Dr. Kent Schafer graduated from the Psychology Department at UIS in 2003.

In 2021, he earned a Ph.D. in School Psychology from the University of Alabama, potentially becoming the first culturally deaf individual to earn a doctorate from that institution. As Regional Director for the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind in Tuscaloosa, he strategically leads efforts to empower services for the deaf and blind in rural western Alabama. He actively advances sign-fluent, culturally responsive care through his work as a researcher, editor, grant reviewer, presenter, author, visiting guest lecturer, and adjunct professor.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Dr. Schafer is a local Chamber of Commerce ambassador and international storyteller. He cherishes his two beautiful daughters and partner of 22 years whom he met at UIS. Dr. Schafer believes his foundational education at UIS is where he developed the advocacy skills to empower his ongoing work to build a more inclusive world.