Dr. Mathew Oakes (he/him/his) is a Professor of English at Rock Valley College (Rockford, IL), a National Faculty member at CAST, and a 2023-23 Community College Research Network Fellow with Campus Compact. His focus is on equitable, civic, anti-racist, and universally designed curriculum development, teaching practices, and institutional policy. He sees teaching as a revolutionary act, challenging obstacles to empower individuals. Dr. Oakes contributes to the college community as a member and past chair of PAIC, LGBTQIA+ Safe Zone trainer, and UDL founding cohort member at RVC. Recognitions include RVC Faculty of the Year (2023) and the EAGLE Award for Excellence in DEI (2022). Dr. Oakes was invited to offer the RVC commencement address in both 2020 and 2023. Dr. Oakes earned his Ph.D. in English from the University of Illinois Chicago.