Tim Lampkin, a recent U of A doctoral graduate, was selected for the 100 Obama Foundation Leaders USA inaugural cohort.

The leadership development program "seeks to inspire, empower and connect emerging leaders across the country." Participants engage with former President Barack Obama, leadership coaches, subject matter experts and each other to deepen their leadership practice.

Lampkin earned his doctoral degree from the College of Education and Health Professions' Adult and Lifelong Learning Program.

"Tim was an outstanding student and a real leader in his doctoral studies in adult and lifelong learning, so this honor is not really a surprise," said Michael T. Miller, a professor of higher education and Lampkin's dissertation chair. "Tim carried the respect of his cohort and wrote an excellent dissertation about self-empowerment and entrepreneurial effort."

The leadership development program offers new skills and tools to accelerate positive and lasting change in the communities each "Obama Leader" represents. Lampkin's non-profit, Higher Purpose Co., is a Mississippi-based organization with a strong focus on economic justice within the Black community. The group works with Black-owned businesses to shatter the racial wealth gap in the United States.

The company's mission statement notes that its purpose is "to build community wealth with Black residents in Mississippi by supporting the ownership of financial, cultural and political power."

Community is at the center of the Obama leadership program, and members have the opportunity to participate in advocacy events and various programs and gain resources to aid in the growth of their businesses.   

Along with his most recent title from the Obama Foundation, Lampkin has also been featured in Huffington Post, Magic Johnson's Playbook 32 under 32 and the Daily Yonder as a voice for the community he has dedicated his life to serving.

The program is designed for those similar to Lampkin, who want to work with adult learners and develop skills for a career in leadership. ADLL graduates acquire skills such as assessing the educational needs of adult learners, designing programming and researching to enhance professional development.