With over a decade of student-centered, collaborative instruction as a Professor in numerous institutions and Universities, Dr. Jeremiah M. Okari offers a unique blend of leadership, vision, and knowledge. Dr. Okari is currently a Professor with multiple institution experience, including through Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MNSCU) at Anoka Ramsey and Inver Hills Community Colleges, Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, Concordia University (CSP), and Touro University Worldwide (TUW).
Dr. Okari is a passionate educator, a firm believer in expanding higher educational opportunities, and an ardent advocate for global citizenship. Dr. Okari has over a decade of experience in corporate finance and analytics (Wells Fargo, US Bank and Ditech Financial). Moreover, he has fifteen years of teaching experience in the United States and Kenya—at high school, undergraduate, and graduate levels. One of Dr. Okari’s research interests is in the dynamic role of immigrant communities not only in transforming rundown neighborhoods into vibrant business hubs but also as a potent catalyst for national and global economic development.
Dr. Okari is committed to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in all facets of his career. He is a Member of the DEI & IRB Committees at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, Anoka Ramsey Community College and pursues creation of learning environments that support holistic needs of learners. He believes that the value and commitment of diversity & inclusion is ethically responsible for success and lifelong learning.
Dr. Okari is also a member of numerous professional affiliations including the National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA), Kenya Scholars and Studies Association (KESSA), St. Mary’s University of
Minnesota Alumni Association, Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs and National African Leadership Conference, Speaker, 2022.
In Kenya, for 4 years, he was a Principal and teacher of St. Vincent High School before becoming migrating to America in 2001. He held other roles in addition to teaching including Small Business Owner, Research Analyst and Mortgage Counselor, where he established and built strong working relationships with colleagues and customers.
As a co-Host and Presenter of the KDRTV Diaspora Dive Show, Dr. Okari continues to focus and discuss a wide range of social-cultural, economic, legal and geo-political topics, facilitating numerous sessions with a variety of influential guest panelists. In partnership with the Global Kenya Diaspora One Voice Consortium & Foundation (OVC), these sessions include:
– Being a Black Male in America: Racism and Police Brutality
– Black and Immigrant Women Experiences in Leadership
– Resiliency Beyond Measure: Uplifting African American Men
– Connecting African Diaspora for Development
– Exploring Dynamic African Identities in the US and Worldwide Diaspora.
Dr. Okari holds an Ed.D and MBA from Saint Mary’s University and a Bachelor of Education through Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya.
During his spare time, Dr. Okari spends quality time with his beautiful family, mentors and helps immigrant/international students acculturate to the US school system, and travels around the world. Dr. Okari resides in Mounds View, Minnesota.
