Chris Means, MAT

“To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children: to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty: to find the best in others: to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition: to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived: this is to have succeeded”

- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Chris Means sees these words daily as an ongoing reminder of what drives my sense of his purpose in life. His personal mission is to equip young scholars with the necessary skills and guidance to succeed in their personal and professional journeys. He is a working professional in his final year pursuing a doctoral degree in executive leadership from St. John Fishers University. His proposed dissertation research is on Youth Development Organizations and The Pathway to Black Male Youth Thriving. This research is important to him because it is a conduit for supporting all youth, especially those considered marginalized. He aims to support scholars in actualizing their abilities to flourish in their adult lives.  

Chris is a lifelong learner dedicated to making a significant difference in the lives of young individuals. He is a proud Hoosier from Indianapolis, IN. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Indiana University, a Master of Arts in Teaching from New York University, and two Master’s professional Certifications from Cornell University.