Roanoke College

Dr. Tony Ryals currently serves as the Assistant Dean for Student Success Strategies at Roanoke College in Salem, Virginia. With over 10 years of experience in educational equity, student success, and academic development, Tony brings a deep well of expertise in project management, curriculum design, and academic support services. His work has consistently focused on enhancing student persistence and achievement, particularly among first-generation, systemically marginalized, and neurodivergent students.

A passionate advocate for inclusive education, Tony has dedicated his career to cultivating academic environments where all students can thrive. Before joining Roanoke College, he served as the Assistant Dean for Student Success at Sweet Briar College, where he founded the Office of Student Success and Belonging. In this role, he led campus-wide initiatives to improve student retention, centering his efforts on equity-minded strategies that promote a sense of belonging and academic resilience.

Tony holds an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and a M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction. In addition to his administrative and scholarly work, Tony is a published author of two books, Dear Dad and Angel Baby. He is also a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

Outside of his professional life, Tony enjoys spending quality time with his wife, Cleo, a cancer researcher, and their daughter, Camille. Tony is an avid traveler and food enthusiast, Tony also enjoys hiking and 90s R&B music.