Dr. Tyrone Bledsoe is a distinguished educator with over 37 years of experience in postsecondary education. As the founder and CEO-President of the Student African American Brotherhood (SAAB), a national organization spanning 41 states and boasting over 355 chapters, he is dedicated to fostering a spirit of care and enriching the experiences of young males of color in the United States.
Prior to his leadership at SAAB, Dr. Bledsoe served as Vice President for Student Life and Special Assistant to the President at the University of Toledo. He holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Education degree from Mississippi State University and earned his Ph.D. in counseling and student affairs administration with a focus on counseling psychology from the University of Georgia.
Dr. Bledsoe’s influence extends globally, having contributed significantly to addressing issues affecting men of color internationally. His dedication to mentoring and supporting African American males has been acknowledged with awards from organizations such as the College Board and the Campaign for Black Male Achievement. Notably, he was honored as a Contemporary Inspiration by Forbes Magazine. Dr. Bledsoe’s international impact has also been recognized by Ashoka, a global association of social entrepreneurs, which selected him as one of the most outstanding social innovators in 2006.
Born and raised in Grenada, Mississippi, Dr. Bledsoe currently resides in Toledo, Ohio. A captivating speaker and devoted father to three sons, Dr. Bledsoe continues to inspire and empower individuals worldwide through his charisma, leadership and unwavering dedication to education and social progress. Dr. Bledsoe joined TU’s Board of Trustees in 2024.