Dr. Dametraus L. Jaggers is a higher education leader, scholar-practitioner, educator, nonprofit founder, and first-generation college graduate committed to expanding educational opportunity and creating environments where students can thrive. He currently serves as Executive Director of Student Success at Fisk University, where he provides strategic leadership for academic advising, learning support, early intervention, first-year success, and student persistence.
Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, Dr. Jaggers is a former collegiate student-athlete whose own educational journey helped shape his commitment to student access and success. He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing and a Master of Education in Higher Education Administration and Student Personnel from Kent State University and a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
Dr. Jaggers has spent his career leading student success, retention, access, and belonging efforts across HBCUs, public universities, and private institutions. His work has included developing first-year transition programs, strengthening academic advising and peer mentoring, advancing strengths-based approaches to student development, and using research and assessment to identify and address equity gaps in the student experience. He is also a Gallup-Certified CliftonStrengths Coach.
His work as a scholar-practitioner bridges research and practice, with a particular interest in the experiences, belonging, and success of historically underserved college students. His peer-reviewed scholarship has appeared in the Journal of Student Affairs Research and Practice, the Journal of College & University Student Housing, and the Journal of Women and Gender in Higher Education. He has also served on the Editorial Board of the Journal of Student Affairs Research and Practice and contributed to the profession through teaching and leadership with organizations including NASPA, ACPA, and SACSA. His contributions to higher education and community have been recognized through honors including Kent State University’s College of Education, Health and Human Services Hall of Fame, the University of Tennessee’s African American Image Award, and the Knoxville Area Urban League Volunteer of the Year Award.
Dr. Jaggers’ commitment to education extends beyond the college campus. He is the founder and executive director of PostGrad Ready, a nonprofit organization that equips middle and high school students with resources, experiences, and support to prepare for postsecondary education and careers. His community engagement has included youth development, mentorship, and building partnerships among schools, nonprofit organizations, churches, and community leaders.
Faith and service are also central to Dr. Jaggers’ approach to leadership. A former church planter and pastor, his experiences in ministry and community leadership have reinforced his belief that leadership is ultimately about service, stewardship, and creating opportunities for others to flourish.
Dr. Jaggers is a husband of 17 years and proud father of two teenage sons. His experiences as a husband, father, first-generation college graduate, former student-athlete, educator, community leader, and person of faith continue to shape his commitment to investing in the next generation.
As a 2026–2028 FirstGen Forward Forward Thinker, Dr. Jaggers looks forward to advancing strategies that support first-generation students throughout their collegiate journey, expanding equitable access to internships, undergraduate research, and other high-impact experiences, and elevating HBCU perspectives and promising practices within the national conversation on first-generation student success.