By Shaw University
Dr. Joy Gaston Gayles is a professor of higher education and senior advisor for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the college of education at North Carolina State University. She is also president of the Association for the Study of Higher Education (ASHE). In addition, Gayles is nationally recognized for her research and scholarship on intercollegiate athletics and the college athlete experience, and the experiences of women and people of color in STEM fields. Gayles is nationally known for her work in partnership with the National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity (NCFDD), the largest faculty development center in the United States. Gayles is a community builder at heart and has received numerous awards for her scholarly contributions and the work she’s doing to advance equity and justice. In 2018, Gayles received the Zenobia L. Hikes Woman of Color in the Academy award in recognition of her contributions, engagement with campus communities, and record of advancing women of color in their pursuit of excellence. She is also a recipient of the Maude A. Stewart distinguished alumni award for exceptional leadership, service, and innovation in higher education from The Ohio State University. At North Carolina State University, she has been named a University Faculty Scholar and received the Chancellor’s Creating Community Award for Outstanding Faculty, two of the highest awards for university faculty at her institution. Gayles earned a Ph.D. in educational administration and higher education from The Ohio State University, a master’s in higher education administration from Auburn University, and a Bachelor of Science in adapted physical education and kinesiotherapy from Shaw University, the oldest HBCU in the south. She is a life member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and a former student-athlete.
