Lemuel Watson

Lemuel W. Watson has a commitment to leave the world better than how he has found it. He has a genuine love for those he meets and is curious to get to know them in a real way. His South Carolina roots are deep and wide, yet he has a passionate love for the Midwest and other parts of the world that has helped shape his perspective on life. He moves about the world as an educator, advocate, and collaborator with a variety of individuals, groups, and professionals.

Watson is an author, professor, leader, strategist, and minister. Currently, he is Indiana University Provost Professor in leadership and African American and African Diaspora Studies while also Dean of the School of Education at Indiana University Bloomington. In addition, he is a Senior Scholar Fellow in the Graduate School of Leadership and Change at Antioch University.

A seasoned leader whose career spans across various industries, which include educational, non-profit organizations, private, and entrepreneurship/small businesses. His expertise is in Talent Management, Systems Design, Diversity, Policy Analysis, research design, and Leadership. His books like “How Minority Students Experience College”, “Authentic Leadership”, and “It Takes Team Effort” are just a few of Lemuel’s work. As a creative writer, Watson enjoys writing poetry that is accessible and stirs the soul. “Everyone Here is Something Else” is his first book of poetry and continues to be enjoyed.

Watson has a wealth of experience in working with non-profit organizations through his international and local board commitments. He currently focuses on mindful leadership and talent management to enhance work and learning environments. He is also Distinguished Professor and Dean Emeritus and Founding Executive Director of the Center for Innovation in Higher Education at the University of South Carolina as well as the former founding Executive Director of the Center for P-20 Engagement and Dean of the College of Education at Northern Illinois University. He is a past host of the South Carolina Educational Television series, Carolina Classrooms.