Dr. Lisa D. Belfield‘s passion for education blossomed during her secondary education years as she entered high school in only the second group of young women to enroll in the institution. During her academic journey, it was a teacher’s stimulating teaching methodology which contributed to her love of psychology and motivated her to study the field. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Mansfield University, a Master’s in Social Relations from Lehigh University and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Wilmington College. Dr. Belfield was honored to be selected by the faculty of Wilmington College to present the graduate commencement address.


Her desire to facilitate the education of future generations led her to academia where she served as an Assistant Professor of Psychology and Sociology. Dr. Belfield sought to engage students in taking a critical look at the world in which they thrived, and encouraged them to see themselves as life-long learners in an intellectual arena. She was recognized at the institution as one of the most influential faculty members throughout a student’s college career.

Her desire to engage in research, particularly research focused on the African American community, led her to her current position as an Associate Research Scientist/Project Coordinator with Educational Testing Service. Dr. Belfield’s research interests include: access and equity in education; women’s scholarly development; and, the impact of multiple social identities (gender, race, and ethnicity) on personal, social, academic, and career functioning.

Dr. Belfield believes that she has had and continues to have valuable experiences, life-long mentors, and friendships that have made her personal and professional life, thus far, quite meaningful and fulfilling. One of her favorite quotes is, “Change is inevitable; growth is optional”. She encourages everyone to choose the option to grow.