Dr. Leslie McKesson

Community Engagement Consultant | The Industrial Commons

Dr. Leslie McKesson is an accomplished leader, educator, consultant, and activist with extensive experience in community engagement, strategic planning, project management, and higher education. Known for her insightfulness, adaptability, and analytical approach, she has spent her career fostering inclusive organizational cultures, mentoring students and professionals, and driving meaningful outcomes in both academic and community settings. Since 2020, she has served as a Community Engagement Consultant in Morganton, NC, collaborating with organizations such as The Industrial Commons and the North Carolina Rural Center to design and facilitate workshops, build engagement strategies, and strengthen regional collaboration.

Dr. McKesson holds a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from Appalachian State University, where her award-winning dissertation explored the higher education experiences of African American men. She has received numerous honors, including the North Carolina Society of Historians President’s Award, the Women in American History Award from the DAR, and lifetime achievement recognition from African-American citizens of Burke County. A prolific author and researcher, she has published books, articles, and training materials on topics ranging from African American history and paralegal studies to global education and distance learning, and she regularly contributes to the Morganton News Herald.