Michael Funk

Michael Sean Funk is a proud alumnus of the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development, where he received his M.A. from the Department of Administration, Leadership, and Technology. In 2012, he received his doctorate from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst Social Justice Education program. His dissertation, Making Something of It, explores The Untold Stories of Promising Black Males at a Predominately White Institution of Higher Education.

He currently serves as coordinator of the M.A. in Higher Education and Student Affairs Program where he teaches courses including: Diversity in Higher Education, Leadership in Higher Education, Foundations of Higher Education, Internship Seminar, and Undergraduate Advising.

University-wide, Dr. Funk resides as a Faculty Fellow in Residence at first-year residence hall, Founders. Michael is also a Steinhardt Knowledge Partner that works with faculty to support efforts toward creating inclusive classroom settings. Additionally, he contributes as an Alternative-Senator for the Continuing Faculty Senate Council (C-FSC).

Michael's scholarship primarily focuses on issues of equity, diversity, and inclusion. In 2016 and 2017 he co-authored the Racism chapters for the respective Readings and Teaching for Diversity and Social Justice latest editions. Furthermore, he authored a chapter entitled, "Creating Inclusive Classrooms as an Imperative for Historically Underrepresented Groups in Higher Education" for the forthcoming College at the Crossroads: Taking sides on contested issues.

Some of Dr. Funk’s note worthy accomplishments and most proud moments include: receiving the Star Award in 2017 from NYU's Graduate Student Organization; selection into the inaugural cohort of the NASPA 2016, Emerging Faculty Leader Academy; recipient of the Senior Bertha Reynolds Fellowship at Smith College School for Social Work; Distinguished Teaching Award in 2011 from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst; and an induction into his High School Hall of Fame for his work surrounding issues of social justice.