Dr. Marvin Lynn, Dean of the School of Education & Human Development (SEHD) at the University of Colorado Denver, has enjoyed a robust career as a teacher, equity scholar, public university administrator, and artist. SEHD is a statewide and national leader for education quality, access and equity across the education and human development lifespan. It is the largest graduate school of its kind in Colorado and is highly regarded for its high quality academic programs that demonstrate evidence of a strong commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.

Dr. Lynn earned his bachelor’s in Elementary Education from DePaul University in Chicago and a master’s in Curriculum & Teaching from Teachers College-Columbia University. He started his career as an elementary teacher in New York City Public Schools and Chicago Public Schools. He went on to earn his PhD in Race and Ethnic Studies in Education from University of California, Los Angeles. Before his arrival at CU Denver in June of 2022, he served as dean and professor of education at Portland State University and Indiana University South Bend.

Dean Lynn is one of the most highly cited researchers in the nation around educational equity. He is particularly well-regarded for his scholarship on Critical Race Theory in education. His research focuses on race, education, the work and lives of Black male educators, and best practices for advancing teacher diversity in the United States. Dr. Lynn is quoted regularly in local, national and international news stories. He is the lead editor of The Handbook of Critical Race Theory in Education which features chapters by the most prolific scholars in the fields of education and the law. The second edition of the handbook was recently published with Routledge Press. His research has been recognized by the American Educational Research Association, the Critical Race Studies in Education Association, and the University of the Free State in South Africa. 

Currently, he serves as a board member of the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE), Carnegie Project for the Education Doctorate (CPED), and the National Association of Community College Teacher Education Programs (NACCTEP). 

Dr. Lynn is also an accomplished singer—performing in a variety of genres including classical and gospel. He has performed with the Oregon Symphony Orchestra, Annapolis Opera Company, the Soul Children of Chicago, Rev. Clay Evans, the Fellowship Baptist Church, and others. He is the founder of the South Shore Opera Company of Chicago where he has also performed regularly.