Our Guest, Dr. Marvin Lynn, Dean of the School of Education & Human Development (SEHD) at the University of Colorado Denver, has enjoyed a robust career as a teacher, scholar, public university administrator, and artist. SEHD is a statewide and national leader for education quality and access across the education and human development lifespan. It is the largest graduate school of its kind in Colorado and is highly regarded for its high-quality academic programs that demonstrate evidence of a strong commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Dr. Lynn earned his bachelor’s in Elementary Education from DePaul University in Chicago and a master’s in Curriculum & Teaching from Teachers College-Columbia University. He started his career as an elementary teacher in New York City Public Schools and Chicago Public Schools. He went on to earn his PhD in Race and Ethnic Studies in Education from University of California, Los Angeles. Before his arrival at CU Denver in June of 2022, he served as dean and professor of education at Portland State University and Indiana University South Bend.

Dean Lynn is one of the most highly cited researchers in the nation. His research focuses on race, education, the work and lives of Black male educators, and best practices for advancing teacher diversity in the United States. Dr. Lynn is quoted regularly in local, national, and international news stories. His research has been recognized by the American Educational Research Association, and the University of the Free State in South Africa.

At the national level, he has served as an Executive Board Member of the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE) and currently serves on the Boards of Directors for the Carnegie Project for the Education Doctorate (CPED), and the National Association of Community College Teacher Education Programs (NACCTEP). At the state level, Dean Lynn serves as the Co-Chair for the Colorado Deans of Colleges of Education (CCODE) and is the inaugural Chair of the Colorado Educator Preparation Advisory (CPEAC). CPEAC is part of Colorado statute.

Dr. Lynn is also an accomplished singer—performing in a variety of genres including classical and gospel. He has performed with the Oregon Symphony Orchestra, Annapolis Opera Company, the Soul Children of Chicago, Rev. Clay Evans, the Fellowship Baptist Church, and others. He is the founder of the South Shore Opera Company of Chicago where he has also performed regularly.

Your Host: ⁠⁠Jacob Easley II, PhD, PMP⁠⁠

Sponsor: The 2.0 Conferences. Register for the 2026 2.0 Conferences in Las Vegas, Nevada and receive a discount courtesy of EDUP Xcelerated Excellence with the code EDUPXE15OFF.

Your choice of the 2.0 Conferences include: CXO 2.0, Education 2.0, Health 2.0, Founders 2.0, and the Fueld Conference.

Sponsor: Patriox oxygenated water. Drinking Patriox helps oxygenate the body, promoting overall health, energy, and vitality. Receive a 10% discount on your next purchase with the code EDUPXE.

Resources:

EDUP The Experience

Greeting: Eric Almonte

Research Assistant: Emma Worthington

#EDUPXE #EDUCATIONALEXCELLENCE #EDUCATIONALEQUITY

Listen!

Are you listening?

This is Jacob Easley II, PhD, PMP, host of the EDUP Xcelerated Excellence podcast where we seek to advance educational excellence and equity.

What if the key to educational excellence isn't just what we teach, but how well we listen?

Listening isn't just about hearing words—it's about understanding perspectives, building trust, and creating spaces where every voice matters. When educators truly listen to students, families, and communities, we unlock pathways to excellence and equity that transform lives.

Join us as we engage with thought leaders, practitioners, andchange makers who are advancing educational excellence through authentic and meaningful dialogue.

Tune in to EDUP Xcelerated Excellence—because when we listen, we learn, and when we learn together, we create lasting change.

Our Guest, Bryce Jhourdyn Thompson, is an educator, mentor, and emerging school leader committed to creating equitable, student-centered learning environments. He began my journey in education as a Future Teachers of Excellence Fellow (Cohort ’21), where he developed a strong foundation in culturally responsive teaching and a deep commitment to uplifting the communities he serves.

In 2025, he had the honor of speaking at the Black Men in Education Convening (BMEC), an experience that further shaped his perspective on representation, leadership, and the power of authentic storytelling within the profession. Bryce recounts, “Sharing my voice at BMEC strengthened my commitment to advocating for spaces where students and educators feel seen, valued, and supported.”

He currently pursuing certification in Elementary Education and Social Studies, along with his master’s degree, as part of his long-term goal to transition into school leadership. Bryce’s work is guided by a vision of building strong school cultures, expanding youth mentorship opportunities, and advocating for mental health supports that center the well-being of students.

At his core, he driven by community and purpose. Bryce’s goal is to be a consistent, positive presence, a leader who inspires trust, champions opportunity, and helps create schools where every student has the chance to thrive. Bryce shares, “I seeeducation as both a responsibility and a calling, and I’m committed to using my voice, my story, and my leadership to make a meaningful impact.”

Your Host: ⁠⁠Jacob Easley II, PhD, PMP⁠⁠

Sponsor: The 2.0 Conferences. Register for the 2026 2.0 Conferences in Las Vegas, Nevada and receive a discount courtesy of EDUP Xcelerated Excellence with the code EDUPXE15OFF.

Your choice of the 2.0 Conferences include: CXO 2.0, Education 2.0, Health 2.0, Founders 2.0, and the Fueld Conference.

Sponsor: Patriox oxygenated water. Drinking Patriox helps oxygenate the body, promoting overall health, energy, and vitality. Receive a 10% discount on your next purchase with the code EDUPXE.

Resources:

• EDUP The Experience
• The Center for Black Educator Development
• St Ignatious Loyola Academy

Greeting: Jamal Watson

Research Assistant: Emma Worthington

#EDUPXE #EDUCATIONALEXCELLENCE #EDUCATIONALEQUITY