Dr. Kenya Messer
President and CEO, Louisiana Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (LAICU)
A committed student advocate and firm believer that in order to lead, one must serve, Dr. LeNoir Messer has served as an educator and university administrator in positions ranging from The Associate Dean of Student Affairs for Columbia College and the School of Engineering and Applied Science at Columbia University, NY; to the Vice President of Student Development and Enrollment Management at Wilberforce University, OH. Prior to becoming the President & CEO of the Louisiana Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (LAICU), she served as the Associate Vice Provost for Diversity in the Division of Academic Affairs at Louisiana State University. In addition to her extensive administrative history within higher education, she is a published author, researcher, lecturer, and national presenter on issues impacting student success, access, and retention in college; organizational strategy and change management; African American male student athletes in college, and issues of access and levels of participation by American students of color in international education. She received a bachelor's of science in psychology from Union College, NY; a master's in counseling and student personnel administration from Columbia University, NY; a doctorate of education from Columbia University, NY; and completed research and study in London, England; Athens, Greece; and Rome, Italy. A member of several national and international boards and professional organizations, Dr. LeNoir Messer has been recognized by The Consortium of Doctors, The Urban League, The Educational Policy Institute, The National Association of Student Personnel Administrators, The National Diversity Council and the US Office of Minority Health. She is a fellow of the American Academic Leadership Institute in Washington, DC, and a member of United Christian Faith Ministries. Dr. LeNoir Messer is married to Quentin Messer Jr. and blessed to be the mother of two beautiful children.
Why did you join the CPEX board?
I joined the CPEX board because I was excited about the opportunity to lend my voice and support the planning efforts aimed at strengthening communities across the state.
Why is the work that CPEX does so important?
The work of CPEX is important because it strengthens Louisiana's efforts across all levels of planning and sustainability. Their expertise is an invaluable resource and their thought leadership is at the forefront of important conversations in every area from climate to urban planning.
What CPEX project are you most proud of?
CPEX’s Smart Growth Summit has made a significant impact especially in broadening the conversations to be viewed through a lense of equity and inclusion.
What changes would you like to see in your community in the next five years?
I would like for us to continue to strengthen opportunities for citizens to earn a living wage, for children to receive a valuable education, and for our residents to be provided the opportunity to become more deeply engaged in their communities. Ultimately, my desire is to see a greater level of commitment and investment in neglected, mis-understood, and underserved areas so that the pervasiveness of crime that we see now will begin to dissipate. Increased investment in physical and environmental infrastructure and the people who live in those communities is essential.