Shawn A. Newton is a Associate Vice President and Dean of Students at Salem State University. They possess expertise in student development, student affairs, higher education, student engagement, program development and 29 more skills. Colleagues describe them as "Shawn is a valuable resource for many topics pertaining to student affairs and higher education. I highly recommend him to speak with your organization about dismantling racism, health and wellness, or conflict resolution. His personal and professional experience that he references can most definitely help you navigate some difficult conversations and decisions within your organization.", "Shawn is the most talented person I’ve worked alongside within higher education/student affairs. His organizational management, diplomacy, collegiality, effectiveness, and leadership skills are nothing but exemplary. When Shawn speaks people listen. He is the most effective change agent I know. He is the person people turn to in times of crisis. He demonstrates an in-depth, astute and articulated understanding of the modern challenges of achieving race equity and diversity within the workplace, and creating effective higher education and student affairs systems. He understands people and how to effectively deal with any situation within the workplace. Shawn brings, calmness, diplomacy, stability, and trust to the table. Shawn is scrupulous, methodical, and honest. He is also a proven team player with phenomenal people skills. His ease of communication, demonstrated ability to connect to a diverse range of audiences allows him to function and be at ease in a host of different contexts, ranging from the classroom, the presidents’ cabinet, to addressing and captivating a large auditorium of college students. Shawn’s teaching and work consistently provides an eloquent and thought-provoking analysis of the complexities of diversity, leadership, and (mis)understandings of race and race equity. My students constantly list Shawn's guest lectures as the most thought-provoking class of the year. He has a unique ability to captivate an audience, and inspire critical reflection and deep learning. Shawn is an outstanding talent and I unequivocally support and vouch for his work.", and "Shawn has an innate ability to be discerning, thoughtful, and analytical. He has also a knack for bringing out the very best in people he partners with, whether it be on projects or working groups. In my observation, he achieves this by demonstrating one of the most respected behaviors of servant leaders: actively listening, ensuring all individuals have a voice and are heard, providing structure to make conversations flow smoothly for all, and reminding people/workers about the bigger goals they are working towards. Lastly, Shawn takes to the time celebrate the successes of not just the group, but also each unique individual. When you are working with Shawn you feel like you are an important colleague, trusted enough to contribute in a meaningful way, and empowered to do your very best. He is the kind of leader we should all aspire towards."