Lisa M. Coleman, Ph.D.

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Lisa M. Coleman, Ph.D.

Chief Diversity Officer  — New York University

Dr. Lisa M. Coleman is the Senior Vice President for Global Inclusion, Diversity, and Strategic Innovation and NYU’s inaugural Chief Diversity Officer.

Prior to her role at NYU, Dr. Coleman was Harvard University’s inaugural Chief Diversity Officer and Special Assistant to the President. While there, Dr. Coleman was responsible for advancing strategic diversity and inclusion initiatives across Harvard’s schools, museums, centers, institutes, and leadership programs. Prior to Harvard, she directed the Africana program at Tufts University and served as the University’s first Senior Diversity Officer.

She earned her doctorate in Social and Cultural Analysis, American Studies from New York University and three master’s degrees from the Ohio State University in African and African American Studies; Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies; and Communication Studies. Her scholarly work on equity and leadership was sparked by early professional experiences with Merrill Lynch, Inc. and the Association of American Medical Colleges.

Dr. Coleman has received numerous awards for teaching and academic leadership, and for her work in disability and gender equity. She continues to consult globally and she sits on various national and international boards.