Dr. Lance Bennett

Dr. Lance Bennett is the President and Founder of The People’s Institute for the Common Good, a nonprofit committed to cultivating spaces where individuals engage complex questions, learn from one another, and serve their communities. The Institute advances this mission through two primary areas: the design of postsecondary education initiatives and the practice of lifelong learning.

He also serves as Deputy Director of Postsecondary and Workforce Success at the Communities Foundation of Texas, where he leads efforts to expand access and improve outcomes in higher education. A published author, Dr. Bennett’s scholarship spans higher education, teaching and learning, and interpersonal communication.

In addition to his professional roles, he contributes board and advisory leadership across civic, cultural, educational, and youth-serving organizations, including the Dallas Symphony Orchestra Young Professionals; Project Still I Rise; Liberal Education (the flagship publication of the American Association of Colleges and Universities); the Leadership Advisory Council of Generation Citizen; and the YMCA Park South.

Dr. Bennett completed his undergraduate education at Delaware County Community College and Eastern University, earned master’s degrees from West Chester University of Pennsylvania and the University of Iowa, and holds a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Leadership and Higher Education from St. Edward’s University.