Deandra Taylor
Dr. Deandra S. Taylor is an education leader, community advocate, and nonprofit executive whose work centers on expanding access, opportunity, and pathways for historically underrepresented students. She currently serves as the Executive Director of the Black Doctoral Network (BDN), where she leads national initiatives that support students navigating the doctoral pipeline, builds cross-sector partnerships, and advances equity-focused programming in higher education. In addition, Dr. Taylor is an Academic Program Manager at the University of Delaware, where she directs the Teachers of Tomorrow Program—an innovative teacher pipeline initiative that introduces high school students to careers in education while providing sustained academic, college, and career readiness support.
Beyond her professional roles, Dr. Taylor is deeply committed to service through board leadership and community engagement. She has served and continues to serve on nonprofit boards including the Penn Wood Foundation, New Testament Church of God, and Coalition for Jamaica, contributing her expertise in governance, youth development, and community impact. In 2024, she engaged with Jalawelo on a mission trip to Westmoreland, Jamaica, where she taught study skills as part of a one-week summer math enrichment program for high school students. This experience reflected her long-standing passion for global service, education access, and investing in young people both locally and abroad.
Dr. Taylor’s work is grounded in her faith and a deep belief in giving back to communities as a form of service and stewardship. She holds an EdD in Educational Leadership and a BA in Sociology from the University of Delaware, as well as an MA in Criminology and Justice from St. John’s University. Outside of her professional and nonprofit commitments, she enjoys spending time with family, remaining active in her church community, and finding meaningful ways to pour into others. Across every role she holds, Dr. Taylor is motivated by a consistent purpose: to uplift communities, develop future leaders, and create pathways for individuals to thrive.
