The National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education (NADOHE) announced the appointment of Emelyn A. dela Peña, Ed.D., as its new President and Chief Executive Officer. A nationally recognized leader and advocate, Dr. dela Peña brings more than 30 years of experience in higher education.
She succeeds Paulette Granberry Russell, J.D., who led the organization from 2020 through the end of 2025, transitioning to the role of President Emerita on January 1. The appointment of Dr. dela Peña follows a national search and reflects the Board’s commitment to sustaining NADOHE’s leadership at a pivotal time for higher education.
“Emelyn dela Peña is a highly respected leader whose career reflects the values, rigor, and courage of conviction that define NADOHE,” said Caroline Laguerre-Brown, J.D., chair of the NADOHE Board of Directors. “She brings deep experience leading complex institutions, a proven ability to navigate change, and an unwavering commitment to equity and justice. The Board is confident she is the right leader for this moment and for our members.”
Dr. dela Peña’s leadership experience includes senior-level roles at Loyola Marymount University, Stanford University, Washington University in St. Louis, Harvard College, and the University of California, San Diego. Most recently, she served as Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Loyola Marymount University, where she led campus-wide strategy and earned the NADOHE Institutional Inclusive Excellence Award and the Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award.
At Stanford University, Dr. dela Peña served as Associate Vice Provost for Inclusion, Community and Integrative Learning, leading a major change-management initiative to realign departments and resources in support of student equity and inclusion.
“Emelyn’s leadership has consistently strengthened institutions and centered the needs of students, faculty, and staff,” said Regina Dickson Reeves, vice provost for Academic Excellence at the University of San Diego and a member of the search committee. “She understands the complexity of this work and the responsibility that comes with leading at a national level. NADOHE will continue to be a powerful voice under her leadership.”
Dr. dela Peña will spearhead NADOHE’s strategic vision, support its membership, and advance the organization’s advocacy and professional development efforts nationwide.
“I am honored to have been selected as the next leader of NADOHE and grateful to the Board for its trust,” she said. “I also want to recognize Paulette Granberry Russell for her extraordinary leadership and for positioning NADOHE as a critical voice in higher education. I look forward to building on that legacy alongside our members as we continue advancing equity, justice, and inclusive excellence.”
About NADOHE
The National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education (NADOHE) is the preeminent voice for chief diversity officers. As the leader of the national conversation on diversity, equity, and inclusion, it investigates, influences, and innovates to transform higher education so that inclusive excellence lives at its core.