Dr. Dennis Chambers Equity and Excellence Fund

In celebration of 35 years of Dennis Chambers’ dedicated service and commitment to Teachers College, we are pleased to announce the creation of the Dr. Dennis Chambers Equity and Excellence Fund, an endowed fund that will support students in perpetuity. An exemplification of the wealth of his insights, wisdom, and experiences, this award recognizes and supports students who graduated from a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) or participated in Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP), Education Opportunity Program (EOP), or Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) at their (NY/NJ) undergraduate institutions, and who have demonstrated strong academic performance, a commitment to leadership, and involvement in their communities. The recipients of this award will embody the values of academic excellence, leadership, and social responsibility; they will be encouraged to become agents of change and to use their education and skills to address pressing social issues and advance the cause of equity and social justice. The award will be administered by the Office of the Vice President for Diversity & Community Affairs with applications opening in February 2026 and the finalist selected the following April. Students in their first, second, or third year at Teachers College are eligible to apply for this award.

Dennis Chambers (Ed.D. ’10; M.A. ’02; M.A. ’99) joined the Teachers College community as a public safety officer in 1989. Prior to this, he completed his undergraduate degree at St. John’s University. His academic pursuits focused on the nature of learning, development, and leadership. Outside of the classroom, he earned his 8th degree black belt in martial arts, teaching more than 5,000 students over 40 years. He and his wife, Sharon (M.A. ’02), currently operate a Tae Kwon Do studio, Zen Masters, and a nonprofit, ZMI Foundation, in St. Albans, Queens. In addition to paving a path to opportunities for future generations, he is the proud father of three children (who he's also inspired to lean into the exponential power of education and service), Brittany (Ed.D. ’18), Ashley (M.A. ’16), and Kyle.

Our secure form allows you to direct a gift to us using a major credit card. If you have questions, or have difficulty using this form, please email institutionaladvancement@tc.columbia.edu or call 212-678-3231.