A Message from Vice President & Chief Diversity Officer, Khalilah A. Shabazz, Ph.D.

I am both proud and excited to serve as the inaugural Vice President & Chief Diversity Officer at Butler University.  Since joining the Butler community in September of 2022, I have been actively orienting myself to the Butler family, institutional operations, and establishing some foundational priorities for the newly forming Division of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion.  As the VP & CDO, my primary objective is to lead the development and execution of Butler’s DEI strategy.  It is my intent to do so by serving as a holistic centered DEI catalyst through care, collaborative relationships & transformational strategic leadership and change.

The timing for strategically addressing our DEI efforts couldn’t be more critical as the nation’s population continues to evolve and the diverse identities who will attend and work at Butler is predicted to be even more diverse.  Per the US Census Bureau report Demographic Turning Points for the US:  Population Projections for 2020-2060 – “beyond 2030, the U.S. population is projected to grow slowly, to age considerably, and to become more racially and ethnically diverse.”  This will impact us across all institutional functions as we aim to ensure representation, belonging and engagement of the Butler community.  Our focus on DEI amidst the changing national demographics, national debate and efforts to undo DEI in education is mission driven and will set us apart as an institution committed to DEI and preparing for the future of learners in higher education.

Be the Catalyst.  Be the Example.  Be the Resource.  Be the Change