Teon Austin

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

ABOUT TEON AUSTIN

I am a higher education leader dedicated to creating environments where students, faculty, and staff can thrive, feel valued, and achieve their fullest potential. My work focuses on strengthening organizational culture, making meaningful connections, improving student success, and developing strategies that foster belonging across diverse communities.As Director of Inclusion and Belonging at the Marquette University School of Dentistry, I lead initiatives that support the recruitment, development, and success of students, faculty, and staff. My work includes developing curriculum and programming that strengthens cultural competence and cultural humility, advancing strategies to recruit and retain students from underrepresented backgrounds, and collaborating with campus partners to improve academic success and engagement.Throughout my career, I have focused on removing barriers to opportunity and helping individuals navigate educational and vocational systems that were not always designed with them in mind. Prior to my current role, I spent over a decade at Cardinal Stritch University in multiple leadership roles including Assistant Dean of Students for Diversity Initiatives, where I developed and implemented campus-wide programming, retention initiatives, and professional development for faculty and staff. I also serve as a seminar facilitator with Wisconsin Education Innovations, where I help educators develop strategies to better support students, particularly urban students, low-income students, and students of color.My professional passion centers on the connection between belonging, retention, and success in higher education. I am currently a Ph.D. candidate in Global Leadership and Change at Tiffin University, where my research focuses on retention factors that influence belonging among diverse student populations.Beyond my professional work, I am deeply committed to community engagement and mentorship. I have served on numerous boards and committees and have spent many years coaching youth athletics and mentoring young people in Milwaukee. At the heart of my work is a simple belief: when people feel a genuine sense of belonging, they are more likely to succeed, lead, and create meaningful change in their communities. I welcome opportunities to collaborate, speak, and partner with organizations that are committed to improving culture, expanding opportunity, and strengthening communities.