Ketwana Schoos to deliver 2025 MLK Convocation keynote

January 9, 2025

Albion College is proud to announce that Dr. Ketwana Schoos, a native of Albion, will deliver the keynote address at the 2025 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Convocation. The event will take place on Monday, Jan. 27, at 7:00 p.m., at the historic Bohm Theatre in downtown Albion.

This year’s theme, “We are only as strong as our roots,” reflects the enduring influence of Dr. King’s legacy and calls on us to recognize the power of our histories, communities, and collective strength in striving for equity and justice.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Schoos back home to Albion for this important celebration of the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.,” said Eddie Visco, executive director of the Gerald R. Ford Institute for Leadership in Public Policy and Service and one of the lead organizers of Albion’s MLK Convocation. “Her love of her hometown and her experience in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion align perfectly with this year’s theme and our commitment to empowering our community.”

Dr. Schoos is a higher education professional with over 20 years of progressive experience as an administrator and faculty member promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in a variety of college and university settings. Her work has largely focused on creating a welcoming academic and campus environment that promotes student success through diversity and inclusion educational programming, leadership development opportunities, cross-cultural engagement, and policy oversight.

“I am both overjoyed and humbled to return to my hometown, and especially at the invitation of Albion College – an institution that served as an educational oasis and safe haven for me during my formative years,” Schoos said. “For me to return in observance of the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to discuss his vision of a “Beloved Community” makes my return even more emotional. This community and the college filled gaps in my foundation to help provide resources and support that extended beyond what my family could provide. We have always been a small, but mighty, community – I am blessed and proud to be one of Albion’s own.”

Dr. Schoos currently serves as the vice president & chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer for the Community College of Allegheny County. In this role, she is responsible for college-wide diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives and civil rights/Title IX compliance. She also teaches courses in subject areas including sociology, diversity and social justice, African American history, and leadership.

Dr. Schoos has previously worked in diversity and multicultural affairs at several institutions, including The Ohio State University at Mansfield, Ball State University, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, and most recently as assistant dean of students for inclusive campus engagement at Washington & Jefferson College.

Born and raised in Albion, Dr. Schoos earned a bachelor’s degree in Spanish from Central Michigan University, two master’s degrees in African American and African diaspora studies and higher education and student affairs from Indiana University, and a doctorate in administrative and policy studies (Higher Education Management concentration) from the University of Pittsburgh.

The event will open with an invocation delivered by Rev. Gabriel Avery of Lewis Chapel AME Church in Albion. Lewis Chapel AME, a cornerstone of the Albion community, has a rich history of faith, service, and community outreach. Rev. Avery was ordained as the new pastor of Lewis Chapel AME Church in August 2023. 

“Each year, our MLK Convocation provides a meaningful opportunity to examine how we may strive to follow Dr. King’s moral, spiritual, and intellectual example in our daily lives,” said Dr. Taran McZee, Albion College vice president for belonging and culture. “As our theme this year states, ‘We are Only as Strong as our Roots,’ and our root this year is Albion’s own Dr. Ketwana Schoos. We encourage the broad Albion community to join us at the Bohm Theatre for a wonderful evening of reflection and celebration.”

Honoring Dr. King’s legacy

The annual MLK Convocation is a time-honored tradition at Albion College, bringing together students, faculty, staff, alumni, and members of the Albion community to celebrate the life and work of Dr. King. Through thought-provoking conversations and inspiring calls to action, the event serves as a reminder of our shared responsibility to uphold Dr. King’s vision of justice, equality, and peace.

Previous MLK Convocation speakers have included:

2024: Linda Johnson Rice

2023: Michigan Speaker of the House Joe Tate

2022: Reflections from community members

2021: Dr. Oveta Fuller

2020: Judge Dannia Edwards, ’83

2019: Rochelle Riley

2018: Michael Williams, ’78

2017: Eugene Robinson

2016: Diane Nash

2015: Ruth Holland Scott

2014: Julian Bond

2013: Dr. Cleveland Sellers

This event is free and open to the public. Albion College invites everyone to join in honoring Dr. King’s legacy and participating in a meaningful evening of reflection, unity, and action.

For more information about the event, please visit albion.edu/mlk.