Richard B. Marks, Jr. Ed.D (he/him) is a dynamic leader and advocate, currently serving as the Assistant Vice President for Diversity and Innovative Community Engagement and the Executive Director of the Cross-Cultural Center for Global Citizenship at Saint Louis University. A proud alumnus of Indiana University, Bloomington, Dr. Marks earned his Bachelor’s in African American Studies and Sociology, followed by a Master’s in Higher Education Student Affairs. He furthered his academic journey by obtaining a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the Rossier School of Education at the University of Southern California.

With over two decades of extensive experience in higher education, Dr. Marks has held key positions in Housing and Residence Life, Student Activities, Greek Life, Student Conduct, and Diversity Education. He is a sought-after speaker and facilitator known for his expertise in race in higher education, LGBTQIA+ issues, toxic masculinity, gender roles and expressions, Greek life, diversity training, team building, leadership, intersectionality, and identity development.

Dr. Marks, recognized as the Outstanding LGBTQIA+ Honoree by the Saint Louis Business Journal in 2021, played a pivotal role in establishing the first annual Lavender Graduation at Saint Louis University. He also co-created the Saint Louis Regional Consortium of Higher Education Initiatives Supporting Black Male Success in partnership with United Way of Saint Louis. Additionally, Dr. Marks serves as a board member at Williams and Associates, contributing to efforts that address health disparities and promote equity for Black and marginalized communities, focusing on LGBTQIA+ populations.

Dr. Marks is actively involved in several organizations. He has served as the past Chair of the Pan African Network in the Association of College Personnel Association (ACPA), is an active member of 100 Black Men of Metropolitan Saint Louis, serves as the board chair of the YMCA – Bayer in Saint Louis, and has been the Vice President and charter member of the National Panhellenic Council of Orange County. He is also a proud Lifetime Member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Dr. Marks owns RBM Diversity Consulting, an LLC dedicated to fostering diversity and inclusion across various sectors.