“Education has always been at the center of my heart,” said Dawayne Kirkman, Ph.D., Clark State College’s senior vice president for student affairs, enrollment and regional locations. “As a kindergartener, I asked for chalkboards, staplers and hole punchers so I could decorate my bedroom like a classroom. By 1991, as a high school sophomore, I wrote that my goal was ‘to be president of education in America.’ While I didn’t know the exact terminology, I knew what I meant: I wanted to drive change in education and make it better for students like me.”
A first-generation college graduate, Kirkman was the first male in his family to graduate high school and attend college. Now, he will share his lifelong passion for student success during the Strategic Ohio Council for Higher Education workshop, “Matters of the Heart: Connections and Relationships,” at 12 p.m. on March 11.
In the session, Kirkman will explore why meaningful relationships with students and colleagues are essential—helping learners feel seen, supported and empowered to thrive. Attendees will learn strategies to strengthen engagement, foster collaboration and build a culture of belonging that transforms the educational experience.
For almost 25 years, it has been Kirkman’s desire to drive good change in education.
“Relationships are more than interactions—they are the foundation for growth, resilience and student achievement,” Kirkman said, quoting authors Peter Felten and Leo Lambert. “When students feel connected, they don’t just learn—they flourish. My hope is to provide insights and strategies that help educators create these transformative connections every day. I want the education system to be better for students like me—I am a proud TRIO alumnus.”
Federal TRIO Programs are U.S. Department of Education-funded outreach and student services designed to support first-generation college students, among others who may need additional assistance in their educational journey.
Since joining Clark State in 2021, Kirkman has led student engagement, retention and regional campus initiatives, while advancing collegewide efforts focused on improving student success, increasing completion rates, expanding access, and creating a more supportive, student-centered campus culture. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Berea College, a master’s from Wright State University, and a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Dayton. Last June, he participated in the American Association of Community Colleges Future Presidents Institute. He also recently completed the League for Innovation in the Community College’s Executive Leadership Institute, a prestigious program for community college leaders.
Registration for the Kirkman’s SOCHE session closes March 8: soche.org/event/lunch-learn-connections-relationships.