KConnect wants to welcome its new Director of System Building, Dr. Keenan King. Dr. King is a Critical Race Theorist, scholar, and advocate for oppressed people of all backgrounds. He has over a decade of experience working with marginalized youth in West Michigan and is dedicated to creating meaningful systems change. He looks to address racial disparity gaps in various systems using an equity lens to create a better society for all people to live and thrive in.

“As our communities continue to face inequities and systemic racism, it is critical that KConnect continues to align with various stakeholders and partners to help close disparity gaps for children and families in Kent County. Dr. King adds knowledge, experience, and passion to our team and we are very excited to work with him,” said KConnect President Salvador Lopez. 

Dr. King previously served as Upward Bound Director at Western Michigan University. He has a Bachelor of Business Administration, Masters, and Doctorate in Educational Leadership; all from Western Michigan University. His research interests include applications of Critical Race Theory, K-12 education, higher education, non-profit leadership, public policy, and more recently developing collective impact initiatives.

Dr. King is looking forward to using his education and experience to close racial disparity gaps in Kent County. “I am honored to be a member of a KConnect backbone team, working to create equitable systems change for underserved communities in Kent County. I look forward to using my research background and knowledge of systems of power, privilege, and oppression to add value to the amazing collective impact work that KConnect produces.” 

Dr. King lives in Kent County with his wife and daughter.