KINGSTON, R.I. – Nov. 4, 2025 – Behind the polished surfaces of test scores, school rankings, and policy reforms lies a more complex truth: too many students struggle to find a sense of belonging within educational systems that are not built with them in mind.
In a timely, provocative talk at the University of Rhode Island’s 2025 Honors Colloquium, Terrell Strayhorn will pull back the curtain on systemic issues that shape educational opportunities and outcomes for today’s students.
Experienced in education, psychology, and leadership, Strayhorn will explore “Who Gets to Belong? Unmasking Injustice and Reimagining Education for All” on Tuesday, Nov. 18 at 5:30 p.m. at Edwards Hall, 64 Upper College Road on the Kingston Campus. Strayhorn will speak as part of the fall colloquium series, “Education, Behind the Curtains,” which will also be livestreamed.
Hosted by the Honors Program, URI’s premier lecture series has examined various aspects of public education this fall, welcoming podcasters, Indigenous voices, and policy experts. The series kicked off with former U.S.Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona and also welcomed former Rhode Island chief innovation officer Richard Culatta back to the state to discuss AI.
Strayhorn will challenge colloquium attendees to rethink the role of educators, leaders, and community members by transforming education into a more just, human-centered enterprise that meets all learners’ needs. A professor of education and psychology at Virginia Union University, Strayhorn has authored multiple books and academic publications, op-eds, letters, and blogs, and is a contributing writer for Entrepreneur, All Business, Thrive Global, and Psychology Today. Strayhorn serves on several nonprofit boards, including Career Analysis Organization of America, MEN Inc. Houston, and Psychologists of Color, Inc. He is co-editor of Belonging Journal (Sage), associate editor of the Journal of Minority Achievement, Creativity & Leadership, and specialty chief editor of Frontiers in Education. He also co-hosts the weekly #DoGoodWork podcast.
Strayhorn’s lecture will be followed by a Dec. 2 panel discussion on “The State of Education in Rhode Island.” Recorded lectures by this fall’s prior speakers can be found on the Honors Colloquium site.
Hosted by the University’s Honors Program, the annual URI Honors Colloquium is free and open to the public. To see recordings of prior colloquium speakers on democracy, business for the common good, sustainable food systems, and more, visit the Honors Colloquium Archives. Sign up here for more information and reminders for colloquium events or by emailing urihonors@etal.uri.edu.