I am Dr. Avery Hartwell, a Higher Education Strategist and Associate Director for Student Engagement at Rice University, with over a decade of experience dedicated to creating access, inclusion, and belonging in post-secondary education. A proud Houston native, I am passionate about dismantling barriers and building sustainable pathways that empower specialized and underrepresented populations to access and succeed in higher education.

My work centers on designing and implementing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) frameworks that drive measurable outcomes — increasing enrollment, supporting student persistence, and strengthening retention across diverse student populations. I partner with institutions to develop programs and initiatives that don't just open doors, but ensure students have the support they need to walk through them and succeed long-term.

In addition to program development, I provide professional training to faculty, staff, and institutional leadership on integrating DEI frameworks into curricula, programs, and institutional policies — helping organizations move from intention to lasting, systemic change.

My academic foundation reflects my deep commitment to this work. I hold a Doctorate of Education in Higher Education Leadership and a Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration, both from Sam Houston State University's College of Education, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Film from the University of Texas at Arlington.

I believe that inclusive institutions are stronger institutions, and I bring both the strategic vision and hands-on expertise to help colleges and universities make that a reality.

Services I Offer:

• Private College Enrollment Assistance — Personalized guidance to help students navigate the college admissions process and secure their place in higher education.
• Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Foundation Training — Foundational DEI training designed to equip institutions, teams, and leaders with the knowledge and tools to build truly inclusive environments.
• Culturally Responsive Curriculum Development — Supporting educators and institutions in designing curriculum that reflects, respects, and engages the diverse backgrounds and experiences of all students.
• Programmatic & Policy Consulting — Strategic consulting to help institutions develop, assess, and strengthen programs and policies that promote equity, access, and student success.