By Ibrahim S. Bangura
San Jose, California: Sierra Leone’s distinguished academic and global education advocate, Dr. Donald Taylor, was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Men of the Year Award at the 2025 Salone Awards of Excellence USA, held in San Jose, California. The ceremony celebrated his decades of pioneering work in communication, leadership, and international education.
Academic Legacy and Leadership
Dr. Taylor, Professor Emeritus of Communication Studies at California State University, Sacramento, has devoted over 33 years to fostering academic excellence and global engagement. He held high-ranking roles including Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs, Senior International Officer, and Director of Academic Program Quality. As one of the first African immigrants to attain such positions at the university, he paved the way for diversity in higher education leadership.
His expertise spans International and Intercultural Communication, Mass Media, and National Development. He championed global partnerships and expanded study abroad programs, notably launching a Ghana initiative through the CSU Chancellor’s Office.
National & Global Influence
In 2000, Dr. Taylor undertook a sabbatical as a White House Research Fellow, analyzing the digital divide’s impact on underserved populations. His work influenced media and educational strategies in both the U.S. and Africa. Internationally, he consulted on program design and diversity training at institutions such as CSU Northridge, Clark Atlanta University, and Lehman College.
He is a Fellow of the American Council on Education, the Hubert Humphrey Institute, and the Fulbright-Hays Program, and has earned multiple accolades including:
– 2023 Sierra Leone National Diaspora Focus Ambassadorial Award
– 2024 California State Senate Resolution
– Lifetime Achievement Award from African Diaspora Communities in Sacramento
– NOSLINA Leadership Award (2008)
From Broadcasting to Diplomacy
Dr. Taylor previously served as a news anchor and production manager at Sierra Leone Broadcasting Service (SLBS) and contributed to the BBC African Service. His iconic phrase, “Here is the news, read by Don Taylor,” is fondly remembered across generations.
His masterful public speaking earned him the Trinity Cathedral Dean’s Award for being “the voice of God”, and earned praise from dignitaries such as the late President Kenneth Kaunda of Zambia.
Holding advanced degrees from Kent State University, University of Leeds, and Sheffield City University, Dr. Taylor has also led health innovation projects across Africa and Latin America. Currently, he serves as Principal Consultant at Strategic Planning and Project Management Associates and remains active in his faith and civic advocacy at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Sacramento.
His recognition coincides with efforts by James Barack Kamara, CEO of Salone Awards of Excellence USA, to uplift Sierra Leonean achievers globally. Kamara remarked, “We’re not just hosting an event—we’re rewriting the narrative of Sierra Leone with dignity, pride, and excellence.”
Dr. Taylor’s remarkable journey reflects the transformative power of education, global vision, and dedicated service—a story that continues to inspire Sierra Leoneans at home and abroad.