For over 25 years, Dr. Sonel Y. Shropshire has been one of the most recognized experts on diversity, strategic planning and workplace inclusion in Higher Education.

Shropshire served as Assistant Dean for several academic institutions, including UCLA, Loyola Marymount University, Texas Wesleyan University, Stetson University and the University of Florida. In working with nearly 65% of U.S. colleges and universities, he is touted for his comprehensive insight on diversity recruitment of faculty, staff and students, faculty selection committee development and inclusion training for academic professionals Shropshire currently serves as Associate Vice President of the Global Institute on Equity, Inclusion and Civil Rights at his alma mater, Delaware State University.

Shropshire built the first minority jobs database which provides unlimited postings on an annual basis, The Minority Faculty Applicant Database (MFAD). This model is now used across the country. He has been affiliated with the White House HBCU Initiative in establishing faculty, staff and student feeder programs across the 2,100 colleges and universities. Shropshire has also been a member of the American Association of Community Colleges, National Association of Graduate Admissions Professionals, California Science Center Advisory Board (chaired by Gov. Schwarzenegger and Senator Dianne Feinstein). Lastly, he created the National Association of HBCU Students and Alumni, which serves as a mentor organization for students going into higher education as faculty, staff and administrators.