Testimonials

“It has been my privilege to know and work with Dr. Kirksey for well over a decade. Generally considered to be one of the most thoughtful and effective diversity leaders in higher education, Dr. Kirksey has helped mentor a generation of change agents and inclusive excellence experts. I have personally observed his facilitation skills, leadership cultivation and curriculum development with admiration. And obviously, I would not hesitate to solicit his expertise and experience should the need arise at an institution that I have been entrusted to lead.”

“Dr. Kirksey stands out as one of the best and most well-respected professionals in the field of diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education and beyond.  He has led his institution to earn our nationally recognized Diversity Champion Award for several years, one of only a handful of schools to accomplish this.  He is known as a thought leader, a seasoned expert in the field, and a gracious mentor to others.”

“Dr. Kirksey is an inspirational thought-leader who, without judgment, takes you on a non-confrontational journey of self-discovery to understand better how employee differences are perceived and managed in your organization. He examines the intersectionality of diversity and the employee experience, along with its impacts on performance. He listens, instructs in practical ways, and challenges your thinking regarding diversity, inclusion, and business results. After participating in a Dr. Kirksey session, you understand that by inviting and appreciating diverse perspectives, you enable work environments that inspire curiosity, unleash more creative and innovative ideas, and achieve better business outcomes. My most memorable lesson from Dr. Kirksey's session was that I did not have to think outside my box, but I had to be open to expanding it.  During that session I learned that "being open" is precisely where the magic happens.”

“Dr. Kirksey is not only the consummate professional, he takes his time to provide deliberate feedback that will sustain long-term positive change.  Instead of a “one size fits all” approach, Dr. Kirksey develops unique action plans that are tailored to help achieve institution specific goals.  Whether you have a new or established diversity and inclusion operation, I highly recommend that you bring Dr. Kirksey in to do an assessment.  The results will be well worth the time and effort. Our division was strengthened tremendously because of his data-driven work.”

Maurice D. Gipson

Vice Chancellor for Diversity & Community Relations | Arkansas State University

“I have had the honor to know, work with and be mentored by Dr. Kirksey for more than 10 years. His leadership is exemplary of inclusive excellence. Dr. Kirksey has provided mentorship and guidance to a national audience extending well beyond universities, corporations and social organizations for more than 25 years. His expertise as a professor, researcher, administrator, diversity professional, and litigation consultant uniquely position him to guide organizational change management."

“Dr. Kirksey is a champion for diversity, equity, and inclusion with more than 30 years of experience. As my mentor for nearly a decade, I can always count on his expertise. He has brought that wisdom to West Texas A&M University by presenting and conducting executive level diversity education, making him well respected with the executive cabinet, faculty and staff.

While an award-winning specialist on national, state, and regional levels, Dr. Kirksey is also a man of integrity and compassion. It is a true honor to work with an elite expert for all areas of diversity, equity, and inclusion.”

“Dr. Kirksey offers an expanse of experience and wisdom which is both refreshing and helpful.  His confident presentation reflects his insightful and thorough knowledge of the topic as well as the most appropriate method for sharing.  His excellent advice and sensible guidance regarding a high-interest subject compels the personal and professional action by those who take the opportunity to build effective relationships.  Socrates is credited with saying, “The secret to change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new.”  Dr. Kirksey is busy building the new.”