Dr. DaVonti’ DeAngelo Haynes
As a scholar-practitioner, I ask the question: “how can institutions and organizations effectively, equitably, and efficiently support (and enable) urban and rural youth to achieve their full potential?”. Drawing on my experiences from a broad range of fields and working outside of what is conventional for a particular sector, I offer a unique perspective that aims to achieve growth and find astonishing success for urban and rural youth and communities, with a particular focus on supporting the development and implementation of equitable and inclusive initiatives related to educational and workforce environments in urban and Appalachian communities.
A major part of the work I do is cultivating future leaders by bringing together strategic partners, connecting people, moving ideas to reality, and supporting and growing networks of innovative, thinkers, believers, and doers. Ultimately, I offer a unique blend of personal and professional support to help youth and communities thrive.
As a result, in addition to serving as a professor, I have served as an evaluator and consultant on numerous youth leadership and community engagement initiatives, served on non-profit leadership teams and boards, and worked as an advisor to several organizations in youth development, community engagement, and the education industry.
A proud Midwestern native and first-generation college graduate, DaVonti’ has dedicated his professional and personal life to exploring the complex systems that shape the experiences of youth, particularly those who are disconnected from key societal institutions like education and the workforce. Born in Detroit, Michigan, and educated in the Detroit Public Schools and Cleveland Metropolitan School District, DaVonti’s upbringing instilled in him a deep commitment to public education and a passion for addressing the inequities that affect marginalized communities, many of which he experienced firsthand.
As one of seven siblings, DaVonti’ understands the profound impact that family and community can have on a person's trajectory. This personal experience fuels his research, which seeks to uncover the nuanced ways in which systems and policies influence the lived experiences of urban and rural youth, as well as the communities they reside in. His work is not just an academic pursuit; it is a mission driven by his lived experiences and his desire to create environments where all young people can thrive.
After graduating high school from the Cleveland Metropolitan School District, DaVonti’ continued his academic journey at The Ohio State University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in public affairs with a specialization in education policy, followed by a Master of Social Work with a focus on children and youth services, a Master of Science in agricultural communication, education, and leadership, and a Ph.D. in the same field with a specialization in educational administration and an interdisciplinary minor in public policy and management. His academic work is deeply informed by his personal experiences within the educational and social services systems.
During his time at Ohio State, DaVonti’ quickly realized the severe educational inequalities urban and rural Americans are faced with, and in response to these inequalities, he developed and implemented numerous access programs in partnership with institutions of higher education, K-12 school districts, and community partners, aimed at leveling the playing field for all youth. His research delves into college access, workforce development, and the interconnectedness of systems that impact youth trajectories, all with the ultimate goal of informing policy and practice to drive systemic reforms. In 2017, striving to expand his outreach, DaVonti’ formed the 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Faces of Access.
As a scholar-practitioner, DaVonti’ is committed to creating sustainable youth and community development programs and policies. His work has earned him numerous awards and recognitions, reflecting his dedication to educational and opportunity justice. Through his research and community engagement, DaVonti’ continues to ask how institutions of higher education can more effectively and equitably support urban and rural youth in achieving their full potential, ensuring that all young people have the opportunity to succeed.
