Three Women Appointed to Diversity Positions in Higher Education

Laura Jack, vice president for communications at Colgate University in Hamilton, New York, will serve as acting chief diversity officer. Prior to her arrival at Colgate in 2017, Jack served as vice president of development and alumni relations operations at Howard University in Washington, D.C.

A graduate of Pace University in New York, Jack holds an MBA in marketing management and a master’s degree in higher education administration from Baruch College of the City University of New York. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in higher education administration at Syracuse University.

Brandi Elliott was appointed executive director of identity and inclusion programs in the Division of Student Affairs at the University of Cincinnati. She is an adjunct professor of criminal justice at the university. She will lead Ethnic Programs & Services and chair the Equity & Inclusion Council at the university.

Dr. Elliott holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology, a master’s degree in mental health counseling, and a doctorate in urban educational leadership, all from the University of Cincinnati.

Nefertiti Walker, an associate professor of sports management at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, was given the added duties of vice chancellor for equity and inclusion and chief diversity officer for the university. She joined the faculty at the university in 2011.

Dr. Walker holds a bachelor’s degree and MBA both from Stetson University in DeLand, Florida. She earned a Ph.D. in sport management from the University of Florida.