About Dr. Warren

Dr. Gabriel Warren embodies resilience. From his humble beginnings as the fifth of seven children, he learned early to stand firm and believe in himself. An accomplished high school and collegiate athlete, he was a two-time high jump state champion and earned a track & field scholarship to The University of Alabama. It was his freshman year in college when Dr. Warren encountered one of his first real tests of overcoming adversity as a young adult. Although Dr. Warren graduated high school with a 3.85 GPA and was in the top 15% of his class; he found himself with a college GPA of 2.23, risking academic probation, and being on the verge of losing his athletic scholarship all in his freshman year. Despite facing both academic and athletic setbacks, his perseverance led to Warren earning All-SEC Academic Honor Roll and a 7’1½” high jump personal record, ranking 7th all-time for the Men’s Indoor Track & Field Program at The University of Alabama (as of the writing of this bio). 

Overcoming tremendous obstacles after college, he finally earned his MBA after his third attempt of going back to school, while working full-time, teaching part-time in the evenings, and caring for his family. Faith, family, and belief in himself kept him motivated to succeed, despite the obstacles he faced. From going through financial challenges, failed business ventures, car repossession, being laid off from his job twice, family health challenges, and moving his family across the country to pursue a different career path, Dr. Warren has learned how to pivot through some of life’s toughest moments. He currently serves as the Provost & VP of Academic and Student Affairs at the 2nd largest two-year college in the state of Minnesota, where he is responsible for overseeing a team of over 600 faculty and staff within the 162 academic programs offered at the college.  In addition to serving as a higher education administrator, Warren is an author of two books, podcast host, and a motivational speaker.

In 2020, Dr. Warren made history as the first Black school board member elected in his then predominantly white district, where less than 3% of residents were Black. In this role, he was able to advocate for students who weren’t able to speak up for themselves and advocate for a more inclusive and safe experience for all students attending school in the district where he served. Dr. Warren is passionate about inspiring others to live life with no regrets, all while providing a roadmap on ways they too can pivot through the adversity they will face in life. He resides in the greater Minneapolis/St. Paul area with his wife Ebony and their two sons, Gabriel II and Christian.