Dr. Kiwana Sanders: Leading with Purpose, Access, and Heart
For Dr. Kiwana Sanders, education has always represented possibility.
Growing up in the 1970s, she learned early that education was more than a requirement. In her family, it was a roadmap out of poverty and toward opportunity. Guided by her grandmother, a school secretary who championed academic access, Dr. Sanders and her twin brother attended an accelerated magnet program far from their neighborhood. That daily journey introduced her to new perspectives and helped her understand how environment can shape identity and ambition.
As a first-generation college student at Illinois State University, Dr. Sanders entered higher education academically prepared but without a guide. Everyday tasks felt intimidating, from registering for classes to understanding campus resources. Her experience shifted when she was paired with a mentor who helped her build confidence and clarity. That support became the foundation for her belief in programs designed to serve first-generation students, including GovState’s First Gen Center.
After completing her bachelor’s degree and gaining classroom experience, Dr. Sanders chose Governors State University for its flexible, affordable cohort model. At GovState, she found not only academic growth but genuine community. Her instructors brought real-world experience into the classroom and understood the realities of working educators. She earned her Master’s degree in Educational Administration in 2002 and later returned to complete her Doctorate in Interdisciplinary Leadership with a Superintendent endorsement in 2023.
Dr. Sanders credits several GovState faculty members for shaping her leadership, including Dr. Marlon Cummings, Dr. Joi Patterson, Dr. Matthew Cooney, and Dr. Chris Dignam. Their mentorship, rigor, and encouragement left a lasting impact.
Today, Dr. Sanders views educational leadership as a collection of meaningful moments. From student successes to staff growth and family partnerships, each day reinforces why she loves the work. She believes leadership is built through collaboration, care, and shared purpose.
Her advice to GovState students is simple yet powerful: “Sacrifice now to soar in the future.”
Motivated by her parents and inspired by her children, Dr. Sanders hopes her leadership continues to promote equity, big dreams, and a culture where students are seen, adults work together, and success is shared.
A Message from the Alumni Association at Governors State University
Dr. Sanders’ journey reflects the very spirit of GovState, where access, community, and perseverance intersect to create leaders who uplift others. We are proud to celebrate her achievements and grateful for the example she continues to set for current and future Jaguars. Her story reminds us that when we invest in people, provide support, and believe in potential, the impact reaches far beyond the classroom.
We thank Dr. Sanders for representing Governors State University with excellence, heart, and purpose.
Author: Jocelyn Bell, Alumni Relations Communication Coordinator