Welcome to Linda Chavers, Ph.D.

Scholar | Educator | Writer | Interdisciplinary Leader



I am currently a senior consultant at NPAG where I specialize in restorative practice and equity in the workplace. 

With a career spanning student affairs, teaching, nonprofit leadership, and executive search, I bring an interdisciplinary approach to education and institutional transformation. My work centers on fostering inclusive learning environments, mentoring students through academic and personal challenges, and developing strategic initiatives that enhance equity and belonging in higher education and beyond. As a Black woman with a chronic illness, I lead transparently, ensuring that my work not only addresses systemic inequities but also embodies the values of accessibility, advocacy, and authentic leadership.

Higher Education & Student Affairs 
As a former Resident Dean at Harvard University and Assistant Dean of Harvard College, I have extensive experience in student advising, crisis management, and institutional leadership. I have worked closely with students navigating complex academic and personal challenges, advocating for systemic improvements in student support services, and implementing policies that prioritize holistic well-being. My leadership extends to committee work focused on anti-racism, sexual violence prevention, and student life enhancement. Leading with transparency, I bring an understanding of the unique barriers faced by marginalized communities, ensuring that my work is informed by lived experience and structural analysis. 

Teaching & Interdisciplinary Scholarship                
I am a dedicated educator with a Ph.D. in African and African American Studies from Harvard University. My teaching philosophy centers on fostering critical thinking, close textual analysis, and the intersection of literature, history, and cultural studies. I have designed and taught courses such as How Did We Get Here? From Slavery to #MeToo, Black Women Narratives in the #MeToo Era, and interdisciplinary studies on race, gender, and popular culture. My scholarship and public writing explore themes of racial identity, historical memory, and cultural production. As someone who navigated graduate school with a chronic illness, I am committed to reshaping narratives around accessibility, wellness, and professional sustainability in educational spaces. I am currently a Co-Investigator on the research project “Aqueous Territory: Learning from Louisiana's Colonial Histories and Watery Extremes" and Guest Editor for the special  "Aqueous Instabilities" issue in the Humanities journal.

Writing & Public Scholarship
My writing spans academic publications, journalism, and creative non-fiction. I have contributed to The Boston Globe, anthologies on #MeToo and literary studies, and forthcoming book projects on Black women’s narratives. Through storytelling, I engage with contemporary social issues, bridging the gap between scholarship and public discourse. I also write openly about my experiences as a Black woman living with a chronic illness, advocating for greater awareness, institutional change, and support for those navigating similar journeys.

Nonprofit & Executive Search Leadership
Beyond academia, I have leveraged my expertise in leadership and institutional change through executive search and nonprofit consulting. As a Senior Consultant in nonprofit leadership and restorative practices, I support organizations in hiring diverse leadership, implementing equity-focused policies, and navigating strategic transitions. My background in executive search has provided deep insight into how leadership shapes institutional culture, while my work with restorative justice initiatives has strengthened my ability to facilitate dialogue and build community-centered solutions.

Restorative Justice & Institutional Change
Trained in restorative justice practices, I bring a justice-centered approach to conflict resolution, student support, and organizational leadership. My work in restorative justice spans higher education, nonprofit leadership, and community engagement, emphasizing accountability, healing, and structural transformation. Transparency and inclusivity guide my approach, ensuring that institutions and communities are equipped to navigate challenges with honesty and integrity.

Bridging Academia, Nonprofits & Leadership Development
My career reflects a commitment to interdisciplinary leadership—merging academia, nonprofit work, and executive search to cultivate sustainable change. Whether in the classroom, advising students, or shaping institutional policies, my focus remains on fostering inclusive, thoughtful, and justice-oriented communities. Leading with the dual lenses of my professional expertise and lived experience, I am committed to making institutional spaces more equitable, accessible, and human-centered.

For collaborations, speaking engagements, or consulting inquiries, please reach out at lchavers@gmail.com or connect with me on LinkedIn!