Keyimani Alford, Ph.D.

Associate Vice President for Student Access and Success

Madison Area Technical College

Dr. Keyimani L. Alford is a distinguished higher education leader with over 25 years of experience dedicated to enhancing student access and success. As the Associate Vice President for Student Access and Success at Madison Area Technical College, he oversees a comprehensive suite of services and programs focused on access, financial aid, academic support, and retention strategies, all designed to promote equitable educational opportunities for students.

Dr. Alford’s career in higher education began as a federal work-study student at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, an experience that shaped his deep commitment to supporting underrepresented students. As a first-generation college graduate, he understands firsthand the challenges many students face. He earned his Ph.D. in Higher Education Leadership, with his research examining the interactions between first-generation minority males and faculty at predominantly white institutions, providing critical insights into the barriers these students navigate.

His broad experience spans four-year public institutions, two-year community colleges, community-based organizations, and the student loan servicing industry, giving him a holistic perspective on student success and institutional effectiveness.

Throughout his career, Dr. Alford has partnered with the Department of Education to develop initiatives addressing retention challenges for minority-serving institutions. His work with the Wisconsin Department of Corrections to expand prison education programming reflects his commitment to making education accessible to all learners. In recognition of his impactful leadership and advocacy, he was named one of Wisconsin’s 51 Most Influential Black Leaders by Madison365.

Beyond his leadership in higher education, Dr. Alford is an accomplished author with multiple published works that explore themes of resilience, leadership, and personal transformation. His most notable books include:

Oakland Hills, Milwaukee Rivers – A compelling memoir that chronicles his personal journey of perseverance, transformation, and self-discovery, offering inspiration to those overcoming adversity.

Unshaken Leadership: A Practical Blueprint for Overcoming Challenges, Learning from Mistakes, and Growing in Confidence – A guide for emerging and experienced leaders, providing actionable insights on navigating challenges, learning from failures, and building confidence in leadership.

Dr. Alford is also a sought-after speaker, frequently presenting on topics related to leadership, student success, equity, and resilience, empowering individuals and organizations to create meaningful change. For more information about his work, speaking engagements, or publications, visit www.drkeyspeaks.com.

Residing in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Dr. Alford enjoys traveling, fishing, and music. His unwavering commitment to student success and equity continues to drive his efforts in creating inclusive educational environments that empower all students to reach their full potential.