about the position?
In partnership with faculty, staff, local and national organizations, and most importantly our students - I want to help change the narrative of what excellence looks like for our most diverse populations at EC and begin to infuse the work of DEI into the DNA of our institution.

What’s your favorite memory or time on campus?
2007 Graduation. I became a young dad during my time at Emmanuel. It was hard being a full-time student, working 40 hours, and raising a child. So, to graduate with my class and to see my daughter’s smile when I walked across the stage will forever be an image and moment I will cherish!

Favorite faculty member or person who influenced you the most while at Emmanuel.
Definitely Sr. Karen. Since my first day on campus, she took me under her wings. She checked in with me, and everyday told me how proud she was of me - there were days I wanted to give up and walk away. She reminded me that anything worth having is not easy! I am grateful for her love and support. She is a pillar of our institution and will always have a special place in my life and heart.