Bloomington, Indiana—The Office of the Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Multicultural Affairs (OVPDEMA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Rashad Nelms as Executive-in-Residence.

As Executive-in-Residence, Nelms will devote his energies to diversifying the faculty and leadership appointments across the university, enhancing the knowledge and skills needed by undergraduate and graduate students to succeed in today’s global workforce, and serving as an executive coach to mid-level and senior university administrators and the OVPDEMA management team.

He also will serve as a general diversity-and-inclusion resource for units within OVPDEMA and across the university to attract a pipeline of talented diversity candidates.

“We are honored to have someone of Rashad’s caliber as part of the Indiana University family,” says James C. Wimbush, vice president for diversity, equity, and multicultural affairs, dean of The University Graduate School, and Johnson Chair for Diversity and Leadership. “His talent and extensive experience as an international executive and strategic advisor in recruiting and retaining administrators in an increasingly diverse workforce aligns with the goals and priorities of the university and OVPDEMA.”

Nelms has over 17 years of international experience, working in more than 20 countries to help clients lead and manage more confidently, operate more efficiently and effectively, increase cost-savings, and strengthen staff recruitment and retention. He has served as a strategic advisor in the United Nations and has worked with Fortune 500 senior executives, celebrities, and international philanthropic institutions as part of his work. He is also a frequent lecturer and guest speaker at higher education institutions across the country on emotional intelligence, leadership, collaboration, management, and more.

Nelms received his Bachelor of Arts degree in political science and his Juris Doctorate from the University of Michigan and is an International Coaching Federation certified executive coach.

“I look forward to working with Vice President Wimbush and members of the Indiana University leadership team in achieving higher levels of inclusive excellence and responsiveness,” says Nelms. “I firmly believe that the process and tools we use to achieve our goals are just as important as the goals themselves.”