Mercer Times

James Felton III, vice president for inclusive excellence at The College of New Jersey (TCNJ), has been reappointed to the board of directors of the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education (NADOHE) for a three-year term. Felton expressed the importance of this role during a time when many diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs face scrutiny.

“There are attacks on DEI efforts across the country,” he stated. “It’s crucial that we provide support and advocacy for our institutions and professionals and continue moving forward with this important work.”

At TCNJ, Felton has made significant contributions by establishing a new Division of Inclusive Excellence. This division encompasses the Accessibility Resource Center, Equal Employment Opportunity and Workplace Compliance, as well as Institutional Equity and Intercultural Affairs. His initiatives include developing a faculty diversity recruitment program and launching an academic diversity officers initiative.

Felton was initially appointed to NADOHE's board in March 2021. During his first term, he contributed to several projects such as "A Framework for Advancing Anti-Racism Strategy on Campus," which examines anti-racism efforts in higher education institutions. He also co-chaired the NADOHE Inclusive Excellence Awards committee that honors individuals or institutions for notable achievements in promoting inclusion in higher education.

In his upcoming term, Felton will co-chair NADOHE’s annual conference. “It’s an honor to be in the company of my esteemed colleagues across the country and across the globe who are doing this work,” he remarked. “These collaborations are very important and can positively impact colleges and the academy as a whole.”

NADOHE aims to lead higher education toward inclusive excellence through institutional transformation while serving as a leading voice for diversity officers within academia.

Felton joined TCNJ in March 2020 as its inaugural vice president for inclusive excellence. His nomination for reappointment came from TCNJ President Michael Bernstein.

For further details about NADOHE, interested parties can visit their official website.