February 11, 2025
The American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) has honored Red D. Douglas, a Ph.D. student in Educational Leadership at Oakland University, as one of the recipients of the 2025 K. Patricia Cross Future Leaders Award. This prestigious accolade celebrates graduate students who exhibit outstanding promise as future leaders in higher education while demonstrating a strong commitment to academic innovation, equity, community engagement, and excellence in teaching and learning.
Douglas was selected through a competitive nomination process that evaluates candidates for their dedication to leadership and innovation in higher education. The award commemorates the legacy of K. Patricia Cross, a distinguished researcher, teacher, and university administrator, and underscores a commitment to equity and educational advancement. Douglas was nominated for the award by Oakland University President Ora Hirsch Pescovitz and Graduate School Dean Brandy A. Randall.
“In his scholarship and by his deeds, Red Douglas’ work and character reflect a passionate commitment to integrity, the pursuit of the truth and the integral role of higher education in the development of an individual and society,” said President Pescovitz. “He is an effective advocate for equity and inclusivity, and his leadership resonates throughout our campus community.”
In his doctoral studies at Oakland University, Douglas has been recognized for his passion for fostering inclusive learning environments and advancing equity in educational leadership. His contributions to research and his engagement with community-driven initiatives have marked him as a standout figure among his peers.
“Red Douglas exemplifies the qualities we strive to nurture in higher education — leadership, innovation and an unwavering dedication to equity,” said Dean Randall. “His vision for an inclusive and responsive educational system reflects the very values celebrated by the K. Patricia Cross Future Leaders Award. We are immensely proud of his accomplishments and his commitment to making a meaningful impact in the lives of others.”
Douglas, along with other awardees, was formally recognized during the opening plenary session of the AAC&U Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C., on January 23, 2025.
This award affirms Douglas’s significant contributions and potential to shape the future of higher education, reflecting Oakland University’s tradition of cultivating exceptional leaders in academia.
After Douglas graduates, he plans to work in higher education as a faculty member and future administrator.
“I genuinely love the amalgam of research, service, teaching and learning that characterizes a career in higher education and I want to pioneer support services to vulnerable student populations through my research and advocacy,” he said. “Receiving this award further motivates me to continue designing meaningful research serving my communities on and off campus and advocating for students from underrepresented backgrounds.”