Clemson University names chief diversity officer

Clemson University has named Lee A. Gill, J.D., a 20-year higher education veteran, to serve as its Chief Diversity Officer (CDO) and special assistant to the president for inclusive excellence, President Jim Clements announced today. Gill most recently served as associate vice president for inclusion and equity and CDO at the University of Akron.

“Lee is a successful leader who will make a positive difference for our university,” Clements said. “We have made strides to create an inclusive campus culture, and that work must continue. I’m confident that Lee’s philosophy and experience will help us provide a learning and workplace environment that is welcoming and supportive for all students, faculty and staff.”

Among his responsibilities, the new CDO will:

• Implement and provide strategic leadership for the university’s diversity plan, programs and policies;
• Advise the president, administration, faculty, staff, students and campus inclusive-focused groups and committees on diversity issues;
• Collaborate and serve as a resource for colleges and administrative units as they establish, coordinate and assess contributions to diversity goal, and
• Provide policy expertise and accountability on all aspects of inclusion and diversity for the university.

“Clemson is firmly committed to diversity and inclusive excellence, and we welcome Lee to the team to provide leadership for this effort,” said interim Chief Diversity Officer Max Allen, who also serves as chief of staff. “He has the experience, knowledge and skills to enhance the campus climate for everyone.”

Gill earned a B.A. in political sciences at the University of Michigan and a J.D. at the Chicago-Kent College of Law of the Illinois Institute of Technology. His work at Akron has earned national recognition and he was named the 2014 Diversity Visionary Award recipient by Insight into Diversity. Prior to his appointment at Akron, he was chief executive officer of the Stratus Group Consultants, a management consulting firm providing climate assessments, diversity training and customer services and job satisfactions surveys.

“The work of supporting and sustaining equity and inclusion on a college campus has truly been a calling for me,” said Gill. “It is who I am, not just what I do. I know what it feels like to be fortunate enough to find the type of university environment, mentors and role models that challenge and support you to achieve your potential. That awareness fuels my passion to help students thrive and succeed, and to help universities to create a holistic culture that makes that possible.”

Gill will begin his new position April 18.