about roy
educator
I am an Assistant Professor of Education & Director of Graduate Studies in Education at Lee University. Previously, I worked as the Director of TRIO Student Support Services (SSS). Before this, I served as the Special Projects Coordinator of the IU 21st Century Scholars Program between 2016 and 2019, a need-based full-tuition scholarship program for low-income college students in Indiana. I hold a Ph.D. degree in History, Philosophy, and Policy in Education from Indiana University Bloomington and a M.A. degree in Higher Education Administration from Boston College. In 2023, I published a book entitled, Rethinking Hybrid and Remote Work in Higher Education through Palgrave Macmillan, and in 2022, I published, Online Teaching and Learning in Higher Education during COVID-19: International Perspectives and Experiences through Routledge.
innovator
Between 2016 and 2018, I founded and directed Philanthropy for America (PFA), a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to enlist, equip and empower Millennials and GenZ into the nonprofit sector. PFA was a two-year fellowship program for recent college graduates and young adults interested to pursue philanthropic careers as emerging nonprofit professionals, fundraisers, and philanthropists. PFA has received national attention and praise by teacher-scholars, policymakers, and community supporters for its unique model in addressing income and wealth inequality in American society.
philanthropist
I have had so many wonderful opportunities to make a difference in my local, regional, state, national, and global communities. Between 2009 and 2023, I was involved in a number of philanthropic activities such as working with impoverished children to address healthcare disparities in rural China, working with education charities, particularly those that affect college access and success, and am also a strong advocate of diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives for marginalized populations. I was also involved in programs that promote global citizenship amongst youth across the country. Additionally, I am a major donor to my alma mater institution, the UCI Chancellor's Club, which provides scholarships to low-income first-generation college students to pursue graduate education at UC Irvine.
actor
Outside of my professional life, I have been very fortunate to work as a freelance actor in many featured films, TV shows, and commercials across the United States. A few A-list actors I have worked with are Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, Matthew McConaughey, Kate McKinnon, Evan Jonigkeit, Aya Cash, S. Epatha Merkerson, Forest Whitaker, among others. It was a blast!
traveler
I am passionate about traveling, health and wellness, and photography. I have been blessed to travel to over 30 countries since high school graduation in 2004. I have also studied abroad in over six different countries including China, Hong Kong, The Netherlands, Italy, and Ecuador. I love being on the road and taking the road less traveled. Some of my future travel plans include Dubai, Cape Town, Egypt, Jerusalem, and Cancun. I embrace global citizenship and intercultural competence.