Professor of Education and Psychology
About
Dr. Tabbye M. Chavous is a professor of education and psychology at the University of Michigan (U-M). Dr. Chavous’ research examines identity and motivation processes among Black youth and emerging adults, and the measurement and impacts of racial and diversity climates at secondary and postsecondary levels. This work includes a focus on contextual- and individual-level factors influencing STEM identity development among racially minoritized students and implications for academic persistence, success, and personal thriving. Dr. Chavous’ scholarship has been supported by the National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health, Spencer Foundation, and Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Dr. Chavous also served as co-founder and co-director of the Center for the Study of Black Youth in Context, funded by the National Science Foundation and supporting research and training of students, postdocs, and early career scholars around the positive development of diverse Black youth and families. Dr. Chavous’ scholarship underscores both foundational research and its practical applications, through integrity-grounded collaborations with schools and school systems; youth, families, and communities; as well as organizations at local, state, and national levels.
Dr. Chavous has held leadership roles at department, college, and central administration levels over her U-M career. These include vice provost for equity and inclusion and chief diversity officer; associate vice president for research in the university’s Office of the Vice President for Research; director of the National Center for Institutional Diversity; associate dean for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the College of LSA; associate dean for academic programs and initiatives in the Rackham Graduate School; and chair of the Combined Program in Education and Psychology. Across her faculty and leadership roles, Dr. Chavous has consistently advocated for high-quality, inclusive research and draws on equity-oriented leadership approaches to building and transforming educational environments.
Starting in August 2025, Dr. Chavous will serve as the Executive Director of the American Educational Research Association.
