Dr. Tyrone Bledsoe is founder and current Executive Director of the Student African American Brotherhood (SAAB) Organization----a national organization with over 250 chapters in 40 states that endeavors to instill a “spirit of care” in, and enhance the experiences of, African American and Latino males in middle schools, high schools, colleges, and universities. Before transitioning to his current position with SAAB, Dr. Bledsoe served as Vice President for Student Life and Special Assistant to the President at the University of Toledo.

He received his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Education degrees from Mississippi State University, and went on to complete a Ph.D. in Counseling and Student Affairs Administration with an emphasis in Counseling Psychology at the University of Georgia. Dr. Bledsoe’s academic and professional prowess is underscored by his recognition as Outstanding Doctoral Student in the State of Georgia, and more recently, his honor as Outstanding Doctoral Alumnus by the University of Georgia.

Dr. Bledsoe is a contributing author to the book African American Men in College, and his scholarly contributions were further solidified through his appearances on several talk shows to include Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr.’s talk show, “Perfect Union”, where he discussed issues pertaining to African American and Latino males. Further, his expertise was requested for an international research team that addressed issues affecting men of color in Europe. In 1999, he was invited to serve as guest lecturer at the Oxford University Roundtable Institute in Oxford, England to discuss his work with the latter. Dr. Bledsoe is highly recognized by several professional associations for his research, publications, presentations, and scholarly work. Because of his many contributions to Student Affairs in higher education, his membership with the American College Personnel Association (ACPA) led to his being distinguished as a Diamond Honoree. The University System of Georgia recently awarded him with the “Impact Award” for his contributions to the State of Georgia. He was recently featured by Black Scholar and Professor, Dr. Boyce Watkins, as a bright and innovative leader committed to saving young males of color. His international work has earned him notoriety with Ashoka, a global association of the world’s leading social entrepreneurs, which recently selected him as one of the most outstanding social innovators in the world.

Former President Bill Clinton invited him to participate in the “Clinton Global Initiative” (CGI-America) in Chicago (June 2011) to help shape discussions on how the U.S. could strengthen its workforce. President Clinton deemed Dr. Bledsoe’s voice critical to the conversation given his efforts to address the existing achievement gaps for minority students.

Dr. Bledsoe was born and reared in Grenada, Mississippi. He currently resides in Toledo, Ohio. He is a distinguished member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc and the Rotary Club of Reynolds Corners. The thousands who have heard him speak have deemed him one of the most gifted and dynamic motivational speakers in the country. He is very spiritual; thought-provoking as a charismatic leader and lecturer, but most importantly, he is the father to 25-year old Tyrone, Jr.

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