Steven Thurston Oliver, Associate Professor of Secondary and Higher Education at Salem State University is a Sociologist of Education whose research and expertise is focused on using Contemplative Pedagogy in K-12 teacher preparation and higher education programs as a catalyst for cultivating greater capacity among educators to engage across human differences.  Steven received a Ph.D. in Sociology of Education from New York University, a M.Ed. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of Washington, and a B.A. in International Affairs from Antioch College.  Recent publications include: Dealing with Things as They Are: Engaging Students in Dialogue about Race and Hurtful Chapters of U.S. History, Understanding and Teaching American Slavery, and Queer-spectrum and Trans-spectrum People Out of the Shadows: The Institutional Imperative for Building Inclusive Campus Communities. Major Challenges Facing Senior Leaders in Higher Education. Steven and his husband Jonathan live in Lowell with their dog Batu who was rescued by the Sato Project in Puerto Rico.