Shaun Harper

Saun Harper is a University Professor and Provost Professor at the University of Southern California (USC), holding joint appointments in the Rossier School of Education, Marshall School of Business, and Price School of Public Policy. He is the founder and Chief Research Scientist of the USC Race and Equity Center. Harper’s expertise spans racial equity, gender equity, education policy, and urban education. He earned his PhD from Indiana University, with additional degrees from Indiana and Albany State Universities.

His research focuses on systemic inequities in education, corporate, and policy contexts, with over 100 publications and $26M in grants. Notable roles include serving as president of the American Educational Research Association (2020-21) and Association for the Study of Higher Education (2016-17), and appointment to the National Academy of Education (2021) and National Board for Education Sciences (2022).

Harper’s work has been cited over 26,000 times and featured in major media. He advises governments and corporations on DEI strategies, testified before Congress, and contributed op-eds to outlets like the Washington Post and Forbes. His center has secured $25.5M in contracts and investments.

• Education: PhD, MS (Indiana University); BS (Albany State University)
• Affiliations: USC Race and Equity Center, National Board for Education Sciences
• Awards: 6 honorary degrees, top scholar rankings in education
• Grants: Over $26M from Gates, Lumina, Ford, and others

His research emphasizes actionable equity strategies, including institutional transformation for men of color, pandemic-era campus equity, and racial justice in sports. He has advised CEOs and policymakers, blending academic rigor with practical DEI solutions.