We were preparing our students for the rigors of higher education. Our children are capable of anything when they are exposed and have opportunities. When I see them playing violin and doing martial arts… when they have joy in learning and you see it all over their face… what a wonderful thing… I know that Roxbury Prep has an incredible future ahead.”

Speaking with Roxbury Prep High School Principal and Alumna Titciana Barros.

We are proud to honor Dr. J. Keith Motley as part of our 20th Anniversary series. Dr. Motley was the founding Board Chair at Roxbury Prep Charter School in 1999 and, along with John King and Evan Rudall, helped build our school into the thriving institution it is today.

Dr. Motley was the first African American Chancellor at the University of Massachusetts Boston and served from July 1, 2007 to June 30, 2017. He focused on academic excellence, access, and inclusion during his 10-year term. Currently, Dr. Motley serves as a tenured professor in UMass Boston’s College of Management. He has worked for more than 30 years in higher education, including 10 years as Dean of Student Services at Northeastern University.

Dr. Motley also serves on numerous boards with local, regional, and national reach. He was named to the Boston Business Journal’s “Power 50” list of Boston-area influencers for five years in a row.

A product of the Pittsburgh public schools, he is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh Upward Bound Program. Dr. Motley holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Northeastern University, and a PhD from Boston College. He also holds honorary doctorate degrees awarded by Northeastern University, Stonehill College, and Robert Morris University, as well as the President’s Award for Distinguished Civic Leadership from Emerson College. He is married to Angela Motley and is the proud father of Keith Allyn, Kayla Iman, and Jordan Kiara.

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