Dr. Eric Mayes

Dr. Eric Mayes is a nationally respected higher education and nonprofit executive whose work centers on advancing student success, educational equity, and community-centered leadership.  As the Chief Executive Officer of the Umoja Community Education Foundation, his leadership has been transformative, positioning the organization for long-term growth, sustainability, and national impact.

Under Dr. Mayes’s leadership, Umoja has experienced significant expansion in reach, partnerships, and student impact. He has led the growth of Umoja’s network to more than 80 campus programs, including the organization’s first California State University-based program and its first official high school program. During this period, the number of students served has nearly doubled to more than 16,000 annually across California and Washington. These efforts reflect a 10X leadership mindset focused on scaling impact, diversifying revenue, strengthening infrastructure, and stabilizing the organization to support long-term mission delivery.

Dr. Mayes has also overseen the launch of several signature initiatives, including the Umoja Global Institute, the Umoja Alumni Association, the Umoja Marketplace, and the International Student Fellowship, while leading Umoja Forward, the organization’s five-year strategic plan. Together, these initiatives have strengthened Umoja’s role as a national leader in culturally responsive education and student success, while expanding pathways for student leadership, global engagement, and financial sustainability.

Dr. Mayes brings extensive experience across higher education, philanthropy, and public service. His career includes senior executive leadership roles and faculty appointments at the University of Arkansas, Wayne State University, University of Detroit Mercy, Howard University, and Johns Hopkins University. He has also held leadership roles with national organizations, including the Children’s Defense Fund and the U.S. Dream Academy, where his work focused on strengthening educational systems, expanding access, and improving outcomes for historically underserved communities.

A scholar practitioner, Dr. Mayes’s work explores the intersection of culture, leadership, and learning, with a focus on how institutions can better serve diverse student populations. He has secured and managed multi-million-dollar public and philanthropic grants, and has led large-scale initiatives that bridge research, policy, and practice. His professional experiences span the United States, Europe, Africa, and Brazil, contributing to a global perspective on education, leadership, and community development.

Dr. Mayes holds degrees from the University of Michigan, Howard University, and the Harvard Graduate School of Education. A former Division I student athlete and national championship team captain, he brings a leadership philosophy grounded in discipline, teamwork, and sustained excellence.

Dr. Mayes is also widely recognized as a motivational speaker and travels nationally and internationally, sharing his inspirational story of overcoming the odds and using education and sports to shape a life trajectory defined by leadership, service, and impact. His message resonates with students, educators, leaders, and communities seeking purpose, resilience, and possibility.

His leadership and impact have been featured in national and regional media, including The Sporting News, Sports Illustrated, the Los Angeles Times, the Detroit Free Press, and ESPN, reflecting the breadth of his influence across education, leadership, and athletics.