Dr. Gregory King, ’12, has been named the new executive director for Washington MESA (Math, Engineering, Science Achievement), effective Feb. 1.
King most recently served as the director for Seattle MESA, housed in the UW’s College of the Environment. Prior to that, he spent over 19 years in numerous leadership roles in the K-12 sector.
Washington MESA, administered through the UW Office of Minority Affairs & Diversity, is a statewide program that builds pathways to college and careers for underrepresented minority and female students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Washington MESA serves students in K-12 school districts and two-year colleges.
“We are very pleased to have Dr. Gregory King join Washington MESA,” said Vice President for Minority Affairs & Diversity and University Diversity Officer Rickey Hall. “A mission-driven leader, Dr. King’s deep passion for this work will help propel us into the future.”
King has devoted his career to increasing educational opportunities for underserved and low-income youth. He began as a middle and high school teacher before serving as an assistant principal and an elementary and high school principal. Since then, he has worked as a district administrator, career and technical education director, chief academic officer and executive director for STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math).
“I am excited to serve and support Washington MESA’s family of directors, centers, communities, families, partners, and students,” said King. “I greatly look forward to increasing MESA’s collective impact as we prepare more underrepresented minorities for STEM degrees and careers.”
In addition to his work in K-12, King was an adjunct instructor at various community colleges and an adjunct faculty member at the Washington State University Vancouver campus. His seminars and courses focused on teaching aspiring education leaders’ curriculum and instruction theories, and social justice pedagogy.
Originally from San Antonio, Texas, King received a doctorate of education in educational leadership and policy studies from the University of Washington in 2012. He also received a master of education degree (educational administration) from Prairie View A&M University and a bachelor of arts degree from Rice University (majors in English and human performance/health sciences).
About the Office of Minority Affairs & Diversity
Established in 1968, the University of Washington Office of Minority Affairs & Diversity (OMA&D) broadens college access and supports the academic success of underrepresented minority, first-generation and economically disadvantaged students, as well as cultivates a campus climate the enriches the educational experience for all. OMA&D college access programs serve over 25,000 students in K-12 school districts and two-year colleges across the state of Washington and its student success programs serve over 6,000 UW undergraduates.