Dr. Saleem Gilmore

Dr. Saleem Gilmore is an equity-centered educator, researcher, and leader whose career spans K–12 education, community-based nonprofit leadership, and higher education administration. He currently serves as Director, Student Equity and Success, at Chabot College, where he leads initiatives that integrate research, planning, and institutional effectiveness to eliminate barriers for historically marginalized students. His work focuses on translating equity research into practical institutional strategies that improve student outcomes and campus belonging.

Dr. Gilmore began his career as a math and science teacher in K–12 schools, where he developed a deep commitment to ensuring that students from underserved communities had access to rigorous academic opportunities and culturally affirming learning environments. He later served as an executive director in the community-based nonprofit sector, leading programs focused on youth development, leadership, and community empowerment. Across sectors, his leadership has centered on building systems that expand opportunity and strengthen pathways for historically marginalized communities.

At Chabot College, Dr. Gilmore consistently uses research and planning as tools to advance equity. His work integrates disaggregated quantitative data with qualitative student narratives to reframe equity gaps as institutional responsibility gaps. This approach has informed his contributions at Chabot College, including the development of the 2025–2028 Student Equity Plan in collaboration with the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office. Dr. Gilmore also led the design, implementation, and assessment of the S?sa Wo Suban Summer Academy, a culturally grounded program supporting African American students transitioning from high school to college. In addition, he created the Gladiator Resource Hub, a centralized basic needs and student support center, using data visualization and storytelling through infographics to communicate impact and guide institutional decision-making. This work led to an invitation to present at the statewide California Higher Education Basic Needs Alliance (CHEBNA) conference and the Chancellor’s Award from the Chabot-Las Positas Community College District.

As a coach in The RP Group’s Leading from the Middle Academy, Dr. Gilmore mentors college teams across California in applying equity-conscious inquiry and data-informed strategies to improve student success. He also coaches executives of color, supporting leaders as they navigate systems while advancing equity-centered change.

Dr. Gilmore holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology with a minor in biology from Sonoma State University, a master’s degree in education, specializing in secondary education, from the University of San Francisco, and a doctorate in educational leadership for social justice from California State University, East Bay. His equity-focused doctoral dissertation examined the role of belonging, identity affirmation, and culturally responsive institutional practices in supporting persistence for historically marginalized women of color. His research continues to inform the design of student support programs and institutional equity strategies.

Beyond his professional work, Dr. Gilmore is a husband and father of three children. His family life continues to shape his commitment to building more just and equitable educational systems for future generations, and he believes that the most revolutionary thing he can do is raise a family.