For over 20 years, Dr. Sonel Y. Shropshire has been one of the most recognized experts on diversity and inclusion strategies, leadership development and employee operational management in higher education. Having conducted over 800 workshops, he is widely acclaimed for his methods of creating effective strategies for academic campuses. As President of The Academic Network, Inc., he has developed strategic platforms for faculty, staff and students for over 428 institutions.

Shropshire has served as Assistant Dean for several nationally ranked institutions including the University of Florida, University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA), Loyola Marymount University (CA), Texas Wesleyan University and Stetson University. He has been affiliated with a number of professional organizations, including the White House HBCU Initiative during the Obama Administration, National Association of Graduate Admissions Professionals (NAGAP), Law School Admissions Council (LSAC), American Association of Community Colleges, Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce, American Bar Association’s Presidential Council on Diversity and the California Science Center Governor's Advisory Board.