Cal U to Appoint Chief Officer for Diversity, Equity And Inclusion

Last Updated on Friday, 05 March 2021 14:32

Alumna and longtime diversity educator joins executive leadership team at California University of Pennsylvania

Alumna and longtime Cal U employee Sheleta Camarda-Webb has been appointed to serve as the university’s interim chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer. In this new role, which began Feb. 15, she will lead the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) and serve on the executive leadership team, known as the President’s Cabinet.

Alumna and longtime diversity educator joins executive leadership team at California University of Pennsylvania

Camarda-Webb holds a bachelor’s degree in social work and a master’s degree in secondary education/social science, both from Cal U, and is enrolled in a master’s degree program in marriage and family therapy at Northcentral University. She has been employed at Cal U since 1991, when she returned to her alma mater as a residence hall director. Since then she has filled a variety of roles in student affairs, residence life and diversity education.

Throughout her career, Camarda-Webb’s work has focused on LGBTQA+ issues, power and privilege, race and cultural identity. She has advocated for and informed university policies around topics such as the use of preferred names and gender-inclusive restrooms and housing.

Camarda-Webb has been director of the university’s DEI Office since 2015, when it was known as the Office of Multicultural Affairs. She is a founding member of Cal U’s Safe Zone Allies Program for gay, lesbian and transgender students. In 2019, she was named co-chair of the university’s Presidential Advisers for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

Her work as chief DEI officer will embrace Cal U’s community of students, faculty and staff.

“Each of us holds multiple identities – race, gender and so much more,” Camarda-Webb said. “We have to be able to live and learn, educate and excel in an environment where we all can be our authentic selves.”

Camarda-Webb also will work with Dr. Denise Pearson, vice chancellor and chief DEI officer for Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education, and her PASSHE counterparts to address issues at the System level.

Interim University President Robert Thorn stressed the importance of making the chief DEI officer a member of his executive leadership team. “We must do more than talk about these issues,” Thorn said. “Diversity, equity and inclusion must be at the forefront of our thinking as we make decisions about our University and its future.”

California University of Pennsylvania empowers undergraduate and graduate students to reach their full potential with academic programs in education, science and technology, liberal arts and professional studies. Cal U is a proud member of Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education. Learn more at calu.edu.