I’m Dr. Toya Corbett - a fourth-generation entrepreneur, sought-after career coach, speaker, and trainer - providing transformational and culturally relevant experiences for diverse audiences across the country. In the career coaching realm, I am specifically passionate about assisting Black women and college students with navigating the job market and showing up with courage and confidence. Under the name, The Etiquette Doctor, I conduct dining and business etiquette training with an emphasis on personal branding and executive presence. I teach you how to dine with class, dress for success, and network like a pro.
Most recently, I served as the Associate Vice President of Strategic Initiatives for Student Affairs at the University of Virginia. Prior, I was the Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs for the University of North Carolina System Office. Additionally, I have held several key administrative roles at North Carolina Central University, impacting campus life as the Assistant Vice Chancellor and Dean of Students and as the Executive Director of Student Engagement and Leadership. Earlier in my career, I was the Coordinator for the Office of Student Activities at Morgan State University. While at Morgan, I was named one of the top 50 Women under 40 in Maryland. Before diving into student affairs, I spent five years in the corporate office of Wachovia, now Wells Fargo, in Charlotte, North Carolina.
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Balancing being an entrepreneur, I am an advocate of equity, diversity, and access in higher education.
I have spoken at numerous conferences, workshops, and seminars. Additionally, I have curated historical exhibits and published a book titled, The Morgan State University Women: The First Sixty Years, 1934-1994. I often lecture on the history and impact of Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and African American women and their role in the women’s movement.
Since 2003, I have had a significant and progressive tenure in the field of higher education by exemplifying transformational leadership, creating impactful initiatives, and championing inclusive learning environments while providing students with the tools necessary for academic and professional success. Within the student affairs profession, I am passionate about cultivating programs that yield high retention and graduation rates, enhancing co-curricular opportunities, staff development, crisis management, and providing support to underrepresented student populations.
In 2019, I had the honor of being chosen for the Aspiring Leaders program sponsored by The Rutgers Center of Minority Serving Institutions which is a 2-year immersive experience designed to prepare participants for a college presidency.
AS A SCHOLAR-PRACTITIONER & TRAINED HISTORIAN
I have served on the International Board of Directors for the sorority and in leadership roles on the regional and local level. In 2021, I was named Soror of the Year by the Sigma Tau Omega chapter, and Graduate Soror of the Year in 2022 at the Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.®.
A die-hard 49er, I am a proud graduate of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. There, I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology along with acquiring the leadership acumen required to be successful in life and my career. As an act of gratitude for our alma mater, my best friend and I created the Friends-Giving Scholarship.
Intentional about attending a HBCU to pursue my passion of becoming a historian, I chose Morgan State University where I earned a Master of Arts in African American Studies and a Doctor of Philosophy in History. It was at this magical place that my professional trajectory was transformed. I began my first job in the Office of Student Activities and started the journey of becoming The Etiquette Doctor.
I am a Silver Star and Life Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
In the words of my favorite author, Maya Angelou – Wouldn’t take nothing for my journey.
