Building People. Strengthening Organizations. Transforming Outcomes.
ABOUT DR. JULIUS HANKS
Dr. L. Julius Hanks II is a student-centered educator and educational leader with over a decade of experience supporting students, families, and school communities across K–12 and higher education. His professional background includes district-level leadership in talent acquisition, human resources, and administrative strategy, with a focus on recruitment and retention, diversity and engagement initiatives, undergraduate teaching, and direct student support roles.
Throughout his career, Dr. Hanks has remained grounded in the classroom—serving as a paraprofessional, substitute teacher, coach, and instructor—where he developed a strong commitment to inclusive practices, relationship-based teaching, and structured learning environments that promote both academic achievement and social-emotional growth, while also informing his leadership in HR, talent development, and organizational effectiveness.
COMMITMENT
Committed to creating inclusive, high-performing environments where individuals feel seen, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential. Dr. Hanks applies this approach across education, human resources, and talent acquisition by fostering relationship-centered cultures grounded in high expectations, structure, and mutual respect. His work extends beyond outcomes to developing people—supporting growth, engagement, and long-term success through strategic hiring, staff development, and retention initiatives. Dr. Hanks is dedicated to partnering with leaders, teams, and communities to build strong pipelines of talent and ensure individuals and organizations thrive.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Professional Background
Teaching & Instruction
Community Engagement & Non-Profit Leadership
K-12 Leadership & Human Resources
Dr. Hanks brings a dynamic and student-centered approach to teaching, grounded in his experience delivering undergraduate instruction at Indiana University. He has led first-year seminars focused on academic transition, helping students build confidence, identity, and engagement during critical entry points into higher education. His work in curriculum design emphasizes measurable learning outcomes, critical thinking, and real-world application. Committed to differentiated instruction and inclusive practices, he creates structured learning environments that support diverse learners while integrating leadership development and career readiness to prepare students for long-term success.
Dr. Hanks provides strategic leadership and governance for 501(c)(3) organizations, guiding board operations, policy oversight, and long-term organizational vision. He leads fundraising and sponsorship development efforts that sustain and expand youth programming while ensuring compliance and operational integrity. His work in youth program oversight emphasizes safety, structure, mentorship, and community impact. Through strong school-community partnerships and strategic outreach initiatives, he builds collaborative networks that increase access, engagement, and meaningful opportunities for students and families.
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Community & University Partnerships
Dr. Hanks has led strategic recruitment and retention initiatives designed to attract, develop, and sustain high-quality educators and staff within K–12 systems. His leadership integrates workforce planning and engagement analytics to inform data-driven decision-making and strengthen organizational effectiveness. He has represented district leadership in collective bargaining and policy development efforts, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and operational integrity. Through staff supervision, operational oversight, and strong partnerships with universities and community organizations, he advances systems that support both educator success and student achievement.
Mentorship
Professional Strengths
Interprofessional Strengths
Dr. Hanks views mentorship as both a responsibility and a calling. Across classrooms, athletic programs, and district leadership roles, he has consistently invested in the growth of students and emerging professionals—guiding them academically, developing their confidence, and helping them clarify their goals. His mentorship is grounded in high expectations, relational trust, and a deep belief in each individual’s potential.
Whether supporting first-year college students navigating transition, mentoring student-athletes in accountability and character, or coaching aspiring educators in professional development, Dr. Hanks creates structured spaces where growth is intentional and measurable. He believes effective mentorship extends beyond advice—it involves modeling integrity, fostering resilience, and equipping others with the tools to lead and thrive long after the formal relationship ends.
Dr. Hanks brings a collaborative, systems-oriented approach to education and organizational leadership. His professional strengths include strategic planning, instructional leadership, workforce development, and data-informed decision-making. He is skilled at aligning vision with execution—translating complex goals into clear action steps that improve student outcomes, staff engagement, and program effectiveness. Known for his calm presence and structured leadership style, he builds environments grounded in accountability, clarity, and high expectations.
Interprofessionally, Dr. Hanks excels at building partnerships across disciplines and sectors. He has worked effectively with educators, administrators, union representatives, nonprofit leaders, university faculty, and community stakeholders to advance shared goals. His ability to communicate across diverse professional roles—bridging instructional practice, human resources, governance, and community engagement—strengthens collaboration and ensures cohesive, student-centered outcomes. Through relationship-building and mutual respect, he fosters collective impact that extends beyond individual roles and institutions.
EDUCATION
Academic Achievements
Ph.D., Sport Management / Athletic Administration
Indiana University, Bloomington, IN – 2019
M.S., Sport Management / Athletic Administration
Indiana University, Bloomington, IN – 2013
B.A., History
Morehouse College, Atlanta, GA – 2009
CAREER ACHIEVEMENTS
Milestones that Reflect Growth, Innovation, and Lasting Influence
Educational & District Leadership
He currently serves as a Committee Member, MCCSC Student Excellence Award Committee (2024–present) and previously served as a Member, MCCSC Health Council (2017–2021). At Indiana University, he held roles including Chair, Black Faculty & Staff Council (2022–2023) and Committee Chair, School of Education Building Space Committee (2022). He also participated in Leadership Bloomington (2022–2023), strengthening his civic and organizational leadership capacity.
Mentorship & Student Advocacy
Since 2017, Dr. Hanks has served as a Recommender & Mentor for the Indiana University Groups Scholars Program (2017–present), supporting student access and achievement. Earlier in his academic career, he was President, Sport Management Doctoral Student Leadership Committee (2016–2018), mentoring peers and advancing graduate student engagement.
Nonprofit & Board Governance
Dr. Hanks serves as President & Board Member, Monroe County Youth Football Association (2020–present) and previously served as a Board Member, Boys & Girls Club of Bloomington (2022). His governance roles focus on youth development, strategic oversight, and community partnership.
Community & Cultural Engagement
He has contributed to initiatives promoting equity and civic engagement, including Committee Member, African American Read-In at Indiana University (2021–present) and Committee Member, Martin Luther King Day Breakfast Committee (2026). Additionally, he serves as Facilitator, Monroe County Convening for Inclusive Advantage Advisory Group (2024) and remains engaged in athletics as Announcer, Bloomington High School North Track & Field (2021–present) and former Volunteer Coordinator, Bloomington High School North Athletics (2013–2016). He also served as a Committee Member, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Indianapolis Alumni Chapter (2017–2018).
Grants & Fellowships
Dr. Hanks has secured competitive funding in support of professional growth and program development throughout his academic career. In 2023, he was awarded the Indiana University Staff Development Grant ($3,000) to support continued leadership and institutional advancement. In 2022, he received the Black Philanthropy Circle Grant ($6,864) to advance community-focused initiatives. During his graduate studies, he was recognized with the School of Public Health Graduate Fellowship Award in 2015 ($3,000) and again in 2016 ($2,000), reflecting sustained academic excellence and scholarly potential.
Contact
Let's grow together-contact Dr. Julius Hanks to start the conversation.
drjuliushanks.com