Sohail Akhavein

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About Me

Sohail Akhavein is a dedicated leader and champion for accessibility, inclusion, and community-driven change in higher education. With over 19 years of experience advancing access and inclusion for students and staff with disabilities at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Sohail has worked to transform institutional practices, develop inclusive policies, and build meaningful partnerships that center the lived experiences of people navigating disabilities as one of their intersecting identities.

Throughout his career, Sohail has led cross-campus initiatives that integrate accessibility into university culture, ensuring that disability is recognized as a valued aspect of diversity. He has spearheaded strategic efforts to improve the delivery of accommodations, enhance faculty and staff education, and create systemic change that fosters a more inclusive learning environment for undergraduate, graduate, and academic health/professional students. His leadership has been instrumental in developing programs that increase retention and success for students with disabilities, advocating for inclusive design, and strengthening the integration of assistive technology across campus.

Rooted in a person-centered approach, Sohail’s leadership is driven by collaboration, reflection, and innovation. He believes in the power of partnerships to enact meaningful change and has worked closely with campus units — including Student Affairs, Academic Affairs, and Equity & Inclusion offices — to build sustainable accessibility initiatives. His transformational leadership style prioritizes empowerment, shared vision, and continuous growth, ensuring that students, staff, and faculty have the tools and support they need to thrive.

Sohail is energized by the opportunity to cultivate community, elevate voices, and advance inclusion at the University of Northern Colorado. His work is grounded in a deep belief that accessibility must be woven into the fabric of an institution, not as an afterthought, but as an essential foundation for student success. He finds joy in learning, unlearning, and growing alongside others — always striving to create a higher education landscape where access and belonging are not just priorities, but realities.