Tyrone Bledsoe

Dr. Bledsoe is the founder of Student African American Brotherhood (SAAB), a national organization established to enhance the experiences of and instill a “spirit of care” in African American males in high schools, colleges and universities around the country. Dr. Bledsoe served as Vice President for Student Life and Special Assistant to the President at The University of Toledo as well as various other positions for institutions of higher education.

After leaving the position of Vice President for Student Life and Special Assistant to the President at The University of Toledo, he transitioned to the role of Executive Director of the SAAB National Headquarters.

Dr. Tyrone Bledsoe resides in Springfield, Missouri. He was born and raised in Grenada, Mississippi. He received his Bachelor of Arts Degree and Master’s of Education degree from Mississippi State University. He earned his Ph.D. in Counseling and Student Affairs Administration from the University of Georgia; and was chosen as the Outstanding Doctoral Student in the State of Georgia and was most recently recognized as the Outstanding Doctoral Alumnus by the University of Georgia. He is a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. and is very active in the arena of higher education. Dr. Bledsoe is highly recognized by several professional associations for his research, publications, presentations and scholarly work.

1. How has your personal journey influenced your approach to leadership?

Having met Dr. Martin Luther King when I was a youngster growing up in Mississippi and my home church being his headquarters during his work in my home-state, I can easily say has deeply influenced my leadership and my journey overall. Specifically, I tend to lead with a very caring and collaborative spirit oftentimes necessary when working in hostile environments or work requiring the utmost of sensitivity to achieve goals and objectives.

2. What do you consider to be the greatest challenge as a leader of color?

Oftentimes, helping stakeholders understand that everyone's voice is critically important in conversations necessary to positively impact us all as a community/country.

3. What inspires and/or motivates you in your leadership journey?

Seeing that my impact has made and continue to make a substantive difference.

4. What is one piece of advice you have for aspiring leaders of color?

Read and fully grasp the concepts of one of my favorite books "The Four Agreements" by Don Miguel Ruiz