JMU hires first DEI VP

James Madison University has named Malika Carter its inaugural vice president of diversity, equity and inclusion and chief diversity officer, the university announced Monday.

Carter will start Aug. 25.

“This appointment is a great honor,” Carter said in a statement. “JMU is well positioned to become, in the field of inclusion, a lead institution that has already demonstrated drive, talent and commitment for modeling inclusive practice and its consistent application.”

Carter comes to JMU from the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, where she was the first chief diversity officer. Prior to that, she served as the inaugural chief diversity officer for the city of Worcester, Massachusetts.

“We were deeply impressed by Dr. Carter’s wisdom, breadth of experience and can-do spirit throughout the interview process,” JMU President Jonathan Alger said in a statement. “I am excited to welcome Dr. Carter as a member of our senior leadership team and to further our deep institutional commitment to DEI efforts to make JMU an even more welcoming and inclusive community.”

Carter holds an associate degree from Cuyahoga Community College, a bachelor’s degree in middle childhood education from Cleveland State University, a master’s degree in higher education and student affairs administration from the University of Vermont and a doctorate in education with a concentration in institutional analysis from North Dakota State University.