Speaker Profile

Dr. John W. Hatcher III is a veteran of the United States Navy who honorably served during Operation Desert Storm. While enlisted, he earned his first associate degree from the University of Maryland, followed by a second from Union County College in New Jersey. Dr. Hatcher holds a bachelor’s degree in Health and Physical Education and a master’s degree in Educational Supervision and Administration, both from Kean University. He later earned his doctorate in Educational Leadership from Regent University in Virginia. Licensed as a teacher and school administrator, Dr. Hatcher has served as an educational leader in both the public and private sectors. His professional experience spans early childhood through graduate and post-graduate levels. He currently serves as an Associate Professor in the College of Education at Southeastern Louisiana University in the Department of Educational Leadership and Foundations.

​

Dr. Hatcher's primary research areas include but are not limited to African American male identity development, equity in education, and mentoring for student success. He is the founder of the Sons of Promise and Daughters of Destiny Mentorship Organization, which has and continues to operate in schools and communities in New Jersey, Virginia, and Louisiana. This organization has supported thousands of students through partnerships with school and community leaders. In addition to his academic work, Dr. Hatcher is a servant, husband, father, grandfather, speaker and author, presenting on topics such as identity development, critical thinking, leadership, mentoring, and purpose. His 2016 book, God is Looking for a Mature Man: Where Are You, Man?, has inspired training for men, parents, mentors, and educators. John is the recent recipient of the NAACP 2026 Academic Excellence Award. Dr. Hatcher is passionate about teaching and learning and he remains committed to empowering the next generation of social engineers and agents of equity.