Principal Consultant & Affiliated Experts
LEC leverages the expertise of women from industry, corporate, non-profit, and
higher education to tailor solutions based on client needs.
Strategic Planning & Research Leadership
Dr. Lynch has a proven track record in leading institutional research strategy, including research development, policy alignment, and strategic growth. As President of QEM Network and former Associate Provost of Scholarship, Research, and Innovation at Winston-Salem State University, she implemented strategies that resulted in a 270% increase in research submissions and secured over $66 million in awarded funding.
Educational Assessment, Evaluation, & Program Design
She brings strong expertise in program evaluation, learning outcomes, and assessment strategy. Her background in curriculum design and instructional development is complemented by her scholarly work in special education, innovation management, and leadership.
Grant Writing & Funding Acquisition
With experience as a principal investigator and lead proposal writer, Dr. Lynch has developed over $898 million in proposals. Her success spans federal agencies such as NSF, NIH, DOE, and DOD, demonstrating deep knowledge in competitive funding landscapes and cross-sector partnerships.
Higher Education Administration & Faculty Development
Her administrative roles encompass leadership in graduate education, research compliance, and academic program development. She has led institutional capacity-building initiatives, designed faculty development frameworks, and directed strategic planning processes across multiple MSIs.
Equity, Diversity, & MSI Advocacy
Dr. Lynch is a national voice in educational equity, particularly for HBCUs and other MSIs. She co-chairs the National Academies committee on defense research at MSIs and advises organizations like EDUCAUSE, APLU, and the Gates Foundation on digital learning equity.
Tiffany Bellafant Steward, EdD is Higher Education executive with expertise in enrollment, student success, HBCUs, strategic planning, advising, grants, first generation advocacy, and leadership development.
Tenea McGhee, MA is a Higher Education professional advancing cultural-based fraternity/sorority growth, student
success, leadership development, strategic partnerships, and inclusive programming across multiple institutions.
Tarina Whitfield, MS is a skilled technologist and strategist specializing in web development, grant writing, educational
technology, project management, compliance, and HBCU-focused program implementation.
Stacey Sowell, PhD is a HBCU executive leader advancing enrollment, student affairs, and housing; experienced in strategic planning, equity, public speaking, and institutional transformation.