Marybeth Gasman

Change agent, Educator/Teacher, Parent, Philanthropist, Writer/Editor

I am a professor of higher education at the University of Pennsylvania. I also have appointments in history and Africana Studies. My research pertains to race in America. In particular, I focus on two major areas: Minority Serving Institutions and Philanthropy in Communities of Color. I believe in being vocal and active on a national level in addition to doing scholarly research. As such, I blog for the Washington Post, Huffington Post, New York Times, and the Chronicle of Higher Education. In January 2014, I will be launching a new national Center for Minority Serving Institutions at the University of Pennsylvania. With it, I'll bring together people and institutions across racial and ethnic lines to solve problems and capitalize on success.

I believe in mentoring young people who want to pursue careers as faculty. I put this believe into action daily. I never turn down a young person who asks me to mentor them.

Children and young people need to be loved, noticed, and respected. Changing the United States and the world is that simple. I think all of our problems can be solved -- at their root -- with love and compassion. But don't get me wrong, I'm no sap -- I'm very strategic. :)

Philanthropy, Race, culture & ethnicity

Stand up comedy. I used to perform professionally under another name.