Wytress Richardson

Programs/Classes Taught:

B.A. in Social and Behavioral Science
B.A., M.A. and Ph.D in Psychology
M.A. Public Policy

Undergraduate
LAS105 Introduction to Sociology
LAS300 Adult Development & Learning Assessment
LAH305 Philosophy of Values and Ethics
LAS309 Critical Thinking and Writing
LAS331 Dynamics of Group Behavior
LAP340 Effective Interpersonal Relationships
LAS406 Leadership in a Changing World
LAP425 Mental Health
INT430 Methods of Inquiry in the Behavioral Sciences
LAS431 Managerial and Supervisory Behavior
LAS435 Senior Seminar; Integrating the Applied Behavioral Sciences


Graduate
LAP509 Advanced Social Psychology
LAS515 Leadership and Organizational Change

Graduate PhD
LAS660 Advanced Leadership and Organizational Change

Areas of Expertise:

• Leadership and Organizational Change Mentoring
• Mental Health and Substance Abuse
• Women and Girl Empowerment

Biography: 

Wytress Richardson, Ed.D. is an Associate Professor of Applied Behavioral Sciences at National Louis University (NLU), where she has served since 2001, joining the full-time faculty in 2008. Throughout her tenure, she has held numerous leadership roles, including Program Chair, College Chair, and Student Academic Coordinator, and has served on university and college committees focused on academic standards, strategic planning, faculty hiring, and student success. She is deeply committed to teaching, mentoring, and empowering students to become ethical leaders and change agents in their communities.

Before entering higher education, Dr. Richardson spent more than two decades in the human services field as a counselor, mental health professional, advocate, and organizational leader. Her passion for leadership and community transformation led her to earn a Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership from Argosy University in 2006, complementing her Master of Science in Human Services Administration and Bachelor of Arts in Applied Behavioral Sciences.

Dr. Richardson is the founder and executive director of Girls of Grace Youth Center, a nonprofit organization dedicated to equipping girls and young women with leadership, life skills, and opportunities for personal growth. Whether in the classroom, the community, or through nonprofit leadership, her life's work has been centered on helping others discover their strengths, develop resilience, and reach their fullest potential.
As an educator, researcher, and scholar-practitioner, Dr. Richardson focuses on advancing trauma-informed, healing-centered, and transformative practices in education and community settings. Her research explores the buffering role of community resilience against Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), the development of trauma-informed institutions, and the leadership and pedagogies of Black educators across the African diaspora. She is particularly interested in how organizational culture, equity, and community context influence resilience, belonging, and student success.

Known for integrating cultural responsiveness and social justice into every aspect of her teaching, scholarship, and service, Dr. Richardson has authored scholarly publications, presented at regional and national conferences, and contributed to interdisciplinary conversations on leadership, trauma, resilience, diversity, and community healing. Her work bridges theory and practice, equipping students, educators, and organizations to foster environments where individuals and communities can learn, heal, lead, and flourish.

Dr. Richardson considers education a pathway to opportunity and transformation. Through her teaching, research, mentorship, and community engagement, she remains committed to preparing the next generation of leaders while advancing equitable, resilient, and healing-centered educational practices.

Education:

Ed.D., Organizational Leadership, Argosy University
MA, Human Services Administration, Spertus College
BA, Applied Behavioral Sciences, National Louis University

Research and Interests:

I have published works in the areas of leadership and adult learning in accelerated programs. I am currently working on publications in empowerment and adolescent girls.

Contact Information: