Dr. Lisa Coleman

Lisa Coleman’s career is a testament to her dedication to diversity, inclusion, and innovation in academia. Her journey began at Tufts University in 2000, where she specialized in Africana studies and institutional diversity. Over a decade, she directed the Africana program and became the university’s first senior diversity officer, reporting directly to the president.
In 2010, Dr. Coleman moved to Harvard University, where she made history as the institution’s first Chief Diversity Officer and Special Assistant to the President. During her tenure, she developed groundbreaking initiatives that focused on technology and disability, setting new standards for diversity and inclusion at one of the world’s most prestigious universities.
Her next significant role came in 2017 when she joined New York University as the Senior Vice President for Global Inclusion and Strategic Innovation. At NYU, she led efforts to promote inclusive leadership and foster innovation across the university’s global network. Her work there further solidified her reputation as a leader in diversity and inclusion.
In May 2024, Dr. Coleman was appointed as the President Elect of Adler University, marking another historic milestone as she became the first female and first Black president of the institution. Her presidency, starting in September 2024, is expected to bring a new era of collaboration, multi-sector partnerships, and systemic equity to Adler University.
Throughout her career, Lisa Coleman has been a trailblazer, consistently driving initiatives that intersect innovation, diversity, and social impact. Her leadership has not only transformed the institutions she has been a part of but also set a powerful example for future leaders in academia and beyond.