Today is a day of celebration at Lauren Simone Publishing House!
We are thrilled to announce the official release of Shades of Excellence: Stories from Scholars of Color, now available as a hardcover and a paperback on Amazon and BN!
This powerful anthology brings together the voices of scholars of color who have navigated higher education as students, faculty members, administrators, and professionals. Through personal narratives, reflections, and creative works, contributors share stories of perseverance, achievement, identity, and transformation.
At a time when conversations surrounding affirmative action, diversity, equity, and inclusion continue to shape educational landscapes, Shades of Excellence offers an important and timely perspective. Grounded in research and lived experience, the book highlights both the challenges scholars of color encounter within predominantly white institutions and the remarkable resilience, innovation, and excellence they demonstrate in response.
More than a collection of stories, this volume serves as a guide for aspiring scholars, current faculty, institutional leaders, and anyone committed to fostering more equitable and inclusive educational environments.
A Collaborative Work of Excellence
This project was made possible through the dedication of an exceptional team of editors:
- Dr. Kaydian Reid
- Dr. Christiana Best
- Dr. Melissa-Sue John
- Dr. Vangella Buchanan
The striking book cover was designed by Erin Ortega, while Oluwasegun Olaiya provided the book formatting.
Together with 32 distinguished contributors representing diverse disciplines and experiences, they have created a work that educates, inspires, and challenges readers to envision a more inclusive future for higher education.
Connect With Lauren Simone Publishing House
Follow Lauren Simone Publishing House on Instagram for book updates, author spotlights, event announcements, and behind-the-scenes content:
Instagram: @laurensimonepubs
We also encourage readers to connect with the editors and contributors on LinkedIn and other social media platforms, support their work, and share their upcoming events.
Join Us on the Book Tour
The release of Shades of Excellence will be celebrated through a series of book signings, readings, and community conversations across Connecticut and New York.
Upcoming Tour Dates
June 17, 2026 | 6:00–9:00 PM
Marte Hall
82 Seigel Street, Brooklyn, NY
Featuring contributor Dr. Jada K. John
June 20, 2026 | 5:00–7:00 PM
Barnes & Noble
270 Buckland Hills Drive, Suite 1024
Manchester, CT
July 25, 2026 | 1:00–2:00 PM
East Hartford Public Library
840 Main Street
East Hartford, CT 06108
Register: https://easthartfordct.libcal.
August 11, 2026 | 5:00–7:00 PM
Woodbury Public Library
269 Main Street
Woodbury, CT 06798
September 12, 2026 | 1:00–3:00 PM
Possible Futures Bookstore
318 Edgewood Avenue
New Haven, CT
September 19, 2026 | 5:00–7:00 PM
Barnes & Noble
270 Buckland Hills Drive, Suite 1024
Manchester, CT
Meet the Editors Event
How You Can Support the Book
There are many ways to help amplify the voices featured in Shades of Excellence:
- Purchase a copy for yourself, your institution, or your organization.
- Share the book with family, friends, colleagues, and students.
- Leave a review on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
- Attend a book signing event.
- Follow, engage with, and support the contributors on social media.
- Share your personalized promotional flyer on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and other platforms.
1. Dr. Nicole Anthony linkedin.com/in/dr-nicole-anthony-009370104
2. Dr. Cindy Bautista-Thomas https://www.linkedin.com/in/cindy-bautista-thomas/
3. Dr. Christiana Best https://www.linkedin.com/in/christiana-best-giacomini-ph-d-6a923824/
4. Rebecca Betancourt https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccairizarry/
5. Dr. Vangella Buchanan https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-vangella-hazle-buchanan-b831aa37/
6. Dr. Tamira K. Butler-Likely https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamirakbutlerlikely/
7. Dr. Pablo Correa
8. Dr. Jamie Danielle Daniels https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-danielle-daniels-phd-licsw-msw-816a8942/
9. Dr. Baron A. Dyer https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-baron-a-dyer-646a4a18b/
10. Dr. Jonathan P. Edwards https://www.linkedin.com/in/jpedwards-phd/
11. Dr. Nicola Edwards https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicola-edwards-a7a560244/
12. Dr. Kamahra Ewing https://www.linkedin.com/in/kamahra-ewing-ph-d-a939b912/
13. Dr. Altreisha Foster https://www.linkedin.com/in/altreisha-foster/
14. Dr. Natallie Gentles-Gibbs https://www.linkedin.com/in/natallie-gentles-gibbs-49904234b/
15. Dr. Eileen M. González https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-eileen-mercedes-gonz%C3%A1lez-lopez-aaa08a249/
16. Dr. Fitzroy R. Gordon https://www.linkedin.com/in/fitzroy-r-gordon-ph-d-cissp-cism-ccsp-08113a12/
17. Dr. Felicia D. Griffin-Fennell https://www.linkedin.com/in/felicia-griffin-fennell/
18. Dr. Latoya Hinds https://www.linkedin.com/in/latoya-hinds-dsw-lcsw-9ab8bb113/
19. Dr. Tashana D. Howse https://www.linkedin.com/in/tashana-howse-ph-d-8b8a041b/
20. Dr. Jada K. John https://www.linkedin.com/in/doctorjay17/
21. Dr. Melissa-Sue John https://www.instagram.com/laurensimonepubs
22. Dr. Brittany Lynch https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittany-lynch-dsw-lcsw-ryt-0085217b/
23. Tanesha Bramwell McKen https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanesha-bramwell-mcken-248aa72b8/
24. Dr. James McNeal https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaimes-mcneal-phd-maio-717a3811
25. Dr. K. Kayon Morgan https://www.linkedin.com/in/k-kayon-morgan-ph-d-8a89934/
26. Dr. Kanako Okuda https://www.linkedin.com/in/kanako-okuda-dsw-msw-lcsw-r-6ba6546/?skipRedirect=true
27. Dr. Madeline Pérez De Jesús https://www.linkedin.com/in/madeline-perez-de-jesus-265b3350/
28. Dr. Kaydian Reid https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaydian-simone-reid-drph-ma-74797914/
29. Dr. Policarpio A. Soberanis https://www.linkedin.com/in/pasoberanis/
30. Dr. Robin Walker https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-robin-walker-b7265242/
31. Dr. John Watts https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-john-watts-d-c-j-9918a91b/
32. Dr. Ovita Williams https://www.linkedin.com/in/ovita-williams-ph-d-lcsw-r-97443213/
Together, we can elevate these stories, celebrate scholarly excellence, and continue meaningful conversations about equity and representation in higher education.
Thank you to everyone who helped bring this important project to life. We are proud to share Shades of Excellence with the world and look forward to seeing its impact on readers everywhere.
Congratulations to all of our contributors, editors, designers, and supporters on this remarkable achievement!