New Appointment as Widener's Chief Diversity Officer

Widener University President Julie E. Wollman has named Michelle Meekins-Davis to serve as the Widener’s chief diversity officer. Wollman also expanded the post to a full-time position, reflecting its importance to the life of the university.

Meekins-Davis was the founding director of the university’s Multicultural Student Affairs Office, which she has led for 10 years. As chief diversity officer, she will be responsible for the university’s diversity efforts including all faculty, staff and student diversity initiatives. She will assist the entire university community in reaching diversity and inclusion goals espoused in Widener’s strategic plan, including fostering a campus climate that values multiple perspectives and experiences and prepares students for success in a diverse and global society.

Meekins-Davis has more than 25 years of progressive experience in higher education administration. Through her work with the university’s Multicultural Student Affairs Office, she has served as a primary resource and facilitator for multicultural, cultural competence, social justice, equity and diversity related programs and workshops for students, faculty and staff. She has also created two programs to support and retain freshmen students.

Meekins-Davis co-founded Widener’s Faculty and Administrators of Color Network and the Widener Women’s Leadership Forum. She coordinates the university’s Safe Space Ally trainings, and has promoted the “We’re All Widener!” pluralism campaign, which is the foundation for the university’s nationally known Common Ground Initiative. She also chairs the Widener University Staff Council and co-chairs the Diversity and Inclusion Council.

“I look forward to continuing this important work at Widener University by establishing collaborative partnerships with students, faculty and staff across campus in building and promoting a diverse and inclusive learning and work environment,” Meekins-Davis said.

With Meekins-Davis’ appointment, the chief diversity officer at Widener now becomes a full-time position.

“I am delighted that Micki Davis has agreed to take on this very important leadership role,” Wollman said. “She is deeply committed to the work ahead and I am confident that her expertise, drive and vision will take us to new levels of success in our diversity work on campus and beyond.”

An ordained elder who serves as pastor of communications and strategic planning at Bethany Baptist Church in Chester, Meekins-Davis lives in Wilmington, Delaware with her husband, the Rev. Dr. Dexter L. Davis Sr.