Sheila Caldwell Named VP for Antiracism, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for Southern Illinois University
Southern Illinois University President Dan Mahony announced Dr. Sheila Caldwell as the inaugural Vice President for Antiracism, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer...
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- Sheila Caldwell Named VP for Antiracism, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for Southern Illinois University
Southern Illinois University President Dan Mahony announced Dr. Sheila Caldwell as the inaugural Vice President for Antiracism, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer (CDO) for the multi-campus university system. Caldwell was chosen after an extensive national search was narrowed to five finalists who were interviewed by a search committee and various constituency groups made up of faculty, staff and students from across the university’s campuses.
“This was an outstanding search and the dedication of everyone who participated sends a clear and convincing signal that the SIU System community is completely dedicated to fighting racism and promoting diversity, equity and inclusion. As our work progressed, it became obvious that Dr. Caldwell is the best person for the job. She will be a tremendous asset to the SIU community and our system leadership team as we work toward developing a more diverse and inclusive campus culture,” said Mahony.
It was not just this commitment to promote diversity, equity and inclusion but to create a senior level university leadership position charged with fighting racism in all its forms that drew Dr. Caldwell and many others to apply for the position which will be transformative on the university’s campuses and in the communities that support them.
“I am very excited to work with visionary and courageous leaders who have not only created a position like this, but have given it both the responsibility and the resources to bring together an entire university system dedicated to fighting racism of all kinds. I am honored to work at a premier system in higher education with exceptionally talented team members and students and am looking forward to collaborating across the SIU System campuses to craft policies and install systems that cultivate antiracism, diversity, equity and inclusive excellence,” said Caldwell.
WittKieffer’s Charlene Aguilar and Christine Pendleton led this search.
