Dr. Tonya R. Fountain (she/her) began teaching for Cornerstone University’s Professional & Graduate Studies (PGS) division in 2008. She also has served as special appointment faculty member since 2015 for PGS in its undergraduate and graduate business programs and has recently helped to develop courses for Cornerstone’s Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) program in Organizational Leadership and Development. Dr. Fountain also serves as an Adjunct Instructor with Northwood University since 2007. With a Doctor of Management (D.M.) in Organizational Management, Leadership Theory, and Design from the University of Phoenix, Dr. Fountain offers extensive expertise in human resources, leadership development, and organizational theory, with noteworthy expertise in applying research and theory to practice. Her ability to evaluate for root cause, synthesize information, make practical applications, and inspire others lay the foundation for her teaching, coaching, and consultation as does her ability to facilitate discussions on difficult and contentious human resource and diversity issues.

Dr. Fountain has over 30 years of human resource experience in various leadership roles. In each role, she worked intentionally to increase awareness and edifying experience in issues related to diversity, inclusion, equity, and social justice. Of note, Dr. Fountain created, organized, and oversaw the Corporate Training and Employee Development area where the focus was on professional development and used tools such as Strengths Finder, DiSC, and Franklin Covey.

Dr. Fountain is the founder and owner of Fountain of Solutions, LLC. Fountain of Solutions is an organization dedicated to providing research-based organizational and human resource solutions to organizations of all sizes. The solutions include strategic planning, operations management and development, human resources consultation, DE&I, organization and employee assessment, and various training and development options.

In addition to her employment activities, Dr. Fountain has varied experience on Boards of Directors including: Past President-Greater Lansing Society of Human Resource Management, a regional professional human resource management association; Past Secretary-Erickson Learning Foundation, a board committed to providing educational and support services for children with learning disabilities; Past Secretary-Lansing Commission for Race and Diversity, a city-wide board governed by the Mayor’s office to assess, recommend, initiate, and promote diversity-based learning and engagement opportunities to enhance community relations; Co-founder-Alliance for Equity and Inclusion, which served as an organization and community resource for diversity information and programming; Past Board Member-Capital Quality and Innovation-the board was responsible for providing engagement, learning and professional opportunities for individuals concerned about quality in lean manufacturing and other industries; Secretary-Potter Park Zoo-the mission of the board was to provide financial and operations support and guidance for the Zoo; Current member of the Michigan Veterinary Medical Association DEI Advisory Board-the board’s goal is to increase diversity and awareness in the profession.

Dr. Fountain and her husband Carlos have been married for 35 years and are the proud parents of four children and one grandchild. They reside in Lansing, Michigan.

Dr. Fountain's passions include helping others in any way she can. Her motto is "Make a difference every day".