Paulette Granberry Russell, J.D., president of the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education since March 2020, is a leading national voice and sought-after presenter on issues related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice in higher education and beyond.
Her research interests include gender equity in STEM, campus culture and its impact on marginalized communities, and strategies for dismantling structural racism to create more equitable experiences for faculty, students, and staff of color. Granberry Russell has given presentations and advised institutions and NGOs in countries across Africa and in the U.K. on gender equity, affirmative action, implicit bias and discrimination, strategic diversity initiatives, and inclusive leadership.
Granberry Russell retired in August 2020 from Michigan State University as senior advisor to the president for diversity, emerita. She first joined MSU in 1998 as senior advisor to the president for diversity and director of the Office for Inclusion and Intercultural Initiatives. As MSU’s senior diversity officer, Granberry Russell was responsible for leading and facilitating MSU’s efforts to advance a more equitable and inclusive campus community. She developed cutting-edge education and development programs, led campus climate surveys (quantitative and qualitative), monitored university efforts to increase diversity among students, faculty, and staff, coordinated community outreach efforts, and incentivized innovative DEI strategies through the office’s Creating Inclusive Excellence Grants.
Granberry Russell received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Michigan State University (MSU) and her Juris Doctor from Thomas M. Cooley Law School. She is a licensed attorney with the State of Michigan.
Short Biography
Paulette Granberry Russell, J.D., president of the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education since March 2020, is a leading national voice and sought-after presenter on issues related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice in higher education and beyond. Granberry Russell retired in August 2020 from Michigan State University as senior advisor to the president for diversity, emerita, after more than 20 years advising on diversity and inclusion efforts at the institution.
Recent Media Appearances
For media inquiries, including interview requests, please email pr@nadohe.org.
March 29, 2024, Inside Higher Ed, "Firing of LGBTQ+ Staff Leaders Raises Questions"
March 22, 2024, The Chronicle of Higher Education, "The Chaos of Compliance"
March 22, 2024, AL.com, "Alabama colleges, students weigh options after Gov. Kay Ivey signs DEI bill into law"
March 21, 2024, Associated Press: "They don't define DEI, but Kansas lawmakers are attacking it like GOP colleagues elsewhere"
March 20, 2024, The Chronicle of Higher Education, "Under Siege, DEI Officers Strategize to Fight Back"