Dr. Dominick Sanders (He/Him)
Dominick is a trailblazer and passionate advocate for breaking down barriers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education. He recently assumed the role of the first Chief Product and Program Officer at Code Nation, where he leads the charge in creating innovative programs and products to empower students in the field of STEM.
Dominick has accumulated an impressive list of achievements and affiliations throughout his career. He is a distinguished Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated member and has participated in the Computer Science Teachers Association’s Equity Fellowship. In 2020, he was honored as a BlackTech Ecosystem Builder Fellow. Additionally, Dominick has dedicated six consecutive years to regional and national leadership within the pre-college sector of the National Society of Black Engineers, showcasing his commitment to empowering future generations.
Guided by the principle of servant leadership, Dominick’s work has had a profound impact. Previously, he served as the Computer Science Supervisor for the South Carolina Department of Education, becoming the first individual in the state to hold this position. In this influential role, he spearheaded k-12 computer science education initiatives and facilitated professional development opportunities statewide. South Carolina, recognized as a national leader in computer science education, boasts the highest rate (21%) of students enrolled in basic computer science courses and the second-highest percentage (93%) of high schools offering computer science coursework in the United States.
Passionate about expanding access and promoting diversity in computer science, Dominick initiated a groundbreaking barbershop computing initiative in South Carolina. This unique approach integrates coding hair designs into barbershop classes, fostering career and technical education opportunities for African-American students. The success of this initiative has garnered attention, with a feature on an NCWIT webinar and a manuscript titled “Imagining Educational Pathways, Villages, and Networks with Barbershop Computing,” published in the Communications of ACM.
Dominick’s pursuit of excellence extends beyond his professional endeavors. Currently, he is pursuing a doctorate in Educational Leadership and Public Policy at Vanderbilt University, further deepening his expertise in the field. He holds a B.S. in Computer Science from Jackson State University and a Master’s degree in Education from Relay Graduate School for Education, solidifying his academic foundation.
With his unwavering dedication and groundbreaking initiatives, Dominick continues to drive positive change and inspire future generations to pursue their passions in STEM education.