Michael Daniels

Dr. Michael Daniels serves as an Assistant Professor in the Higher Education Administration program at Kent State University. Prior to this faculty role, he served as a university administrator, where he led university-wide equity and inclusion initiatives. Dr. Daniels is a passionate leader with over a decade of professional experience in higher education administration and student affairs, with a deep commitment to supporting student development through meaningful and intentional engagement.
He earned his bachelor's degree in Psychology from John Carroll University, a master’s degree in Student Affairs Administration from Michigan State University, and a Ph.D. in Educational Administration from Kent State University. His research uses constructivist grounded theory to explore Black men’s socialization, emotional wellbeing, identity development, leadership education, and equity-minded educational policy and practice.
Nationally, Dr. Daniels serves as a Member-at-Large on the NASPA Faculty Council, where he guides strategic initiatives related to faculty mentorship, research, and professional development. He was also appointed as a Board Member for the ACPA Commission for Faculty and Graduate Programs, where he supports the preparation and advancement of student affairs educators.
Dr. Daniels has received numerous honors for his leadership and scholarship, including:
• 2024 Portage County NAACP Academic Excellence Award
• 2023 Educational Opportunity Association TRIO Achiever
• 2023 30 for the Future – Greater Akron Chamber of Commerce
• 2023 NASPA Foundation Melvene D. Hardee Dissertation of the Year Award
• 2020 Kent State University President’s Award of Distinction
• 2020 NASPA Now Professional Award