Tuesday, February 01, 2022

Dr. Donyell Roseboro has been named chief diversity officer at UNCW, the university announced today. Dr. Roseboro has served as the interim chief diversity officer since July 2020.

The university conducted a national search for the position, interviewing several candidates. After consultation with university leaders, Chancellor Jose V. Sartarelli elected to suspend the search. Given the comprehensive diversity, equity and inclusion work currently in progress and the need for stability in the position, the chancellor extended an offer to Dr. Roseboro to continue in the CDO role. The university appreciates the dedication and service provided by the search committee.

“Dr. Roseboro is a proven leader who is dedicated to building, supporting and cultivating an inclusive campus,” said Chancellor Sartarelli. “Diversity and inclusion are important components of the university’s mission and values. Dr. Roseboro and her team have worked tirelessly to develop strategies that foster a learning environment where all Seahawks belong and thrive. I am delighted she has accepted this opportunity to continue as our chief diversity officer.”

Under Dr. Roseboro’s leadership, the university has launched several initiatives, including a new Bridge Program (transitional support to college students from underrepresented populations), NextGen Post-Doctoral Fellowships (for doctoral candidates who hope to join UNCW faculty), and the Diversity and Inclusion Fellows Program. She oversaw major renovations of Centro Hispano and the Upperman African American Cultural Center. Dr. Roseboro also worked with the Chancellor’s Renewal and Change Accountability Committee that reviews the university’s diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.

“Although I was hopeful that we would be able to identify an external candidate who could lead our diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, serving as the interim CDO for the last year and a half has reinforced my love for this university and its people,” said Dr. Roseboro. “It has restored my belief in our collective power for good. The commitment I have witnessed from students, staff and faculty inspires me to strengthen this work with intent and purpose. This is an architectural process. I am grateful for the opportunity to build a future grounded in honesty, framed by hope and secured with faith.”

Dr. Roseboro is a professor in the Department of Instructional Technology, Foundations and Secondary Education. Since arriving at UNCW in 2007, she has excelled at helping the Watson College of Education strengthen partnerships with hundreds of K-12 schools across southeastern North Carolina, building trust between the university and the communities served by the schools.

Dr. Roseboro also played an integral role in the successful launch of the university’s laboratory school, D.C. Virgo Preparatory Academy, in 2018; served as director of WCE’s Professional Development System from 2011-14; collaborated with three other faculty members to receive a Fulbright-Hays Group Study Abroad grant to take 12 teachers to study abroad in South Africa for one month; and held leadership roles as a department chair for three years and as Associate Dean of Teacher Education and Outreach from July 2017-December 2018.

She holds a Ph.D. in Curriculum & Teaching/Cultural Studies from UNCG, a master’s degree in history from Wake Forest University, and a bachelor’s in secondary education from UNC-Chapel Hill.

 -- Venita Jenkins

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