Five individuals with ties to the UW–Madison School of Education were named to Madison365’s list of “Wisconsin’s 32 Most Influential Black Leaders for 2025.”
Madison365, a nonprofit online news publication, has published annual lists recognizing influential Wisconsin leaders from different racial and ethnic communities since 2015.
“My goal has always been simple,” says Henry Sanders, Madison365 publisher and CEO of the 365 Media Foundation: “To shine a light on the people who are shaping Wisconsin’s future, often behind the scenes, and to give young people role models who prove that success is possible right here at home.”
This year’s list includes School of Education students, staff members, and alumni. Those recognized are:
- Donald Dantzler, a doctoral candidate in the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis. He currently serves as an alder for the City of Fitchburg, candidate for Dane County Board, and survey and research specialist for the Madison Metropolitan School District. He previously served as a research associate with Wisconsin’s Equity and Inclusion Laboratory within the School of Education’s Wisconsin Center for Education Research.
- Jerry Jordan, an academic and multicultural advisor with the School of Education, is also a nationally-known painter working in the style of contemporary realism and an accomplished children’s book illustrator.
- Michelle Robinson, a member of the School of Education’s Board of Visitors, earned her PhD in sociology from UW–Madison with a minor in educational sciences. She is the chief programs and partnerships officer for the Foundation for Black Women’s Wellness.
- Maurice Thomas, a UW–Madison alumnus, earned a bachelor’s in theatre and drama and political science. He is chief operating officer at Greater Holy Temple Christian Academy, a 4k-8th grade Christian school in Milwaukee.
- Earlise Ward, who earned her PhD in counseling psychology from UW–Madison, is the faculty director for the Cancer Health Disparities Initiative (CHDI) and co-director of the T32 Primary Care Research Postdoctoral Fellowship with the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health.
Learn more about those recognized.