Dr. Tammi Summers is the Vice-President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Gateway Technical College and has the distinct honor of overseeing the college DEI initiatives and strategic planning.  Dr. Summers began her journey at Gateway in 2006 working as a Disability Support Instructor. In that role she provided support services and accommodations to Gateway students with disabilities. Dr. Summers has also served in several other administrative positions including Director of Student Support and Dean of Learning Success.

As a young adult, Dr. Summers has always understood the importance of having a good education and what impact education can have in transforming the lives of people. Dr. Summers herself is a proud graduate of the Milwaukee Public School System and believes that with hard work and dedication anything is possible. 

Dr. Summers serves as a catalyst for cultural change and student success within the Gateway Technical College community.  She has the unique ability to facilitate and encourage difficult conversations on topics related to systematic racism, educational equity gaps, privilege and how to be an equity ally. Dr. Summers encourages students and her colleagues to focus on using their personal strengths and life experiences to overcome life barriers, build resilience, and discover solutions that can change our world.

A strong advocate for giving back to the community and helping others, Dr. Summers truly believes it’s important to volunteer in the local community.  She is a 28-year active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., where she volunteers and gives to projects in the areas of education, mental health, voting, and academic scholarships. Recently Dr. Summers was selected to represent Gateway Technical College, as well as the Racine and Milwaukee communities by serving on the YWCA Southeastern Wisconsin Board of Directors. The YWCA’s mission of eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom is what Dr. Summers stands for.

Dr. Summers received her bachelor’s and master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater in Special Education.  She also holds a doctorate degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in Urban Education focusing on Adult and Continuing Education.