Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum
Straight Talk About Leadership That Matters
Beverly Daniel Tatum, award-winning educational leader, best-selling author, and noted expert on the psychology of racism, brings unique insights and strategies to those eager to spark productive conversations and lead meaningful action.
Leadership Lessons for Today
Higher education is under assault from all sides. Scandals, protests, and leadership turmoil dominate the headlines. The pressure has grown so severe that the average tenure of university presidents has fallen to less than six years. But amid the crisis, there is hope.
In her most recent book, Peril and Promise, Tatum argues that American universities hold the key to addressing the ignorance and division that threaten our society—if bold and courageous leaders step up. Blending insights from social science with years of experience as president of Spelman and Mount Holyoke Colleges, she offers powerful leadership lessons for navigating today’s challenges. Alongside an unflinching look at the financial, political, and social pressures facing higher education, she shares real-world examples of institutions that have overcome the steepest odds and created true transformation in student bodies, ideas, and society.
Now's the time for courageous civil discourse
Leadership matters. Good leaders know that you can’t solve a problem without talking about it. Yet, when it comes to race and racism, many feel unprepared to exercise the leadership needed to create truly inclusive communities—on campuses, in corporations, and across society.
Learn More & Take Action
Whether you are an educator, business leader, or community builder, now is the time to engage in the critical conversations that shape our future. Read more to explore Tatum’s work, invite her to speak, or discover how her insights can help you foster meaningful change.
Upcoming scheduled book talks that are open to the public:
- September 3 — Spelman College, Atlanta, GA
- September /10 – Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, MA
- September 11 – Politics & Prose (Union Market Location). WDC
- September 26 & 9/27 – Bookmarks Festival, Winston-Salem, NC
- November 3 —University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
- December 10 — NECHE Annual Meeting, Boston, MA
PRAISE FOR PERIL AND PROMISE
Tatum is someone with great judgment and sagacity, patience and persistence. It will be left to the next generation of college leaders to see if her example can translate into their own success. An eloquent, personal case for college leadership based on building communal governance and institutional trust.” - Kirkus Reviews
With American higher education under assault, Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum has written a timely and critically important book. Peril and Promise details the challenges facing American colleges and universities and, with clarity and wisdom, she offers a brilliant roadmap to secure the future of America’s crown jewel. A must read for current leaders of colleges/universities and for those who aspire to lead. And an extraordinary resource for anyone who cares about American higher education!
Eddie S. Glaude, Jr., James S. McDonnell Distinguished University Professor
Princeton University
Peril and Promise is both a timely and necessary reflection on the state of higher education today. With the insight only an experienced college president can offer, Dr. Tatum navigates the complexities of leadership in a sector under immense pressure—from cultural shifts and political scrutiny to questions of access, equity, and purpose. This book is an essential read for anyone who cares about the future of higher education and the role it must continue to play in a just and thriving society.”
Roz Brewer, Interim President
Spelman College
From “matters of concern” to “reasons for joy,” Beverly Tatum’s new book shares wisdom based on her decades of leadership and service in higher education. Peril and Promise has lessons for anyone who cares about colleges and universities and how to change them for the better.
Michael S. Roth, President
Wesleyan University
A consummate educator, Beverly Tatum has a talent for making the complex clear and engaging her audience with compelling examples. In Peril and Promise, she brings the challenges – and the opportunities – facing higher education together in a compelling narrative that will both inform and inspire her readers. Highly recommended!
Arne Duncan, Managing Partner
ChicagoCRED and former U.S. Secretary of Education
PAST SPEAKING EVENTS
TESTIMONIALS
At a time when our country feels ever more divided and at odds, yours was a measured, thoughtful, and quietly powerful voice we all needed to hear. Indeed, when your session ended, my first thought was, ‘If everyone in the country just sat down and listened to Dr. Tatum for an hour or two, everything would be so much better.’”
- Jen Shakeshaft,
Director of Strategic Initiatives & Professional Development
National Coalition of Girls' Schools
Your talk at our conference was exceptional by any standard. I heard much praise for it after you left. Your perspective, your ability to work in humor on the most serious of topics, and your use of poetry and literature -- they all combined for a perfect keynote.
- Scott Jaschik,
CEO and Editor,
Inside Higher Ed
Wow - you really hit this one out of the park!! It is difficult to even start to fully express our deep appreciation to you for your marvelous presentation!! Plus everyone loved the opportunity to probe such an important topic via the provocative questions you asked!! You are a master teacher!!”
- Anne W. Cramer,
former IBM executive and community leader
You were spectacular, as always. The presidents loved learning from you, as did I.”
- Judith Block McLaughlin, Faculty Chair,
Harvard Seminar for New Presidents,
Harvard Graduate School of Education
AUTHOR
CONTACT DR. TATUM
Thank you for your interest in contacting Dr. Tatum. She is currently accepting a limited number of speaking engagements.
A moderated conversation is her preferred format.
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