Dr. David J. Luke

Dr. David J. Luke is a sociologist, author, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) advocate whose career bridges finance, academia, and social justice. Luke holds bachelor's degrees in sociology and accounting from Grand Valley State University and earned master's and doctoral degrees in sociology from the University of Kentucky. Before entering higher education, Luke worked as a certified public accountant, conducting financial audits of governmental agencies and nonprofits. This background informs his analytical and systems-oriented approach to DEI work.

Luke serves as the inaugural chief diversity officer at University of Michigan-Flint, overseeing the implementation of the university-wide Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Strategic Action Plan, as well as the Intercultural Center, the Center for Gender & Sexuality, and the Office of Educational Opportunity Initiatives. His research centers on multiracial organizations and racial diversity in higher education, and he has published peer-reviewed articles and book chapters that inform both his scholarship and practice. Luke applies these insights to develop and assess diversity initiatives and programs aimed at improving retention and graduation rates for students of color and other marginalized groups.

Luke is the author of "Affirmative Action and Black Student Success: The Pursuit of 'Critical Mass' at Historically White Universities," published by Routledge Taylor & Francis Group. The book presents a mixed-method, cross-national study examining diversity programs at large public universities in the United States and Canada. It explores how political contexts, including state bans on affirmative action and desegregation mandates, influence diversity initiatives and Black student enrollment and completion outcomes. The work provides analysis for university leaders, diversity officers, and student affairs professionals.

Luke has presented at national and international conferences, including the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education and the National Conference on Race and Ethnicity in American Higher Education, where he serves on the National Advisory Council. He also participates in meetings of the American Sociological Association and serves as vice president of the Society for the Study of Social Problems. His keynote topics include unconscious bias, systemic oppression in organizations, dismantling systemic racism, and DEI in higher education.

Luke has received the University of Michigan Distinguished Diversity Leaders Award for his efforts in fostering inclusive environments. He serves on the board of the Community Resolution Center in Flint and the Flint & Genesee Education & Talent Advisory Committee, reflecting his commitment to community-level change. Through academic research, institutional leadership, and public engagement, Luke contributes to the national conversation on diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education and organizational leadership.