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Dr. Ashley Finley is the Vice President of Research and Senior Advisor to the President for the American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U). She oversees AAC&U’s Office of Research and Public Purpose which develops integrative approaches to linking students’ career preparation, civic engagement, and well-being. Through research, campus-based projects, and partnerships, this work advances higher education’s commitments to supporting economic, community, and individual thriving. Her publications include: The Career-Ready Graduate: What Employers Say About the Difference College Makes; A Comprehensive Approach to Assessment of High-Impact Practices; and The Effects of Community-Based and Civic Engagement in Higher Education. She also currently serves as a commissioner for the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
Dr. Finley was previously the senior director of assessment and research at AAC&U and also national evaluator for Bringing Theory to Practice. She also served as the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the Dominican Experience at Dominican University of California, where she implemented a comprehensive framework for student learning and success centered around high-impact practices. Dr. Finley began her career as a faculty member at Dickinson College. She received a BA from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and an MA and PhD, both in sociology, from the University of Iowa.
Tony Allen is President of Delaware State University, one of the United States’ finest Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
Having launched his career as speechwriter for then-United States Senator Joseph R. Biden, Jr., Dr. Allen then managed corporate reputation for financial services companies before joining DSU.
With degrees in Political Science, Public Administration, and Urban Affairs & Public Policy, Dr. Allen has received the Whitney M. Young Award for Advancing Racial Equality, the National Urban League’s highest honor, as well as awards given by National Urban Fellows and Public Allies, among others. Appointed to President Biden’s Board of Advisors on HBCUs as Chair in 2021, Tony served in that role until January 2025.
Dr. Kimberly Sluis currently serves as Vice President and Chief of Staff for Postsecondary Education at Strada Education Foundation where she focuses on ensuring stronger connections between education and opportunity.
Dr. Sluis spent most of her career in campus-based higher education roles. She served as dean of students, vice president for student affairs, and held executive-level responsibility for strategy and strategic planning. Prior to moving to Strada, Sluis also worked in higher education consulting where she supported institutions on projects ranging from organizational redesign and technology transformation to mergers and acquisitions.
Dr. Sluis earned her doctorate in Higher Education Management from the University of Pennsylvania, her master’s in Higher Education and Student Affairs from Indiana University, and her bachelor’s in sociology from North Central College. She is a member of the board of trustees as Adelphi University; an alumna of the 2014 Harvard University Institute for Educational Management; served as chair of the alumni board for the University of Pennsylvania’s Executive Doctorate in Higher Education Program; and served as a member of the Board of Directors for the non-profit 360 Youth Services. Kimberly is also a returned Peace Corps Volunteer having served for three years as a health and water sanitation volunteer in Ghana, West Africa.
Dr. Harry L. Williams serves as President & CEO of Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF), the nation’s foremost organization exclusively representing the Black College Community. Leading TMCF, Dr. Williams oversees its 55 member schools, comprising America’s publicly supported Historically Black Colleges (HBCUs) and Predominantly Black Institutions (PBIs), collectively educating 80% of students attending HBCUs.
Under his visionary leadership, TMCF has experienced unparalleled growth, witnessing a remarkable revenue expansion exceeding 250%. His strategic direction has elevated TMCF to not only serve as the premier representative of the HBCU community but also as a thought leader in equity, access, and inclusion.
Dr. Williams has been recognized with numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to higher education. His illustrious career includes senior positions at the University of North Carolina General Administration, Appalachian State University, and North Carolina A&T State University.
Dr. Williams earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Appalachian State University and a Doctorate from East Tennessee State University. Named President Emeritus of Delaware State University, he is also a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Dr. Williams is a devoted family man. Married to Dr. Robin S. Williams, they take pride in their two accomplished sons, Austin, and Gavin, both Howard University graduates. Gavin, now a third-year law student at Southern University Law Center, carries on the family’s legacy of academic excellence. Dr. Williams is also a doting grandfather to Porter Rae, and Bloom Leigh the daughters of Austin and his wife Reagan.
