When Toya Corbett, Ph.D. sat down at her very first formal dinner while in college, she was at a loss on how to navigate all of the various utensils on the table. She remembers looking over at a more seasoned woman that she admired and following her every move. Overwhelmed and a little embarrassed by her lack of knowledge of dining etiquette, Toya vowed to never have that experience again.

After teaching herself and mastering the art of fine dining, Dr. Corbett began to share her knowledge and train others while working at Morgan State University. She had observed that students, in particular, lacked the same skills she did as an undergraduate. After completing her doctoral degree and receiving an increasing number of speaking opportunities, Toya created The Etiquette Doctor, a business designed to educate, enrich, and engage people from all walks of life on how to dine properly, dress for success and network like a seasoned professional.

Balancing being an entrepreneur and her full-time role as a scholar-practitioner, Dr. Corbett is the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Dean of Students at North Carolina Central University. She is responsible for promoting and upholding the values of civility, personal integrity, and academic excellence by providing resources, advocacy, and crisis management for all students. Dr. Corbett also provides executive-level leadership for the Career and Professional Services Center, Diversity & Inclusion, LGBTA Center, the Women’s Center, Men’s Achievement Center, Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards, Campus Ministries, Case Manager, and Student Advocacy office.

As a trained historian, scholar and student affairs professional, Dr. Corbett has spoken at numerous conferences, workshops, and seminars. Additionally, she has curated historical exhibits and published a book titled, “The Morgan State University Women: The First Sixty Years, 1934-1994”. Born into a family with a legacy of entrepreneurship, Toya also owns a t-shirt company called Black Genius Apparel, LLC., whose mission is to eradicate discriminatory and mythical philosophies concerning African American’s mental aptitude, while empowering, inspiring, and affirming Blackness, Black-thought, Black pride and the fortitude of a Black Genius. Dr. Corbett is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. where she has served on the International Board of Directors and several national committees.

After completing a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Corbett earned a master’s of arts in African American Studies and a doctorate in History, both from Morgan State University.