About Sydney
Dr. Sydney Freeman Jr.
Dr. Sydney Freeman, Jr. is a full professor within the Leadership and Counseling Department at the University of Idaho. Dr. Freeman is the first Black (American Descendant of Slaves) man promoted to the rank of full professor at the University of Idaho. He is a prolific author with nearly 100 publications to his credit and has lectured and presented at institutions such as Harvard University, Oxford University (UK), Jerusalem College of Technology (Israel), RMIT University Vietnam, Saigon, the University of Bucharest (Romania) and at the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland. He is nationally and internationally recognized for his scholarship in multiple areas including Education, History, Black studies, and Religion.
In 2018, he received the National Pine Forge Academy Alumni Association Meritorious Award. Dr. Freeman was also honored as one of the Accomplished Under 40 award recipients for 2020 by the Idaho Business Review. In 2021, he gave and received the Barbara Townsend Lecture and Award from the Association for the Study of Higher Education. Dr. Freeman was the recipient of the 2022 Carlos J. Vallejo Memorial Award for Exemplary Scholarship, awarded by the Multicultural/Multiethnic Education: Theory, Research and Practice group within the American Educational Research Association.
In 2023, he was named one of the “Stellar 40 under 40” alumni of Oakwood University. And he was named 2023 Alumnus of the Year at Pine Forge Academy, one of four Historically Black Boarding Academies. He received both the 2023 McInness/Ryan Mid-Career Leadership award from the American Association of University Administrators and the Esto Perpetua Award from the Idaho State Historical Society for his scholarship related to preserving Black History. Dr. Freeman received the 2023 American Association for State and Local History’s Excellence in Leadership in History award on behalf of the University of Idaho Black History Research Lab. He earned the distinguished title of Fellow of the Royal Historical Society (FRHistS) from the United Kingdom’s foremost professional association of historians and history. Under his leadership as the founder and director of the University of Idaho’s Black History Research Lab, the lab has received letters of commendation from the US Senate and the Governor of the State of Idaho. Dr. Freeman received the City of Moscow, Idaho’s Sheikh Community Unity Award for 2023 which included his name engraved on the Award plaque in City Hall and on the rock in East City Park. Under Dr. Freeman’s vision, the Black History Research Lab and the Latah County Historical Society earned the 2024 Idaho Association of Museums’ Program of Excellence award for the project titled, the Black Research Initiative for Flourishing and Thriving. And was selected as one of the distinguished recipients for the North Idaho Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 Class of 2024.
In November 2024, Dr. Freeman graduated from the United Nations Human Rights Fellowship program for People of African Descent in Geneva, Switzerland. The majority of the program took place in Geneva over the month of November within the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. As a Fellow he focused on advocating for Reparations for Black Americans and Capacity and Infrastructure Building for Black-led activist organizations. This program had over 1,000 applicants. He was one of the 10 finalists selected for the opportunity. And the sole fellow to represent the United States of America.
On April 10, 2025, Dr. Freeman was inducted into the Martin Luther King Jr. 2025 MLK Jr. Collegium of Scholars at Morehouse College.
FRHistS (Fellow of The Royal Historical Society), University College London, UK (2023).
Certificate in African American Ministry, Lexington Theological Seminary, KY, (2023).
Certificate in Public Theology, Johnson C. Smith Theological Seminary, Atlanta, GA, (2022).
EMC (Executive Management Certified), Management and Strategy Institute (MSI), Downingtown, PA, (2019), Executive Leadership emphasis.
SOLC (Strategic Organizational Leadership Certified), Management and Strategy Institute (MSI), Downingtown, PA, 2019, Organizational Leadership emphasis.
COI (Certified Online Instructor), Learning Resources Network (LERN), River Falls, WI., 2016, Online Teaching emphasis
CFD (Certified Faculty Developer), Learning Resources Network (LERN), River Falls, WI. 2012, Faculty Development emphasis.
College/University Teaching-Graduate Certificate, Biggio Center for the Enhancement of Teaching & Learning-Auburn University, Auburn, AL. 2010, Higher Education Teaching emphasis.
“It’s All About Business” Certificate, Wake Forest University, Pre-Graduate Business Training Program, Babcock School of Management. Winston Salem, NC, 2006, Business Leadership emphasis.
Leadership & Team Building-Certificate, Diversity Educational Exchange Program, Oakwood University/Southern Adventist University. Atlanta, GA, 2004, Leadership & Team Building emphasis.
Case StudyOpposing Dirty Energy Infrastructure Development
Issues
- Legislation
- Environment
- Political
Legislative Efforts
Activism
Success
Consulting & Speaking Request
To book Dr. Freeman for consulting, workshops, coaching and/or speaking opportunities, please submit a request.
Topics of Expertise
- College and University Faculty Tenure and Promotion Processes
- Attracting and Retaining Faculty of Color
- Writing for Publication
- Combating Anti-Black Racism
- Decolonizing Black Minds
- Future of Historically Black Colleges and Universities
Dr. Sydney Freeman has been a regular guest in my courses to share his perspectives on culturally responsive education. He is skilled at bringing students of all backgrounds into his thought space to see the world as he has. This is a gift I have seen from few academics, but is so needed, especially when working in historically White and cross-cultural contexts of learning. In historically racist institutions, Dr. Freeman works to breakdown racist ideologies through his personable and humanizing discourse.
Assistant Professor of Social and Cultural Studies, University of IdahoDr. Vanessa Anthony-Stevens
Dr. Sydney Freeman is a dynamic and unique amalgamation of scholar, administrator, thought leader, and change agent. As a regular guest contributor to my courses, collaborator on numerous scholarly projects, and an intellectual engineer in my professional think tank, I can offer my highest recommendation and affirmation of Dr. Freeman’s wisdom, commitment to excellence, and capacity to balance a hunger for learning and liberation with the humility of a servant leader, in higher education, spirituality, and beyond. He is truly a leader of and gift to a generation!
Associate Professor of Educational Leadership & Policy Analysis, University of Missouri--ColumbiaDr. Ty-Ron Douglas
Dr. Sydney Freeman delivered a professional development seminar on leadership at Adams State University in 2018. This opportunity was made available to graduate students, faculty and staff and was designed to help individuals recognize and develop their leadership skills. His knowledge and skill set are second to none. I walked away from that training empowered, renewed and ready to take my leadership skills to the next level. Thank you, Dr. Freeman.
Founding director of the Higher Education Administration & Leadership, Adams State University Dr. Melissa Freeman
Dr Sydney Freeman is a multi-talented, accomplished scholar and forward-thinker. Dr Freeman’s research re-discovered the accomplishments of African-American pastor, evangelist, musician, church-founder, radio broadcaster, and church leader, my grandfather, Dr Owen Troy, Sr. Dr Freeman’s work cements in the record, the history of the first Seventh-day Adventist to earn a Doctor of Theology degree.
Associate Professor of Accounting, Andrews UniversityDr. Carmelita Troy
The Liberation Movement
The Liberation Movement
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