Purdue Fort Wayne names first Chief Diversity Officer
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (Inside INdiana Business) — Purdue University Fort Wayne has named MarTeze Hammonds as its first chief diversity officer. Hammonds owns and is principal consultant of MDH Consulting Group in Dallas, Texas and serves as a senior consultant for diversity and inclusion for the American Cancer Society headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia.
PFW began the search for its first CDO in late May after creating an 11-member search committee, who narrowed down the search from 100 candidates to three in November. The university says Hammonds will report directly to Chancellor Ronald Elsenbaumer.
“A strong focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion emerged as one of the top three priorities for immediate action during the process to build our five-year strategic plan that was finalized this year,” Elsenbaumer said. “MarTeze Hammonds possesses the experience, creativity, professionalism, and leadership skills to help Purdue Fort Wayne turn a vision on paper into a tangible part of our culture and future.”
The university says Hammonds will consult on unit-level diversity plans with senior administrators, find best practices in fostering a positive culture and advance institutional responsibilities for achieving strategic goals.
“I’m honored and excited for the opportunity to lead diversity, equity, and inclusion at Purdue Fort Wayne,” said Hammonds. “The time is now for all of us to do our part in moving diversity, equity, and inclusion forward.”
Hammonds begins his new role December 18.