Dr. Michael Benitez Jr. is a nationally acclaimed educator, scholar, and strategist who brings critical insight and authentic perspective to conversations about leadership, culture, and change in higher education and workplaces. Known for his dynamic presence and ability to connect across lines of difference, Dr. Benitez draws from a lifetime of experience and a distinguished record of leadership at top institutions to help build environments where people feel seen, valued, and empowered.
Currently serving as Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion and Associate Professor of Multicultural Education at Metropolitan State University of Denver, Dr. Benitez has led transformational initiatives across academic affairs, student affairs, faculty development, and institutional strategy. He is known for developing impactful frameworks such as the Diversity Monologues, campus climate community participatory models, and the NW5C Consortium supporting faculty of color.
An editor and contributor to publications such as Crash Course: Reflections on the Film “Crash” and scholarly works on identity development, hip hop culture, cultural centers, and inclusive pedagogy, Dr. Benitez’s writing is widely used in classrooms and leadership training programs. He has been featured in educational documentaries like Cracking the Codes: The System of Racial Inequity and across national media platforms addressing leadership, education, and campus climate.
Dr. Benitez earned his B.S. and M.Ed. from Pennsylvania State University and his Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy with a focus on Social Justice in Higher Education from Iowa State University.
Through a combination of scholarship, strategic vision, and lived experience, Dr. Benitez helps campuses move from conversation to action—building cultures of belonging, leadership, and transformation.
Developing New Leaders: Adaptive Leadership for Navigating Bias and Driving Organizational Change
In today’s rapidly evolving environment, adaptive leadership is essential. In this timely and practical session, Dr. Benitez offers a leadership-centered framework for managing uncertainty, recognizing and addressing bias, and driving sustainable organizational change. Participants will leave with actionable strategies to lead through complexity, cultivate high-trust environments, and foster cultures of continuous learning and resilience.
Examining Latinidad at the Crossroads of Race, Culture, and Society
Latinx communities in the U.S. experience layered intersections of race, culture, and systemic inequity. In this critical conversation, Dr. Benitez unpacks the dynamics shaping Latinx identity today—including colorism, anti-Blackness, and shifting national narratives—and explores how understanding these complexities can inform more meaningful engagement, policy development, and community building.
A Framework for Meaningful Collaboration Across Differences
In an increasingly polarized world, the ability to collaborate across lines of difference is essential. Dr. Benitez presents a practical framework for fostering authentic communication, building trust, and navigating challenges in diverse teams and communities. Participants gain tools to create more inclusive, innovative, and effective learning and working environments.
Campus Culture Matters: From Dialogue to Transformation
In today’s shifting campus climate, where educational institutions are grappling with political pressure, cultural pushback, and calls for change, cultivating a healthy campus culture is more urgent than ever.Beyond one-time events and statements, true institutional culture is built through everyday actions and shared commitments. Drawing from decades of campus experience, Dr. Benitez shares a roadmap for creating environments where belonging is nurtured, leadership is shared, and transformation is possible. Ideal for campuses looking to move from conversation to sustainable culture change.
